Home and Building Remodeling: Career Associate

The Home and Building Remodeling: Career (Associate) program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a successful career in the residential and commercial remodeling industry. This comprehensive program equips students with the essential skills, technical knowledge, and practical experience required to excel in remodeling, renovation, and restoration projects. Students will learn about various aspects of building and remodeling, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, flooring, painting, and other finishing techniques, enabling them to take on diverse roles in the construction and remodeling fields.

Throughout the program, students are introduced to current industry standards and best practices, emphasizing safety, quality workmanship, and efficient project management. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction with hands-on training, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. They will gain experience using modern tools and equipment, understand building codes and regulations, and develop problem-solving skills necessary to address common challenges encountered during remodeling projects.

The program also emphasizes the importance of communication and customer service skills, preparing students to effectively collaborate with clients, contractors, and team members. Upon graduation, students will have a solid foundation to pursue entry-level positions in remodeling companies, construction firms, or to start their own remodeling business. The Associate degree or certificate earned from this program opens pathways for further education or specialization in areas such as sustainable remodeling, project management, or advanced carpentry.

Harrisburg Area Community College’s commitment to hands-on learning and industry-relevant coursework ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the remodeling industry. With a focus on practical skills and professional development, the program aims to foster competent, confident, and highly employable graduates ready to contribute to the improvement and transformation of residential and commercial spaces. Whether students are seeking to enter the workforce immediately or expand their existing skills, this program provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career in home and building remodeling.

General Education   
ENGL 101 English Composition I  3 
ENGL 104 Technical Writing  3 
COMM 203 Interpersonal Communication  3 
Core A Elective  3 
Core B Elective  3 
Core C Elective  3 
Free Elective  3 
Physical Education & Wellness  1 

Major Requirements   
ARCH 130 Construction Materials & Methods  3 
CARP 110 Carpentry Fundamentals  3 
CARP 130 Floor, Wall, & Roof Framing  3 
CARP 150 Interior Finishing I  3 
ELOC 153 Fundamentals of Electricity  4 
GTEC 101 Safety: OSHA-30 & NFPA-70E  3 
GTEC 110 Construction Print Reading  3 
HBR 130 Plumbing I  3 
HBR 140 Intro to Masonry: Laying Brick &  
  Concrete Block 3 
WOOD 102 Woodworking II  3 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Use basic hand tools and equipment of the trade

Read construction prints

Apply proper construction materials and processes

Work safely in a construction environment

Demonstrate construction skills in work application

Solve math problems related to the trade

Write and speak effectively

Appreciate accomplishments in arts and sciences

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Home and Building Remodeling: Career Associate program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to prepare students for a career in residential and commercial renovation. This program emphasizes practical skills in constructing, repairing, and remodeling homes and buildings, equipping students with the knowledge needed for a variety of trades within the remodeling industry. The curriculum covers fundamental topics such as carpentry, roofing, drywall installation, flooring, painting, and other essential aspects of building restoration. Students learn how to evaluate building structures, plan remodeling projects, and execute work according to safety codes and industry standards. The program also includes coursework in blueprint reading, building codes, and construction management, which are vital for overseeing remodeling projects effectively.

Students gain hands-on experience through lab work, workshops, and potential internships, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. This practical approach ensures that graduates are ready to enter the workforce with confidence, prepared for roles such as remodeling technicians, construction workers, or project assistants. The College’s facilities provide a simulated work environment where students develop the skills necessary for success in the remodeling sector.

Harrisburg Area Community College collaborates with local businesses and industry professionals to keep the curriculum aligned with current market demands. The program also emphasizes safety practices and sustainable building techniques, reflecting modern trends in the construction industry. Upon completion, graduates may pursue entry-level positions in home improvement companies, renovation firms, or start their own small remodeling businesses. The program not only offers technical training but also fosters problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills, which are crucial in the building and remodeling industry.

The Associate degree can serve as a stepping stone for further education or certifications in specialized trades or construction management. Overall, the program aims to develop well-rounded, skilled professionals capable of contributing to the growing field of home and building remodeling, benefiting both the community and the students’ career prospects.