Building Construction Trade BCT

12 courses · Palo Verde College · 2026-2027 Catalog

Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027

BCT 100 Introduction to Building Trades

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate safety associated with hand and power tools and pass the exam with a grade of 100. The student will be able to demonstrate plumbing safety practices as mandated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Demonstrate how to wire a three-way switch, receptacle and singe pole switch. Construct a wall and roof structure using current building codes.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

This course provides an overview into the building trades. It will cover safety, measurement, hand tools, power tools, wall framing, roof framing, green construction, solar energy, basic electricity, basic plumbing and blueprint reading. The relationship among the various subcontractors will be addressed. This course also covers hazardous material handling and its relationship to the MSDS sheets posted at the job site.

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

BCT 101 Rough Carpentry

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Identify and safety hazards on the jobsite. Build a wall structure that includes window and door openings. Anchor walls to floor structure. Construct a basic roof structure and install three tab fiberglass shingles. Install single hung or sliding windows. Install jambs and doors on class project. Paint project using proper painting techniques.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

This course is designed to give students a working knowledge of building layout, floor framing, wall framing, beginning roof framing, sheer wall installation and composition roof shingle installation. Students will learn to use hand and power equipment commonly used in the construction field. Knowledge and skills acquired in BCT 101 can be used in advanced framing, including basic blueprint reading.

Offered: Spring 2027 (1 section, listed as BCT-101)

BCT 102 Advanced Framing Techniques

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Construct a frame, hip, gambrel or intersecting roof. Construct cantilevers and patio decks used in post and beam construction. Build a staircase. Construct a scissor truss.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

Advanced Framing Techniques advances the students knowledge of roof framing, post and beam construction, including cantilevers and patio decks. Roof framing principles and applications for hip, gambrel, and intersecting roofs will be built. Knowledge and skills acquired in BCT 101 will be used to construct a field project of the students design.

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

BCT 110 Blueprint Reading

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Calculate the quantity of concrete required from the foundation plan. Utilize the tools and equipment required in the interpretation of construction drawings. Build a bill of material from the framing plan, roofing plan and mechanical plan. Calculate the cost of the lumber required for the project.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

This course is designed to teach skills in reading, interpreting, analyzing and visualizing construction drawings and specifications prepared by architects and engineers. Emphasis is placed on reading and extracting information from detailed drawings. This information is required to build structures. The student will be taught how to relate that information to specifications which provide additional information in the form of written explanations and descriptions.

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

BCT 112 Basic Electricity

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate safety associated in the electrical trade and pass the safety exam with a grade of 80 Bend and install electrical conduit with minimal waste. Install conductors for rough-in using proper sized conductors. Correctly use a multimeter to troubleshoot ground faults.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

This course is designed to introduce the student to electrical safety, hardware and calculations associated with wiring a home. It also gives the basic photovoltaic energy introduction. This course gives the student theory, procedure techniques and laboratory assignments to make the student comfortable with home electrical repair or gives the student basic knowledge to pursue a career in electrical contracting. The students will be introduced to blueprint reading, power panel and wire sizing along with installing flex and rigid conduit. The students will pull wire and install receptacles. Students will wire and generate solar power from PV modules.

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

BCT 113 Basic Plumbing

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: The student will identify and describe the tools used in the plumbing trade. Demonstrate job site safety and understand OSHA regulations. Demonstrate how to set the different fixtures in your home.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

This course is designed to give students a working knowledge of the plumbing industry. It provides the basic information about the tools, materials, equipment, processes and career opportunities in the plumbing field. This course covers both hand and power tools. This course will supply the background knowledge necessary for vocational competency.

Offered: Spring 2027 (1 section, listed as BCT-113)

BCT 200 Cabinetry I

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate safety associated in the cabinet industry and pass the safety exam with a grade of 70 Calculate the board footage of the lumber to be used in your project. Compile a bill of materials for your project. Construct a cutting board and then project number one.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

Cabinetry I is an introductory course to prepare students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the cabinet and furniture industries. The course introduces the student to the tools, equipment, and techniques used in the modern woodworking industry. Students will learn types of lumber, design and layout. The student will make one class project and one project of their design. Strict adherence to safety rules and procedures will be emphasized.

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

BCT 201 Cabinetry II

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate safety associated in the cabinet industry and pass the safety exam with a grade of 70. Demonstrate the safe use of a wide belt sander and pass sander safety test with a score of 70. Demonstrate the safe use and set up of a lathe. Construct a cabinet project from the bill of materials you compiled.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

Cabinetry II is an intermediate class to prepare students with the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the cabinet and furniture industries. The course introduces the student to the tools, equipment, and techniques used in the modern woodworking industry. Students will learn the species and grades of domestic and imported lumber. The student will make one cabinet project of their design. Strict adherence to safety rules and procedures will be emphasized. Students will learn the proper use of pneumatic air nailers, wide belt sanders, and the molding shaper.

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

BCT 202 Finish Cabinetry

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate safety associated in the cabinet industry and pass the safety exam with a grade of 70. Demonstrate the safe and proper use of the thickness planer and jointer. Setup shaper using advanced shaper techniques. Install hardware or mechanical fasteners.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

Finish Cabinetry is an advanced cabinet course to prepare students with the skills for the modern woodworking industry. This course will continue to build on the knowledge taught in BCT 201. Students will learn advanced techniques used in fine woodworking. Dovetail joints will be introduced for cabinet drawer box construction. Students will design a kitchen with working drawings to include appliance, base, and upper cabinet locations. Students will construct a cabinet project of their own design using advanced woodworking tools. Projects will include fine joint, finish sanding, and finishing techniques for their project.

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

BCT 205 Equipment Operations

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Recognize potential hazards and follow equipment safety procedures in traffic, and cargo handling facilities. Evaluate proper lifting, carrying, load stability, and stacking.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

This class provides students with skills to demonstrate proficiency in the use of equipment used in material handling. Topics include counterbalance Forklift and Rough Terrain telehandler safety principles, driving, lifting, loading and proper maintenance of equipment. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be certified as an Industrial Equipment Operator. Job opportunities for Forklift Operators include warehouse shipping and receiving, construction sites, ports and docks, retail stores and all other businesses that require material handling. Instruction in English with assistance in Spanish.

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

BCT 210 Interior Trim Carpentry

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate safety associated with the interior trim installation and pass the safety exam with a score of 70. Install pre-hung interior and exterior doors. Install interior home mouldings.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

This is an introductory class that will provide students with the basic knowledge of the finish carpentry field. Students will learn the proper installation techniques for interior and exterior doors. This course also covers window installations. This course cover both interior and exterior finish carpentry. Exterior trim will include door and window trim. On the interior of the home we will install door casings, baseboard, crown mouldings and windows sills. For that custom look we will explore chair rail mouldings, wainscoting, and the installation of hardwood floors.

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

BCT 212 Masonry Construction

Units: 3
Hours: 90 hours total, 2 hours lecture weekly, 3 hours lab weekly
Transfers to: CSU

Student Learning Outcomes: Demonstrate the safety associated in the masonry trade and pass the exam with a grade of 100 Demonstrate proper mortar and grout mixes and their strengths. Install brick, block, and stone masonry. 4. Demonstrate proper methods for installing masonry foundation systems.

General Education: Not approved for General Education

Course Duration (Weeks): 18

Masonry construction will introduce the student in the methods of laying brick, block and stone. It will present a broad understanding of materials and their properties. The class includes the latest materials and buildings techniques used in the industry.

Not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules.

View in the original catalog

Machine-readable: Markdown · JSON