With a wide range of disciplines, the construction industry is not limited to residential and commercial properties. Learn about the training and educational opportunities available in Washington D.C. to kick-start a career in construction, architecture, or engineering.
Key Insights
- The construction industry encompasses numerous areas including bridges, highways, large infrastructure projects, and residential and commercial properties. The industry requires advanced technology skills such as building information modeling (BIM), modern blueprints, and project management.
- VDCI offers online construction certificate programs and course bundles including a CAD/BIM Certificate Program covering AutoCAD, Revit, and construction documents. This program is suitable for individuals planning careers in architecture, construction, or engineering.
- The Construction Fundamentals Course Online offered by VDCI includes a 70-hour curriculum that covers site utilities, interiors, and MEP (mechanical, engineering, plumbing) systems.
- For individuals planning a career in construction project management, the Construction Management Fundamentals Course from VDCI includes topics crucial to management roles such as contracts, site logistics, and stormwater management plans.
- Online construction courses and certificate programs are offered by various providers such as Contractors State License Schools, PDH Star, and Safety Dynamics. These courses cover a range of topics from building code residential training to safety training approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- Construction training can lead to a variety of roles in the industry, providing skills in areas like drawing construction documents, estimating costs, and reading blueprints. Knowledge gained from these trainings can be applied to multiple fields including architecture and project management.
What is Construction?
The construction industry encompasses multiple disciplines besides residential and commercial properties. Construction includes bridges, highways and byways, rail, and large infrastructure projects. While men have been building structures, bridges, and roads since ancient times, today’s construction industry demands advanced technology like building information modeling (BIM), modern blueprints, and the ability to measure budgeting, materials, and scheduling requirements.
If you want to begin a career in the construction industry, your training needs will depend on what aspect of the sector you plan to enter. Construction training can encompass essential topics like site preparation, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems, and project management. Read on to learn more about the industry and the training that prepares you for it.
Construction Classes in Washington, D.C.
VDCI offers multiple construction certificate programs and course bundles you can take online at your own pace. Their nationally accredited curricula include a CAD/BIM Certificate Program of 400 hours of introductory and intermediate training appropriate for those planning architecture, construction, or engineering careers. Topics include AutoCAD, Revit, and construction documents, to name a few.
Learn Construction
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
Students looking to launch construction, real estate, architecture, or engineering careers can also begin training with the immersive Construction Fundamentals Course Online. The 70-hour curriculum covers site utilities, interiors, and MEP (mechanical, engineering, plumbing) systems, among other subjects.
Planning a construction project management career? Consider the Construction Management Fundamentals Course from VDCI. The 40-hour program includes contracts, site logistics, stormwater management plans, and other topics crucial to management roles. Check course listings for more details.
Contractors State License Schools (CSLS) hosts multiple construction-related courses students can take online from anywhere. Their Building Code Residential class prepares participants for the Residential Building Inspector B1 exam. Please note that the schedule is on Pacific Standard Time.
PDH Star is another course provider that hosts construction training online. Their OSHA 30 Construction class teaches students ages 18 and above how to identify, prevent, and avoid job-related safety hazards. The Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) is the official U.S. Department of Labor regulatory agency. Graduates receive their OSHA Department of Labor card by USPS mail around six to eight weeks after commencement.
Safety Dynamics offers online safety training for construction professionals approved by organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Their courses comply with international standards. The SST 10-Hour Fall Protection & Drug and Alcohol Awareness class is an example. Check course listings for more details, including prerequisite information.
Another safety-related course provider is an environmental management company called Big Apple Occupational Safety. They host training on fall protection, drug/alcohol abuse, and legacy building hazards like asbestos and lead-based paint. Their 10-Hour SST (Site Safety Training) Combo Course—Workers—Online Webinar covers fall prevention and drug/alcohol OSHA requirements.
What Can You Do with Construction Training?
What you do with construction training depends on factors ranging from your position, current skill set, and previous experience. However, some skills you learn in construction training apply to multiple fields. Whether you plan to work as an Architect or a Project Manager, consider the following skills you may gain from construction training:
Draw Construction Documents
Many construction-related programs cover AutoCAD for construction (as opposed to manufacturing products). If you plan to work in that side of the industry, you might learn beginner, intermediate, or advanced AutoCAD for 2D and 3D building information modeling (BIM).
Estimate Costs
Budgeting and planning are essential to every construction project, and you may learn them in your training—especially if you take a construction management or estimating course. This training can be relevant for everyone from drafters and designers to architects and engineers.
Read Blueprints
Blueprint reading is essential for many AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industry roles. If your training does not include blueprint reading, consider adding a course to learn this crucial skill set.
What Will I Learn in a Construction Class?
Construction Industry Principles
Foundational knowledge is crucial to the construction industry, and many beginner-friendly courses cover multiple essentials. These range from industry sectors and project delivery systems to practical knowledge about bidding, contracts, and insurance.
Essential Software
Depending on the type of course, a construction industry curriculum can include several building information modeling (BIM) software programs. Top choices include Autodesk products like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Revit, to name a few.
Project Management
If you are training to become a Construction Project Manager, you must learn numerous practical aspects of the industry. They include estimating costs, site logistics, contracts, scheduling, and project administration, but there are many others.
What Kinds of Training Options Are Available to Learn Construction?
Construction industry beginners often wonder what training they need and whether their courses will include hands-on exercises. Consider the following four methods for learning construction-related concepts and skills:
In-Person
In-person learning offers the highest possible engagement level, but finding construction programs in a traditional classroom setting can be challenging. For hands-on training in numerous construction-related topics, consider widening your search to include online options.
Live Online
Many in-person course providers also make their construction training available live online via teleconferencing platforms like Zoom. However, other providers host live online programs exclusively, which have become extremely popular.
On-Demand
Another popular option is on-demand or asynchronous training. This method typically consists of pre-recorded videos. Some providers also include written materials or student chat groups within their training programs. Top on-demand providers include Coursera, Skillshare, and Udemy.
Self-Directed
Some construction training providers offer self-directed classes with additional career mentoring from industry experts. For example, the Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) hosts multiple self-directed construction course bundles, certificate programs, and certification training bundles with instructors available to answer questions.
Choosing the Right Training Method for You
In-person construction training can be an ideal option for those who can drive to classes in their community. However, many students have no viable in-person training options nearby, especially in specialized courses like blueprint reading or construction project management.
Live online classes engage students at a similar level to in-person training, and participants can attend from the comfort of home or office. Fully live online construction classes may also not be available in their area, but other options can often fill the gap.
On-demand and self-directed courses from respected providers can deliver high-level training in a manageable format. These programs typically include student software, mentoring, and digital credentials. If there is a disadvantage to on-demand or self-paced training, it is a lower level of student engagement. However, dedicated attendees can make up for this by studying the materials and contacting instructors for additional support and mentoring.
How Hard is It to Learn Construction?
Like most complex, multi-faceted industries, the construction industry provides lifelong opportunities for learning. How hard it is to learn depends on the individual student, their capacity for technical and managerial training, and their career goals.
Most areas of this sector are fields unto themselves. Architecture, engineering, and operations can all fall within the bounds of the construction industry. Trades like carpentry, drywall, and roofing are all essential to commercial and residential properties.
Learning one or more is not as difficult as most beginners think, but gaining true expertise can take years of study. Consider starting with a construction certificate program that includes mentoring and career support to get the best results.
What Are the Most Challenging Parts of Learning Construction?
For many construction beginners, the most challenging part of training is not learning an individual skill like blueprint reading or cost estimation. Instead, construction novices may find it difficult to envision all the aspects of a full-scale project. Planning, budgeting, and fitting multiple MEP systems (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) together can seem daunting. However, an immersive certificate or certification program covers these aspects logically, and this training method helps everyone, from beginners to experienced construction pros, to see the big picture.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Construction?
The time it takes to learn construction skills depends on a student’s current experience level, skill set, and what type of training they need to meet their budget and career goals.
For example, if they plan to begin a career where they work on a construction job site, they may need several months to master fundamentals and hone their skills with tools of the trade. Many
Beginner-friendly construction course bundles start with basics before participants progress to intermediate or advanced tools and skills.
However, becoming a skilled construction professional takes years of on-the-job experience. A beginner might need even longer if their career goal includes project management or a specialized skill. Fortunately, most construction beginners can be productive while they learn new skills—especially if they combine conceptual training with hands-on experience.
Can I Learn Construction Free Online?
Many course providers and schools offer free online resources to learn about construction fundamentals. For example, the VDCI YouTube channel hosts introductory videos on blueprint reading, construction estimating, and essential tools like AutoCAD. However, free online resources cannot substitute for practical hands-on experience. To get the training that will lead to a rewarding construction career, consider enrolling in an immersive certificate program or course bundle from a respected provider.
What Should I Learn Alongside Construction?
Construction is a broad industry comprising several fields rather than an individual skill. However, if you start your training with a single course in blueprint reading or MEP systems (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), you might move on to a related topic. Depending on your career goals, you should consider several skill sets like those taught in a certificate program focused on 2D drafting, building information modeling (BIM), or public infrastructure.
Industries That Use Construction
Every industry and sector in Washington, D.C., relies on construction, as does every city. After all, every business or organization needs a headquarters, and builders create their buildings. However, some industries within the broader construction sector hire more professionals with construction-related training than others. Consider the following industries that hire the most professionals with essential construction skills.
Government
The federal government is among D.C.’s largest employers. While aerospace and defense are essential in the public sector, government-funded buildings, expansions, or renovations require everyone from builders to plumbers, electricians, and mechanical engineers. The government is also responsible for many large infrastructure projects.
Real Estate
The combined commercial and residential real estate sectors compose a top Washington, D.C. industry. Real estate is a multi-billion-dollar industry in D.C., with numerous opportunities for architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals, especially those with building information modeling (BIM) expertise.
Construction Job Titles and Salaries
Many Washington, D.C. jobs require construction skills, some with high-paying salaries. If you are at the beginning of your career and looking for the best role, consider the following job titles and their average annual pay in the D.C. area.
- Plumber- Plumbers are among the highest-paid skilled tradespeople in Washington, D.C., and are in high demand. A D.C.-area Plumber can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $91,000—a stunning 50 percent higher than the national average.
- BIM Manager- A Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager is a specialized role requiring technical proficiency and a deep knowledge of construction essentials. In D.C., a BIM Manager can anticipate earning an average annual salary of about $93,000.
- Construction Project Manager- Construction Project Managers in Washington, D.C., are among the best-paid construction pros in Washington, D.C., with an average annual salary of around $110,000,15 percent higher than the national average for comparable positions.
Construction Corporate Training
Would your team benefit from corporate and onsite construction training? VDCI offers in-person and online construction classes, with modern computer labs at their offices or private training at your organization’s location. They can even customize a program to meet your specific needs and preferences. Topics include AutoCAD construction documents, construction project management, and essential leadership skills, to name a few.
If you want your employees to have greater flexibility in their training schedule, you can send them to VDCI group classes. They provide extensive offerings with flexible schedules, and VDCI provides computers and training resources. For more information, contact VDCI today.