Architecture & Construction

The Architecture and Construction pathway offers students the opportunity to explore careers in the design, building, and construction industries. This pathway includes a broad range of courses that provide hands-on learning experiences in fields such as architectural design, construction management, engineering, welding, and woodworking. Students develop technical skills while learning about project planning, safety protocols, and industry standards. With a focus on real-world applications, students gain the knowledge and certifications needed to enter the workforce or continue their education in post-secondary programs, preparing them for a wide range of in-demand careers in the architecture and construction sectors.

For more information about apprenticeships visit the 2024 Construction Apprenticeship Guidebook.

Courses in this Pathway

Building Industry Technologies – Core Plus Construction

Location: Interlake High School (Available to all schools)

This course is part of Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WANIC), a seven-district partnership whose primary mission is to provide quality, diverse, and cost-effective career and technical education for all students through interdistrict cooperation. WANIC courses are challenging, relevant, specialized programs that meet for 3 periods per day all year. BSD students do not need to fill out a WANIC application for courses held at Bellevue schools. Learn more about all the opportunities available through WANIC at their website.  

Are you interested in the building industry and learning about the field of construction? Building Industry Technologies - Core Plus Construction is a new and unique opportunity to learn about this growing industry, explore different fields, and prepare for your future options while earning Math and CTE credits. This 3-hour course offers students the opportunity to work with industry experts who will periodically be a part of the classroom instruction providing professional knowledge and first-hand experience. In this class, students will be introduced to the use of different materials and methods, fasteners and adhesives used on job sites, learn to safely operate the various industry tools, and learn jobsite safety and OSHA requirements. Participants will learn how to design and carry out hands-on skills in practices such as rigging, lifting and safely moving a load utilizing principles of mechanical advantage. Students will also learn how to read, understand and interpret basic plan sets and engineering drawings. Class members will learn and utilize applied academic concepts such as math and physics, how they apply to a well-designed project, key concepts in plumbing and electrical, along with energy utilization and energy efficiencies. Building Industry Technologies participants will learn about a variety of organizational and operational approaches, including estimating project costs, planning and scheduling of projects. These experiences will provide students with the necessary skills to find employment in the field locally or continue their path at a post-secondary institution.

Building Industry Technologies 2 – Core Plus Construction

Location: Interlake High School (Available to all schools)

Building Industries Technologies (BIT) 2 students will use their foundational knowledge and skills from BIT1 to build more intensive skills in project plan reading, schematics, material take-offs, and project cost estimating Students will focus on learning and demonstrating the necessary leadership skills to be successful in the class, and in the industry, by assisting in instruction and guiding other students. Other aspects of the building industry such as site and work safety, rigging, load relocation and load calculation will be discussed, practiced and implemented in the class. BIT 2 students will also participate in OSHA 30-hour training and certification, which complements the practical, hands-on work that is done in the BIT course, and provides unique credibility to prospective employers.

Maritime Welding-Core Plus

Location: Interlake High School (Available to all schools)

Dive into the fascinating world of maritime engineering and welding while prioritizing safety with our high school Core Plus Maritime Welding class, including the attainment of the Washington Boater Safety Card. This comprehensive course offers a hands-on experience in mastering various welding techniques essential for maritime applications. From MIG and TIG to arc welding, students will hone their skills under expert guidance. In addition to welding expertise, students will receive specialized training in boater safety, culminating in the acquisition of the Washington Boater Safety Card. This certification ensures a solid understanding of safe boating practices, navigation rules, and emergency protocols, emphasizing responsible behavior on waterways. Through engaging classroom lessons, practical workshops, and real-world applications, students will develop proficiency in maritime welding while prioritizing safety consciousness. By the end of the course, graduates will not only possess advanced welding skills but also a vital certification, setting the foundation for a successful career in maritime welding, shipbuilding, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on responsible boating practices.

Metals Technology 1

Location: Interlake High School

Students will learn how to use the tools, equipment and processes in metal machining, welding and fabrication. The student will learn basic metal working and develop attitudes and habits necessary for working safely and effectively in this environment. Students will also have the opportunity to explore and investigate career and occupational options. Metal sculpting is an important component of this course.

Metals Technology 2

Location: Interlake High School

The Metals Technology 2 student will build on skills they have developed by successfully completing the Metals Technology 1 class. Students will refine welding and metal machining skills. Welding processes will include, but are not limited to, Oxygen-Acetylene welding (OAW) and Metal-Inert Gas welding (MIG). Both ferrous and nonferrous metals such as brass, copper, aluminum and silicone bronze will be used for required machining and metal art sculpturing projects. Students will have the opportunity for individualized, extended learning projects as approved by the instructor.

Woods Technology 1

Location: Interlake High School and Sammamish High School

In Woods Technology 1, students will have the opportunity to engage both their hands and their minds through learning the art of woodworking. Throughout the semester students will make tangible projects that can be taken home while becoming skilled in operating woodworking tools and shop machinery safely. Additionally, the skills learned in Woods Technology 1 will serve as a solid foundation and an invaluable skillset to be used in Woods Technology 2 and Building Industry Technologies - Core Plus Construction

Woods Technology 2

Location: Interlake High School

Building on the knowledge and foundation from the previous semester, students in Wood Technology 2 will apply learned techniques and further develop their skills working on individual projects seen in custom woodworking that may include furniture, reading and using blueprints, using industry-quality joinery techniques, and more. Students will use 3D modeling software to prototype and refine 3-dimensional models for individual projects which will include working with a variety of wood types. Using the shop's new cutting-edge laser students will be able to produce a wide range of designs in a variety of materials. Students will also develop leadership and work-place skills by working cooperatively with peers on projects and working cooperatively as a class.

Post-Secondary

Renton Technical College (Building Construction Technology) - Renton Technical College offers programs focused on building construction, where students learn about construction processes, project management, and safety. This program prepares students for a range of roles in the construction industry, from project management to hands-on skilled trades.

Washington State University (School of Design and Construction) - WSU offers programs in construction engineering, architectural studies, and construction management. The programs blend technical skills with design and management knowledge, preparing students for careers in construction and architecture.

Central Washington University (Construction Management) - Central Washington University offers a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management. This program teaches students about construction techniques, project management, budgeting, and business skills. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in the construction industry.

Careers in this Pathway

Construction Managers – Responsible for overseeing construction projects from start to finish, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to required specifications. Construction managers are in high demand as infrastructure and real estate development continue to grow.

Carpenters – Skilled in woodworking and construction, carpenters are essential for building frameworks, structures, and custom woodwork. With a growing need for residential, commercial, and industrial construction, carpenters remain a key part of the workforce.

Civil Engineers – Focused on designing and maintaining infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and water systems, civil engineers are critical to developing and maintaining the foundational elements of communities and cities.

Welders – Specialized in joining materials like metal, welders are crucial for both manufacturing and construction projects. As industries like shipbuilding, automotive, and energy expand, skilled welders are in constant demand.