Construction Technology - BITA

The Construction Technology Career Pathway at Brea Olinda High School is home to the Building Industry Technology Academy (BITA). BITA provides students with the opportunity to develop their talents with hands-on projects while exploring the construction trades.

Core academic standards and skills are integrated into the construction curriculum, providing students a connection between technical skills and their academic classes. BITA exposes students to the art of residential construction, while motivating them to continue to pursue further educational goals. Students learn industry standard safety habits and procedures, vocabulary, use of hand and power tools, blueprint reading, measurement and estimating. During simulated builds, students acquire experience working with building materials, compete in countywide competitions, and complete take home projects.

Throughout BITA students collaborate on projects, build foundation safety, communication and interpersonal skills, develop professional ethics, problem solve, cultivate a flexible growth mindset, and increase their career literacy with components such as field trips and professional portfolios.

Students completing the Construction Technology Career Pathway earn college credit through articulation, meet UC and CSU A-G college admissions requirements, and earn regalia to wear during high school graduation.

BITA Teacher

Pat Axtell

[email protected]

BITA Course Descriptions

BITA 1	During the first year of BITA students gain basic construction skills in the following areas: Use of hand tools, machine tool operation, types of construction materials used in the industry, construction and organizational operations, sub-flooring, framing, roofing, blueprint reading, surveying, and construction-specific math.
BITA 2	Year two provides students an opportunity to explore various trades in more depth using construction labs and student-directed activities facilitated by the instructor. Students can explore all of the lab activities or pursue advanced levels in an area of interest. All students study electrical in the course of year two. The trade areas explored include concrete, masonry, surveying and site prep, HVAC, plumbing, drywall, painting, and tile.
BITA 3	Year three builds on the foundation of the first two years of BITA. Students complete more complex work-based projects in residential framing, roofing, and site preparation. Additionally they work on a Design-Build student competition project. Students function within the class as a construction company, the Wild Cat Construction Crew, taking the project from the establishment of a corporation to final construction.
BITA 4	Year four moves students to a higher level of competency, as students move to full scale projects and master skills in welding, drywall, and finish carpentry. Year four students are encouraged to complete an internship during their senior year.

Course meets UC/CSU "G" requirement for college admissions

Course articulates to Fullerton College

BITA Pictures

Applying to the Building Industry Technology Academy

BOUSD Students

Students within Brea Olinda Unified School District attendance boundaries can join BITA by selecting BITA 1 during course selection and registration with their high school counselor or on course selection and registration paperwork received by Brea Junior High School students when enrolling at Brea Olinda High School.

Students Outside of BOUSD Attendance Area

Students residing outside of the BOUSD attendance area may apply for an inter-district permit from their school district of residence.