Before you learn construction, you may be curious about which resources are available that can help with your training. Because construction is an in-demand field, learners at all levels of proficiency can find a range of guided and self-teaching material from which to select, including live courses, self-paced programs, free online videos and tutorials, and apprenticeships. Each of these options has its unique benefits and learning outcomes. Read on to find out more about the different training options available in construction, such as in-person, live online, on-demand, and free material, as well as how to determine which is best for you.
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 also 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.
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.
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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 who study 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.
How Can I 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 that in-person construction training is the most interactive and engaging way to learn this skill set. Students attend class at a designated training facility that’s located in or near a major city and has computers with the most current software already 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 take place 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 who have little or no prior 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 and Limitations of Live Construction Training
Those who thrive in a traditional classroom setting will find live construction classes a good option. Students attend courses at a designated training facility that has computers with the most current software and tools available for students to use. In addition to benefiting from real-time training from an expert instructor who has industry experience in construction, students are also supported by others in their cohort, which can provide a sense of camaraderie while training. All learners can ask questions as they occur and receive immediate clarification. This ensures that students are able to learn and retain essential construction skills and concepts that have real-world applications.
Live construction classes aren’t always an option for students. Those who live far from a training facility or who don’t have a car may not be able to attend live training. Additionally, those who work full-time may find it difficult to balance this type of study with their job requirements.
Advantages and Limitations of Online Resources
Online construction training is a popular way many individuals choose to learn this field. Top educators around the globe offer online resources like live bootcamps, on-demand certificates, YouTube tutorials, webinars, or tutorials. Online training affords learners many benefits that in-person courses do not. Rather than having to commute to and from a designated training facility for each class meeting, participants can complete all their training remotely. This makes online construction study a good option for those who live far from major cities where training centers are located, as well as for those who don’t have access to a car or public transportation. In addition to saving time and money on commuting, online training allows students to attend class from the comfort of their own space.
Many educators offer the same construction coursework in the in-person and live online format and allow learners to select which is best for their scheduling needs. Additionally, because of the sheer number of online construction classes, aspiring learners are sure to find coursework that focuses on the skills they want to learn and is at the appropriate difficulty level. Students can select from short live online skills classes, on-demand bootcamps that span several weeks, or self-paced certificate programs that require months to complete. Both part-time and full-time study options are available online. Live online classes allow learners to ask questions in real time and even grant the instructor permission to share their screen for additional clarification.
Those interested in online construction study should keep in mind this type of training doesn’t take place in a traditional classroom setting or computer lab. All participants must have access to the internet and supply their own computing devices with the necessary tools and software already installed. Additionally, individuals who thrive in the traditional classroom setting and prefer studying alongside others in person may not find the same sense of community and support through online study, particularly self-paced classes, since they are completed remotely (and independently, for self-paced training). Live online classes also require that participants have schedules that permit them to attend courses that meet at regularly scheduled intervals, often bi-weekly.
Advantages and Limitations of Self-Paced Resources
The most flexible way to learn construction is with self-paced resources. Self-paced construction classes are available from many providers in the US, including the VDCI, Coursera, and Udemy. This type of training is recorded at an earlier time and placed online. Students can access video lessons and training material at any time, as their schedule permits. Classes range in length significantly, depending on the provider, the course’s scope, and the level of difficulty. Some classes take just a few hours to complete, whereas certificate programs may span months and offer more comprehensive instruction.
One of the main benefits of self-paced material is that it leaves it up to the learner to dictate their own learning pace and how long training will take. This is not an option with live coursework since the instructor leads all lessons and establishes how much time is spent on each topic. Some students may choose to devote thirty minutes a day for a full month to learning about electrical wiring in commercial construction projects; others may prefer to condense this training into a full weekend. On-demand training can be completed after work at night or on weekends, which makes it a great option for those who have full-time careers or busy personal lives and want to fit their studies into their schedule.
Cost is another incentive for self-paced classes. Since the material was all pre-recorded and loaded online, it’s often a much more cost-effective approach to learning construction than live programs. Some providers like Udemy and Coursera even have free classes available for participants who want to get started exploring construction basics. Learners who are interested in this type of training should remember that they will not have access to a live instructor during their studies. This can pose challenges for individuals who are new to construction concepts or who need to master advanced-level skills for work-related reasons. While live training usually costs more, it’s generally a more effective and engaging way to fully learn this topic.
Advantages and Limitations of Free Resources
Another option for learning construction is to do so using free resources. Many types of free resources are available online, including YouTube channels, webinars, online blogs and tutorials, and research articles. These resources vary in terms of length and scope. For example, learners can watch short YouTube videos that take only ten minutes or so on fire safety construction best practices or instead opt for longer videos that take hours to watch and include an overview of the field of construction and core tools used in it. Some individuals may wish to combine different kinds of free resources to provide a more well-rounded understanding of construction. They may, for example, read online construction tutorials such as those offered by Noble Desktop that provide well-researched information on topics like how to use Autodesk Revit to create building sections or sprinkler legends and combine this with YouTube video content.
Because there’s no financial commitment involved with free construction resources, they provide a low-stakes way to study this field and learn the basics. However, most individuals will find that free resources alone will not suffice to provide them with a full understanding of construction for work-related purposes. Free online content doesn’t provide students with access to a live instructor or a way to ask questions, which can pose challenges for some learners. Additionally, because of the sheer number of free resources available pertaining to construction, it can be challenging for some to determine which are the most current and useful, and which are dated and are less applicable to the job setting.
What Supplemental Resources are Available?
In addition to free resources like YouTube videos or online tutorials, learners can also find training material from software providers like Autodesk. Autodesk offers free construction training material on its website, including quick-start guides, short tutorials, and expert tips. Autodesk also has community forums that provide answers to questions and information on specific questions or provide information on construction software. Additionally, LinkedIn has construction-related threads and groups that provide relevant information on this topic. While supplemental resources such as these can be a great way to get started learning construction, most people will require more structured training to fully grasp this in-demand field.
How to Choose Your Ideal Learning Plan
No two learners are the same in terms of how they approach studying construction. Some may opt to enroll in live bootcamp programs close to home, whereas others may prefer the flexibility of self-paced certificate programs. Some individuals will benefit from combining several types of training, such as skills courses, YouTube videos, and online tutorials, to maximize their training efforts. Many aspiring construction professionals complete apprenticeships as part of their training. These typically involve working closely with one or more construction professionals after acquiring basic construction knowledge. Participants in apprenticeships have the chance to acquire real-world construction training in a safe, supportive environment. They also can earn an income while doing so. Determining which study path is best for you will likely depend on your availability, your career goals, and the method of training you find most beneficial for your learning style.
Learn Construction with Hands-on Training at VDCI
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.