Carpentry and Cabinetry
Faculty
The program's two instructors bring fifty years of contracting and teaching experience to the classroom. To stay current with
the latest industry trends, both regularly return to industry and attend national conferences and local workshops. They also
have national certification with Energy Crafted Homes.
Tom Jeske is the first year instructor and has been teaching in the program for over twenty years. He is a
graduate of the program with an Associate in Applied Science degree, Carpentry and Cabinetry. Tom was a general contractor
prior to joining the faculty here as SCC. Areas of study include basic trade terminology, material formulas and estimation,
transit and layout, foundation design, basic construction systems and procedures, cabinet design and construction, blueprint
reading and local codes and inspection schedules. Tom can be reached by email to
TJeske@scc.spokane.edu or by phone at (509) 533-7143.
Dan Gates teaches the second year courses. He joined the program over ten years ago and brings over twenty
years of experience as a general contractor. Dan has a B.S. in Psychology from Washington State University and a one year
certificate in Carpentry and Cabinetry from Spokane Community College. During his time as a contractor Dan was instrumental
in the formation of the Inland Northwest Energy Efficient Builders Association. This organization helped builders establish
a working relationship with Bonneville Power and their Super Good Cents program which eventually became standard practice.
He is also very involved with the latest trend of using sustainable building materials and construction techniques and is a
member of the Northwest Eco Builders Guild. Dan's portion of the program includes advanced blueprint reading and material
estimation. Students use actual prints of the house that they will be constructing during the school year. The
Touch the Future" house project gives students hands-on experience in all phases from framing to finishwork including
kitchen cabinet construction and installation. Reach Dan by email to
DGates@scc.spokane.edu or by phone at (509) 533-7144.