Best Construction Management Classes Near Me

What is Construction Management?

Construction management is a process that involves planning, coordinating, budgeting, and overseeing a construction project from its conception to completion. They work on a variety of projects, including roads, bridges, residential homes, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings. Construction Managers ensure projects adhere to budgetary constraints, are completed on schedule, satisfy all necessary quality standards, and are executed in a safe manner. In a way, Construction Managers are project leaders who are tasked with managing all elements of a construction project, from start to finish, to ensure the owner’s interests are protected and honored. 

The field of construction management traces back thousands of years to large-scale projects like the construction of the pyramids in Egypt and the Great Wall of China. During the Renaissance, construction projects grew in complexity and demanded a more organized approach from those involved. During the 1800s, the first construction management associations and educational programs were developed to satisfy the need for professionalism and oversight in this field. 

What Can You Do with Construction Management Training?

Learning construction management can pave the way toward a stable and dynamic career with good earning potential. Because of the integral the construction industry plays in the US economy, skilled Construction Managers are in-demand now and their job outlook is expected to grow in the near future at a faster pace than other professions. The following are just some of the many benefits of pursuing a career in this field:

• Because Construction Managers are needed in all parts of the US, these professionals can make a competitive salary, especially if they have a degree in this field.
• The skill set needed to succeed in construction management is versatile and transferable. Construction Managers have the opportunity to develop skills like problem-solving and clear communication, which are essential in many leadership roles. Additionally, skills like scheduling, project planning, and budgeting have applications in a range of professions in construction and beyond.
• Construction management training is a great way to learn how to build and shape innovative and sustainable environments.
• Those who have construction management training can eventually progress into roles that are less physically demanding and are more focused on strategic oversight. This can lead to a sustainable career path for many years.
• Working in construction management can provide an opportunity to network with others in this field and gain valuable knowledge and hands-on experience. 
• No two workdays are the same for a Construction Manager. These professionals may be involved with renovating an apartment building, designing a shopping mall or entertainment venue, constructing a water treatment plant, or creating a marine terminal. Some may focus their efforts on institutional construction projects such as universities, government buildings, or hospitals, whereas others may prefer working with historic renovation or green construction. 

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What Will I Learn in a Construction Management Class?

Before you enroll in formal construction management training, you may be curious about what to expect from your studies. Each course has its own focus, scope, and difficulty level, so it’s important to do a bit of research before enrolling to make sure the program you select is in line with your learning goals and professional needs. The following are a few common topics covered in construction management training:

• Project management skills are a must in construction management. These include how to plan and schedule projects, as well as oversee the production process and all who are involved with it.
• Coursework often includes training in supply chain management, which entails learning the flow of resources and materials for a construction project.
• It’s common to learn about different construction materials, techniques, and methods during coursework. 
• Students can expect to study cost estimation and budgeting so that they can provide clients with accurate cost estimations and ensure that expenses are kept in check at all stages of the construction process.
• Some coursework teaches students how to understand the legal side of the construction industry. Training includes reading and understanding specifications, contracts, and regulations.
• Technical training is another core in construction management coursework. It involves studying how to interpret construction plans, architectural graphics, or technical drawings. Some courses also teach students how to use project management or design software such as Trello or AutoCAD.
• Because safety is a constant consideration for Construction Managers, classes typically teach students safety procedures and regulations for construction sites.
• In addition to technical training, construction management classes also provide a way for students to develop essential soft skills they’ll need in a professional setting. These include clear communication, problem-solving, time management, leadership, critical thinking, and organization.

What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn Construction Management?

Four types of training are available in construction management: in-person, live online, self-directed, and on-demand. Read on to learn more about each type of coursework to determine which one is the right option for you.

In-person construction management training is generally considered the most engaging, interactive, and hands-on way to fully develop this skill set. Students attend training at a facility located in or near a major city. These centers provide all learners with computers that have the most current software and tools in construction and project management already installed and ready to use. Those enrolled benefit from learning alongside others in their cohort, which is a great way to build a sense of community while training and networking. All lessons are led by an expert instructor who’s there at every step of the learning process to share their industry knowledge and real-world training. Participants can ask questions at any point and receive immediate guidance. 

Live online construction management classes are a good alternative to in-person study and provide learners with many of the same educational benefits and live support options. Participants complete all their training remotely using a live teleconferencing platform like Zoom. In addition to benefiting from the real-time instruction provided by the expert instructor, learners also can ask questions as they arise and have them answered right away. They can even share their screen with the instructor (with permission) for more personalized support. Best of all, students don’t even have to leave the comfort of their own space to complete their studies, which means there’s no wasting time on a commute or money on parking, gas, and tolls. 

For learners who aren’t able to attend live construction management training, self-directed study is a popular alternative. In this type of coursework, participants complete their studies asynchronously by watching pre-recorded videos, lessons, and tutorials. Those who opt for self-directed training get to decide on their own how much time they want to spend on each subject they learn. They have the freedom to pause lessons, rewind, or even rewatch them in their entirety to facilitate note-taking and comprehension. In addition to in-class lessons, self-directed study also often includes supplementary educational and professional incentives like 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, final graded projects, and access to mentors and instructors for some components of training.

Another type of asynchronous construction management training is on-demand coursework. Educational platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer on-demand classes for learners at all levels, including those who are just getting started with construction management. Some of these classes can be completed in just an hour or two, whereas others are more comprehensive and require dozens of hours of self-paced training to complete. It’s up to the student to determine how they wish to space out their studies. Some learners may prefer to devote an entire weekend to learning to work with AutoCAD’s basic tools, whereas others may find it fits their schedule better to spread their training out over several weeks of after-work sessions. 

Choosing the Right Training Method for You 

Deciding which is the best construction management training format for you is a decision that depends on several subjective factors such as your scheduling availability and how you ultimately wish to apply your knowledge. For most learners, live training (either in-person or online) provides the greatest learning benefits. Students who opt for this type of training can ask questions freely and receive personalized feedback on their work. This pedagogical approach ensures that learners have the space and support necessary to master complex construction management topics in a supportive, interactive environment.

If you’re considering live study, it’s important to remember that you’ll have to be able to attend classes that take place at regularly scheduled intervals, often several times a week. If you work full-time or have personal commitments outside of the business day, this type of study may not be possible. Additionally, if you want to study in-person, you’ll need to have access to a car or some other form of reliable transportation and live relatively close to a training facility to attend classes.

Self-directed and on-demand construction management training programs are a good alternative to live study. The flexibility of asynchronous coursework allows each student to decide how long they want to spend on their training, how much time to devote to specific lessons, and where they wish to complete their coursework. Some learners may want to spend an entire weekend learning how to use AutoCAD, whereas others may find it fits their schedule better to space this training out over several weeks of after-work sessions. If asynchronous coursework seems like a good match for you, it’s important to keep in mind that the material you’ll be working with is pre-recorded, which means no instructor is leading classes. Often, self-directed classes provide learners with access to mentors or instructors for some portion of training such as in 1-on-1 mentoring sessions. However, to truly get the most out of this type of training, you should be a self-motivated learner capable of finding answers on your own when presented with challenging material. 

How Hard is It to Learn Construction Management?

Most learners will find that studying construction management is a challenging, albeit rewarding, process, one that requires a range of skills in leadership, budgeting, and project management. Successful Construction Managers must have training in many areas such as construction methods and materials, safety and building codes, cost estimation and budgeting, management, blueprint reading, and mechanical and electrical systems. In addition to hard skills like BIM and CAD software knowledge, these professionals also must have soft skills like adaptability, time management, leadership, and clear communication. Interpersonal skills like how to correspond with clients and subcontractors can take time and practice to master. 

While formal education is an essential component of learning construction management, those who hope to work professionally in this field will also need on-the-job learning. Although this requires additional time (often several years to complete an internship or apprenticeship), it provides hands-on experience in a real-world setting that is difficult to learn simply through coursework. Because the construction industry continues to evolve, those interested in working in construction management will need to be lifelong learners and stay current on emerging trends, techniques, technologies, and regulations. 

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Construction Management?

Each learner will encounter their own challenges as they study construction management. One of the most difficult components of learning this skill set is gaining all the necessary training, which includes technical knowledge, leadership and management training, and stakeholder management, each of which must be balanced with project planning and execution. Students of construction management will have to learn to develop a 3D mindset so they can visualize how building systems and components like electricity and plumbing fit into a 3D space. They also must spend time learning and staying current on safety regulations and building codes. Some learners experience challenges with specific construction-related skills such as blueprint reading or construction math. Others may experience more difficulty with the managerial aspects such as project planning, problem-solving, risk management, or team management.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Construction Management?

The timeframe needed to learn construction management varies significantly from one individual to the next and depends largely on the type of training they select, as well as their ultimate goals for learning this subject. The average learner will need to spend between several months to learn construction management basics, and several years to be ready to work independently as a Construction Manager. Attending live or self-paced courses is a great way to expedite the learning process and quickly learn construction management essentials. College study requires the longest time commitment; bachelor’s degrees take an average of four years to complete, and master’s programs in construction management will add another one to three years to this timeframe. Industry experience through apprenticeships or internships will require additional time.

Can I Learn Construction Management for Free Online?

Before you invest in formal construction management training, you may wonder if there are free resources online that can help you learn this subject. The following are just a few examples of free online construction management content that’s available for learners at all levels of proficiency:

• Alison has several free online courses available in construction management, including “Construction Safety and Health” and “Basics of Construction Project Management.”
• Udemy has several free construction management-related courses currently listed. Students can enroll in “Construction Management-What is Construction Management?” for general instruction or “Delivering the Perfect Construction Project” to focus on project delivery optimization.
• Oxford Home Study’s “Construction Management (Short Course)” and “Diploma in Construction Management” are beginner-friendly classes that provide learners with an overview of this field and the essential tools and skills needed to work as a Construction Manager.
• In Coursera’s Construction Management Specialization, participants study the entire process of construction management, beginning with initiation and planning.
• YouTube is a great resource for finding both short and long videos on a range of essential construction management concepts and skills. Because so much video content is available on this platform, learners can find answers to specific construction questions or find videos that explain particular construction-related skills.
• Noble Desktop provides learners with well-researched articles and blogs pertaining to construction project management and related subjects.

Free resources can be a great starting place when learning construction management because they provide a low-stakes way to learn basics. However, most learners (especially aspiring professionals) will eventually benefit more from structured training such as live study or self-directed coursework, which provides more in-depth training.

Industries & Professions That Use Construction Management

Construction management training has applications in many industries in the US:

• Construction management skills come in handy in the manufacturing industry for tasks like building and maintaining manufacturing facilities and incorporating new equipment and product lines.
• In the construction and infrastructure industry, construction management training is essential for building new structures and managing existing infrastructure, including bridges and roads.
• Another sector in which construction management training is useful is in government roles. Government agencies work with Construction Managers for many tasks, including building public facilities and managing national security-related construction projects.
• Construction Managers sometimes work with renewable energy projects, including managing and constructing solar farms or power plants.
• In real estate, construction management is useful for overseeing new building construction and ensuring existing structures are being properly renovated.

The following are some prospective career paths those with construction management training can pursue, as well as the corresponding job requirements and salary ranges:

• Project Managers are hired to oversee projects of all types and sizes, from conception to completion. This involves budgeting, quality control, and workplace management. US-based Project Managers make $86,000-$96,000 a year, according to Glassdoor.
• Field Engineers can be found onsite at construction projects. They ensure that project specifications and designs are being successfully implemented, inspect progress, and oversee field activities. They make a yearly salary of $116,000-$126,000.
• Construction Estimators are hired to review project plans and evaluate sites to offer accurate material cost estimates and project budgets. They also determine how much labor and equipment will cost. Construction Estimators in the US earn about $85,000-$95,000 annually.
• Construction Superintendents are in charge of monitoring the daily operations on construction sites. This includes performing scheduling-related tasks, satisfying safety and quality standards, and coordinating crews. They earn a yearly salary of $12,000-$130,000.
• Facility Managers draw from their construction management training to maintain and oversee facilities or buildings. In the US, these professionals earn $83,000-$93,000 annually.
• In the nonprofit sector, construction management training can assist with building community centers or building shelters that benefit everyone in the community. 

Construction Management Classes Near Me

If you’d like to study construction management, you can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to search for construction management courses close to home. Training options are available in project management and construction. Interested learners can also find construction management training options from VDCI. This nationally accredited educator provides self-directed coursework for learners at all levels. 

In the Construction Management Course Online, participants devote several weeks to exploring essential construction management terminology, tips, and tricks. This two-course series provides learners with an overview of the field of construction, various industry sectors, and project planning. By course completion, those enrolled will be familiar with phasing, document control, site logistics, scheduling, and contracts. All students receive 1-on-1 mentoring with tuition. 

VDCI also has Construction Management I available for those interested in learning the basics of managing construction projects. Coursework covers topics like project planning, delivery systems, and the tools necessary to succeed in construction. Construction Management II is also available from VDCI. Participants in this course build on the skills they learned in Construction Management I and explore intermediate-level skills like working with schedules, project plans, contracts, and cost estimation. Graduates of this program will leave with the real-world training necessary to manage site logistics, quality plans, and safety.

In NYIM Training’s Beginner AutoCAD program, learners become familiar with the skills needed to draw and modify technical and drafting drawings. Those enrolled in this introductory-level program explore how to scale drawings through viewports, insert blocks, use layers and templates, and make text. This program is available in-person in NYC and live online. A free course retake for a year is included with tuition.

AutoCAD instruction is also available from Ledet Training in its Autodesk AutoCAD 201—Professional Layout Techniques program. This two-day class is a great way to learn how to use AutoCAD to efficiently create layouts, work with layers and templates, create advanced objects, and publish work. Ledet Training facilities are located in many major US cities for in-person training.

Construction Management Corporate Training

Would construction management training be a valuable skill set for your employees? If so, VDCI can help. VDCI has corporate and onsite construction management training courses for learners at all levels, including those with no prior experience in this field. Training options focus on project management-related tasks. It’s up to you whether to provide training for some or all of your employees. VDCI offers bulk vouchers for a discounted price to its regular group enrollment classes. You can also work with VDCI to customize the training options it provides your employees. VDCI can come directly to your workplace, conduct training live online, or facilitate sessions in-person.

If you’d like to learn more about the exciting corporate training options in construction management that VDCI has available, don’t hesitate to contact VDCI for additional information.