The Connecticut Technical Education and Careers System (CTECS) provides the opportunity for Connecticut's high school students to get a jumpstart on their construction careers.
The Carpentry program in the CTECS is organized around the fabrication and construction of residential housing and related remodeling. The course content begins with the preparation and use of hand tools, portable power tools and various stationary hand and power machinery. Fabrication methods are initiated with an introduction to wood types, quality, applications and harvesting techniques. Included in the instruction is the continual introduction of fastening devices and methods, millwork, staging, forms and various related ladders, support devices, and support techniques. Large assembly concepts are taught in the construction of framing and finishing. Interior construction techniques and concepts are taught.
CTECS Electrical program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power, and DC and AC motors, controls and electrical distribution panels. Low voltage wiring including CAT 6 is taught and practiced, along with instruction and use of test equipment. The student will learn safe use of the hand/portable tools and materials of the trade; proper use of materials, theory for planning, layout, fabrication, and integration of electrical installation; theory for DC, AC and poly-Phase current transformers, transmission and their application, control and protective devices; safe use of ladders, staging, and scaffolds and national, state and local standards and codes including state licensing requirements.
Students enrolled in the CTECS Plumbing, Heating & Coolingcareer program will obtain instruction and demonstrate skills and knowledge in construction safety, measuring and blueprint reading, calculations of plumbing, heating and cooling systems including; drainage fixture units, water supply fixture units, gas pipe sizing, calculations of ductwork & heating systems with an emphasis on both heat loss and heat gain heating and cooling calculations.
Students enrolled in the CTECS Architecture program are given instruction in and demonstrate skills and knowledge for entry-level employment in the rapidly changing area of sustainable building technologies. Students will be instructed in program safety and the proper use and care of drafting tools and equipment. Students learn basic drafting skills, including standard drawing conventions and principles, which allows them to communicate graphically. They will understand how a residential building is constructed and become familiar with the various building materials that are used in its construction while making it energy efficient and having a low-impact on the environment. Students will learn the meaning of sustainable, why it is important in today’s building industry, and the various evaluation instruments that are used to create a sustainable building such as LEED, Green Globes, and Energy Star.
Students enrolled in the CTECS Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) program will obtain instruction and demonstrate skills and knowledge in construction safety, measuring and blueprint reading, calculations of ductwork & heating systems with an emphasis on both heat loss and heat gain heating and cooling calculations. Students are also instructed on Domestic and Commercial Refrigeration systems, Gas, Oil Heating.
The CTECS Masonry Program prepares students for employment in construction trades directly related to the use of mortar, block, tile, and slate. The program involves the understanding and use of materials such as mortar and bonding agents, the related hand and power tools of the trade, laying and aligning brick, block, and tile, the building of archways, fireplaces, chimneys, wall works, and interior finishing. As students advance they are exposed to job cost estimations, use and application of more advanced materials and techniques and production work for outside customers.
Students enrolled in the CTECS Plumbing & Heating career program will obtain instruction and demonstrate skills and knowledge in construction safety, measuring and blueprint reading, calculations of plumbing & heating systems including; drainage fixture units, water supply fixture units, gas pipe sizing, as well as calculating heat loss for hydronic heating applications. Students’ in the Plumbing & Heating program receive both on-site and off-campus jobsite learning opportunities. Students are instructed upon the installation and repair of water, waste, gas as well as mechanical systems in both residential homes and commercial buildings.