Best BIM Classes in Chicago

What is BIM?

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a relatively new concept that was first conceived by computing experts in 1962. Serious expansion of this theory continued through the 1970s and up to the 2000s, with persistent refinement helping to make BIM a standard operating procedure for construction experts worldwide. BIM contributors include multiple international players, such as the United States of America, Western Europe, and the original Soviet Union. 

But what is BIM? Put simply, it is an approach centered around generating and managing digital models of buildings, physical assets, industrial facilities, and compounds using software design tools. It uses holistic design concepts to digitally craft a project from early planning stages all the way to construction. This complex and multi-disciplinary approach is popular in Chicago building industries, and learning it can help contractors from many markets expand their business.

BIM Classes in Chicago

As one of the biggest cities in the nation, Chicago offers multiple high-quality educational opportunities for people interested in mastering BIM. These include in-person and online courses that reinforce skills and prepare learners for rewarding careers. The two schools and three programs below are all worth pursuing, depending on time, budget, and learning style.

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VDCI

VDCI offers nationally accredited programs in various construction-related markets and fields. These include AutoCAD, Revit, blueprint reading, Civil 3D, SketchUp, BIM, construction, and interior design. Over the years, they’ve steadily built a reputation for excellence and provide fantastic training that learners in and around Chicago can use to develop their careers.

BIM Certificate Program

BIM Certificate Program includes 290 hours of hands-on instruction, project-based training from real professionals, quizzes that build upon previously mastered skills, digital completion certificates, real-world examples, and 1-on-1 mentoring. Students pay $5,660 (in a lump sum or installments) to master complex BIM-related skills and prepare for an unforgettable new job.

CAD/BIM Certificate Program

CAD/BIM Certificate Program costs around $7,750 but offers 400 hours of hands-on instruction from real BIM experts who understand this market intuitively. With real-world projects, high-quality quizzes, graded tests, and 1-on-1 mentoring outside of the class, learners can master BIM in style and walk away ready to either look for a job or find more advanced training.

Southwestern Illinois College

Southwestern Illinois College is an in-person school in Chicago that offers multiple programs throughout several divisions. These include business, math, science, health science, homeland security, technical education, arts and humanities, office administration, welding, massage therapy, and performing arts. Thankfully, students can earn college degrees from this institution.

Building Information Modeling 

Building Information Modeling is a certificate-based program that helps students learn how to plan the pre-construction and construction phases of building projects with 3D modeling software. Classes in this program focus on computer applications, such as Arch3D, to help learners gain confidence. Note: This is only a six-credit program, not a full college degree.

What Can You Do with BIM Training?

Most people learning BIM in Chicago likely either already work in construction industries or plan on transitioning to a job in a related market. However, even happily employed people can use BIM in their day-to-day lives! While they might not use these design concepts daily, understanding their fundamental theories and practical uses can help them handle small-scale personal projects. Just a few ways learners can use BIM skills in Chicago include:

• Home Renovation: Understanding BIM theories and digital design tools opens up a new world of 3D modeling to homeowners! They can intricately plan small and even large renovation projects, including floor plans, natural lighting, and material estimates. 
• Custom Furniture Design: Homeowners looking to change their furniture arrangements can use BIM concepts to carefully lay out more interesting and attractive floor plans for their homes. They can even design DIY furniture using 3D modeling tools!
• Property Development Projects: Home or even business owners looking to develop their property can use BIM skills to create accurate site models, test building configurations, analyze solar exposure and energy efficiency, and much more. 

What Will I Learn in a BIM Class?

Windy City students in an intensive BIM bootcamp will learn multiple beneficial skills that help prepare them for exciting and rewarding careers. For example, they’ll study critical design theories and concepts, such as fundamental construction laws and layout guidelines. While it helps to know some of these things before taking a BIM program, bootcamps provide a comprehensive education that immerses learners in these concepts to improve their mastery. 

Other skills Chicago students might master in a BIM course include:

• Software: BIM specialists must know essential 3D modeling software tools, like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Revit, to create detailed designs using BIM concepts.
• Cloud Collaboration: Working together on the cloud helps BIM designers craft high-quality projects from beginning to end to ensure excellent results.
• Data Management: Understanding things like augmented reality, virtual reality, databases, and data analysis can help BIM specialists make better design decisions. 
• Presentation: BIM experts often present their models to customers or stakeholders and must master basic presentation skills, including creating slideshows. 
• Communication and Coordination: Most building projects require multiple BIM specialists working together tightly to communicate guidelines and expectations.

What Kinds of Training Options are Available to Learn BIM?

Chicago offers BIM classes in two principal formats: in-person and online. Internet-based sessions include three subclasses as well: live online, on-demand, and self-directed. In-person courses occur in a physical classroom and pair students with a skilled professor who profoundly understands BIM theories and design concepts. This specialist provides hands-on exercises, quizzes, and final exams to help students more deeply understand this complex topic.

By contrast, live online programs take place virtually but include real-time sessions shared through streamed video. Students can easily interact with their professors, master various BIM concepts, and even meet new peers, all from the comfort of their homes! These programs require attendance at specific times, which emulates a traditional learning method that may feel comfortable for Chicago learners. Students typically also receive benefits like 1-on-1 mentoring.

Those who can’t attend live online classes due to scheduling conflicts may prefer on-demand programs instead. These asynchronous courses include well-designed videos, exercises, quizzes, and projects that students can complete at whatever pace they want. For example, some might finish them in a few days, while others dig into the material for weeks at a time. These work well for those hustling Chicago residents who don’t have 6-8 hours to study daily.

Finally, learners can choose self-directed programs that combine elements of live online and on-demand educational models. Their structure mimics on-demand classes, meaning students can study at their own pace and comfort. However, they also get paired with a more hands-on professor or mentor who can answer their questions and keep them on the right path. In this way, they’ll feel more supported through their learning and more confident in their training.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

Each training method mentioned above has pros and cons that make it worth trying for Chicago learners. For example, in-person education offers far more hands-on and personalized training that helps students master their skills more efficiently. Even better, learners get access to computers and BIM software without having to buy them themselves. However, these programs typically cost more money and require attendees to drive through difficult Chicago traffic: no fun.

Thankfully, live online courses cut out the in-person attendance requirement, meaning learners can study wherever they want. These programs typically cost less money, too, while still providing benefits like video suites, 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, and project-based learning that help students succeed and thrive. That said, learners must attend specific sessions and have to buy BIM-related software, which might make these classes a little more expensive to take.

Learners who can’t attend in-person or live online courses due to scheduling conflicts do well with on-demand sessions. Rather than having to go at specific times, students can complete classes at their preferred speed. Even better, they can complete lessons around their work and personal schedule to avoid being overburdened. Unfortunately, most programs like these rarely get teacher support, meaning confusing BIM concepts might get missed or ignored by learners. 

Lastly, self-directed classes use the on-demand self-paced learning style but pair attendees with a mentor or teacher. While they’re not as present as in live online sessions, they can still answer questions, assess a student’s work, and provide feedback. That’s a huge benefit for busy students who still want a little extra help from someone who knows what they’re doing. Unfortunately, these courses do cost a little more than on-demand due to the teacher. 

How Hard is it to Learn BIM?

Mastering BIM is difficult because it’s a comprehensive scope of concepts tied together. For instance, students aren’t just studying design software but also working heavily on mastering things like complex design laws and even physical structure tolerance guidelines. Knowing all this information requires a lot of work but, thankfully, isn’t impossible to master! Regular study alongside high-quality projects can streamline this process and provide great end results. 

What are the most challenging parts of learning BIM?

The most challenging part about learning BIM lies in bringing together all the complex theories, rules, and guidelines that dictate it. For example, students must not only study topics like design theory but also master holistic layouts, learn 3D modeling tools, and much more. Bootcamps do help with this process by providing a hands-on way of learning. However, it’s up to the student to synthesize all these skills properly through regular practice and studying after graduating.

How Long Does it Take to Learn BIM?

Students fascinated by BIM should take between 2-3 months to start making basic models using 3D software. They’ll not only know how to craft these models but feel comfortable experimenting with designs and concepts. However, it might take up to 12 months to become professionally competent with BIM. That’s why it’s so critical to do work after a bootcamp! While these comprehensive courses are a blessing, learners must put in the study hours to master BIM.

Can I Learn BIM Free Online?

Chicago learners might find seminars, YouTube videos, and other free resources that promise comprehensive BIM learning experiences. However, these tools work best as compliments to a full-time training program, not the main course. Put simply, they don’t offer the full experience because they’re designed more as supplemental assistance. As a result, students shouldn’t use free resources as the only tools for mastering BIM and its unique, comprehensive scope.

What Should I Learn Alongside BIM?

Anyone interested in mastering BIM should also understand software tools like ArchiCAD to help them produce attractive, appealing work. Basic networking knowledge may also help these learners by making it easier for them to share information online. Often, BIM designers use the cloud to share intricate blueprints, floor plans, and other items with contractors across the nation. In this way, they can collaborate effectively in a multi-state, remote work environment.

They should also understand things like virtual planning, development technology, clash locations, plan conflicts, outside accomplices, troubleshooting, BIM deliverables, quality control, computerized twin innovation, cloud-based tools, machine learning, AI, and VDC (virtual plan and development processes) when studying BIM and its related fields. Mastering these complex and interrelated disciplines will help Chicago residents more easily find a rewarding job.

Industries that Use BIM

Chicago’s working-class reputation is well deserved. In recent years, however, the city has diversified its industries by bringing in tech-related markets. This fusion has led to an interesting blend of traditional construction fields that form the region’s background with high-tech elements, including 3D modeling and BIM. As a result, there are multiple areas where people can use their BIM skills after finishing their training. These include massive industries like:

• Architecture: Throughout Chicago, architecture companies like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, Burns and Beyerl Architects, Studio Gang, FitzGerald Associates Architecture, and Goettsch Partners need BIM experts to produce consistent, high-quality work.
• Engineering: The Windy City offers career opportunities for BIM experts in many engineering firms, such as Gannett Fleming, Patrick Engineering, Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Collins Engineers, Bloom Companies, and Globetrotters Engineering.
• Construction Management: Companies like R2 Property Management, Inquse General Contractor, PYZ Construction, LCH General Construction, Senshi Construction, and The Growth Studio need BIM experts in the Chicago region to provide high-quality work. 
• Facility Management: Facility management companies, like SMS Assist, Cohesion, Wizard Software Solutions, GaiaTech Holdings, SPAAN Tech, and Gads Hill Center offer Chicago-area BIM specialists the chance to find rewarding and fascinating employment.

BIM Job Titles and Salaries

Most people learning BIM in the Windy City are looking to improve their career opportunities and stand out compared to others in their field. Thankfully, Chitown offers some excellent BIM-related jobs in the construction industry that offer high earnings and the chance to progress quickly and efficiently. Here are a few that residents can consider trying out after training:

• BIM Coordinator: A BIM Coordinator works on complex drafting projects related to architecture and construction. They’ll use BIM concepts and 3D design tools to create high-quality work. They earn around $94,000 annually, though that varies by region.
• BIM Manager: As a BIM Manager, students will use these powerful concepts and tools to oversee large drafting projects, similar to a coordinator but more hands-on with the work. Salaries include an $83,000 national average (which is the same in Chicago).
• Construction Estimator: Working as a Construction Estimator requires using BIM concepts and other tools to estimate a project’s total cost, including material and labor expenses. The US averages an $81,000 salary, with a $91,000 median in Chicago.
• Civil 3D Coordinator: Anyone working as a Civil 3D Coordinator coordinates complex projects using administrative, communication, data management, research, and scheduling tools. They earn a consistent salary that varies based on the region.

BIM Corporate Training

Some large contracting companies may need to train multiple individuals in BIM quickly but don’t want to spend thousands on each employee. Thankfully, VDCI offers corporate training options that pair high-quality virtual education with 1-on-1 support. Learners will not only work directly with their teacher but also get the chance to complete a skills portfolio showing off their results. When they’re done, they should feel comfortable transitioning to higher training fields. 

VDCI also offers bulk vouchers for discounted training that can help companies save money while educating large numbers of people quickly. Beyond these benefits, VDCI also offers completion certificates showing off their skills and even video suites that help make learning easier. Managers looking to teach their employees with VDCI can contact them by mailing partnerships@vdci.edu and setting up an appointment with a high-quality learning expert.