Before studying construction, you may be curious if this skill set is one you can learn independently. Self-motivated students can find a range of resources that can help them independently study construction such as self-paced classes, YouTube videos, and online tutorials that can provide valuable training and teach core construction skills. This article will take a closer look at the field of construction, the benefits of studying this trade, and the different tools that are available for self-directed construction 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 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.
Can I Learn Construction on My Own?
With enough time and commitment, it is certainly possible to learn construction skills on your own, though how realistic this is will depend on your long-term goals and your definition of “on my own.” You can enroll in self-paced courses and work on your own schedule to study and get practical training in important construction skills, which can be a significant boon for anyone looking to chart their own path in a professional construction career. These courses vary in terms of depth and quality and many of them aim to serve as supplemental training tools but there are dedicated self-paced classes that you can enroll in to learn construction on your own time. It will be significantly more difficult to learn construction without the help of some kind of accredited training plan.
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Level of Difficulty, Prerequisites, and Cost to Learn Construction
Although most people don’t consider it “easy” to learn construction, it’s a very achievable goal for those willing to devote the time and energy needed to acquire hands-on training. This physically demanding field is usually gradually picked up by most individuals over time as they complete classes, hold apprenticeships, and receive on-the-job training. Learners should keep in mind that this type of work doesn’t just require technical knowledge; it’s also physically demanding and requires endurance, strength, and dexterity to perform tasks like working in all types of weather conditions or lifting heavy materials.
After completing training or taking subject-specific courses, many construction professionals continue their learning through on-the-job training or apprenticeships. These provide a way for construction workers to practice the skills they’ve learned during their studies as they work alongside experienced professionals. Because construction is such a broad category, those interested in working in this field should keep in mind that they may need to acquire specialized training in trades like electrical work, masonry, or carpentry, in addition to more generalized training in safety protocols and best construction practices. This can require additional time and training.
While no formal prerequisites (including a college degree) are required to enter the field of construction, certain skills can expedite the learning process. Those interested in pursuing a construction career will benefit from soft skills like problem-solving, time management, attention to detail, and clear communication. Additionally, basic mathematical proficiency and technical knowledge are also an asset.
The costs associated with learning construction vary greatly depending on the individual’s training approach. Those who opt for formal training will find courses that range in price from several hundred dollars to $5,000, depending on the provider and the scope of instruction available. Many providers also offer Free training resources in the form of online tutorials, YouTube videos, blogs, self-paced classes, or webinars. Some learners may opt to continue their training through apprenticeships, which do not cost anything to attend and provide learners with a source of income as they acquire real-world construction skills.
What Tools Are Available to Help Students Learn Construction on Their Own?
Some learners prefer studying construction on their own through self-teaching resources rather than enrolling in live study. If you’re this kind of learner, you can work with tools like YouTube videos, tutorials, blogs, webinars, and self-paced courses.
The most comprehensive self-teaching resource available in construction is asynchronous coursework. These classes are recorded at an earlier time and placed online, where learners can access them as their schedule allows. It’s up to the individual how much time they wish to spend on their training in a given day, and how they wish to pace their lessons. Some students may wish to spread a ten-hour class on interior design elements out over two weeks of after-work study, whereas others may find it more beneficial to fit this training into one weekend. Each student can decide for him or herself when to pause video content, rewind it, or even rewatch it so they ensure they’re understanding the material and retaining it. On-demand classes are available in many formats, including short skills classes that take less than ten hours to complete, longer bootcamp programs that require weeks of training, or certificates that can span upwards of eight months.
Another useful tool for self-directed construction study is YouTube. There is a lot of video content on construction-related topics available for learners at all levels. Some videos are short and take just a few minutes to watch and cover a specific construction skill or topic such as tips for house framing or the 12 steps of the construction process. Other content is much more involved and can take several hours to watch. These videos provide an overview of the field of construction, the industry best practices, and the core tools needed to work as a construction professional. Since so much content is posted on YouTube, students should research the provider to ensure the content they select is current.
In addition to self-paced classes and YouTube videos, other asynchronous resources are available for students of construction. Learners can find valuable information pertaining to construction by reading online construction tutorials like those offered by Noble Desktop. These articles provide well-researched information on topics like how to use Autodesk Revit to create building sections or sprinkler legends. Learners can also consult Audodesk’s website to find free construction training material such as short tutorials, quick-start guides, and expert tips. Autodesk has community forums as well that provide answers to questions and offer answers to specific questions pertaining to construction software. LinkedIn also has construction-related threads and groups that provide relevant information on this topic.
How Can I Supplement Self-Paced Construction Training?
Learning construction doesn’t have to happen in a vacuum, even when working with self-paced resources. Students who enroll in an asynchronous training course such as a certificate program, should take advantage of the resources and services that are in place to help with their training and ensure they will be job-ready upon graduation. It’s important for each student to explore the supplemental offerings provided by the educator to ensure they get the most out of their training.
Some top educational providers provide learners with a range of resources to help them maximize their self-paced training. The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VCDI) is an online, accredited educator that offers training courses in engineering, construction, and design. In addition to providing students with project-based, comprehensive coursework in essential construction architecture, engineering, and construction tools and skills, students can also take advantage of the supplemental support this provider offers. In addition to having 24/7 access to course materials and complete control over their learning experience, students benefit from learning from Autodesk Certified Instructors who have industry experience and insights. Even though lessons are pre-recorded, students have access to continuous support as they train. All learners receive responses to questions within 24 hours of inquiring. All learners benefit from the personalized feedback on their assignments, which ensures they are grasping the material being taught.
The VCD Institute also offers 1-on-1 career mentoring for those who enroll in one of its certificate programs. During these sessions, students connect in real time with an instructor using Zoom. These sessions can be used for a range of purposes, depending on what the student would find most useful. For example, some learners want to focus on developing their portfolio or LinkedIn profile, whereas others would prefer to have help with their job application process or learn more about the best practices in the construction industry. Sessions are 45 minutes long and offer personalized support so that all learners meet their educational goals and will be ready to succeed in the professional setting when they graduate.
How Can Self-Paced Construction Training Supplement Other Construction Training?
Self-paced construction training can be a great way to learn this in-demand skill set. While some learners opt to use asynchronous resources as their primary method of coursework, others prefer to work with them as a supplement to other forms of study. For example, if you’re enrolled in an in-person, beginner-level construction bootcamp, you may explore how to read blueprints as part of training. While some coursework is devoted to this topic, you may want additional information about how to draw to scale. This is where YouTube videos or online tutorials can prove very effective. They can provide specific answers to questions and only require a small time investment to watch or read.
Those who want to put their construction training to use in a professional setting such as for an upcoming work project or to pursue an entirely new career path, may need to learn certain skills much faster than others. For these individuals, self-paced training material can be a valuable resource because it doesn’t take weeks or months of study to complete, and it provides specific, relevant construction information. Learners can ask a construction question, perform an internet search, and find the answers or explanations they need in just seconds. Additionally, some self-paced resources such as on-demand classes from VCDI, allow students to control the speed of lesson delivery. Learners can slow down their pace and rewatch a specific video or section of a video as often as they need to master the concepts being taught. Self-paced resources like YouTube videos can even be watched again and again without any cost.
Another benefit of working with on-demand content is that it can fill a skills gap. For example, if you complete a bootcamp that focuses on construction management, you will gain a range of skills needed to oversee construction projects. This includes knowledge of project planning, quality control, budgeting, and cost estimation. However, not all programs teach students the same software as part of training. For example, a bootcamp may cover AutoCAD but not Revit. Those who must learn Revit for professional reasons can turn to on-demand resources to begin working with this tool. Often, combining multiple training approaches is the most effective and comprehensive way to truly learn construction.
How to Decide If Self-Paced Construction Training is Right for Me?
Although self-paced construction training is a good option for many learners, it’s not a good match for everyone. The type of student who will benefit the most from this type of training is a self-motivated learner who has the follow-through to continue with their studies, even when a live instructor isn’t present. This student will be willing to carve out the necessary time for several weeks or months to complete class lessons and practice the skills they’re learning, even though there are no homework deadlines. Students interested in this type of study will also need to be able to find answers on their own to any questions they have.
The flexibility of this self-paced construction training is an incentive for those who work full-time or who have busy personal lives. Often, professionals who are juggling busy work schedules, travel, or personal commitments prefer self-paced training because it allows them to direct their own studies. For example, they may be unable to complete training during the week because of work but can spend weekends studying construction. These learners may also have to adjust for travel or other commitments and complete their training as time permits. Live study doesn’t afford these options since classes take place at regularly scheduled intervals.
Another advantage of self-paced construction classes is cost. Generally, on-demand training is a much more cost-effective approach to learning construction than live courses. This is because the content is pre-recorded and isn’t being taught in real time. Some self-paced classes are even available for free from providers like Coursera and Udemy and provide beginner-friendly training in core construction competencies.
One important consideration with on-demand training is that it can pose challenges for some individuals, since it requires being able to articulate questions and then finding answers independent of an instructor. Additionally, since some programs like certificates can require upwards of eight months to complete, it can be difficult for some to maintain focus and motivation during this long of a time period. This is why, before enrolling in a self-paced class, it’s essential to ask yourself if you have the follow-through necessary to continue with training over an extended period, even without a live instructor or cohort of students present.
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.
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 studying 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.
Learn Construction with Self-Paced VDCI Courses
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.