The Building Trades program is a three period class in which the students have the option to take as a Junior and Senior. It is also offered as a dual credit class through Lake Land College. The students are involved in the construction process of building and completing the house. They start out in the classroom where they learn tool and equipment safety, construction terms and practices along with blueprint reading and material estimating.

At the job site the students help with the foundation, layout and installation of the subfloor system. The walls are also built by the students, where the exterior walls are sheathed and house wrapped for weather proofing. Students are also heavily involved in the roofing system of the house. Once the house is waterproof, students begin the process of installing windows and hanging siding and soffit on the exterior of the house. On the inside, students prep and get ready for drywall, hang electrical boxes, and pull wire. At this time the plumbing and HVAC is also being installed by a professional contractor. Next is the wall insulation and drywall. Drywall is a big job for the Building Trades class and the most time consuming, from hanging the drywall on the walls and ceiling to taping, sanding and finishing. Once the drywall is done, then students begin the process of priming, painting walls, ceiling, doors, and trim. Finally the students will lay the flooring and install cabinets, doors, and trim. Last major item is final inspection and cleaning.

Many of the Building Trades students have gone into the construction field and are now Construction Engineers, Teachers, Plumbers, HVAC Professionals, Electricians, Concreters, Roofers, and Contractors. We have also seen many students work in numerous Unions and do-it-yourself projects, including flipping houses.

Mattoon High School

CTE | Career & Technical Education

Agriculture Education (Veterinary Science; Food Science; Construction; Greenhouse)

Welding

Family and Consumer Sciences

Building Trades

Visual Design