Residential Construction Program

Demand for workers with residential building skills in the Seattle area is enormous. These jobs can be fulfilling and can pay well. This certificate program provides hands-on career training in residential construction. Designed to put your skills to work in the field, this program is open for people with no experience, as well as anyone currently working in construction who would like to take their career to the next level.

Learn foundational "whole building" construction skills. Gain experience with tools and materials, develop carpentry skills, as well as interior and exterior finishing skills. Lecture, discussion, and written materials will prepare you to take the Carpentry Basic Certification exam (optional). Gain the knowledge and experience for gainful employment and advancement in residential construction.

What You'll Get

  • A strong foundation in "whole-building" construction.  The program follows the Homebuilding Institute’s curriculum, which is endorsed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
  • Preparation for the Carpentry Basic Certification exam by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute to earn certification from the Home Builders Institute.

Program Details

  • Location: Seattle Central College's Wood Technology Center, 2310 S. Lane St., Seattle
  • Start Date: Fall
  • Length: 3 quarters (fall, winter, spring)
  • Schedule:
    • One evening per week (3 hours), plus a few Saturdays (4-5 hours) each quarter.
    • Note: The entire program is designed for working people, so students will not have large volumes of homework to do outside of class
  • Costs and Funding: $1,599 per quarter (x3)
  • Class Size: 15-20 students
  • Prerequisites: The ability to speak basic conversational English is recommended. Basic math ability, such as adding and subtracting fractions, is also recommended. However, there are no required prerequisites.
  • Flier for printing & distribution - being updated!
     

Learn More and Register

Note: Federal financial aid is not available for this program, unfortunately. If you are working in construction, check with your employer to see if they will cover training expenses. Potential employers, please read Info for Employers.

Questions

Email conted.central@Seattlecolleges.edu or visit our Contact Us page. 

Three construction workers standing together with hard hats with wood framing behind them indoors.

 

Future Opportunities

Upon completion of this program, you can: 

  • Take the Carpentry Basic Certification exam by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute to earn certification from the Home Builders Institute. Testing dates and times TBD.
  • Use your new skills and credentials to get a job or seek a promotion in the construction industry.
  • Continue your education and pursue an associate degree or an applied bachelor’s degree (although graduates of the Residential Construction program will not receive academic credit for a degree). Related programs of interest might include: an associate degree in  Multi-Occupational Trades at South Seattle College as well as the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Sustainable Building Science Technology at South Seattle College.

Job and Salary Prospects

Potential employment opportunities with businesses familiar with this program include:

  • Blue Sound Construction
  • Ashworth Homes
  • AmyWorks
  • Mighty House Construction
  • Many other industry association members of Master Builders of King and Snohomish County and Building Industry Association of Washington
  • Potential employers, please read Info for Employers.

Wages in residential construction average $25-$55 per hour in Seattle, according to Indeed (2025). Construction site supervisors and lead carpenters can earn higher wages, with salaries plus benefits such as healthcare insurance and retirement matching. Entrepreneurship is another option in this field and the sky is the limit!