Thirteen adults recently graduated with certifications for completing a Basic Residential Carpentry course that was offered by the Alabama Homebuilders Association Foundation and Shelby County Schools Community Education. The course was offered as a free eight-week course for adult learners needing basic knowledge and skills in the residential carpentry field.

The course covered basic construction tools; safety; reading a tape measure; basic construction site layout; reading blueprints; floor, wall, roof and ceiling framing; cutting rafters; window and door installation; siding and exterior trim; interior trim and finishes; and stairs.

Each class provided time for classroom instruction/theory and hands-on time in the shop lab.  Students completing the course requirements received NCCER credits as well as a certificate of completion from the Home Builders Association of Alabama.

The adult students built two identical playhouses, complete with a front porch and electrical wiring to operate lights and a ceiling fan.  They worked on the structures at each class, utilizing what they were learning about floor, wall, roof and ceiling framing, as well as cutting rafters, windows, doors, and siding. The Construction Technology students at the College and Career Center are putting the finishing touches on the interior and exterior trim of the buildings which will be made available for purchase.