Construction Course Online

Master the foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in construction site preparation and foundation placement. In this first course of the Construction Fundamentals course series, you will learn about the construction team and the on-site construction activities, different types of soils and subsurface conditions, the equipment and the heavy equipment we use on a site – scrapers, dozers, excavators and more, clearing and grubbing the site, installing the site utilities, preparing for our building, with Earth work and excavation support, and installing foundations. You will also learn about the history of concrete, concrete as a material, and grade beams and foundations. This course is designed to equip you with the knowledge necessary to tackle real-world challenges. Learn how to evaluate structural components, make informed design decisions, and apply industry standards to ensure safety, stability, and efficiency.  

• Key concepts of site utilities, including water, sewer, and drainage systems.
• Best practices for planning and performing earthwork, such as excavation, soil compaction, and grading.
• Detailed overview of foundation systems, including shallow and deep foundations.
• How to analyze and interpret soil reports to guide foundational decisions.
• Methods for ensuring site safety and compliance with construction codes and standards.
• Techniques for coordinating utility installations with other site development activities.
• Insights into sustainable site development to minimize environmental impact.

Strengthen your understanding of building structures with this course, part of the Construction Fundamentals course series. You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of structural systems, including techniques and best practices for design and evaluation. Learn how to assess structural components, make informed design decisions, and apply industry standards to ensure safety, stability, and efficiency.

• Understand how structural systems support and distribute loads.
• Key concepts of material properties, such as strength, durability, and load-bearing capacities.  
• Techniques for assessing structural stability and identifying potential risks.  
• How to interpret structural drawings and effectively communicate with engineers and construction teams.  
• The principles of sustainable building practices to optimize performance and reduce environmental impact.  
• Real-world applications of structural codes and regulations for safety and compliance. 

Enhance your construction expertise by mastering the critical element of building enclosures. This course, part of the Construction Fundamentals course series, teaches you how to design and construct durable, energy-efficient building enclosures that maintain structural integrity, comfort, and environmental control. You’ll learn about key components like exterior walls, cladding systems, roofing, and curtain walls, along with strategies for moisture and thermal control.

• Understanding the primary functions and components of building enclosures (walls, roofs, foundations).
• Controlling thermal, moisture, and air flow to improve energy efficiency.
• Selecting appropriate materials based on climate, budget, and building use.
• Identifying and addressing common issues like moisture intrusion and thermal bridging.
• Implementing sustainable practices to reduce environmental impact.
• Collaborating effectively with professionals to optimize building enclosure performance.

This course focuses on the detailed work that brings a project to completion, emphasizing both interior finishes and site components for buildings, the fourth course of the Construction Fundamentals course series. You will learn about the different types of walls and interior partitions, the sequence of building interior partitions, different types of drywall and drywall finishes, the construction sequence for finishes, different options for paint, flooring, ceilings, and casework, and the sequence for installing specialties and furniture options. You will also learn valuable information about variables to consider when designing asphalt paving, construction sequences for curb, gutter, and asphalt paving, hardscape options including paths, drives and walls, construction sequencing for landscaping, and other items to complete the site work.

• Overview of Building Interiors and Finish Processes: Learn about the intricate steps involved in completing building interiors, from drywall installation to painting, millwork, and flooring.
• Site Finishing Components and Landscaping: Understand the principles of exterior site work, including paving, hardscapes, landscaping, and site furniture installation.
• Material Selection and Application: Explore the variety of materials used in finishes, their properties, and their best applications to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal.
• Coordination and Communication Skills: Master the techniques needed to communicate effectively with design, construction, and subcontractor teams to execute finishing phases seamlessly.
• Quality Assurance and Inspection Standards: Gain expertise in assessing project quality, ensuring compliance with design specifications, and performing final inspections.
• Budgeting and Scheduling for Finishes: Learn to manage budgets and timelines specific to the finishing phases of a construction project.

Understanding MEP systems is a critical foundation for the success of any construction or design project. This is the fifth course of our Construction Fundamentals course series. This course introduces the essentials of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems—crucial elements that ensure building functionality, energy efficiency, and structural safety. You will learn about thermal comfort, indoor air quality, the types and major components of a mechanical system, the purpose of HVAC controls, how plumbing systems function, domestic water, drain, waste and vent lines, common electrical terminology, components of the electrical distribution system, emergency and standby power. Whether you're new to the industry or seeking to deepen your knowledge, this course covers key concepts and practices used in the design and construction of modern buildings. 

• Mechanical Systems: Discover the fundamentals of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) and how these systems contribute to occupant comfort and building performance.  
• Electrical Systems: Explore the components of building electrical systems, including power distribution, lighting, and low voltage systems such as AV, telecom, and data.  
• Plumbing Systems: Learn the principles of water supply, drainage, and waste systems and their role in maintaining hygiene and safety in buildings.  
• Design Coordination: Understand how MEP systems integrate within a project and the importance of designing for efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness 

This course, the final in the Construction Fundamentals course series, covers the critical startup, testing, and closeout phases of fire protection systems in building construction. You’ll learn to ensure fire suppression and alarm systems are designed, installed, and maintained according to industry standards. Key topics include wet-pipe and dry-pipe fire suppression systems, fire alarm components, life-safety requirements, and final MEP activities. By the end of the course, you’ll gain practical knowledge of compliance with fire safety codes and regulations.

• Designing and installing fire protection systems, including wet-pipe and dry-pipe suppression systems.
• Conducting startup, testing, and inspection of fire protection systems.
• Understanding fire safety regulations and ensuring compliance.
• Documenting system performance and ensuring quality assurance.
• Troubleshooting and resolving issues during system commissioning.
• Communicating effectively with engineers, inspectors, and stakeholders.