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If you’d like to learn more about the Construction Essentials program, we’d love to talk with you.
We’re here to answer any questions and guide you through our application process step-by-step.
Send us your contact information, and we’ll help you get started right away!
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Program Overview
In the Construction Essentials Embedded Technical Diploma, you learn basic skills necessary for entry-level jobs in construction. You develop an understanding of construction processes, including identification and safe use of hand and portable power tools. You earn an industry recognized safety working environment certification (OSHA).
According to a recent graduate survey, the average entry-level annual pay range for construction/remodeling is $22,000 to $35,000 plus benefits. Earning potential in this field can reach $50,000 or more in three to five years.
Program Details
Students in the Construction Essential Embedded Technical Diploma can attend full or part time.
Construction Essentials Embedded Technical Diploma classes are offered at our Commercial Avenue campus in Madison.
Resources
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Curriculum and Experience
Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2025-2026 academic year. To learn more about Madison College, visit us.
Current and newly admitted program students, go directly to your Degree Progress Report to view:
- Progress toward your specific requirements
- Alternative (in lieu of) courses to meet specific requirements
If you have questions after reviewing your degree progress report (advisement report), please see Advising Services.
First Semester -
Admission
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
Application Dates
Spring 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is January 15, 2026
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admissions Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
International students who wish to apply for, maintain, or transfer their F-1 student visa status to Madison College are required to complete the International Admission Process.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30 credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
- Class capacity is limited and is available on a first come, first served basis.
- Course prerequisites differ from admission requirements; admission into a program does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses or success in the program. Refer to program curriculum for details.
After Acceptance
Once you are admitted into your program, review the Start of Semester Checklist to prepare for your first day of classes at Madison College.
Questions?
Contact Enrollment Services at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Construction Essentials career.
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Career Outcomes
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2022 2023 2024 Number of Program Graduates 17 5 41 Number of Surveys Sent 17 5 41 Number of Surveys Returned 8 4 37 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 1 3 18 Percent Available for Employment 12.5% 75.0% 48.6% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 87.5% 25.0% 48.6% Available for Employment
2022 2023 2024 Graduates Employed 1 2 16 Percent of Graduates Employed 100.0% 66.7% 88.9% Employed in Related Occupation 1 1 15 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 100.0% 50.0% 93.8% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0 1 1 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 0.0% 50.0% 6.3% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 0 1 2 Percent Seeking Employment 0.0% 33.3% 11.1% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 4 3.3 3.5 Number of Satisfaction Responses 1 3 20 Very Satisfied (4) 1 1 11 Percent Very Satisfied 100.0% 33.3% 55.0% Satisfied (3) 0 2 8 Percent Satisfied 0.0% 66.7% 40.0% Unsatisfied (2) 0 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 0.0% 0.0% 5.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2022 2023 2024 Number of Primary Reason Responses 8 4 36 Preparation for Getting a Job Percent Preparation for Getting a Job Career Change Percent Career Change Improvement of Existing Skills Percent Improvement of Existing Skills Preparation for Further Education Percent Preparation for Further Education Personal Interest Percent Personal Interest Other Percent Other 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2022 2023 2024 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 1 2 16 Before Enrollment 0 0 3 Percent Before Enrollment 0.0% 0.0% 18.8% While Attending the College 0 0 1 Percent While Attending the College 0.0% 0.0% 6.3% After Training at the College 1 2 12 Percent After Training at the College 100.0% 100.0% 75.0% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2022 2023 2024 Number of Employment Location Responses 1 2 17 In College District 1 0 14 Percent In College District 100.0% 0.0% 82.4% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 1 1 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% 50.0% 5.9% Outside of Wisconsin 0 0 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 1 2 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 50.0% 11.8% Salary Trend 2022 2023 2024 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 0 1 12 Average Monthly Wage $3,784 $3,881 Average Hourly Wage $22.00 $22.56 Average Work Hours per Week 40.0 45.0 42.1 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 1 Average Hourly Wage $45.00 Average Work Hours per Week 25.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2024 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Ace of Space Carpenter/Estimator/Project Manager Associated Housewrights Carpenter Badger State Deck and Railing Carpenter Reedsburg Edge Construction Trim Carpenter Monona Holtz Builders Carpenter Lake Delton TDS Custom Construction Carpenter 2 Tile Smith Apprentice Tile Setter Windsor Building Systems Floor Decks & Walls Framer Windsor Building Systems Framer 2 Windsor Building Systems Truss Framing Specialist * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
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