Building/Construction, Commercial, Electrical, Fabrication & Industrial Trades
Civil Engineering and Drafting Technologies Careers
Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating Technology
When the temperature outside is blazing hot or plummeting below zero, the comfort of interior spaces becomes a necessity. The Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology program at MCC will prepare you for a career where your skills are always in demand – or perhaps prepare you to own your own business. This hands-on program covers all aspects of installing, troubleshooting and servicing heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems as well as refrigeration, food, ice, and beverage systems.
Complete course information is available on the catalog page.
Faculty
Bob Ruther (402) 289-1380, rruther@mccneb.edu
James Revoy (402) 289-1378, jrevoy@mccneb.edu
Career Facts
- In Nebraska, the median wage for heating and cooling system mechanics is $33,218 per year.*
- Refrigeration certification may be obtained through Metropolitan Community College’s Refrigeration Certification class. This class has no prerequisite courses. Upon completion of the course, students must pass a national test for certification.
- A contractor’s license is available through the City of Omaha, and can be pursued after obtaining five years experience in the heating and air conditioning field.
- Apprenticeship programs usually consist of 3-5 years of on-the-job training.*
- Apprentices usually begin at about half of the wage rate paid to experienced mechanics.*
- The Heating and Air Conditioning Contracting Association (HACCA) provides students with employment leads, and the Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) seeks out trained students ready to work.
- A bachelor’s degree is not required to start in this field.
- Over 90 percent of graduates are placed quickly in jobs because of the high demand for these workers.
*Nebraska Department of Labor statistic.
Career opportunities for students in this field include:
- Business owners
- Wholesalers
- Repair persons
- Residential sales
- Job estimates
Is A/C, Refrigeration, & Heating Technology for You?
Do you have
- Mechanical ability?
- The ability to read and follow directions?
- Basic math skills?
- Good hand-eye coordination?
- The ability to lift at least 50 pounds?
- The ability to plan ahead and conceptualize?
- The ability to recognize and solve problems?
Extra Costs, Tools and Equipment
Each student is required to buy their own tools at $1,025 for the entire program.
Short-term learning options
Specialist Diplomas in:
Architectural Design Technology
Virtually any structure built today results from a computer-aided design (CAD) drawing. Combine your drawing skills with powerful CAD software tools to start a career as a professional design technician. You will build a strong foundation with classical drafting techniques, the art and language of architecture, the design process, how methods and materials shape buildings, the relationship between structural types, space usage and how architecture reflects the culture. Building upon these fundamentals, you will learn today’s CAD principles and techniques and apply them in a lab environment on practical lab projects, thus preparing you for employment as a technician in the offices of architects, engineers, contractors and materials suppliers.
Complete course information is available on the catalog page
Faculty
John Knapp (402) 289-1372, jknapp@mccneb.edu
Career Facts
- In Nebraska, the median wage for drafters is $32,711 per year.*
- Students in this field may build an opportunity for employment as a technician in the offices of architects, engineers, contractors and materials suppliers.
- Certification is optional for technicians. However, certification indicates that a worker has attained a certain level of skill.*
- Architectural technicians draw architectural and structural features of buildings and other structures. They may specialize by the type of structure, such as residential or commercial, or by material used, such as reinforced concrete, masonry, steel or timber.*
- In Metro’s Architectural Design Technology program, students learn how to work for architects, how to integrate building systems and how buildings are constructed
*Statistics taken from the Nebraska Department of Labor (NCIS).
Is Architectural Design Technology for you?
Are you
- A self-starter?
- Flexible?
- Good at using a computer?
- Able to concentrate for extended periods of time?
- A team player?
- Persistent?
- Naturally curious?
- Desiring to work with building processes?
- Interested in using math and CAD skills to pursue a career?
Extra Costs, Tools and Equipment
None
Short-term learning options
Civil Engineering Technology
Civil engineering is the field of adapting our environment so that we can live in it. Without civil engineering, there would be no clean water, sewage disposal, transport system, heat, light or power. We would be at the mercy of the elements and natural forces that have shaped our planet for millions of years. Metro’s Civil Engineering Technology program will prepare you to contribute to this important field as an engineering technician in areas such as construction, transportation, surveying or testing laboratories. The program provides a strong foundation in current basic civil engineering techniques, with emphasis placed on computers and software, and prepares you for occupational entry and advancement as a civil engineering technician.
Faculty
Career Facts
- In Nebraska, the median wage for civil engineer technicians is $37,440 per year.* Earnings vary greatly based on the level of education. Those with advanced degrees usually earn higher wages.*
- A typical starting wage for entry-level civil engineering technicians is between $9 and $15 per hour. Wage varies based on place of employment and the employee’s expertise.
- Civil engineer technicians work with the project engineers on the planning, design and supervision of construction for such things as buildings, roads, airstrips, bridges and dams. They may draw or make models and discuss plans with clients.*
*Statistics taken from the Nebraska Department of Labor (NCIS).
Career opportunities for students in this major include:
- Road building
- Stream and erosion control
- Soil and material testing
- Cost estimating
- Sales
- Structural analysis/design
- Construction site supervising
- City engineer
- Teaching, research or design
Is Civil Engineering for You?
Do you
- Want to work in a competitive field?
- Have exceptional math and science skills?
- Have the ability to plan ahead and conceptualize?
- Have critical thinking skills?
- Have the ability to lift 50 pounds?
- Have initiative?
Extra Costs, Tools and Equipment
Students may have a minimal expense of about $30 each quarter for supplies.
You also may be interested in
Short-term learning options
You also may want to consider...
Construction Technology
Interested in building a great career? If you are not the type to be deskbound, and would rather contribute to your community by building houses, roads and businesses, turn your enjoyment of working with your hands into a degree and a career in Construction Technology. This hands-on program prepares you for opportunities in Concrete/Masonry Construction, Residential Carpentry, Construction Management, General Construction/ Remodeling, Residential Finish Carpentry/ Cabinetry and more. Once you have experience, you can work toward attaining leadership positions like foreman or contractor, or start your own contracting business.
See the catalog page for all program requirements.
Faculty
Roger Miller (402) 738-4025, rmiller@mccneb.edu
Career Facts
- In Nebraska, the median wage for general construction workers is $21,070 per year; for concrete finishers is $28,683 per year; for carpenters is $29,890 per year; and for construction managers is $57,824 per year.*
- There is no licensing requirement or certification necessary to work construction.
- Construction workers are needed in every part of the country.
- A bachelor’s degree is not required to work construction; however, further education is needed to become a construction manager or supervisor.
- The construction industry is divided into three major segments: General building contractors, heavy construction contractors and special trade contractors.
- General building contractors build residential, industrial, commercial and other buildings.
- Heavy construction contractors build sewers, roads, highways, bridges, tunnels and other similar projects.
- Special trade contractors are engaged in specialized activities such as carpentry, painting, plumbing and electrical work.
*Statistics taken from the Nebraska Department of Labor (NCIS).
Career opportunities for students in this field include:
- Carpentry
- Masonry
- Drywalling
- Framing
- Shelving
- Concrete Forms
- Cabinetry
- Metal Building Assembly
Is Construction Technology for You?
Do you have
- Sufficient physical stamina for standing, bending, stooping and climbing?
- Good hand-mind-eye coordination?
- The ability to follow written directions?
- The ability to work at heights and in confined spaces?
- The ability to lift up to 100 pounds?
Extra Costs, Tools and Equipment
Students are encouraged to wait before buying all tools if they do not already own them. Total cost will vary depending on brand of tools, but is typically between $400-500.
Short-term learning options
Specialist Diplomas in:
Industrial & Commercial Trades
Industrial maintenance requires you to have a comprehensive understanding of multiple systems. You
must demonstrate an understanding of industrial safety standards and the ability to troubleshoot. Four unique options in the Industrial and Commercial trade program allow you to apply your knowledge of the industry in a way that suits your interests.
The Home Maintenance, Building and Installation option provides training for maintenance personnel at residential, commercial or institutional building settings. The student who completes the program is exposed to industrial safety standards and maintenance troubleshooting strategies in addition to various types of standard electrical installations, carpentry, plumbing, stationary engineering, hydraulics and pneumatics, and welding.
See the catalog page for all course requirements.
The Electrical/Mechanical Maintenance option provides education and training for maintenance personnel at industrial and commercial plants. The student who completes the program is exposed to industrial safety standards and maintenance troubleshooting strategies in addition to various types of standard and advanced electrical systems, plumbing, stationary engineering, hydraulics and pneumatics, precision machine and welding.
See the catalog page for all course requirements.
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The Industrial Distribution option provides education and training for product distribution representatives who move products from the producer to the user and are employed in a wide variety of industries. Job opportunities include sales, product support, product application specialists, purchasing agents, integrated supply specialists, management trainees, and shipping and warehouse personnel. The student who completes the program is exposed to a wide variety of industrial products and applications. The student is required to take business and marketing classes and learns best practices in warehousing, inside sales, product support and product representation. S/he also learns industrial safety standards and maintenance troubleshooting strategies in addition to various types of mechanical and electrical systems. Plumbing, precision machining and welding can also be studied.
The option focuses on the transport details between producer and user and is composed of two certificates—Industrial Distribution I and Industrial Distribution II. Students who complete both certificates will be awarded an Associate in Applied Science Degree.
See the catalog page for all course requirements.
The Precision Machine Technology option provides education and training in machine tool operation and related subjects. Instruction covers bench layout, machine tool operation and metal removal processes, measuring devices and classifications of materials. Training includes hands-on activity and individualized instruction.
See the catalog page for all program requirements.
Faculty
Commercial/Building Trades
Dave Horst (402) 738-4028, dhorst@mccneb.edu
Precision Machine Technology
David Eledge (402) 738-4658, deledge@mccneb.edu
Career Facts
- Entry level jobs in industrial and commercial trades typically pay between $10-$18 per hour.* Workers with five to six years of experience may earn up to $24 per hour.
- Metro offers Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) training and Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) training.
- Students who successfully complete the Industrial Safety and Health course will receive their Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 30-hour completion cards for General Industry Safety and Health.
- Students who complete Stationary Engineering I and Stationary Engineering II classes are eligible to test through the City of Omaha Permits & Inspections Division for their 3rd Grade Engineering License. Students also need at least one year of experience working around a boiler and a signed application from a licensed 3rd grade engineer (other than a Metro instructor) to be licensed.
*Statistics taken from the Nebraska Department of Labor (NCIS).
Is the Industrial & Commercial Trades Program for You?
Are you
- Able to follow written directions?
- Good at solving problems?
- Good at critical thinking?
- Good at reading and math?
- Able to learn to read and follow schematics?
- Able to work independently or in a team?
- Physically able to perform industrial maintenance work?
Extra Costs, Tools and Equipment
Almost every class has a high hands-on element and some tools are required. Details regarding tools are given on the first day of class.
You AlsO May be Interested in:
Short-term learning options - Specialist Diplomas in:
Mechanical Design Technology
Whether it’s on paper or in pixels on a computer screen, every product begins as a drawing. As a drafting technician, you will use your drawing and analytical capabilities to turn specifications lists into technical drawings so that ideas become a reality. The Mechanical Design Technology program offers a balanced curriculum which includes coursework in classical drafting techniques, computer-aided design (CAD), solid modeling and exploration of manufacturing materials and processes. Local industries provide many employment opportunities in drafting and design.
See the catalog for all program requirements.
Faculty
John Longbrake (402) 457-2362, jlongbrake@mccneb.edu
Dave Lueders (402) 457-2361, dlueders@mccneb.edu
Career Facts
- Students in this field become drafters, CAD operators or technicians in the following industries:
- electronics
- structural
- automotive
- foundry casting
- manufacturing
- piping/architectural
- CAD technicians translate ideas and sketches from engineers, architects and scientists into detailed drawings of machinery and mechanical devices that are used for manufacturing and construction.
- Duties of CAD technicians may include interpreting directions, making sketches, preparing drawings to scale and calculating the strength, quality, quantity and cost of materials.
- Employers prefer CAD technicians who have training from a two-year college, university or technical institute and are familiar with CAD programs.*
*Statistics taken from the Nebraska Department of Labor (NCIS).
Is Mechanical Design Technology for You?
Do you have
- Computer skills?
- Good communication skills?
- Good math, conceptual and analytical skills?
- The ability to be a team player?
- The desire to continue your education and grow?
Extra Costs, Tools and Equipment
Students will spend approximately $10 per term for extra materials.
Short-term learning options
Certificate of Achievement—Mechanical Design Technology (12 courses)
Specialist Diplomas in:
The wind is blowing outside and suddenly, the power goes out. If seeing the lights come back on after a storm is a satisfying day’s work, perhaps you’re the type to climb to the top as a utility line technician. Utility line technicians service power lines, cables and lines for television antennas, street lights and traffic signals. The Utility Line Technician program will give you the specialized skills to install, repair, maintain and replace power lines, poles and other equipment in a variety of environments and situations.
See the catalog for all program requirements.
Faculty
Richard Newcomer (402) 738-4030, rnewcomer@mccneb.edu
Tim Bowling (402) 738-4024, tebowling@mccneb.edu
Career Facts
- In Nebraska, the median wage for line installers and repairers is $40,872 per year.*
- Utility line technicians construct, repair and service power lines including cables and lines for television antennas, streetlights and traffic signals. They may work on underground cable systems or on overhead cables or lines.
- After completion of the Utility Line Technician degree program at Metro, a student should work toward a bachelor’s degree to be more marketable.
- There is a 90 percent placement rate for this Metro program.
- Upon graduation, students are ready to pursue an apprenticeship in the Utility Line field.
Career opportunities for students include work in the following industries:
- telephone communications companies
- heavy construction companies
- supply and electrical work
- gas companies
- cable and other pay TV services*
*Statistics taken from the Nebraska Department of Labor (NCIS).
Is the Utility Line Technician Program for You?
Do you have
- The ability to tell differences in color?
- The ability to work accurately with numbers?
- The ability to work at heights?
- The ability to learn climbing techniques?
- The physical ability to lift 75 pounds?
- The ability to follow written directions?
Extra Costs, Tools and Equipment
Each student will have to purchase tools priced at approximately $800.
Short-term learning options
Certificate of Achievement-Utility Line Technician (13 courses)
- You like building things.
- Seeing the immediate product of your labor is something important to you in a job.
- You can read and follow diagrams.
- You have the ability to concentrate for extended lengths of time.
Metro’s Welding Technology program gives you an outlet to put these natural tendencies to use in a career. This program teaches you the ins and outs of welding processes. As a graduate, you will be adept in standard welding procedures and be aware of the industrial safety standards practiced in this field.
See the catalog for all program requirements.
Faculty
Monty Rodgers (402) 738-4663, mrodgers@mccneb.edu
Career Facts
- In Nebraska, the median wage for welders and solderers is $25,771 per year.*
- Welders may work in a shop, on an assembly line or at a construction site.
- Major employers of welders are fabricated structural metal product manufacturers, motor vehicle and equipment manufacturers and construction and related machinery manufacturers.*
- Certification is not required in Nebraska but is available through the American Welding Society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineering.
*Statistics taken from the Nebraska Department of Labor (NCIS).
Career opportunities for students in this major include:
- welder
- glazier
- welding specialist
- ironworker
- welding technician
- salesperson
- fitter
- trainer
- fitting specialist
- inspector
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- boilermaker
- plumber
- engineer
- pipefitter
- business owner
- machinist
- artist
- laborer
- educator
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Is Welding Technology for You?
Do you have
- Good eye-mind-hand coordination?
- The ability to follow written directions?
- The ability to concentrate for extended periods of time?
- Physical agility?
- The ability to lift 50 pounds?
- The ability to work independently or with a team?
Extra Costs, Tools and Equipment
Each student will have to purchase his/her own tools priced between $65-$365. Contact faculty for more details.
Short-term learning options
Certificate of Achievement-Welding Technology (18 courses)
Gas Metal Arc Welding Specialist Diploma (24 credit hours)
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Specialist Diploma (27 credit hours)
Sheilded Metal Arc Welding Specialist Diploma (24 credit hours)
Pipe Welding Specialist Diploma (30 credit hours)
Open Entry/Open Exit Program
Students who may not be able to commit to long classes in welding can take courses through the Open Entry/Open Exit program. Depending on their needs and goals, students can take up to three welding courses in an 11-week period. Students work with faculty to determine a learning plan and set their own daytime schedule. Depending upon this plan, students can finish a welding course in as little as two weeks.
For more information, contact Monty Rodgers, 738-4663
Transfer Agreements
Metro currently has Associate to Bachelor (A to B) transfer agreements with Wayne State and Peru State Colleges, Bellevue University and UNO’s Department of Continuing Studies to apply all of Metro’s Building, Commercial and Manufacturing Trades associate degrees towards a bachelor’s degree. Visit Metro’s academic transfer site or contact a Metro adviser or counselor.
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