Not all learners who want to study construction can attend live courses that meet in-person or online. Due to a host of factors such as scheduling considerations or distance from training centers, some individuals may need a more flexible approach to their studies. For them, self-paced construction training is a good alternative.
Self-paced construction training material is pre-recorded and placed online, where students can access it as their schedule permits. These resources include short asynchronous skills classes, longer bootcamps, and comprehensive certificate programs. Rather than have to attend class meetings that take place at regularly scheduled intervals or commute to and from a designated training center to learn construction, self-paced study empowers the student to take ownership of their training. Lessons can all be completed remotely and at a time convenient to the learner such as after work or on weekends.
Read on to learn more about the benefits of studying construction through self-paced courses, some important considerations to weigh when deciding if this type of training is right for you, and several alternative learning methods available if this type of instruction isn’t a good match 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 entails any maintenance-related repairs, expansion projects, demolition initiatives, or dismantling tasks.
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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.
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.
Why Learn in a Self-Paced Class?
There are many educational benefits to enrolling in a self-paced construction class. Most students’ incentive for this type of training is the flexibility it provides to the learning process and its pacing. When attending a live class, students meet at regular intervals (often multiple times a week) in real time to learn about construction. In this training format, the instructor determines the pacing of each lesson, as well as the overall course. While some learners may benefit from this structure, others would rather determine their learning pace and the speed they progress through lessons. Those who work full-time, for example, may find it more beneficial to spend an hour each night after work for an entire month learning how to read blueprints rather than having to take off work for an entire week to do so via live training. Other learners may find that condensing this training into a long weekend of intensive studies is a better pedagogical approach for their learning needs.
Live construction classes require that participants be available each week to attend training sessions. Those who attend in-person courses also must commute to and from training each week. This means living near a training facility, which is typically located in major metropolitan areas. Individuals who live in remote areas, who lack access to a reliable form of transportation, or who are not able to set aside several hours of a week at a specific time for training will find self-paced study a more accessible way to learn construction.
Cost is another incentive when considering self-paced construction training. Generally speaking, live coursework is the most expensive way to study construction since it involves real-time instruction in the live setting. Self-paced classes are often a much more cost-effective approach to live training. These programs vary considerably in price. Some educators like Udemy and Coursera offer free beginner-level construction classes that can help students learn basics without having to spend a penny. Other providers have subscription plans to platforms, where students purchase a pass for a month and can complete any training they wish during this timeframe. Some educators also offer individual construction courses, which can be purchased as stand-alone programs. These range in price from under $100 to over $5,000, depending on the scope of instruction provided.
What Should I Know Before Enrolling in a Self-Paced Class?
Before signing up for a self-paced construction course, you may wonder if there are any important considerations to weigh about this form of training. The main challenge learners in self-paced classes face is fully learning the material that’s being presented. This includes pinpointing which areas are causing difficulty during the learning process, as well as finding answers to questions that come up during training. Those who are just getting started with construction may not have a working knowledge of exactly where they’re struggling or be able to formulate a specific question they need to have answered. This can make it difficult for some individuals to grasp challenging concepts and ensure they’re on the right path with their training. It also means that it’s up to each student to advocate for their own learning outcomes and reach out to others for assistance, if necessary, during their training.
Unlike live training that provides a firmly structured week-by-week progression of concepts and training, on-demand classes leave this pacing up to the learner. Lessons are still structured and adhere to a syllabus, but each individual can decide on their own learning pace and the rate they complete lessons. This is an important factor to consider since some learners prefer formal deadlines to motivate them to complete homework, practice their skills, and progress at a healthy pace throughout the duration of a class. Before you enroll in a self-paced class, it’s important to ask yourself if you do better with the structure a live instructor establishes or if you prefer the freedom of determining your own learning speed.
Who Stands to Benefit the Most from a Self-Paced Class?
Those interested in on-demand construction training should be self-motivated learners who are able to independently motivate themselves to complete their training. Since no instructor is present during these classes, there are no formal deadlines to turn in work or requirements for participation. Each learner is in charge of their learning outcomes, and the effort they put into their coursework will largely determine how successful they are. While some individuals find this flexibility freeing, others may experience challenges during long programs to find the time to devote to their studies. Some self-paced construction classes such as certificate programs, can take eight months or longer to complete. It’s essential for learners to stay on board with their training regimen during this time and to continue to practice the skills they learn during coursework.
Individuals who have full-time work schedules and/or busy personal lives will likely appreciate the flexibility of self-paced training. This study format doesn’t require them to take off work, commute to and from class each week, or be in a specific physical location for training. They can complete their studies as their schedule permits and make any adjustments to their pacing, as needed, to account for upcoming work travel or other considerations.
Since all self-paced classes are taught asynchronously, there is no opportunity in this type of coursework for students to ask questions or receive individualized support. Students who are just interested in learning construction basics through this type of training may find this a fine learning approach since the material will be fairly straightforward. However, for professionals who will need to use the construction skills they’re learning in the real-world environment, self-paced training can pose certain challenges. Advanced construction concepts and skills may be difficult for some learners to acquire through on-demand classes. Similarly, anyone who needs to learn a specific construction skill for use in an upcoming work project may find self-paced training is not a good match for their needs since lessons can take weeks or longer to get to this material. Those interested in construction training for use in professional roles like construction management, project management, or independent contracting may benefit more from live study to ensure they’re gaining the skills they’ll need to confidently complete a range of construction projects.
Alternatives to Self-Paced Classes
While self-paced construction classes are a good option for busy professionals, they aren’t for everyone. Those who are interested in fully learning construction for professional purposes such as completing an upcoming work project, transitioning to a new career path, or pursuing a management-related role within the construction industry, may benefit more from live training than self-paced study. This is because live classes provide all learners with the opportunity to ask questions as they arise and receive immediate clarification and support. In-person and live online construction classes are available from many top providers around the US and are available for learners at all levels. These include short skills classes, bootcamps, certificates, and certifications.
In addition to live construction training, some learners may want to study this topic using free resources. Many types of free resources are available online such as YouTube channels, webinars, research articles, blogs, and tutorials. 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 use this in concert with free online webinars.
Learners can also find construction 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.
Yet another alternative to self-paced training in construction is attending a trade apprenticeship in a field like carpentry, masonry, plumbing, or electrical work. 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.
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 who are 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 break into the field of construction, certain skills can expedite the learning process. Those who are 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 training approach the individual selects. 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. Free training resources are also offered by many providers in the form of online tutorials, YouTube videos, blogs, self-paced classes, or webinars. Some 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.
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.