Best BIM Classes in Phoenix

What is BIM?

Commonly used in building projects, Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers streamlined processes and digital tools for managing the informational side of buildings. BIM relies on intelligent models stored in a cloud system to holistically compile multi-disciplinary data related to built assets. For example, a BIM model can store scaled geometric data, material properties, schedules, cost estimates, energy performance details, manufacturing information, maintenance demands, clash detection data, and more.

First surfacing in the 2000s, BIM transformed the construction industry by replacing old-fashioned 2D design procedures with more advanced 3D (and 4D) modeling. BIM models differ from simpler CAD designs in their comprehensive nature, storing elaborate information about all elements of a structure. As a result, BIM is now considered standard practice in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) field.

BIM Classes Near Me

The focused instruction you receive in a BIM class will help you gain skills and experience more quickly. Catering to a variety of preferences and experience levels, Phoenix boasts a wide selection of courses including online, onsite, and self-directed training. Additionally, options range significantly in terms of focus and length, with shorter classes often honing in on basics while longer courses provide comprehensive coverage for aspiring professionals.

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If you’re committed to getting a comprehensive education but want to retain autonomy around your educational goals and schedule, consider participating in a self-paced course at the Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI). While remaining entirely self-directed, their part-time CAD/BIM Certificate Program provides 1-on-1 mentorship and practical activities that can help you prepare for a BIM career. Using software provided by the school to complete real-world projects, you’ll learn Revit and AutoCAD skills that enable you to model, draft, and organize precision technical drawings and construction documents. Additionally, the class includes training on how to optimize your workflow, meet industry standards, and coordinate complex projects.

Through the same school, you can also access training bundles that include several courses on a subject. As one example, the Revit Fundamentals Course Bundle includes two beginner-friendly courses covering groundwork concepts from Revit and BIM. In this program, you can advance from novice to intermediate level as you complete activities focused on skills such as 2D and 3D modeling, project scheduling, and documentation. Once you’ve mastered these skills, you’ll begin exploring more challenging subjects such as cost estimation, BIM project management, and customizing your building components and materials. The training also includes workflow strategies for improving safety, accuracy, and efficiency.

If you’re an established professional who wants to qualify for higher-paying MEP jobs, VDCI’s Revit MEP Certification Training Bundle can help you earn an industry-recognized credential. The program includes hands-on Revit training geared toward mechanical, plumbing, and structural engineering projects. In addition to gaining technical Revit proficiency, this program will teach you how to use Navisworks to increase the safety and functionality of your MEP systems. Using both software tools and BIM techniques, you’ll practice coordinating with others, documenting your projects, and detecting system clashes. With the skills gained from this course, you can earn a better score on the Autodesk certification exam.

Phoenix residents who are interested in in-person or live online BIM training can also participate in classes at NetCom Learning. The short courses available through this school focus on specific software tools as well as AEC niches such as BIM, architecture, MEP, and interior design. For example, their Autodesk BIM 360: Fundamentals for Docs, Glue, Build course offers a straightforward introduction to the Autodesk BIM 360 Docs software along with how to apply BIM concepts to this tool. Beginners with no experience can learn BIM workflow processes including skills like project management, identifying system clashes, and consolidating models. In addition, students explore strategies for communication and collaboration that are vital to success in BIM.

The Arizona Builders Alliance also offers a Building Information Modeling Education Program that’s available on-location in Tempe, AZ. Aimed at enhancing efficiency and costs associated with building projects, the program features a curriculum created by industry professionals, ensuring that learners receive the most up-to-date information. This interactive program is split into four courses emphasizing BIM basics, relevant technology, project execution planning, and finally, BIM workflow implementation and ROI. After completing all four courses included in this program, learners can participate in an exam to earn a state-recognized Certificate of Management—Building Information Modeling (CM-BIM).

Other training options are available through schools such as Ed2Go, ONLC Training Centers, Central Arizona College, The Knowledge Academy, DDSCAD, Certstaffix Training, Arizona State University, Ledet Training, 3D Training, Business Computer Skills, and NobleProg.

What Can You Do with BIM Training?

Through BIM, it’s possible to build an AEC career around design development, construction planning, cost estimation, facility management, or construction management. This skill set is also relevant to amateur builders, however, and can be put toward a variety of projects, including:

• Clash detection for building systems (such as HVAC and electrical).
• Cost estimation (including budget as well as time, risks, material quantities, and measurements).
• Custom furniture design.
• Data storage and security for multi-disciplinary building projects.
• Efficient space allocation and analysis.
• Home renovation planning (including sustainable home improvements such as energy performance modifications, solar panel installation, natural ventilation, and green roofing).
• Maintenance planning.
• Property and real estate development (small-scale).

What Will I Learn in a BIM Class?

BIM classes provide students with collaborative and information-based modeling skills needed to complete high-quality AEC projects. Different classes offer varying levels of detail, with some classes covering many skills and others covering just a few.

In a BIM class, students can get training in the following areas:

• 3D Modeling: using BIM and CAD modeling software to create accurate visual representations of structures.
• Construction Estimating: pre-determining expected costs for construction projects.
• Clash Detection: finding and fixing conflicts between building elements and systems.
• BIM Project Workflow: streamlined practices for increasing productivity and maintaining standards in building projects.
• BIM Standards and Regulations: ensuring that completed projects meet industry expectations and legal requirements.
• Secure Data Sharing: using digital tools to work collaboratively with team members and clients.
• Sustainability Analysis: assessing the energy performance and environmental effects of building projects.
• Documentation: keeping records of project stages for later use in troubleshooting and legal proceedings.

Students preparing for careers can also use BIM classes to acquire a range of other AEC industry skills, including architectural design, engineering, construction management, blueprint reading, and safety.

What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn BIM?

With many different styles of BIM classes available today, it’s not difficult to personalize your training.

In-person BIM Training

Through onsite BIM classes, students receive interactive training that involves face-to-face interactions, allowing students to easily get help from teachers and make friends with peers. These classes take place in a dedicated classroom and often provide free access to tools and equipment.

Live Online BIM Training

To recreate the interactivity common in in-person classes without requiring students to be present in a classroom, live online classes look to video conferencing tools. Through this avenue, students can receive real-time instruction (complete with socializing and question sessions) from any location with Wi-Fi.

On-Demand BIM Training

Through on-demand (or asynchronous) classes, students swap live instruction for pre-recorded content that makes it possible to learn when and where they want. Rather than interacting with an instructor, students learn from readings, practice prompts, video and audio lectures, and tutorials. On-demand classes are accessible through platforms like Skillshare, Udemy, Autodesk, ONLC Training Centers, and Coursera.

Self-directed BIM Training

Self-directed BIM courses offer a unique training experience that includes features from both on-demand and live online styles. While working towards self-selected goals and deadlines, students in self-directed classes have access to live instructor support along with perks such as job support.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

Comparing the pros and cons examined in-depth below is the quickest way for students to figure out which training style is best poised to fulfill their needs.

In-person BIM classes feature numerous perks, the number one being live, face-to-face instruction. Participants in these courses will benefit from live instructor support, demonstrations, and group activities. Students who have the means to travel to a location for scheduled classes will enjoy this style of training.

Live online classes include the same benefits as in-person classes while removing the need for travel. As a result, students can learn the same material in less time. In order to facilitate real-time class meetings, live online programs necessitate a high-speed internet connection. These classes can also present challenges for students struggling with attention or photosensitivity.

Though highly flexible, on-demand training also comes with numerous drawbacks. Instructor support is in short supply and students will be limited to beginner topics. However, amateur students who don’t need thorough professional experience can save money and time by choosing this class style.

Outshining on-demand classes in most respects, self-directed courses offer unscheduled flexibility supplemented by the benefits of live training. Aspiring professionals can enjoy in-depth training that includes professional experience and career resources. While benefiting from live instructor support, students don’t need to worry about attending live classes.

How Hard is It to Learn BIM?

The difficulty of learning BIM is different for everyone and is as much influenced by your learning style as it is by experience (with AEC, CAD tools, 3D visualization, and project management). That said, BIM is an advanced approach that includes many methods and tools. As a result, those who are BIM proficient typically agree that it’s easier to learn the basics than it is to navigate the steep learning curve to professional expertise.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning BIM?

The most common stumbling blocks for BIM students include the following:

• Steep Learning Curve: Novices may find BIM’s learning curve formidable, particularly without the help of a live instructor.
• Parametric Design: Newcomers may struggle to learn how to create models that meet specific requirements without losing their functionality.
• Data Management: With immense quantities of information stored within BIM models, students may struggle to organize and keep track of data.
• Technical Mastery: BIM incorporates many technical skills (such as 3D modeling software) that each have unique learning curves.
• Coordination: Some are overwhelmed by the work required to coordinate collaborative projects, a task that demands soft skills like communication and time management.

How Long Does It Take to Learn BIM?

Gaining foundational BIM skills takes an average of three to six months, but it can take over a year to learn advanced BIM skills in preparation for a career. This additional year allows aspiring professionals to master a more comprehensive skill set and gain necessary experience.

Learning timelines are also influenced by factors like experience and learning style. For instance, complete beginners generally take six months to learn the basics, while those with AEC or design experience can condense the same skills into three months. Similarly, experienced learners may be able to condense their professional training into six months.

Can I Learn BIM for Free Online?

Without spending a dime, beginners can start learning BIM basics through the internet. However, free BIM resources don’t include advanced training and can’t provide professional experience. Options include:

• Educational blogs (like this one).
• BIM video tutorials and lectures (popularly found on YouTube).
• Free seminars (find them at vocational school websites).

What Should I Learn Alongside BIM?

BIM can be used to fulfill a variety of goals depending on which skills you learn with it. For example, when combined with math and finance skills, BIM can be used to estimate project costs. Alternatively, BIM can be combined with interior design skills to perform aesthetic and functional home renovations.

Here are high-demand skills frequently paired with BIM:

• BIM software skills (such as AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, and SolidWorks).
• Technical drawing, drafting, 3D modeling, and/or CAD design.
• Construction or architecture.
• Building codes and standards.
• Real estate and property management.
• Engineering (including civil, structural, and mechanical engineering).
• Structural design and/or analysis.
• MEP systems.
• Welding.
• Interior design.
• Design software (such as Photoshop and Illustrator).
• Design theory.
• Furniture-making.
• Mathematics and finance.
• Programming.
• Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI).
• Robotics.
• Data management.
• Project management (including construction management).
• Business and digital marketing.
• Real estate and property development.
• Soft skills (such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and communication).

Industries That Use BIM

BIM concepts increase safety and efficiency for numerous industries, including construction and architecture. In Phoenix, BIM is a key part of building projects undertaken by major industries like aerospace, defense, and business as well as smaller sectors such as electrical and electronics.

Electrical and Electronics

Phoenix isn’t necessarily renowned for its electrical industry, but residents rely on professionals in this field to preserve safety and quality of life. In addition to creating smaller electronic devices, the local electronics industry provides the city with critical systems that provide plumbing, air-conditioning, and fire protection. While designing, building, and maintaining these systems, electrical professionals often use BIM skills to generate 3D models, document their projects, and evaluate safety.

Aerospace and Defense Manufacturing

During the construction of manufacturing facilities, vehicle interiors, and other large projects, BIM enables the manufacturing industry to create complex 3D models for prototyping and collaborative production. Phoenix has a solid network of military and aerospace companies that enable the city to provide more aerospace manufacturing jobs than most American cities. The region’s biggest employers include start-ups (like Gulfstream), legacy companies (like Lockheed Martin), and military bases (like Luke Air Force Base). Each day, professionals across the industry support Phoenix in building semiconductors, electronics, airplane parts, machines, and weapons.

Commerce and Business

Thanks to Phoenix’s low operating costs and sizable talent pool, the city is a popular business location. This popularity will only increase over time as investments continue to rise by 83% per quarter. Phoenix’s varied business market includes start-ups such as GoDaddy, chain stores like PetSmart and Sprouts Farmers Market, and Fortune 500 companies such as Avnet. Many of these businesses need commercial facilities, where BIM is commonly used for energy evaluation, maintenance, and space optimization.

BIM Job Titles and Salaries

BIM is featured most often in AEC careers that involve building, drafting, and modeling, among other skills. For their services, most BIM professionals earn $18,000 higher than the US salary average.

BIM/CAD Drafter

BIM and CAD Drafters create blueprints and technical drawings with computer-aided design (CAD) software. They earn an average annual salary of roughly $54,000 to $70,000 in Phoenix.

BIM Modeler

With computer-aided design software, CAD Designers and BIM Modelers produce technical drawings and models for many purposes, including product design and construction. This role earns a salary averaging around $61,000 to $82,000.

BIM Architect

The Architect career focuses on planning and overseeing the construction of large structures such as buildings. These professionals differ from Engineers in their attention given to aesthetics (not just functionality). The average local salary is about $92,000 to $132,000.

BIM Manager

Relying on project management methodologies, BIM, and leadership, BIM Managers oversee complicated drafting and construction projects. This career promises salaries averaging around $84,000 to $105,000 annually.

BIM Corporate Training

Through corporate BIM training, companies can offer employees high-quality instruction in a range of BIM topics, increasing productivity and accuracy in the process. VDCI has corporate training options that can help companies raise their teams’ skill levels both online and onsite at the company workspace.

By gifting team members course vouchers, companies can also provide workers with the freedom to personalize their training even more. This option also saves companies money when employers take advantage of group voucher discounts. Access more info about corporate BIM training opportunities by sending VDCI an email.