Best Construction Classes in San Francisco

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 conceptual stages through designing, organizing, and constructing buildings and other facilities by collaborating with skilled individuals in applying various procedures and tools. Construction involves working with Architects, Engineers, Designers, and Project Managers as a team that can take ideas from the page 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 commercial and industrial facilities as well as infrastructures such as highways, bridges, and utilities. Both areas of construction involve working with tools like AutoCAD and BIM-related software for implementing design procedures to get things built.

What Can You Do with Construction Training?

There are plenty of options available for training related to construction with skills in project management or designing concepts 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 facilitates designs, drawings, and drafting that can be used for creating building structures, machines, or tools.

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

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 taking construction projects from the idea stage to completion. Listed below are a few skills that can be learned for contributing to work in the construction industry.

Architecture

Working in the construction industry should include learning design software. 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 landscape architecture, as well as creating realistic 3D models that help Architects design surfaces and shapes in constructing buildings.

Additionally, learning BIM software can provide Architects with knowledge for working with a design tool that enhances working on architectural design by providing a greater level of detail along with results. Drafting designs using 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 for color schemes, spacing, and furniture placement.

Engineering

Knowledge in 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 collaborations among professionals on construction projects for optimizing designs, improving productivity, and fabricating. Engineers also work with AutoCAD to design and specify 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, designing, and testing concepts.

Drafting

Drafting is an important area in construction. Drafting represents a way of translating ideas into detailed drawings and blueprints using software like AutoCAD or Autodesk Revit for creating precise designs that help guide construction projects. Architects draft with AutoCAD for creating drawings and 3D models in designing buildings. These types of drafts include floor plans, elevations, sections, and other details that can provide guidance for planning and building structures according to what everyone envisions. Drafts are used by construction teams, Architects, and Engineers along with other professionals for creating blueprints destined for development 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 3D Modelers use AutoCAD for creating 2D drawings and 3D models through 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 with designing and managing digital concepts for building physical structures. Learning BIM software like Revit provides the skills for creating 3D architectural models to design walls, doors, windows, floors, ceilings, roofs, and stairs. BIM Managers and BIM Coordinators use the technology for collaborating on construction documents, infrastructure management, and decision-making. Knowledge in BIM technology provides skills for creating 3D models on construction projects in collaboration with Engineers, Architects, and Project Managers. Training in BIM technology facilitates modeling shapes, structures, and systems by applying 3D modeling. 

What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn Construction?

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

In-person or live online training related to construction covers a wide 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 San Francisco may prefer learning skills related to construction inside classrooms, 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 train from home, gaining the same level of knowledge that they would get from sitting inside a classroom without having to travel. This includes learning skills like project management as well as design tools that can open up a path to careers in the construction industry. People can enroll in AutoCAD courses and bootcamps to enhance skills as Architects, Engineers, or Project Managers for work in supervising, drafting, or collaborating on construction projects. Students can learn Revit for designing and editing 3D models, drawings, and documents for constructing buildings and other responsibilities in the industry.

Training for work in the construction industry includes learning Autodesk software by enrolling in on-demand courses 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. Noble Desktop also offers training with AutoCAD. Areas related to construction such as architecture and engineering apply CAD and BIM design technology in various capacities for designing accurate and detailed drawings for creating buildings, 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 training or purchasing that software.

Knowledge with CAD technology is essential for a career in construction to help create more detailed and accurate 2D drawings and 3D models for designing building structures. Developing 3D models allows professionals involved with 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 being able to generate technical drawings, documents, and models on construction projects.

Among the disadvantages with learning AutoCAD or BIM technology might be the cost of that training, or for the software and licensing required for using that technology. However, most people understand that those costs should be made up after finding work resulting from that training and software. Regardless, some people will likely still complain about all the time and effort they will 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 disciplines like engineering, architecture, and project management to learn technologies for designing and constructing buildings. Being computer literate can go a long way to clearing a path with learning software like AutoCAD for work related to architecture or engineering in construction for design and drafting. Additionally, training in BIM technology can also provide skills for anyone interested in architecture, building construction, or structural design 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 technologies 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 people.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Construction?

Because there are so many categories related to working in construction, learning skills for working in the industry could take years for mastering any particular skill such as architecture, engineering, project management, or design. This includes working in interior design or landscaping in addition to gaining expertise with design technologies like AutoCAD for being able to develop 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 training available 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 the industry through working alongside professionals.

Can I Learn Construction for 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 Construction Project Management video tutorial. Udemy offers free construction related training with the Construction Management - What Is Construction Management? tutorial. Other free courses related to construction include Alison’s free Construction Procedures class.

What Should I Learn Alongside Construction?

Learning skills for working in the construction industry include learning technologies such as CAD software like AutoCAD or BIM software like Revit. Sharpening skills for communication are also essential in construction since working in the industry requires collaborating with so many different parties, including Designers, Engineers, Architects, 3D Modelers, and Project Managers involved with developing and completing projects as well as regularly meeting with clients. There are several methodologies involved with project management related to careers in construction. Among the most important roles in construction involves Project Managers, who are responsible for bringing everyone involved on a project together through possessing strong communications skills.

While becoming a Project Manager can open up career opportunities in construction, a prospective Project Manager can benefit from gaining project management certification to qualify for working in construction and other industries. Project Management Professionals (PMP) and Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) are among the most sought-after certifications for becoming Project Managers. 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

San Francisco is a place that offers career opportunities in the construction industries for people who have skills with design tools like AutoCAD and BIM software like Autodesk Revit, as well as work in project management. The Bay Area attracts businesses and people to 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 for 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 teams use BIM technology for turning 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 with designing, improving safety, or unknotting potential conflicts through being able to evaluate, simulate, and analyze design concepts. Construction companies also use design software for remodeling existing structures for applying 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 3D modeling that provides a roadmap for Architects in collaboration with General Contractors, Real Estate Developers, and Engineers during the initial stages of a construction project. 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 the design process heading into a construction project 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 with designing the interior and exterior of buildings as well as solving problems that may come up during the design process. Autodesk Revit also helps with drafting in architecture for making initial drawings into detailed 3D models.

General Contracting

General contracting involves managing construction projects from the initial stages through completion. General contracting requires hiring Subcontractors, Engineers, Architects, and Project Managers who all work together on the goal of getting things built. General contracting requires planning and coordinating projects by finding the right people, materials, and equipment as well as communicating a clear vision to everyone involved.

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 San Francisco for working in design, engineering, and construction. Skills and experience with digital design tools like Autodesk Revit or AutoCAD are essential in construction and architectural design, with creating blueprints or 3D models for developing floor plans, walls, or plumbing systems, that can improve career opportunities for anyone living in the Bay Area. Listed below are several professions related to working in the construction industry, especially with skills in design and project management.

Project Manager

Project Managers spearhead planning, employee management, and budgeting in the construction industry for keeping projects on schedule and within budget 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 must feel comfortable working within a team environment, along with possessing the ability to organize complicated construction projects through preparation as well as controlling what they can while being able to adjust when confronted with obstacles. In San Francisco, the annual income for a Project Manager can range from $79,000 to $176,000.

Architect

Architects develop construction plans based on a client’s specifications that include creating designs for structural systems, HVAC systems, electrical systems, and plumbing systems. Architects can use skills with AutoCAD for designing and building structures as part of the job of creating construction documents like blueprints. Working as an Architect requires being able to hand draw plans for designing blueprints during the concept stage on a construction project. An Architect can make between $72,000 and $226,000 a year working in San Francisco.

Interior Designer

Interior Designers focus on designing indoor spaces by creating functional plans that include decorative concepts with colors, lighting, and furniture. Interior Designers use design tools like AutoCAD to make accurate measurements and material estimations on design projects. Interior Designers draw, design, and edit interior design blueprints. AutoCAD helps Interior Designers with visualizing concepts in order to see what practical changes might be needed before moving forward on a project. In San Francisco, an Interior Designer can make a yearly income ranging from $59,000 to $156,000.

CAD Designer

A CAD Designer must possess skills with AutoCAD to create 2D and 3D models for working on a variety of construction projects. This profession requires technical skills and expertise in design and drafting. Skills with AutoCAD can help with finding work in the construction industry related to engineering and architectural design. CAD Designers working in San Francisco can earn salaries ranging from $85,000 to $130,000 a year.

Construction Classes Near Me

People living in San Francisco can choose between in-person or online training with the goal of finding careers in construction. Anyone interested in learning areas of construction such as project management, engineering, or design with architecture by learning digital software like AutoCAD or Revit can do so through a variety of methods. Although many people might prefer in-person training, 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.

If you are considering a career in construction, you can enroll with VDCI for the on-demand Construction Fundamentals Course Online. This six-course program will train you in various areas of commercial construction such as determining work sites, developing blueprints, and installing various systems for completing construction projects. Lessons focus on areas of construction such as site utilities, structuring buildings, building enclosures, interiors and finishes, and engineering MEP systems. Upon completing this program, you will possess thorough knowledge on commercial construction with expertise in relevant methodologies.

VDCI also offers the self-paced BIM Certificate Program. This eight-course program will train you in developing 3D models for working on construction projects using BIM technology. Training begins by introducing you to Autodesk Revit followed by learning intermediate levels related to the software. Lessons cover working on BIM related construction documents with the goal of gaining expertise with the technology.

You can enroll with Noble Desktop for the live online AutoCAD Level 1 course. This introductory course will train you in the fundamentals of using AutoCAD for working on construction projects. Lessons cover creating and editing drawings, using object snaps and tracking, and working with layers and templates. Training includes learning how to create text, designing dimensional drawings, and working between model space and paper space. 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.

NYC Career Centers offers the AutoCAD in a Day course, which introduces students to the fundamentals for working with the CAD software. Lessons for this single-day workshop cover learning about core drawing and modifying techniques and creating technical drawings for working in the construction industry. Upon completing this course, students will understand the AutoCAD interface as well as the software’s basic drawing command functions.

Prospective construction professionals may also choose NYIM Training 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. Lessons cover learning about Agile Frameworks, including Scrum, Kanban, and Extreme Programming (XP). Upon completing this course, students will understand concepts, approaches, and terminology involving project management theories and methodologies for kicking off a career in construction management.

Certstaffix Training offers the Project Management Fundamentals course that provides training in the basics of project management. This single-day course trains students on 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 Applications Developer (MMAD) certification exam.

Construction Corporate Training

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

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