One important consideration when studying construction is the cost associated with training. The price of construction classes varies depending on several core factors and is relative to the educational provider that’s offering them. Generally speaking, longer classes provide more comprehensive instruction and, therefore, cost more to attend. A short skills class, for example, may take just a day to complete and cost several hundred dollars, whereas a certificate program can require weeks or months of training and cost several thousand dollars.
Another factor that can influence training costs is whether a course is taught live or asynchronously. Since live construction programs provide students with real-time access to an expert instructor, they typically cost more than on-demand training options, which are pre-recorded and placed online. In addition to full-length classes, some providers offer supplementary training materials such as online tutorials, webinars, or videos. These are usually free to access and can provide students with a basic feel for construction and the skills needed in this field. Keep reading to find out more about the costs associated with learning construction, the various training options available, and the factors that impact the cost of study.
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.
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What Factors Impact How Much It Costs to Learn Construction?
Construction training is a great investment in helping you gain the hands-on skills and knowledge base needed to work as a professional in a range of residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure building projects. The cost associated with training depends on a few key factors. The first is whether the instruction is live or asynchronous. Generally speaking, in-person and live online construction classes cost more than self-paced learning options. This is because they provide students with access to a live instructor who can answer questions in real time and provide individualized feedback. Self-paced programs in this topic range considerably in price. Providers like Coursera and Udemy offer several introductory-level on-demand classes for no cost. Other providers have subscription plans available that require individuals to purchase access for a specific amount of time to their platform (such as one month). During this time, learners can access as many courses as they wish. Other educators like the VDCI have on-demand construction classes available for a range of price points, depending on the program’s duration. Courses start at under $400 for shorter, self-paced programs and go up in price to over $5,000 for longer certificate study.
Another determinant of construction class cost is the length of the program. Short skills classes such as NYC Career Center’s AutoCad in a Day, cost just over $300 and take only a few hours to complete. Noble Desktop’s AutoCad Bootcamp is available for under $1,000 and provides students with a full week of hands-on training (or a full month of part-time class work). Certificates usually require the greatest time commitment from learners and can span several weeks or months, depending on their scope. These options are the most expensive (several thousand dollars). Often, this cost includes career support services such as career counseling or individual mentoring sessions that are intended to help students get a job upon graduation.
What Other Factors Should I Consider When Learning Construction?
Although learning construction isn’t as daunting as it may seem at first, it’s an ongoing process that involves coursework, hands-on training, and practice in real-world situations. This is why it takes most learners several months to learn basic concepts and tools but several years to have the training necessary to work independently and with confidence on involved projects.
The field of construction differs from others in that many individuals opt to progress from structured coursework like bootcamps or certificate programs into apprenticeships. This means that in addition to devoting several weeks or months to formal training, some individuals opt to take their skills to the next level and complete an apprenticeship. This provides them with an excellent opportunity to work under the supervision of seasoned construction professionals and receive hands-on training on actual job sites. The learning-by-doing approach to construction training not only provides a safe and constructive study environment, but ensures that they can gain specialized training in topics like installing electrical wiring or sprinkler systems.
Apprenticeships usually take about three to five years to complete, which includes classroom instruction. More specialized trades such as carpentry, may require additional time. One of the main benefits of apprenticeships is that they usually provide those who complete them with a wage as they gain practical on-the-job experience. Additionally, the majority of construction apprenticeships are associated with labor unions, which means that those who complete them receive structured training on standardized skills that are transferable to a range of construction-related careers.
The decision of which training format to select for studying construction (or combination of training formats) is something each student has to decide on their own. Individuals who are learning construction for personal reasons such as to complete a home improvement project or to have a better language to communicate with Contractors, will need much less training than those interested in completing large-scale construction projects on their own. Similarly, anyone hoping to secure a management-related position like a Construction Manager or Project Manager will have to spend more time on their training to gain the skill set necessary to oversee entire teams of construction workers. Non-professionals may gain the training they need by enrolling in a skills class, watching YouTube videos, or attending a short, self-paced bootcamp. On the other hand, aspiring professionals who want to be expert Carpenters will likely have to devote four or five years (or longer) to their studies and apprenticeship.
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.
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.