Building Trades, Construction and Engineering 

Building Trades, Construction and Engineering employees affect the design, preparation and fabrication of infrastructures and buildings. Students considering a career in this field should enjoy working with their hands, like to know how and why things work, be proficient in math and have good verbal and written communication skills.

Building Trades and Construction pathways are offered at Elsie Allen, Piner (PHS) and Santa Rosa High Schools. The programs, offered in collaboration with the Sonoma County Office of Education's R.O.P. (Regional Occupation Program), include job-site safety practices and individual skill preparation in construction tools and machinery. Students learn a range of mechanical principles; observe how they apply to practical situations and operative training. Courses are offered in Applied Technology, Construction Technology, Woodworking, and Cabinetry.

Engineering courses are offered at Maria Carrillo (MCHS), and Montgomery (MHS) High Schools. Students explore drafting and visual communication principles in courses such as traditional and computer-assisted drafting design (CADD), architectural drawing and engineering technology. Advanced CADD techniques in rendering, wire-frame modeling and three-dimensional solid modeling emphasize student-designed products.

Courses in the Engineering pathway are designed to coincide with certificate programs in Civil & Survey Technology and Engineering transfer programs at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). Successful completion of high school course work will give students an advantage in college level work.

The Piner HS Geospatial Technology Pathway will serve students interested in the Geosciences. The focus will be on applied science and math via the study of GIS (Geospatial Information Systems), GPS (Global Positioning System), Surveying and Astronomical imaging technologies.  The integration of science, math, and technology will result in student application of these disciplines in authentic, community based projects and experiences. Thus, students will gain skills in the burgeoning GIS/GPS career field while honing their math and science knowledge. Students will generate and collect real-time data and information to be reduced, analyzed and graphically represented using GIS modeling and mapping software and observatory software. Students will benefit from both indoor and outdoor laboratory work using state-of-the-art equipment, technology and software programs.

According to ESRI, “GIS is a collection of computer hardware, software, and geographic data for capturing, managing, analyzing, and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. GIS technology is one of the hottest new tools in education and research, and is one of the fastest growing high-tech careers for students today.” This pathway program will articulate with certificate and degree programs at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Green Building and Design Technology Pathway serves students interested in the Construction, Engineering and Environmental Sciences. The program focuses on applied science and math integrated with other core subjects via the study of green building standards and practice, sustainable landscaping and gardening, environmental science, and ecological responsibility. The integration of science, math, and technology will result in student application of these disciplines in authentic, community- based projects and experiences. Thus, students will gain skills in the growing field of Green Technology, while learning the relevance of math and science in the workplace. Students will learn through case studies, guest speakers and interactive presentations on energy conservation and efficiency, renewable energy, resource conservation, indoor air quality and establishing a green business.