OTC: Construction technology program covers basics

Tim Rogers is an instructor in the construction technology program at Ozarks Technical Community College.

Editors Note: This column is part of our coverage on the annual Salute to Construction, featured in the Inside Business section of this issue.

Lost your direction?

Cant find your way?

Let Ozarks Technical Community Colleges construction technology program show you the way with its Road Map to Success. If youre ready to take the trip, heres how to begin.

Take the right turn onto OTCs campus (933 East Central Ave. Springfield, Mo.). Go into the Information Commons building and ask for registration.

After talking to a counselor, go back out and proceed west to Lincoln Hall. Upon entering the building you will need to go to the lower level and locate rooms 131 and 135. Ask for David Aderhold or Tim Rogers, or just call us at 417-895-7258 or 417-895-7740.

OTCs Construction Technology program will start you with the basics and proceed to teach you residential and commercial construction practices, so dont hesitate; follow the directions. Its only a two-year trip to change your destiny.

Success stories

Recent success stories that have been accomplished due to the program here at OTC include Tim Hanna and Jason Ross.

Tim Hanna, owner of Hanna Construction Company, is a recent graduate of OTC. Tim joined the program as a senior in high school and completed his degree in May.

As a student Tim was eager to learn all aspects of the construction field. He was a member of VICA-Skills USA and won first place at district and state competitions, and also placed seventh in nationals. Tim is attending Southwest Missouri State University at this time, seeking a degree in construction management. His goal is to become a residential developer in southwest Missouri.

Jason Ross completed the construction technology program in 1996. He is the owner of Progressive Construction here in Springfield. Progressive does commercial casework and millwork installations. Some of Jasons works include cabinet and millwork installation at OTCs Industrial Transportation and Technology Center, Lincoln Hall and the new Information Commons West. Jason in the past has employed students and graduates of OTCs construction technology program.

These are just two of the success stories that have been coming from OTCs construction technology department. OTC offers students a wide variety of classes designed to place them into an area of specific interest.

Courses taught

CST 140 Cabinetmaking focuses on the fundamentals of designing and building furniture, with a state-of-the-art shop that includes the latest in machinery and a new dust collection system.

CST 135 Carpentry I is designed to help students learn floor framing, wall construction, and the techniques of window and door construction.

CST 235 Carpentry II curriculum has been developed to provide technical information, math skills and practical experience necessary to lay out, cut and construct roof rafters including common, hip and valley rafters. Stairs also are included in the course.

CST 180 Exterior Finishes takes aim at providing proper techniques for roofing, installation of doors and windows, vinyl siding and other finishes. The shop has three mock-ups designed with three different roofs.

CST 139 Trim Carpentry provides background technical information and lab experiences necessary for entry level employment in residential trim carpentry. Students will identify, select, order and assemble various materials, systems and components.

CST 150 Concrete and Forms is designed to provide background and related information about concrete and forms including setting and leveling.

CST 170 Masonry is a study of masonry units, shapes, tools and terminology. Blueprint reading and estimating of labor and materials is covered.

CST 190 Interior Finishes is designed to provide a background related to various commercial interior applications. Topics include drywall, suspended ceilings, metal studs, cabinet and fixture installation, metal door installation and other commercial hardware.

CST 260 Estimating/Scheduling is an introduction to quantity take-off methods and includes the use of Timberline estimating software. Also included in this course is the introduction of types of bids, bonds, insurance and contractor documents.

CST 280 Printreading provides skills necessary to read, understand, interpret and apply information found on construction drawings.

For more information, prospective students and employers are invited to stop by and visit with the OTC construction staff at any time.