Building Trades Department

George H. Richardson, Chair

Phone: 607-587-4574;

The Building Trades Department is composed of four programs: building construction; heavy equipment operations; masonry; and air conditioning and heating technology. Rewarding careers in the construction industry are open to students graduating from the building trades programs. With the continual development of new building methods and materials, the craftsperson finds it necessary to keep abreast of these developments. Construction, as in many other occupations, is becoming a field of specialists. Coupled with hands-on experience working at off-campus construction sites, the programs provide the necessary theory as well as instruction in blueprint reading, cost and materials, estimating, safety, and the use of newly developed equipment and materials.


Educate students, to meet the changing needs of the construction industry by using real world projects and utilizing the most up-to-date equipment, systems, and materials. We strive to improve the lives of our graduates by incorporating work ethics, communication skills, and developing leadership as part of their training.


The building construction laboratory on the Wellsville campus is equipped with nearly every power and hand construction tool available to instruct the student in all phases of the carpentry trade. Off-campus construction of frame buildings is carried out each year by the department so that students have a maximum amount of on-the-job experience.


Applicants in the Building Trades Department programs must be able to meet the following physical requirements:

  1. Must be able to lift 50 pounds to shoulder height.
  2. Must be able to perform safely in the laboratory.
  3. Must be able to communicate orally with a person 20 feet away.
  4. Must be able to climb a ladder and/or able to climb, un-aided, onto and off of equipment using three points of contact.
  5. Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
  6. Must be able to visually read from a blueprint or drawing.
  7. Must be able to hear a backup warning alarm.



Air Conditioning and Heating Technology (AOS)

Building Trades: Building Construction (AOS)

Heavy Equipment Operations (AOS)

Masonry (AOS)