Construction Classes

Basic Grade Checking

Course Length: 40 Hour

The Basic Grade Checking class is a 40-hour program focusing on the skills, knowledge, and aptitude necessary to operate a variety of surveying instruments and record information for maintaining elevation and alignment control points on heavy and civil construction projects. 

Specific topics covered in this program include:  

•   Construction Reference Systems
•   Construction Layout Instruments
•   Construction Layout Tools and Techniques
•   Layout Hand Signals and Field Books
•   Math for Line and Grade
•   Measuring Techniques and Elevation Control

Basic Construction Plan Reading

Course Length: 40 Hours

The 40-hour Basic Construction Plan Reading course is a basic beginner level class that covers the fundamentals of measurements and plan reading, math formulas used in construction along with the application during hands-on activities, and use of basic levels, transits and lasers. 

Specific Topics covered in this course are:

•    Read basic symbols found on most blueprints
•    Learn the different types of views on a blueprint
•    Learn how to level and use each instrument
•    Apply differential leveling (find actual elevation)
•    Set instruments over known points and turn basic angles
•    Measure on a slope
•    Care for instruments

Pipe Laying Program

Course Length: 80 Hours

The 80-hour Pipelaying program prepares CCLs to safely install pipe systems by introducing participants to the tools, equipment, and techniques typically used in pipelaying. Special attention is paid to the proper work practices as well as protective measures to be followed to install a variety of piping systems safely. 

Specific topics covered in this program include:

• Basic Construction Math
• Back Injury Prevention
• Confined Space Awareness
• Trench and Excavation Safety
• Gravity Flow Piping Systems
• Hand Signaling• Hoisting and Rigging Basics
• Tapping Water Mains• Utility Locating Programs
• Pressure Pipelaying Techniques
• Polyethylene Pipe Fusion
• Math for Pipelayers

Trench Excavation and Protection

Course Length: 12 Hours

The Trench and Excavation Safety participants will focus on standards for building protective systems in trenches and excavations. Participants will also discuss how to install different kinds of protective systems to protect themselves and others in the event that trenches or excavations cave in. The module also has an Instructor Guide and contains 7 classroom and hands-on activities that highlight OSHA standards for Trench and Excavation Safety.

Scaffold

Course Length: 40 Hours

The 40-hour Scaffold program is designed to address the needs of CCLs that are responsible for building scaffolding on the job site or are required to perform job tasks while using scaffolding. Designed to meet the training requirements of 29 CFR Part 1926.454, the comprehensive program also includes the use of a specialized pre-built scaffold system. The program includes participant discussion, interactive exercises, and extensive hands-on training.

Specific topics covered in this program include:

• Scaffold User Safety
• Scaffold Building Tools and PPE
• Subpart L – Scaffold Summary
• Building Frame Scaffold
• Tube and Clamp Scaffold
• Systems Scaffold
• Non-Powered Adjustable Masonry Scaffold
• Building Powered Mast Climbing Work Platforms

Concrete Pratices and Procedures

Course Length: Course length: 40 hours

The Concrete Practices and Procedures manual covers the principles of concrete, the tasks involved in placing, finishing, and repair of concrete, and the hazards associated with each of these. Several other topics that are critical for concrete workers to know and apply are also covered, including construction math, project planning, and site preparation.


Topics covered:

  • Safety
  • Construction Math and Measurements
  • Project Planning
  • Site Preparation
  • Forming for Placement
  • Placement and Consolidation
  • Finishing and Curing
  • Stripping and Clean Up
  • Concrete Admixture
  • Sawing Concrete
  • Concrete Repair

Confined Space Awareness

Course Length: 3 Hours

This module covers information necessary in recognizing the special hazards associated with confined spaces. The guide discusses the characteristics of confined spaces including: hazardous atmospheres, pre-entry and periodic testing, continuous monitoring and the laws that protect workers working in confined spaces. Handouts for classroom exercises are included. The module also has an Instructor Guide and contains 7 exercises dealing with special hazards associated with working in confined spaces and ways to recognize them and deal with them safely.

Confined Space - Permit Required

Course Length: 24 Hours

The Permit-Required Confined Space manual covers the types of confined spaces encountered in construction, the potential hazards, means to monitor and control the hazards, and the variety of equipment used to safely work in and around these areas. This manual is also available in Polish and Spanish.

Topics covered:

  • Characteristics of Confined Spaces
  • Hazard Recognition
  • Health Effects of Potential Hazards
  • Atmospheric Monitoring
  • Entry Programs
  • Controlling Atmospheric Hazards
  • Control of Hazardous Energy
  • Respiratory Protection (optional)

General Construction

Course Length: 80 hours

The General Construction manual covers fundamental construction information from the four major categories of construction: Building, Heavy Highway, Utilities, and Environmental.

Types of work covered in each category:
Building – construction and reconstruction on residential and commercial buildings
Heavy Highway – construction and reconstruction on major and secondary highways, subdivision streets, bridges, tunnels, and airfields
Utilities – construction and reconstruction of underground utilities and piping systems such as petroleum, water, sewer, telephone, electric, and natural gas distribution and collection systems
Environmental – construction and reconstruction associated with hazardous waste removal, asbestos and lead abatement, and nuclear remediation

Course length: 80 hours
Topics covered:

  • Craft Orientation Safety
  • Materials Identification
  • Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
  • Compaction
  • Signaling and Rigging
  • Cutting and Burning
  • Construction Math

Hosting and Rigging

Course Length: 40 Hours

The Hoisting and Rigging program is a 40-hour class designed to educate CCLs in the rules, processes, and procedures to safely rig, signal, and hoist loads on construction projects.  The program incorporates federal and state regulatory requirements as well as equipment manufacturers' standards.  Knowledge of the regulations, as well as an in-depth understanding of equipment, work procedures, techniques, and safety cations, are essential for CCLs to function in a zero-accident environment.  The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on exercises to ensure competency.

Specific topics covered in this program include:  Basic Math of Hoisting & Rigging, Signal Person, Rigging Hardware and Slings, Hoisting Rigging and Crane Safety, Hand Signals and Voice Commands, and Advanced Math for Hoisting and Rigging.

Mason Tending

Course Length: 40 Hour

Mason Tending is a 40 hour program which provides instruction on the mason tender's duties, proper job task performance, and details health and safety issues associated with mason tending.  Participants use mathematical and scientific concepts to achieve an understanding of working with masonry units, mortars, and admixtures.  In addition, the fundamentals of cutting and cleaning masony, tending plasterers, and operating a rough terrain forklift are also covered.  The program emphasizes the need for executing each job task safely and correctly.  Knowledge of basic construction math is required for participants in this program.

Specific topics covered in this program include:

  • The Mason Tenders Duties
  • Safety for Mason Tenders
  • Stocking Masonry Materials
  • Estimating Masonry Materials
  • Mortar, Admixtures, and Grout
  • Reinforced Masonry Construction
  • Bracing Masonry Walls
  • Cleaning Masonry Construction
  • The Effects of Weather on Masonry
  • Plaster Tending and Mixing
  • Masonry Saws
  • Rough Terrain Forklift – Safe Use and Operation
  • Back Injury Prevention
  • Hazard Communication

Plasma Arc Cutting

Course Length: 16 hours

The Plasma Arc Cutting manual covers the skills and knowledge necessary to operate plasma arc torches, which use extremely high temperatures. Protection of the operator, other workers, property, and equipment from the heat, sparks, and molten metal associated with plasma arc cutting are detailed.


Topics covered:

  • Plasma Arc Fundamentals
  • Health Effects
  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Physical and Safety Hazard
  • Machine Setup
  • Torch Assembly
  • Controls and Operation

Heavy Equipment Signaling

Course Length: 8 Hours

The Hand Signaling module covers information regarding the important responsibilities of hand signal personnel and the most commonly used hand signals. The guide discusses situations that warrant the use of hand signals, methods of communication with the operator and essential safety practices and their importance. Handouts for classroom and hands-on exercises are included. The module also has an Instructor Guide and contains 6 exercises dealing with practical applications of hand signaling on a job site and the responsibility that goes with it.

Bridge Construction Renovation and Demolition

Course Length: 80 hours

The Bridge Construction, Renovation and Demolition (BCRD) manual covers the many topics Construction Craft Laborers should know to work safely and productively on bridge construction. An overview of work procedures, the hazards encountered, and personal protective equipment is provided. The Bridge Construction, Renovation and Demolition (BCRD) manual covers the many topics Construction Craft Laborers should know to work safely and productively on bridge construction. An overview of work procedures, the hazards encountered, and personal protective equipment is provided.

Topics covered:

  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Electrical Safety
  • Excavation Safety
  • Hazard Communication
  • Confined Spaces
  • Lead Awareness
  • Silica Awareness
  • Rigging and Signaling
  • Elevated Work Platforms
  • Fall Protection
  • Hand and Power Tools
  • Oxyacetylene Torch Cutting

Construction Math

Course Length: 8 Hours

The Basic Construction Math module covers basic math operations and applies them to problems in the construction industry. The guide discusses taking measurements and using math to do tasks including measuring pipe, placing concrete, and setting grade stakes. The module also has an Instructor Guide and contains 10 exercises dealing with using math in the construction industry.
 

Pipeline Safety

Course Length: 40 Hours

The Pipeline Safety manual covers the tasks that Laborers must be able to perform to work on a pipeline project including the various crews and equipment necessary to lay a pipeline. Each section of the manual covers a major component of the job.

Topics covered:

  • Introduction to Pipeline Work
  • Health and Safety
  • Front End Work
  • Grade and Ditch Crews, Rock Ditch Crew, and Padding/Matting Crew
  • Skid Crew and Pipe Stringing Crew
  • Road Boring
  • Set-Up/Bending Crew and Pipe Crew, Coating Crew
  • Padding, Lower-in, and Tie-in Crews
  • Testing and Cleanup
  • Pipeline Specialty Construction

Foreman Preparedness

Course Length: 40 Hours

The Foreman Preparedness course provides the prospective foreman with techniques associated with leadership in the construction industry. This week long program will expose the candidate to the history of Labor, current Labor Law and politics surrounding the labor industry, and various leadership skills including motivation, safety, and decision making.

Rough Terrain Fork Lift

Course Length: 24 Hours

This course is designed to empower the participant with the skills and knowledge to safely and productively operate rough terrain forklifts (within the scope of the construction industry). The “forklifts” used in this training include telehandlers/extended-reach and rough-terrain/straight-mast forklifts.  The Rough Terrain Forklift course teaches the trainee safe operation, from inspections, maintenance, operation, job site conditions and hazards. Reading and interpreting load charts are stressed to each trainee.

Oxygen/Acetylene Fuel Cutting

Course Length: 24 Hours

Participants will learn to identify and prevent hazardous situations, identify and don appropriate PPE, identify tools, equipment and materials associated with oxyfuel cutting and describe fire protection precautions and procedures. In addition, participants will practice setting up, lighting, dismantling, cleaning and storing of torches and related equipment.  Participants will be given ample time to practice cutting angle, tube, flat and reinforcing iron.  Skills learned in this class may be used during building construction and deconstruction, reinforcing steel for foundations, fence erection, and the fabrication of construction materials.

Skid Steer Operation and Safety

Course Length: 24 Hours

This course reviews the step-by-step basics of skid-steer loaders including design concepts, operating controls, safety features, and basic operation.  Participants are given ample hands-on practice to develop these skills.

ARC Welding

Welding is a skill needed by many contractors for fence and guardrail erection, maintenance and repair of construction equipment, and for fabrication of construction materials. This introductory course is the prerequisite for the path to certified welder.

Flagging and Traffic Control

Course Length: 8 Hours

This course is designed to introduce the participant to the process of controlling traffic flow safely through construction zones with the correct placement of signs, cones, and barricades. The basic function of stopping and releasing traffic, dealing with hostile motorists, lane closures on freeways, expressways, public roads, and recognizing dangerous traffic situations are also addressed. Construction Craft Laborers will receive both classroom (lecture, audio-visual, discussion) and intensive hands-on training and practice in the proper procedure of traffic control.

Concrete Decorative

Course Length: 40 Hours

This course presents an overview of the types of Decorative Concrete available today and covers some of the methods and techniques that are used for decorative finishes on concrete. The history of decorative concrete is also discussed. The types of decorative finishes included in this course are exposed aggregate, colored concrete, stenciling concrete, stamped concrete, staining concrete, sealing, and spray-top overlay.

Concrete Finishing

Course Length: 40 Hours

Manlift Operation and Safety

To provide trainees with the knowledge of current regulations, common type of aerial work platforms and understand the need to conduct pre-shift inspections. Learn techniques for safe operation by hands-on operation and maneuvering. Teach trainees to work safely on and around self-propelled aerial work platforms, such as scissor-lifts and boom lifts.

Pipeline Operator Qualification

Any person performing tasks on a pipeline job must be operator qualified for every task performed as required by DOT 49 CFR Parts 192, & 195. This course is a preparatory course that will instruct Laborers through classroom and Hands-on training so they may pass the operators’ tests related to each of the tasks for Laborers on a pipeline project.

Mini Excavator

This course reviews the step-by-step basics of how the Mini Excavator functions.  Participants will identify all components and systems of the Mini Excavators. They will then receive hands-on training in the connecting and disconnecting of attachments as well as the safe start-up, driving and shutdown of the Mini Excavator.

GPS

Course Length: 40 Hours

The participant will be able to understand the construction site coordinate systems. Demonstrate familiarity with a typical GPS, measure horizontal and vertical angles and distances.

Commercial Driver’s License (Inspection and Road Test Prep)

Course Length: 40 Hours

This training focuses on preparing the driver for the Pre-trip inspection and Basic Skills portions of the Road Test that will be performed at the Secretary of State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Click here to go to the Kentucky Business One Stop Portal

Commercial Driver’s License (Permit Prep)

Course Length: 16 Hours

This training focuses on preparing the driver for the Permit portion of the Road Test that will be performed at the Secretary of State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Click here to go to the Kentucky Business One Stop Portal

Commercial Driver’s License (Inspection Prep)

Course Length: 16 Hours

This training focuses on preparing the driver for the inspection portion of the Road Test that will be performed at the Secretary of State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Click here to go to the Kentucky Business One Stop Portal

Horizontal Directional Drilling

Course Length: 40 Hours

Participants will be introduced to the safe operation of HDD and working knowledge of the tools and equipment in the working environment. Trainees who complete this course shall demonstrate the following abilities; locating lines, the general basic operation of equipment and mud mixing. Emphasis is placed on safe (hands-on) operation of the HDD. 

Traffic Control Supervisor

Course Length: 28 Hours

The Traffic Control Supervisor Course prepares participants to oversee traffic control technicians, flaggers, workers, and others on a highway work zone construction project.

Traffic Control Technician

Course Length: 12 Hours

Traffic Control Technician training prepares participants to assist in installing and removing traffic control devices and to monitor their performance. Participants also learn to recognize deficiencies in traffic control configuration during the course of a construction project.