Before you enroll in a construction class, you may wonder if it’s worth the investment for the training you’ll get. While all learners are unique in terms of the knowledge they hold about construction, their learning style, and their ultimate goals for learning this skill set, most will find that they will benefit greatly from structured coursework. The hands-on training that’s provided in continuing education programs can help learners at all levels gain valuable construction experience that has real-world applications in residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.
Construction classes take many forms, which means that nearly all learners can find a match that’s right for them. Some students may prefer live training options like in-person or live online training classes or bootcamps. These classes provide real-time access to an expert instructor and individualized guidance throughout training. Others may appreciate the flexibility of on-demand courses like certificate programs, which can be completed at the student’s own pace. Some classes are short and take just a day or so to complete, whereas others span six months or longer. Certain programs even include professional development incentives for aspiring professionals.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of learning construction, the career paths in which construction training is essential, and the various live and on-demand training options available from top providers.
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.
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There are four primary types of construction: residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure. Residential construction involves building single or multifamily 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, 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.
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 contracting 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 various fields 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 client 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 useful in construction management. Construction Managers apply their knowledge and expertise to creating budgets and providing 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.
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 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
Many different types of construction classes are available for those who want to study this in-demand skill set. Study options are available in the form of short skills classes, bootcamp programs, and certificates. Each type of instruction provides learners with unique benefits and learning outcomes.
Skills classes usually take a few days to complete (some require only one afternoon) and provide learners with training in construction basics. Participants who enroll in a beginner-level skills class may receive an overview of the field of construction, learn how to work with basic skills such as reading blueprints, and acquire useful terminology. Some short, live classes focus on a particular construction topic, like installing sprinklers, whereas others are more general in their approach.
Bootcamps usually take several weeks or longer to complete and offer more in-depth training. These are available for those who are new to construction and intermediate to advanced learners. Certificate programs are the most comprehensive way to study this topic, and they cater to construction professionals. They provide in-depth training over several months and ensure that graduates have the training necessary to work with confidence at a construction site. In addition to hands-on in class instruction, these programs also often include professional development incentives like career counseling or 1-on-1 mentoring.
Training classes are offered in two formats: live and asynchronous. One of the main advantages of live construction study is that it provides learners with a supportive and interactive learning environment. All participants are encouraged to engage and ask questions. Students benefit from the expertise of the instructor, who is there to share their real-world construction knowledge. Learning alongside other students can also provide a sense of community and support in the physical or virtual classroom.
Asynchronous training courses are a good option for individuals who cannot attend live construction training but want to complete their studies as their schedules allow. These classes are pre-recorded, and each learner can decide when to complete their training and how much time to spend on it. Independent, self-motivated learners who have busy work schedules typically appreciate the flexibility of this type of study.
Comparison to Other Training Formats
Those considering a live or self-paced training class should consider several factors when deciding which learning option is best for them. Students interested in applying their construction training in a professional setting will likely benefit the most from live courses. These programs provide real-time access to an expert instructor who’s always available to ensure all students are gaining essential training in in-demand construction topics. They lead the course and ensure the learning outcomes in the syllabus are met. The supportive and interactive live environment is a great opportunity for participants to gain hands-on training in real-world construction projects. Although live classes require that students be available at regular intervals for class (often multiple times a week), most learners will find that they benefit greatly from this type of instruction.
Self-paced classes, on the other hand, leave it up to the student to dictate their own learning pace. Those enrolled can pause videos, rewind them, or rewatch them in their entirety at their discretion. Since all content is pre-recorded, students are able to decide each time they sit down for training how much time they wish to spend learning construction. Some may prefer to devote an entire weekend to an in-depth exploration of how to read blueprints, whereas others may wish to space this training out over several weeks. Because self-paced classes are asynchronous, no instructor is present. This means that learners will have to be self-motivated to find answers to their own questions and follow through on assignments that don’t have formal due dates.
Comparison to College Degree Programs
Some learners may wonder how college study compares to live online or self-paced construction training classes. Each type of training has its own benefits and drawbacks to weigh.
One factor to consider when deciding which training option is best for you is your timeframe. College study takes four or more years, and only some of that time is devoted to learning construction-related topics. Since construction isn’t offered as a stand-alone major, students who want to pursue a construction career will have to pick a field that’s closely related. This may mean majoring in civil engineering, architecture, or construction management. While some coursework will be relevant to construction, learners will also have to complete general education requirements and other coursework that may be in entirely different fields, like history or English. Training classes, on the other hand, offer a relatively short timeframe for study. Skills classes can be completed in just a day or so, bootcamps take a few weeks, and certificates require several months of intensive training. Graduates can put their training to use in the real-world instead of waiting four years to do so.
Cost is another major consideration for most individuals. College or university study can be quite expensive. Some leave with six figures of debt upon graduation. While the training received in the college setting is immersive and can be a great way to learn architecture or engineering skills, it involves a significant financial commitment that may not be possible for everyone. Training classes, on the other hand, are generally a much more cost-effective approach to learning construction. Skills classes are available from many providers for several hundred dollars, and bootcamps and certificate programs often cost several thousand. This is much less than the cost of one year of university study at many schools.
Most construction positions do not require a college degree, so aspiring professionals should keep this in mind when making their decisions. Often, individuals opt for a combination of coursework like a certificate program and an apprenticeship. This provides them with in class training in essential construction skills and tools and also affords them the opportunity to practice these skills in a safe, real-world environment. Those who complete apprenticeships spend about four years (depending on the specialization) working on real job sites under the supervision of construction professionals. The onsite job experience provided in apprenticeships is an excellent way to prepare to work independently in contracting and handle a range of daily challenges and hurdles. It also usually provides a wage.
Comparison to Free Training Programs
Those who are interested in studying construction but who don’t want to invest hundreds or thousands of dollars in training can find free coursework from some top educational providers. Udemy offers a range of short, pre-recorded video courses. Delivering the Perfect Construction Project takes less than an hour to complete and provides students with an overview of the stages of a construction project, essential construction management skills, and how to apply these skills to specific projects. Coursera offers a ten-module Construction Project Management course for those seeking more in-depth, free training on construction management. Participants explore topics like operations management, supply chain and logistics, technology trends, and project planning.
Because this type of training does not involve a monetary commitment, it provides a low-stakes way for learners to acquire basic construction training. These courses can be completed alongside live training or used with other educational tools, including YouTube videos and online tutorials, to provide students with answers to construction-related questions or offer an overview of this in-demand field. Whereas other self-paced classes can cost several hundred dollars (or more), free self-paced coursework offers the same type of training without requiring any financial investment.
Unlike live online construction classes, participants in free training programs won’t have access to a live instructor to provide individualized assistance. Some learners may find it challenging to fully grasp construction concepts and skills in this environment since they will be on their own to find answers to their questions and navigate challenging material. For this reason, live study can be a more effective approach to learning construction for those who will need to apply their skills in a professional setting.
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 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 taught 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 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 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.