Building Industry Technology Academy
BITA Pathway Video
Pathway Description
The Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA) at Estancia High School is a four-year Career Technical Education pathway focused on residential and commercial construction that provides the learning opportunities for students interested in preparing for careers in construction, building design, performance, and sustainability. Students obtain their OSHA 10 hour Construction certification and learn how to safely use industry-standard equipment to complete multiple construction projects. Industry partnerships expose students to the world of work and connect students to professionals through mentorships, job shadowing, and internships.
Topics of Study
- Building design, performance, and sustainability
- How residential and commercial structures are designed and built
- Industry standards safety habits and procedures
- Industry vocabulary
- Use of hand and power tools
- Blueprint reading
- Measurements
- Planning materials
- Estimating costs
- Simulated builds
- Modern craftsmanship & infrastructure
- Energy efficiency
- Emerging construction advances
- OSHA 10 hour Construction Certification
Course Sequence
Grade 9: BITA 1 (Foundation of Residential & Commercial Construction)
Grade 10: BITA 2 (Study of Modern Craftsmanship & Infrastructure)
Grade 11: BITA 3 (Energy Efficiency & Infrastructure of the Future)
Grade 12: BITA 4 (Emerging Construction Advances & Changes)
All BITA courses are UC/CSU approved G college preparatory electives.
Design/Build Competition
BITA students have the opportunity to be a part of Estancia High School's Design/Build team. Design/Build is a two-day competition sponsored by the California Homebuilding Foundation where teams from local high schools and community colleges design and build their own structures following the blueprints provided.
Each year a unique project, such as a tiny homes, tilt-roof garden shed, or storage structure, is chosen to challenge student design/build competitors. Judges from industry partners inspect the structures and rank each team on safety and craftsmanship.
Design/Build Team members meet after school to establish roles and prepare for the competition.