Best Construction Classes in Dallas

What Is Construction?

The construction industry encompasses developing buildings, industrial structures, and infrastructures through planning, financing, designing, and completing projects. Working in construction requires planning and developing ideas from the concept stage through designing, organizing, and building structures and facilities by applying various procedures and tools. Construction involves working with Architects, Engineers, Designers, and Project Managers as a team that can take ideas from concept to reality.

Construction includes building residential and non-residential structures. Residential construction, of course, focuses on building homes for people to live in while non-residential construction covers everything from industrial facilities to infrastructures like highways, bridges, and utilities. Both areas of construction involve working with tools like AutoCAD and BIM-related software for implementing design procedures for getting things built.

Construction Classes in Dallas

People living in Dallas can choose between in-person or online training related to finding careers in construction. Anyone interested can find training for skills in areas such as project management, engineering, and design with architecture or learning digital software like AutoCAD or Revit for pursuing work in construction for design building structures. Live and on-demand online courses offer the same level of education that a person would get from sitting inside a classroom without having to leave the comforts of home. And while there are plenty of live online courses for learning technology and methodologies for working in the construction industry, many people simply prefer learning inside classrooms. For them, there are schools throughout Dallas that offer in-person training related to construction.

Learn Construction

• Nationally accredited
• Create your own portfolio
• Free student software
• Learn at your convenience
• Authorized Autodesk training center

Learn More

If you are considering a career in construction design, you can enroll at VDCI for the on-demand BIM Certificate Program. VDCI stands for Virtual Design & Construction Institute, which is an authorized Autodesk training center that provides education and certification in a variety of the company’s software. You may want to learn BIM technology for knowledge to provide workflows using Autodesk Revit, which is the industry standard software for creating 3D models with commercial building projects. This program involves a series of courses that will train you in creating 3D models for working on construction projects using building information modeling (BIM) technology. The 11 courses involved with this program include getting an introduction to Revit followed by intermediate training with related software. Lessons cover working on BIM construction documents with the goal of gaining expertise with the technology.

Architects and Engineers working in construction can enroll at VDCI for the self-paced AutoCAD Certification Training Bundle to help with passing a certification exam for learning the CAD software to design blueprints and create 3D models. This program prepares students to take the AutoCAD certification exam through five courses that provide comprehensive training from beginner-level to advanced-level along with free retakes for the certification exam.

You can decide to enroll with Noble Desktop for the live online AutoCAD Level 1 course. This introductory course will train you in the fundamentals for using AutoCAD to work on construction projects. Lessons will cover creating and editing drawings, using object snaps and tracking, and organizing drawings with layers. Training includes learning how to create text, design dimensional drawings, and work with layers and templates. Upon completing this course, you will know how to work with layer templates, insert blocks, and print and plot layouts and sheets. This course offers 1-on-1 mentoring outside of class as well as an opportunity to retake the course for free within one year.

Prospective construction professionals may also choose NYC Career Centers for the live online Project Management Bootcamp. This two-day program provides training on methods, strategies, and terminology for effectively managing projects in a variety of industries, including construction. This course focuses on leaving the Waterfall and Critical Path methods of project management along with an introduction to Agile Project Management. Lessons cover learning about Agile Frameworks, including Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP). Upon completing this course, participants will have gained a thorough understanding of concepts, approaches, and terminology involving project management theories and methodologies for kicking off a career in construction management.

NYIM Training offers the Intro to AutoCAD Workshop, which introduces students to the fundamentals for working with the CAD software. Lessons for this course cover learning about core drawing and modifying techniques to create technical drawings for working in several different occupations and industries, including construction and architecture. Upon completing this course, students will understand the AutoCAD interface as well as the software’s basic drawing command functions.

Certstaffix Training offers the Project Management Fundamentals course that provides a tight program for learning the basics of project management. In this single-day course, students will learn about the project management life cycle that includes scheduling and sequencing, cost estimation, and change management. This program prepares ambitious Project Managers for the project management portion of the Master Mobile Application Developer (MMAD) certification exam.

What Can You Do with Construction Training?

There are plenty of options available for training related to construction with project management or design concepts for using tools like AutoCAD or building information modeling (BIM) software. AutoCAD, for instance, is the most popular computer-aided design software on the planet. Professionals such as Architects, Graphic Designers, 3D Modelers, Engineers, and Project Managers use AutoCAD for creating 2D drawings and 3D models using options available with CAD software. The construction industry in particular uses AutoCAD in several capacities, including architecture, engineering, and interior design. Drafters work with AutoCAD for designing accurate and detailed drawings. AutoCAD facilities designs, drawings, and blueprints that can be used for creating building structures, machines, and tools.

In addition to AutoCAD, the construction industry also depends on people who have skills with BIM technology. Autodesk Revit is a BIM tool used by Architects, Project Managers, Structural Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Plumbing Engineers for modeling shapes, structures, and systems in 3D. Revit facilitates streamlining projects for floor plans, elevations, sheets, schedules, and 3D visualizations. Skills with BIM software can be applied in mechanical, structural, and electrical engineering for working on construction projects for designing, detailing, documenting, and fabricating building systems.

AutoCAD and BIM software contribute to collaborations among Architects, Engineers, General Contractors, and Project Managers to help with reducing risk, sharing data, and optimizing designs for getting construction projects off the ground and completed. Designing buildings involves much more than what people see when looking at the finished product.

What Will I Learn in a Construction Class?

There are several skills and tools that are essential and beneficial for working in the construction industry. Architects, Designers, and Project Managers will need to have training in a variety of design tools and procedures for completing journeys in construction from the idea stage to completion. Listed below are a few skill areas that can be learned to contribute to working in the construction industry.

Architecture

Working in the construction industry can include learning architectural design. This means learning tools like AutoCAD or BIM software like Revit. AutoCAD is a popular tool in architecture for creating floor plans and 3D designs along with blueprints for office buildings, residential homes, and landscapes as well as creating realistic 3D models that help Architects in designing surfaces and shapes for creating building structures.

Additionally, learning BIM software can provide Architects with knowledge for using a modeling tool to enhance working on architectural designs by providing a greater level of detail along with results. Drafting designs with BIM involves creating drawings and technical models with building designs, floor plans, and blueprints. Architects and Interior Designers use BIM software for creating 2D drawings and 3D models with detailed design for color schemes, spacing, and furniture placement.

Engineering

Knowledge of engineering is a vital area for construction. Engineers use tools like AutoCAD and BIM software for working in various areas of construction design. BIM helps Engineers create detailed designs for getting clear ideas about how a structure will look and function in the real world through 3D modeling. Structural Engineers, for example, apply skills with BIM technology for designing, detailing, fabricating, and documenting structural systems. BIM software facilitates collaboration among professionals on construction projects for optimizing designs, improving efficiency, and fabrication. Engineers also work with AutoCAD for design and specifications with building bridges, roads, elevators, and electrical grids. AutoCAD allows Engineers to prototype for testing how a design might perform in its actual operation. Engineers often use AutoCAD for developing, building, and testing designs.

Drafting

Drafting is an important area in the construction industry. Drafting represents a way for translating architectural designs into detailed drawings and plans using software like AutoCAD or Revit for creating precise blueprints that guide construction projects. Architects draft using AutoCAD for creating drawings and technical models for building designs, plans, and blueprints. These types of drafts include floor plans, elevations, sections, and other details that can provide guidance with planned structured according to what everyone has envisioned. Drafts are used by construction teams, Architects, and Engineers along with other professionals for creating blueprints destined to be developed into buildings and other physical structures.

AutoCAD

AutoCAD is the most popular computer-aided design software available that provides an important tool in the construction industry. Architects, Engineers, and Modelers use AutoCAD for creating 2D drawings and 3D models with the software’s interface that offers various functions and features. AutoCAD facilitates designing geometric arrays for pattern replication to generate precise and detailed graphics.

BIM

Construction Designers use building information modeling (BIM) in a variety of capacities for designing and managing digital concepts with building physical structures. Learning BIM software like Revit provides the skills to create 3D architectural models for designing walls, doors, windows, floors, ceiling, roofs, and stairs. Knowledge with BIM technology provides skills to create 3D models for working on construction projects alongside Engineers, Architects, and Project Managers. BIM Managers and BIM Coordinators use the technology for collaborating on construction documents, infrastructure management, and decision-making. Training in BIM tools like Revit helps for modeling shapes, structures, and systems by applying 3D modeling.

What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn Construction?

Training in construction involves learning various skills and tools like Autodesk AutoCAD or Autodesk Revit. Revit is a BIM software used by Architects, Engineers, BIM Managers, BIM Coordinators, and Project Managers for modeling shapes, structures, and systems with 3D models. Revit helps with streamlining projects for plans, elevations, sheets, schedules, and 3D visualizations.

In-person or live online training related to construction covers a range of areas such as architecture, engineering, and project management. For example, learning AutoCAD or BIM technology like Revit can provide versatile skills for finding work in the construction industry. And while some people living in Dallas may prefer learning skills related to construction inside a classroom, others might want to avoid having to deal with traffic after having worked all day and may opt for live and on-demand online courses as an alternative for gaining knowledge with technical design software.

In-person classes allow for personal interaction as well as being shielded from outside distractions. On the other hand, live online courses allow students to learn from home with the same level of education that they would get from sitting inside a classroom without having to go anywhere. This includes learning skills like project management as well as technology to open up paths to careers in the construction industry. People can also enroll in AutoCAD courses and bootcamps to work as Architects, Engineers, and Project Managers with duties for supervising, drafting, or designing. Students can learn Revit for designing and editing 3D models, drawings, and documents for constructing buildings and other duties in the industry.

Training to work in the construction industry includes learning Autodesk software by enrolling at VDCI. VDCI stands for the Virtual Design and Construction Institute, which is an authorized Autodesk training center that provides education and certifications with several of the company’s software. Autodesk is the company that produces software like AutoCAD and Revit. Additionally, Noble Desktop also offers training with tools like AutoCAD. Industries like architecture, engineering, and construction use AutoCAD in various capacities for designing accurate and detailed drawings while creating building structures, machines, and tools.

Choosing the Right Training Method for You

As with learning anything, training for skills in the tools and technology related to construction has advantages and disadvantages. Of course, among the biggest advantages with training related to construction would be with learning applicable software. The disadvantages would be with the cost for either the training or purchasing the software.

Knowledge in CAD technology is essential for a career in construction for helping to create more detailed and accurate 2D drawings and 3D models with building structures or manufacturing products. Developing 3D models allows professionals involved in construction to be able to see concepts in more detail for not only assessing how a structure will look but for whether that design is structurally sound. Learning AutoCAD or Revit allows for quickly and efficiently generating technical drawings, documents, and modeling on construction projects.

Among the disadvantages with learning AutoCAD or BIM technology might be with the cost of that training or for the software and licensing required with using that technology. However, most people understand that those costs can be made up by finding work related to that training and software. Regardless, some people will still complain about all the time and effort they have to spend learning technology as complicated as CAD or BIM.

How Hard Is It to Learn Construction?

Learning skills related to construction depends on the areas of the industry a person hopes to work in. Many people major in construction management in college or through related disciplines like engineering, architecture, and project management to learn technologies for designing and constructing buildings. Being computer literate can go a long way for easing the path to learning tools like AutoCAD for a career in architecture or engineering in construction design and drafting. Additionally, training in BIM also provides skills for anyone interested in working in architecture, building construction, or structural design through knowledge in technology that facilitates efficiency and productivity for building things.

What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Construction?

For anyone interested in a career in construction, learning skills with technology like AutoCAD or Revit could get complicated. However, this doesn’t mean that training in related design technology will be impossible. Despite many difficulties, new learners who feel comfortable with computers should be able to pick up on AutoCAD, for instance, through practice and time. Learning AutoCAD requires learning the software’s interface with functions and features that might intimidate some as the software is definitely not for the faint of heart.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Construction?

Because there are so many categories involved in the construction industry, learning skills for a career in construction could take years for mastering any number of specialties like architecture, engineering, or project management along with other areas. This includes working in interior design or landscaping in addition to gaining expertise with design technologies like AutoCAD for being able to put together blueprints or learning BIM technology for creating 3D models that provide a clear vision with composition, appearance, and structural design. There are local schools and online courses for learning design tools and procedures for working in construction that usually take a few weeks or months to complete. Part of the learning process in construction might also include an apprenticeship for getting immersed in industry through the experience of working alongside professionals.

Can I Learn Construction Free Online?

For people who don't feel ready to pay for classes to learn skills related to construction, there are free training options available from several online education providers. This includes Coursesity, which offers the Learn free AutoCAD Course Online. Udemy offers free BIM training related to construction with the Free Basic BIM Training: Introduction to BIM tutorial. Other free courses related to construction include Eduonix’s free Project Management Alphabet A-Z video course.

What Should I Learn Alongside Construction?

Learning skills for working in the construction industry includes learning technologies such as CAD software like AutoCAD or BIM software like Revit. Sharpening skills for communicating are also essential in construction since working the industry requires collaborating with so many different parties, including Designers, Engineers, Architects, 3D Modelers, General Contractors, and Project Managers involved with developing and completing projects as well as regularly meeting with clients. There are several methodologies involved in project management for careers in construction. Among the most important roles in construction is with Project Managers, who typically act as the rug that ties the room together, which requires strong communication skills.

While becoming a Project Manager can open up career options in constructions, a prospective Project Manager can benefit from gaining project management certification to qualify for work in construction as well as other industries. Project Management Professionals (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) are among the most required certifications for becoming a Project Manager. CAPM provides the initial foundation for entering the profession while the PMP certification requires more experience from working in a particular industry like construction.

Industries That Use Construction

Dallas is a place that offers career opportunities in the construction industry for people who have skills with design tools like AutoCAD and BIM software like Revit as well as project management. Dallas attracts businesses and people with a location that provides a pleasant climate where there are plenty of construction, remodeling, and infrastructure projects going on. Because of this, there are plenty of career options with work related to construction.

Construction Industry

The construction industry involves people who have skills in several areas, including project management as well as working with design tools like Autodesk Revit and AutoCAD. Construction companies use BIM technology to turn ideas into reality through 3D modeling that helps Project Managers, Engineers, and Architects with getting building projects completed. Design software like Revit and AutoCAD helps with reducing uncertainty for designing, improving safety, or unknotting potential conflicts through being able to evaluate, simulate, and analyze design concepts. Engineers, Project Managers, and Architects also use design software for remodeling existing structures by using collected data in structural analysis.

Architecture

Architectural firms use design tools like AutoCAD and Revit for creating designs during the development stages on construction projects. BIM, for instance, allows Architects to connect various professionals, ecosystems, disciplines, and clients through modeling that provides a roadmap for Architects in collaborating with General Contractors, Real Estate Developers, and Engineers during initial stages for getting construction projects completed. Architectural firms use design software for planning, designing, and constructing buildings using 2D drawings and 3D modeling.

Architects work with design tools like AutoCAD for creating blueprints as part of their design process leading up to construction that includes interior designs for homes, commercial properties, and other types of structures. Architects also use AutoCAD functions and features such as layering, rotation, scaling, and mirroring for rendering 2D and 3D modeling for designing the interior and exterior of buildings as well as solving problems that may come up during the design process. Revit also helps with drafting in architecture for making ideas from the initial drawing stages into detailed blueprints and 3D models.

Interior Design

Interior design is an important area of construction. BIM technology helps with interior design for creating precise and detailed space planning through 3D modeling for interior spaces that give Interior Designers, Architects, and Project Managers a clearer vision about how a design concept might function. BIM software facilitates collaboration among professionals and clients on interior design projects for enhancing communication and understanding within a design team through shared databases or the cloud. Interior design within a construction project focuses on shaping indoor living spaces and workspaces that fit a client’s specifications.

AutoCAD offers another versatile design tool to use with interior design by giving Interior Designers and clients a sneak peek of what a concept will look like. AutoCAD provides a tool that Interior Designers use for turning ideas into reality through creating floor plans, elevations, and 3D models for shaping interiors.

Engineering

Engineering teams use design tools like AutoCAD and Revit in construction with structural engineering and civil engineering for taking advantage of digital technology that allows for creating 3D models on construction projects. Engineers work with AutoCAD for prototyping as well as design in construction. BIM tools like Revit help Engineers with evaluating structural designs for adhering to safety and compliance with local regulations and codes. BIM also helps with incorporating data on physical and functional aspects with structural design by allowing Engineers to create 3D models on construction projects.

Construction Job Titles and Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment outlook for working as a Civil Engineer looks to increase by six percent between 2023 and 2033 with opportunities for Architects projected to increase by eight percent. Along with CAD skills, a person has plenty of career options available in a city like Dallas for working in design, engineering, and construction. Skills and experience with digital design tools like Autodesk’s Revit or AutoCAD are essential in construction and architectural design for creating blueprints or 3D models to develop floorplan, walls, and plumbing systems that can improve career options for anyone living in Dallas. Listed below are several professions related to the construction industry, especially for skills with design and project management.

Project Manager

A Project Manager spearheads planning, employee management, and budgeting in the construction industry for keeping projects on schedule and minimizing expenses for accomplishing goals and completing deadlines with getting things built. Project management requires more than simply being well-organized or a good planner. Project Managers will need to feel comfortable working within a team along with possessing the ability to organize complicated construction projects through preparation as well as controlling what they can while adjusting when confronted with difficulties. In Dallas, the annual salary for Project Managers can range from $60,000 to $139,000.

Architect

Architects develop construction plans based on client specifications that include creating designs for structural systems; central air, heating, and ventilation systems; electrical systems; and plumbing. Architects can use skills with AutoCAD for designing and building structures as part of the job of creating construction drawings and blueprints. Working as an Architect requires being able to draw plans by hand for designing blueprints during the concept stages of construction projects. Architects working in Dallas can make between $74,000 and $167,000 a year.

Interior Designer

Interior Designers focus on designing indoor spaces by creating functional designs that include decorative concepts with colors, lighting, and furniture. Interior Designers use functions and features available with AutoCAD for making accurate measurements and material estimations on design projects. AutoCAD helps with visualizing designs in order to see what practical changes might need to be made before moving forward on a construction project. In Dallas, Interior Designers can make an annual income ranging from $53,000 to $117,000. Interior Designers draw, design, and edit interior design blueprints.

CAD Designer

A CAD Designer must possess skills with AutoCAD for creating 2D and 3D models for working on a variety of construction projects. This profession requires technical skills and expertise with design and drafting. Skills in AutoCAD can help for finding work in the construction industry with engineering and architectural design. CAD Designers can earn salaries ranging from $53,000 to $92,000 a year working in Dallas.

Construction Corporate Training

If you would like to make sure that your construction company or architectural firm stays on top of project management methodologies for the industry, VDCI offers a variety of training programs aimed at keeping businesses ahead of the game. VDCI offers Corporate Construction Training for learning construction management to improve skills with cost estimation, project planning, scheduling, and developing contracts for marching construction projects to completion. This training can be conducted either at your company’s location or through a teleconferencing platform. 

So, if you’re looking to enhance your organization’s skills for managing projects, contact VDCI for more information at partnerships@vdci.edu or to request a free consultation.