Construction is a broad field that describes the process of using labor, equipment, and materials to build structures. Those who work in construction are involved with many daily activities, including preparing sites, laying foundations, erecting walls, installing utilities, and finishing interior layouts. Because there are so many residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects underway at any given time in the US, the need for professionals who have industry training is high and expected to remain this way in the foreseeable future. In this overview, you’ll learn more about what Construction is, what it can do, who uses it, and how to learn it so you can determine how to add this skill to your professional toolbox.
A Brief History of Construction
Construction is not a new profession. Its roots date back to the start of human civilization, a time when rudimentary shelters were being constructed out of natural materials. At this time, early humans worked with basic tools to make structures out of stone, animal skin, and wood. As civilization evolved, more advanced building techniques were introduced gradually. The ancient Egyptians devised techniques to quarry and move huge stones weighing many tons. In Rome, the advent of concrete and arch structures transformed construction practices. During the Industrial Revolution, new construction materials were introduced into the mix, including glass and steel, along with mechanized construction practices.
This field has transformed significantly over millennia into its current iteration, which incorporates new technologies like prefabrication, advanced materials science, sustainable building practices, and building information modeling (BIM). The structures being created today are more efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly than in the past. They are also safer and generally better able to withstand the test of time.
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.
What Tools and Skills Will You Need to Learn Construction?
The field of construction requires both hard and soft skills. While the content taught in construction classes varies depending on the provider and scope of instruction offered, most classes focus on the core tools and skills necessary to succeed in residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects.
Technical training is a must for aspiring construction professionals who want to learn modern building practices. One essential technical skill that’s essential is learning how to read and interpret construction blueprints and drawings. Additionally, knowledge of safety regulations and building codes is essential to ensure that the buildings and structures being created are up to code and offer essential safety features such as protection from fires. Those who work in construction must also be well-versed in basic construction math so they can calculate load requirements, area square footage, and the materials needed for a given project.
Construction training programs typically provide learners with hands-on training in industry-standard equipment and tools. Depending on the scope of instruction provided, learners may gain experience with basic hand tools or work with advanced power equipment. Training programs also teach learners essential digital tools such as BIM software like Autodesk Revit or AutoCAD, which are essential in most modern construction projects. While technical training is a must to succeed as a construction professional, it requires more than a familiarity with software and tools. Students must also study various building materials and where they’re used, the structural principles needed to create study buildings, and the best installation practices for every element of a building, including its foundation and finishing work.
Aspiring construction professionals like Contractors must also be well-versed in skills like cost estimation, quality control processes, and project scheduling.
Soft skills are also necessary to work in construction. Training programs are a great opportunity for students to develop problem-solving, time-management, and clear communication techniques, as well as to develop their attention to detail. Critical thinking skills are essential to understand how various building systems interact with one another, identify and troubleshoot issues as they arise, and correspond with team members and professionals across trades and disciplines. This type of project management training ensures that those who want to work in construction can adhere to timelines, adapt to an ever-changing work environment, and juggle multiple tasks at the same time. These skills are transferable and of value in virtually all career paths.
What Are the Benefits of Learning Construction?
Construction training allows learners to handle a range of residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure building projects essential to providing homes for individuals and families and helping communities develop and thrive. Learning construction is a great way to acquire general knowledge that can help with building and maintaining structures of all types, as well as specialized training that prepares professionals to focus on niche skills, including installing green roofs, energy-efficient HVAC systems, or solar panels. Construction training has applications for restoring historic buildings, designing entertainment venues, creating theme parks, or building prefabricated homes.
Those who focus on residential construction learn how to construct, renovate, and maintain single-family and multi-family homes. This training prepares professionals to help with a range of tasks that span from basic remodeling jobs to designing custom dream houses from scratch. On the other hand, commercial construction training provides learners with the skills needed to create or renovate office buildings, restaurants, or retail establishments. These skills can also be put to use in designing structures like schools or hospitals, which benefit the community at large. Each of these structures requires specialized knowledge and presents unique challenges.
Construction skills can also be used on industrial projects that involve building facilities used for industrial processes like manufacturing and production. These buildings include refineries, warehouses, factories, steel plants, solar wind farms, and power plants. This type of construction poses many challenges that specialized training can prepare construction professionals for, including how to anticipate industry-specific needs, handle hazardous materials, and adhere to safety guidelines.
Those who want to use their construction skills on infrastructure projects are involved with building the foundations for communities. These individuals draw from their knowledge base to build bridges, highways, water treatment facilities, and power plants that bring communities together and ensure they have access to essential services and transportation routes.
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 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 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 learners may opt to continue their training through apprenticeships, which do not cost anything to attend and also provide learners with a source of income as they acquire real-world construction skills.
Construction Careers
Because of the sheer number of new and ongoing construction projects underway in the US, there is a high demand for qualified construction workers. The need is expected to continue because new infrastructure is always being created, and the existing structures must be renovated and maintained. Studying construction is a great way to develop the practical skills needed to pursue a career in a range of career paths such as project management or carpentry. Those who learn construction can tailor their career path around their interests and skills and find niche work in fields like plumbing or electrical work or opt for general construction-related employment paths.
As the construction industry continues to evolve to reflect new techniques and technologies, training is an excellent opportunity to stay current on emerging technologies while simultaneously advancing career options. The following are just a few career paths that are available for those with construction training:
- Plumbers are hired to install and fix pipes and fixtures like garbage disposals, sinks, and toilets. These professionals make about $61,000 a year.
- Carpenters apply their knowledge of woodworking to cut, shape, and join wood and other materials for indoor or outdoor use. These professionals earn about $56,000 annually.
- Civil Engineers are hired to design and oversee infrastructure projects such as airports, roads, and bridges. In the US, they make a yearly salary of $96,000.
- Construction Engineers are involved with the design, planning, and management of a range of large-scale infrastructure projects, including tunnels and bridges. They work to ensure each project is completed on schedule, adheres to budgetary constraints, and satisfies building codes and safety regulations.
- Architects work with clients’ desires and specifications to plan a building’s structure and appearance. Their average yearly salary is $93,000 in the US.
- Electricians use their construction knowledge to install, maintain, and fix residential, commercial, or industrial electrical systems. These professionals earn about $62,000 annually.
- Construction knowledge is also useful in construction management. Construction Managers apply their knowledge and expertise to creating budgets, providing clients with cost estimates, and developing work timelines. They make approximately $105,000 a year.
Comparable Fields
There are several fields that overlap with construction and draw from the same knowledge base and training. One such field is civil engineering. Those who work as Civil Engineers are involved with designing, building, maintaining, and ultimately demolishing physical structures like bridges, highways, airports, mass transit systems, tunnels, and water systems. Their daily tasks involve creating schematics, prototypes, or blueprints for structures, as well as evaluating their stability and sustainability. Civil Engineers must also ensure the structures they build or maintain comply with safety and environmental requirements. Some Civil Engineers focus on geotechnical engineering, which involves analyzing rock and soil conditions to determine if a site is stable, whereas others choose to devote their training to structural engineering projects like creating dams or bridges. Others opt for transportation-related projects like planning, designing, renovating, and operating transportation systems.
Another field that’s comparable to construction and overlaps in many ways with it is project management. Project Managers are hired to brainstorm, organize, and monitor every aspect of a construction project’s lifecycle. These professionals are hired to ensure the project is completed on time, adheres to budgetary constraints, satisfies quality and safety standards, and meets the needs of various stakeholders, including Contractors, property owners, Subcontractors, or Architects. Project Managers aren’t just hired to manage large projects; they also draw from their knowledge of specialized project management software like Trello, Jira, or Monday.com, which helps them adhere to timelines, allocate resources, and track project progress.
How to 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 in-person construction training 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 occur 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 with little or no 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.