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Blueprint Reading for General Contractors

Blueprint Reading for General Contractors

This course is suitable for beginners and professionals both. Learn from a licensed architect about drawing types, scale and the relationships between drawings. You will learn how to read and understand a set of blueprint construction drawings. The course materials are from a nationally accredited institution discussing real-world projects. There are separate courses for residential and commercial drawings.

Course Components

  • Blueprint Reading Basics
  • Title Sheets
  • Floor Plans
  • Cover Sheet & Floor Plans
  • Elevations, Sections & Schedules
  • Wall Sections & Details
  • Building Sections
  • Structural Drawings
  • Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing
  • Architectural Site Plans
  • Interior Elevations
  • Roof Plans
  • Details, Schedules, & Electrical
  • Enlarged Drawings & Occupancy/Egress
  • Interior Design & Civil
  • Technology & Project Specifications 

This course is designed for professionals working in the construction and design industries, including:

General Contractor Offices

  • General Contractors
  • Project Managers
  • Foremen
  • Office Coordinators
  • Office Managers

Design and Build Firms

  • Designer Consultants
  • Interior Designers
  • Architectural Designers
  • Customer Relationship Managers
  • Production Assistants

Home Renovations Businesses

  • Project Directors
  • Project Managers
  • Foremen
  • Office Coordinators
  • Office Managers

The course content is tailored to provide valuable insights and practical skills for individuals in these roles, enabling them to excel in their respective fields and contribute to the success of their organizations.

 

ROI of Employee Training

The ability to accurately interpret and analyze construction blueprints is a critical skill, though the degree of importance may vary depending on one’s specific role within the organization. However, having a comprehensive understanding of these technical documents can be advantageous across various positions, as it allows for a more thorough review and validation of the project specifications.

This skillset can be particularly valuable when offering Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) contracts to clients. In this contractual arrangement, the guaranteed maximum price represents the upper limit of the project cost for the customer. While appealing to clients, such contracts can be challenging for the General Contractor (GC) to manage effectively, as they must ensure that the project is delivered within the agreed-upon budget.

Proficiency in construction estimating can be a compelling selling proposition for GCs, as it demonstrates their ability to accurately forecast and control project costs. This expertise can help the GC effectively manage and deliver on GMP contracts, providing clients with the assurance that the project will be completed within the guaranteed maximum price.

By emphasizing the importance of blueprint reading and construction estimating, organizations can differentiate themselves in the market and showcase their commitment to delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions for their clients.

“Hire for attitude, train for skill.”

VDCI Course Offerings

By partnering with VDCI, a nationally accredited institution, organizations can provide their employees with a comprehensive blueprint reading course, developed and delivered by experienced industry professionals. This course includes interactive quizzes and skill evaluations, which can be accessed and monitored by the designated administrator to assess the employee’s progress and comprehension of the material.

Customized Learning Portal

In addition to the course content, VDCI offers each client organization a customized Learning Portal, which can be branded with the company’s colors, logos, and imagery. This seamlessly integrated platform will provide employees with a familiar and professional learning environment, effectively extending the company’s digital presence and branding.

The combination of high-quality course content and the customized Learning Portal can deliver several key benefits to our client organizations:

  1. Improved Employee Morale: By providing employees with a tailored and branded learning experience, organizations can foster a sense of belonging and investment, ultimately boosting morale and engagement and reducing turnover.
  2. Enhanced Professionalism: The seamless integration of the VDCI Learning Portal into the company’s digital ecosystem can contribute to a more polished and professional image.
  3. Efficient Training and Development: The comprehensive blueprint reading course and assessment tools enable organizations to efficiently upskill their workforce, ensuring that employees are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in their roles.

By partnering with VDCI, our clients can leverage these valuable resources to support the professional development of their employees and enhance the overall capabilities and competitiveness of their organization.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

Ongoing training ensures your employees are proficient in utilizing the newest software and applications relevant to your construction projects. This allows your organization to adapt quickly to evolving industry standards and best practices.

Boosting Productivity and Efficiency

Mastering the latest software tools empowers your team to work more productively and efficiently, streamlining workflows and reducing costly delays or errors.

Gaining a Competitive Advantage

By equipping your employees with cutting-edge skills, you can differentiate your construction business and demonstrate your commitment to leveraging the most advanced technologies available.

Training Existing Employees vs Hiring New Employees

Hiring and retaining skilled and reliable employees is a critical aspect of running a successful business. While it may be tempting to seek out individuals who already possess all the necessary skills and knowledge, this approach can often be challenging and time-consuming.

In many cases, it can be more efficient and effective to focus on finding reliable and adaptable individuals, and then providing them with the necessary training and development opportunities. This approach allows employers to mold and shape the employee’s skills and knowledge to align with the specific needs of the organization, rather than relying on a potentially limited set of pre-existing qualifications.

Employers often encounter situations where job applicants overstate their qualifications and abilities. Even in the best-case scenarios, the expectations of employers may not always align with the actual skills and capabilities of new hires. To address this challenge, businesses can benefit from implementing a standardized training approach. This ensures that employees possess the necessary skills and competencies required for their roles, regardless of their initial claims during the hiring process.

By establishing a consistent training methodology, business owners can have greater confidence that their new hires possess the essential skills and knowledge needed to perform their duties effectively. This proactive approach helps to bridge any gaps between the perceived and actual abilities of employees, leading to a more productive and efficient workforce.

By investing in the training and development of their workforce, employers can cultivate a team well-equipped to contribute to the overall success of the business. This strategy not only builds a strong workforce but also fosters a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees, as they feel valued and supported in their professional growth.

If you have more questions about how VDCI can help you achieve your business goals, please reach out to us at partnerships@vdci.edu