One of the most popular ways to learn construction is by enrolling in a bootcamp. Bootcamps are available from many top educators in the US through in-person and online programs. These beginner-friendly programs provide hands-on training in the small class environment and ensure students gain real-world training in a range of skills they’ll need to work on professional construction projects. Students can attend part-time and full-time programs in which they devote several weeks or months to intensive construction training.
This article will provide an overview of the field of construction, the career paths in which construction training is valuable, the types of training available, and the benefits of each form of study.
What is Construction?
Construction is a broad term that involves building systems, objects, or organizations. Building construction includes all activities on a site that involve assembling and erecting structures. This term also includes the planning, financing, and design initiatives required throughout the building process to ensure structures remain usable. In addition to the building phase, construction entails any maintenance-related repairs, expansion projects, demolition initiatives, or dismantling tasks.
There are four primary types of construction: residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure. Residential construction involves building single or multi-family dwellings for individuals and their families. Commercial construction entails building or renovating commercial structures such as warehouses, storage facilities, or office spaces that can be sold or leased. Industrial construction is the practice of building structures or premises like power plants, processing plants, factories, or warehouses that can be used for manufacturing-related tasks. Infrastructure construction is the act of building, renovating, and maintaining private or public structures like tunnels, water supply lines, railways, roads, and bridges.
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Why Learn Construction
Studying construction is a great opportunity for those who enjoy being outdoors or working with their hands to acquire the training necessary to pursue a range of dynamic, high-paying career paths. Construction jobs are an excellent alternative to desk jobs; these physically active roles promote fitness and health. Because construction projects are available at many locations, this career path provides professionals with geographical flexibility and the possibility of working in many settings or locations. Construction training also helps individuals develop problem-solving skills, which can be used in a variety of circumstances and situations outside the professional sector. Additionally, since construction projects often involve multiple team members or teams, training can provide learners with the collaborative skills and tools necessary to effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders.
Working on a construction project is a good opportunity to experience the sense of accomplishment and pride that corresponds with seeing a project through. Those who construct houses, bridges, tunnels, or factories can see firsthand the tangible results of their labors and take comfort in knowing that these structures will be used for many years. Since construction projects play an integral role in community development and maintenance, construction professionals know that the fruits of their efforts will have a positive impact on communities. Constructing hospitals, schools, or playgrounds improves the quality of life for those in the community and can provide a sense of fulfillment for every professional who contributes to the process.
In addition to its myriad professional uses in the construction industry, construction training also can help those in other fields perform a range of pragmatic tasks. Those studying construction can apply this knowledge to fields like engineering, architecture, and graphic design. Basic knowledge of the construction process, delivery methods and contacting types, building elements, safety, construction terminology, and sustainability practices can be an asset for anyone interested in exploring how to create structures or systems. Additionally, non-professionals who acquire basic construction skills can use this knowledge for home improvement projects, including small home renovations and repairs. This skill set is also helpful for property maintenance-related tasks such as repairing drywall, fixing dripping faucets, or replacing light fixtures. Familiarity with basic construction terms and processes can also help homeowners more effectively communicate with Contractors about upcoming projects. These skills also are helpful for those who work in property management or real estate.
What Careers Use Construction
Because of the sheer number of new and ongoing construction projects underway in the US, there is a high demand for qualified construction workers. The need is expected to continue because new infrastructure is always being created, and the existing structures must be renovated and maintained. Studying construction is a great way to develop the practical skills needed to pursue a career in a range of career paths such as project management or carpentry. Those who learn construction can tailor their career path around their interests and skills and find niche work in fields like plumbing or electrical work or opt for general construction-related employment paths.
As the construction industry continues to evolve to reflect new techniques and technologies, training is an excellent opportunity to stay current on emerging technologies while simultaneously advancing career options. The following are just a few career paths that are available for those with construction training:
- Plumbers are hired to install and fix pipes and fixtures like garbage disposals, sinks, and toilets. These professionals make about $61,000 a year.
- Carpenters apply their knowledge of woodworking to cut, shape, and join wood and other materials for indoor or outdoor use. These professionals earn about $56,000 annually.
- Civil Engineers are hired to design and oversee infrastructure projects such as airports, roads, and bridges. In the US, they make a yearly salary of $96,000.
- Construction Engineers are involved with the design, planning, and management of a range of large-scale infrastructure projects, including tunnels and bridges. They work to ensure each project is completed on schedule, adheres to budgetary constraints, and satisfies building codes and safety regulations.
- Architects work with clients’ desires and specifications to plan a building’s structure and appearance. Their average yearly salary is $93,000 in the US.
- Electricians use their construction knowledge to install, maintain, and fix residential, commercial, or industrial electrical systems. These professionals earn about $62,000 annually.
- Construction knowledge is also helpful in construction management. Construction Managers apply their knowledge and expertise to creating budgets, providing clients with cost estimates, and developing work timelines. They make approximately $105,000 a year.
How to Learn Construction
If you’re interested in learning construction, you may be curious about what types of training options are available. Students can select from in-person classes, live online courses, and on-demand study options. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks to weigh before deciding which is best for you.
Learners who thrive in the traditional classroom environment will find in-person construction training the most interactive and engaging way to learn this skill set. Students attend class at a designated training facility located in or near a major city and use computers with the most current software installed. An expert instructor with real-world construction experience leads each session and provides a supportive environment in which students can ask questions as they arise and receive immediate support. This training format requires that students have access to a reliable form of transportation and that they live relatively close to a training center.
One popular alternative to in-person construction training is live online study. This type of coursework is a good option for those who prefer live classes but don’t want to commute to and from meetings. All classes are taught remotely using a live teleconferencing platform like Zoom. Those enrolled can ask questions in the moment and even grant the instructor permission to share their screen if they need more individualized guidance on tricky concepts. The live training format allows students to connect with one another in real time, which can add a sense of community and camaraderie during training. While live online study does require being able to attend classes that meet regularly, it eliminates the need to battle rush-hour traffic or waste time and money on parking.
Self-paced construction training is the most flexible way to learn this topic. Whereas live classes occur in real-time, self-paced classes are pre-recorded and placed online. Students can access them as their schedule permits and devote as little or as much time each day to their studies as they wish. On-demand training is available to learners at all levels, including those with little or no construction training. Many top educators like Udemy and Coursera offer self-paced classes that range in length from just a few hours to several weeks or months. Some beginner-level programs are even available for free. Those interested in self-paced training should keep in mind that since courses are asynchronous, no instructor will be present to answer questions.
Advantages of Enrolling in a Construction Class
Construction coursework is an excellent opportunity for students to learn the skills needed to complete construction projects of all types, including residential and commercial. Learners can select from several types of classes depending on their learning preferences, scheduling needs, and professional goals. Some of the most popular ways to learn construction are through short skills classes, bootcamps, and certificates. Each of these types of training has its own benefits to consider.
The shortest method of construction study is a skills class. These programs usually take only a few days to complete (some only require one afternoon) and provide instruction on basic construction concepts and skills. Those who attend introductory-level skills classes often receive an overview of the construction industry and explore the basic tools and competencies they’ll need such as industry terminology and how to read blueprints. Some skills classes focus entirely on one construction topic such as installing sprinklers, while others offer a more general approach to training.
Bootcamps usually require at least several weeks or more to complete since they provide a more in-depth type of training than skills classes. Bootcamps are available in-person and online for students who are just getting started with construction and have no prior experience, as well as for learners who already have construction training and want to take their skills even further. In-person and online certificate programs are the most in-depth way to study construction. These intensive courses provide students with comprehensive training over several months. Graduates of certificates leave these programs with the skills needed to confidently tackle construction jobs and work independently in this field. Most certificates provide more than in-class instruction; they include professional development incentives such as individual mentoring, career counseling, or help with LinkedIn profiles.
Construction coursework is available in two formats: live and asynchronous. Live construction study provides students with a supportive, interactive learning environment in which they connect in real-time with an instructor and can ask questions as they arise. Students not only benefit from the hands-on training the instructor provides and the real-world examples they share, but they also receive support from other students who are attending class in their cohort.
Those who are not able to attend live construction classes can opt instead for asynchronous coursework. On-demand construction classes allow students to complete their training around other commitments such as full-time work. Since the classes are pre-recorded, it’s up to each student to decide when they wish to complete their training, how long they want to spend on each lesson, and where they feel most comfortable studying. Independent, self-motivated learners with busy work schedules may wish to consider this option since it provides the most flexibility in terms of training.
Comparison to Other Training Formats
When deciding between learning formats, there are several important considerations to determine which is best for you. If you want to apply your construction training in a professional setting such as at a commercial construction site, live bootcamp instruction offers the most effective and interactive way to learn the essential skills. In these programs, participants have real-time access to an expert instructor, who is available throughout the duration of the program to provide answers to questions and support with complicated topics. The instructor guides the course and ensures that all learning goals specified on the syllabus are met. Live training is a supportive and engaging way for students at all levels to complete real-world construction projects and receive feedback on their work. Live coursework often costs more than on-demand study and requires that students are available to attend class meetings that take place at regular times, often multiple times a week. However, most students will find that this time and financial commitment is well worth it for live study because it helps them master the concepts and skills they’ll need to succeed professionally.
Unlike live training options, self-paced construction bootcamps leave it up to the individual to determine their learning pace. Students can access pre-recorded video content at any time. They can pause, rewind, or rewatch lessons to ensure they are fully grasping the material. Some students may prefer to condense their efforts into a long weekend of training to learn a specific construction skill such as how to read blueprints. Other learners may find it fits their schedules better to spread this training out over several weeks of after-work sessions. All self-paced courses are taught asynchronously, which means students won’t have access to an instructor. For this reason, it’s recommended that those who wish to complete their construction studies through on-demand content be self-motivated learners who are able to complete assignments independently without formal deadlines and find answers on their own to questions.
Comparison to College Degree Programs
If you’re trying to decide whether it’s best to learn construction through a bootcamp program or in college, there are several important factors to consider. Timeframe is one such consideration. Most colleges or universities require students to attend classes for at least four years to earn a degree. Because construction isn’t available as a stand-alone major, only some of the coursework students complete in a college program will be devoted to construction-related topics. Learners will have to select a field that’s closely related to construction to learn the skills they need such as architecture or civil engineering. While some of the training in the college setting will be applicable to the field of construction, students must also complete general education requirements and coursework that are in other fields entirely such as history or English.
Bootcamps, on the other hand, offer a much more focused and condensed way to learn construction. They usually only require a few weeks of intensive study, and graduates can immediately put their training to use upon graduation rather than having to wait four years. Those who attend a construction bootcamp focus solely on construction training without the distraction of other classes vying for their time and attention.
Another important consideration when deciding between a construction bootcamp and college training is cost. College or university study is usually the most expensive way to learn construction. Some students graduate college with six figures of debt. Even though the training they receive during college study is immersive and can be a great way to study engineering or architecture, the financial commitment involved may make this type of training prohibitive for some students. On the other hand, bootcamps offer a much more cost-effective approach to studying construction. These relatively short programs are available from many providers in the US and usually cost several hundred or several thousand dollars, which is significantly less than one year of college training.
Those who want to learn construction should keep in mind that most job opportunities in this field don’t require a college degree. Aspiring construction professionals often opt for a combination of coursework and an apprenticeship to make them job-ready. After graduating from an in-person or online bootcamp, they can apply the training they receive through in-class instruction in the real-world setting by completing an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships provide hands-on training and the opportunity for learners to assist with actual construction projects under the supervision and direction of construction professionals. These usually take about four years to complete, depending on the specialization, and are a great way to prepare to handle any daily hurdles and challenges that arise while working in construction, and gain the training needed to work independently in this field. Apprenticeships also usually offer a wage, which means students can earn income as they learn.
Comparison to Free Training Programs
Before investing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in a construction bootcamp, you may wonder if free training programs can provide the same level and quality of training. Some free self-paced courses are available from educators like Udemy and Coursera, and they usually provide a general overview of the field of construction and the basic tools professionals use. Since there’s no monetary commitment with free classes, they offer a low-stakes way to learn the basics without having to spend a penny.
Unlike live bootcamps, which are taught in real-time, free training programs are pre-recorded and therefore don’t provide students with access to an instructor. Some students may find it difficult to fully learn difficult construction skills and concepts through free programs because they will have to find answers to their own questions and independently work through complicated topics without any guidance or assistance. Additionally, the depth of training provided through free training programs is usually not as comprehensive as bootcamp study since it usually doesn’t go into as much depth on construction topics.
Learn Construction with Self-Paced VDCI Courses
If you’re interested in learning more about construction, you can find construction classes at VDCI. The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) is an accredited educator that provides comprehensive online training in a range of construction-related tools and topics.
Those interested in learning construction basics can enroll in the Construction Fundamentals Course Bundle. This beginner-level program provides participants with training in all the core elements of the building construction process, from preliminary site work to final installations. This bundle includes six courses that prepare participants to work with all major systems and materials in a building. Students acquire basic construction terminology and the steps for constructing a building. This set of classes includes a free 1-on-1 individual training session.
In the Construction Management Bundle Course, learners devote several weeks to building a solid foundation in the skills and tools required to work in construction management or project management. This two-part immersive program includes an overview of the construction industry, various sectors, site logistics, document control, master planning, and scheduling. A 1-on-1 bonus training is included with tuition.
The VDCI also offers a Construction Estimator Course. This introductory-level program is led by a professional Construction Estimator with real-world experience creating cost estimates. Participants devote several weeks to exploring the different types of estimates and how they are organized. Students study the reason for offering estimates, the tools available to assist with this process, and the skills needed to provide accurate estimates. All participants complete a graded project.
Aspiring construction professionals can also enroll in VDCI’s Blueprint Reading Fundamentals Course Bundle. This set of self-paced courses offers expert instruction in basic blueprint reading skills for use in commercial or residential construction projects. This comprehensive class requires several weeks of on-demand study. Coursework is taught by a licensed Architect and includes basic training in scale, drawing types, and specifications for mixed-use projects. This class is intended to help professionals like Engineering Interns, Architects, Drafters, and Designers understand and interpret blueprints. By course completion, participants will be able to independently navigate a set of construction documents. This class includes a free 1-on-1 bonus training session.