Get a solid foundation in construction. Go hands on, learn the basics and do it safely. Then build from there.
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Construction Essentials
Program Number: 304103
Your Degree:
Technical Diploma
Area of Study:
Construction, Manufacturing and Maintenance
Delivery Method:
100% In Person
Estimated Time to Complete:
5 Credits | Finish diploma in 1 semester
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What You'll Pay
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your tuition costs.

Estimated Program Cost

$1,056.20
  • 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

    Finish in just one semester!
  • Curriculum and Experience

    Prospective program students, the information below reflects the basic requirements for students admitted for the 2024-2025 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
    31-410-309
    1 credit
    31-410-337
    1 credit
    31-410-410
    2 credits
    31-410-379
    1 credit
  • 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 2025

    • Application open
    • Application completion deadline is January 15, 2025

    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
    Official transcripts must be sent from the institutions you attended and indicate one of the following:

    • High school (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
    • GED/HSED transcript
    • College transcript(s) 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

    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.

    apply for admission

    Get Started!

    Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Construction Essentials career.

    It's Free to Apply

  • Career Outcomes

    • Graduate Summary

      Graduate Report Summary Overview

      202120222023
      Number of Program Graduates11175
      Number of Surveys Sent11175
      Number of Surveys Returned684
      Percent of Surveys Returned
      Available for Employment613
      Percent Available for Employment100.0%12.5%75.0%
      Not in Labor Market
      Percent Not in Labor Market0.0%87.5%25.0%
      Available for Employment

      202120222023
      Graduates Employed612
      Percent of Graduates Employed100.0%100.0%66.7%
      Employed in Related Occupation611
      Percent Employed in Related Occupation100.0%100.0%50.0%
      Employed in Unrelated Occupation001
      Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation0.0%0.0%50.0%
      Employed - No Response000
      Percent Employed - No Response0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Seeking Employment001
      Percent Seeking Employment0.0%0.0%33.3%
      Reaction To Training at Madison College

      202120222023
      Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4)3.743.3
      Number of Satisfaction Responses613
      Very Satisfied (4)411
      Percent Very Satisfied66.7%100.0%33.3%
      Satisfied (3)202
      Percent Satisfied33.3%0.0%66.7%
      Unsatisfied (2)000
      Percent Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Very Unsatisfied (1)
      Percent Very Unsatisfied0.0%0.0%0.0%
      Primary Reason for Attending Madison College

      202120222023
      Number of Primary Reason Responses684
      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 Other0.0%0.0%0.0%
      When Employment was Obtained

      202120222023
      Number of When Employment Obtained Responses612
      Before Enrollment000
      Percent Before Enrollment0.0%0.0%0.0%
      While Attending the College200
      Percent While Attending the College33.3%0.0%0.0%
      After Training at the College412
      Percent After Training at the College66.7%100.0%100.0%
      Location of Employment (related and unrelated)

      202120222023
      Number of Employment Location Responses612
      In College District310
      Percent In College District50.0%100.0%0.0%
      In Wisconsin, Not in District201
      Percent of In Wisconsin33.3%0.0%50.0%
      Outside of Wisconsin100
      Percent Outside Wisconsin16.7%0.0%0.0%
      Employer Location Unknown001
      Percent Location Unknown0.0%0.0%50.0%
      Salary Trend
      Salary Trend202120222023
      Full Time Employment (Related Job)Full Time Salary Count501
      Average Monthly Wage$3,274$3,784
      Average Hourly Wage$19.03$22.00
      Average Work Hours per Week44.040.045.0
      Part Time Employment (Related Job)Part Time Salary Count1
      Average Hourly Wage$15.50
      Average Work Hours per Week32.0
    • Graduate Employers

      Graduate Employers for academic year: 2023
      Employer(s)Job TitleCity*State**Positions
      Morton BuildingsCarpenterKaukauna

      * - 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

Ready to get started?
Your first step is to apply to Madison College. It's easy and free to apply, so get started today!
Contact the School of Technologies and Trades

Madison Truax Campus
Main Building, A2105

1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704

tandt@madisoncollege.edu
608.246.6800

Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (phone or email only)