Before you begin studying construction, you may wonder how difficult it will be to learn this skill set. Although each student differs in terms of the prior knowledge they bring to the learning process, the training method they select, and the ultimate goals they have for studying construction, most individuals will find that it’s not as daunting of a task as it may seem to gain a solid foundation in this field. Anyone willing to devote the time and effort necessary to learn and practice skills will find that learning construction is a very achievable and rewarding goal in just a few years.
One of the main contributing factors that contribute to how students learn construction is the training method they select. Live classes are available in-person and online for those who can commit to real-time study. They typically provide the most interactive and hands-on way to study construction. Learners can also choose self-paced coursework, which affords them the benefit of remote study along with the flexibility of dictating their own learning progression and pace. Additionally, attending a trade apprenticeship can provide a great opportunity for individuals to receive hands-on training under the supervision of a professional. Generally speaking, those who are interested in learning construction basics for personal use will usually find it much faster and easier to acquire this type of training when compared to professionals who want to learn advanced concepts for work-related purposes.
Keep reading to find out more about the various factors that can affect how hard it is for individuals to learn construction, the training formats available for study, and the educational resources to assist with learning.
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.
Learn Construction
- Nationally accredited
- Create your own portfolio
- Free student software
- Learn at your convenience
- Authorized Autodesk training center
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.
What Factors Impact How Hard it is to Learn Construction?
All learners differ in terms of the knowledge they bring to their construction training. Some may have prior experience with basic construction concepts and skills, whereas others will need to begin from scratch. Construction novices will have to tackle basics before progressing into more advanced training, which can require additional time and effort. This means developing basic mathematical and geometry skills. They also may need to study project management or CAD software. Introductory-level coursework often prepares students to read blueprints, understand and follow basic safety protocols, and recognize hazardous materials or situations. Similarly, students may also learn how to handle basic equipment that they’ll need on a daily basis.
Most individuals will find that learning construction isn’t nearly as daunting as they may initially suspect. In fact, many of the core skills and concepts they’ll learn are straightforward and require logic and a practical mindset. In just a few months, most students can learn enough core concepts and skills to be able to pursue an entry-level role in this field or join a construction team. However, the skills the learner already possesses, as well as their method of training, will greatly determine how hard they find the learning process.
One of the most common challenges learners face when studying construction is cultivating a 3D mindset. This allows them to conceptualize how everything will fit together before the actual construction commences. Doing so requires a robust understanding of elements like safety rules and building codes, as well as how elements like electricity and plumbing work together without clashing. Aspiring construction professionals must also learn how to make precise measurements, handle unexpected developments like weather delays or issues behind walls, and deal with issues like late materials. These can all require additional time and practice and will vary from project to project.
What Other Factors Should I Consider when Learning Construction
One of the core factors that dictates how hard it will be for students to learn construction is the training format they choose. Live courses generally provide the most effective and immediate learning outcomes, whereas self-paced study options offer a more flexible pedagogical approach. On-demand classes can also pose certain challenges for learners as they self-teach, since it’s up to them to find answers on their own to the questions they have. This type of training can, therefore, require additional time and effort.
Courses range in length from short skills classes that take just a day or so to complete to long certificate programs that can require six months or longer of self-paced study time. Each learner will need to decide for him or herself which level of training is most suited to their professional needs. Those who are looking to fill a skills gap may find a short skills class sufficient for their training needs. On the other hand, others may benefit more from comprehensive, longer study options like bootcamps or certificates that allow for weeks or months of immersive study. Cost is an important consideration as well. Generally speaking, skills classes and short courses are the least expensive training option and can be completed for several hundred dollars. Longer programs like certificates can cost several thousand dollars. Many longer programs also include professional development incentives along with tuition that are in place to help students get jobs upon graduation. These may include career counseling, 1-on-1 mentoring sessions, or internships.
After coursework is completed, it’s common for aspiring construction professionals to enroll in a trade apprenticeship in a field like masonry, plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry. This type of program is a great opportunity for individuals to bring the skills they learned during their coursework into the real-world setting. During apprenticeships, students work full-time on a construction site and are under the supervision of one or more construction professionals. This type of training is an excellent way to acquire real-world, hands-on training in a safe and supportive environment. It also allows individuals to earn a wage while they explore specific construction trades. Most apprenticeships require an additional three to four years of training for learners to reach the level of journeyman and work on their trade independently.
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.