Before you learn construction, you may be curious about which resources are available that can help with your training. Because construction is an in-demand field, learners at all levels of proficiency can find a range of guided and self-teaching material from which to select, including live courses, self-paced programs, free online videos and tutorials, and apprenticeships. Each of these options has its unique benefits and learning outcomes. Read on to find out more about the different training options available in construction such as in-person, live online, on-demand, and free material, as well as how to determine which is best for you.
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.
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.
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.
Those who thrive in a traditional classroom setting will find live construction classes a good option. Students attend courses at a designated training facility that has computers with the most current software and tools available for students to use. In addition to benefiting from real-time training from an expert instructor who has industry experience in construction, students are also supported by others in their cohort, which can provide a sense of camaraderie while training. All learners can ask questions as they occur and receive immediate clarification. This ensures that students are able to learn and retain essential construction skills and concepts that have real-world applications.
Live construction classes aren’t always an option for students. Those who live far from a training facility or who don’t have a car may not be able to attend live training. Additionally, those who work full-time may find it difficult to balance this type of study with their job requirements.
Online construction training is a popular way many individuals choose to learn this field. Top educators around the globe offer online resources like live bootcamps, on-demand certificates, YouTube tutorials, webinars, or tutorials. Online training affords learners many benefits that in-person courses do not. Rather than having to commute to and from a designated training facility for each class meeting, participants can complete all their training remotely. This makes online construction study a good option for those who live far from major cities where training centers are located, as well as for those who don’t have access to a car or public transportation. In addition to saving time and money on commuting, online training allows students to attend class from the comfort of their own space.
Many educators offer the same construction coursework in the in-person and live online format and allow learners to select which is best for their scheduling needs. Additionally, because of the sheer number of online construction classes, aspiring learners are sure to find coursework that focuses on the skills they want to learn and is at the appropriate difficulty level. Students can select from short live online skills classes, on-demand bootcamps that span several weeks, or self-paced certificate programs that require months to complete. Both part-time and full-time study options are available online. Live online classes allow learners to ask questions in real time and even grant the instructor permission to share their screen for additional clarification.
Those interested in online construction study should keep in mind this type of training doesn’t take place in a traditional classroom setting or computer lab. All participants must have access to the internet and supply their own computing devices with the necessary tools and software already installed. Additionally, individuals who thrive in the traditional classroom setting and prefer studying alongside others in-person may not find the same sense of community and support through online study, particularly self-paced classes, since they are completed remotely (and independently, for self-paced training). Live online classes also require that participants have schedules that permit them to attend courses that meet at regularly scheduled intervals, often bi-weekly.
The most flexible way to learn construction is with self-paced resources. Self-paced construction classes are available from many providers in the US, including the VDCI, Coursera, and Udemy. This type of training is recorded at an earlier time and placed online. Students can access video lessons and training material at any time, as their schedule permits. Classes range in length significantly, depending on the provider, the course’s scope, and the level of difficulty. Some classes take just a few hours to complete, whereas certificate programs may span months and offer more comprehensive instruction.
One of the main benefits of self-paced material is that it leaves it up to the learner to dictate their own learning pace and how long training will take. This is not an option with live coursework since the instructor leads all lessons and establishes how much time is spent on each topic. Some students may choose to devote thirty minutes a day for a full month to learning about electrical wiring in commercial construction projects; others may prefer to condense this training into a full weekend. On-demand training can be completed after work at night or on weekends, which makes it a great option for those who have full-time careers or busy personal lives and want to fit their studies into their schedule.
Cost is another incentive for self-paced classes. Since the material was all pre-recorded and loaded online, it’s often a much more cost-effective approach to learning construction than live programs. Some providers like Udemy and Coursera even have free classes available for participants who want to get started exploring construction basics. Learners who are interested in this type of training should remember that they will not have access to a live instructor during their studies. This can pose challenges for individuals who are new to construction concepts or who need to master advanced-level skills for work-related reasons. While live training usually costs more, it’s generally a more effective and engaging way to fully learn this topic.
Another option for learning construction is to do so using free resources. Many types of free resources are available online, including YouTube channels, webinars, online blogs and tutorials, and research articles. 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 combine this with YouTube video content.
Because there’s no financial commitment involved with free construction resources, they provide a low-stakes way to study this field and learn the basics. However, most individuals will find that free resources alone will not suffice to provide them with a full understanding of construction for work-related purposes. Free online content doesn’t provide students with access to a live instructor or a way to ask questions, which can pose challenges for some learners. Additionally, because of the sheer number of free resources available pertaining to construction, it can be challenging for some to determine which are the most current and useful, and which are dated and are less applicable to the job setting.
In addition to free resources like YouTube videos or online tutorials, learners can also find 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. While supplemental resources such as these can be a great way to get started learning construction, most people will require more structured training to fully grasp this in-demand field.
No two learners are the same in terms of how they approach studying construction. Some may opt to enroll in live bootcamp programs close to home, whereas others may prefer the flexibility of self-paced certificate programs. Some individuals will benefit from combining several types of training such as skills courses, YouTube videos, and online tutorials, to maximize their training efforts. Many aspiring construction professionals complete apprenticeships as part of their training. These typically involve working closely with one or more construction professionals after acquiring basic construction knowledge. Participants in apprenticeships have the chance to acquire real-world construction training in a safe, supportive environment. They also can earn an income while doing so. Determining which study path is best for you will likely depend on your availability, your career goals, and the method of training you find most beneficial for your learning style.
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.
If you are considering enrolling in an interior design course for professional or personal reasons but want to learn more about the field and any expectations beforehand, you have come to the right place. Interior design is a worthwhile skill to learn as it is used in all kinds of spaces, places, and ways. Specifically, interior design professionals analyze a space and determine what is needed to make it look great and work as intended for the people who use it. Becoming a proficient Interior Designer requires learning everything from textiles and materials to digital design tools and design principles. Those with a strong creative eye who also understand the importance of spatial awareness, lighting, saturation, and other design principles will particularly thrive in this field and find enjoyment in the day-to-day responsibilities and projects. As such, interior design is a blend of artistic expression and logical reasoning to end up with an aesthetically pleasing and functional space.
One of the best parts of learning interior design is that you can go down numerous paths with your studies. For instance, Interior Designers work on residential and commercial properties, so whatever space you are interested in designing, you can find a course that will help you do so. Each project, regardless of whether it’s a home or an office space, will have different specifications, requirements, and needs. It’s up to you, as the interior design professional, to figure out what is needed to provide everyone with a pleasant experience while using the space. Moreover, many interior design professionals work with architectural, engineering, and construction experts as well. If you want to study a field that allows you to challenge yourself mentally while flourishing creatively, interior design may be the right path for you.
Interior design is a broad field that consists of both creative and scientific processes and approaches. Specifically, it is the practice of creating aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces that work for the people who use them. It involves more than just picking out pretty furniture and choosing a color scheme. This field dives into everything from layout and material options to sustainable design efforts and fixtures. An Interior Designer is concerned with considering how the space will be used and curating a space based on that need. In addition, they are tasked with ensuring the room is comfortable and tailored to the needs of the occupants, whether it’s a living room in a home or a waiting room in an office building.
This field blends technical knowledge with creative ability in a unique way that other fields and professions simply do not. As such, Interior Designers need well-developed knowledge and experience with architectural processes, building codes, sustainable standards, and even human psychology to understand what makes a space preferable. These professionals work toward creating a visually appealing, safe, accessible, and productive space. Whether it is a residential home, a commercial office, or a public space, Interior Designers work with every element of the design to shape an influential, productive environment.
Learning interior design lets you tap into your creative side while also gaining practical skills that significantly affect how spaces look and feel. This field offers a chance to express yourself creatively, whether transforming a room in your home or designing spaces for a firm. However, interior design is more than just making rooms look nice—it’s about creating environments that are functional, comfortable, and suitable for those who reside in them. If you enjoy working with design principles, solving problems, and providing a pleasant experience for the client, learning interior design could be the best path for you.
There are dozens of ways to apply your interior design skills in the workplace. You could go down the residential route and help people turn their houses into homes that are both stylish and functional. On the other hand, you could work in commercial design, where you curate productive and inviting offices, restaurants, and retail spaces that help generate a sense of who the business is. Other interesting areas of interior design include healthcare design, which is incredibly specific and requires adhering to certain criteria. Hospitals and clinics have codes they must follow, which makes each healthcare design project challenging yet rewarding.
On a personal level, learning interior design can completely change the way you approach decorating and rearranging the spaces in your home. With your interior design expertise, you will know how to make your home work best for you and your needs, which includes everything from the throw pillows you choose to the layout of your furniture so you can make the most out of your space. You can turn your spare room into a productive home office space or make your living room more cozy and comforting. Interior design lets you make smart choices about furniture, color, and layout that fit your style and make your space work better for you. With the right training, you can take your home from drab and impersonal to vibrant and more aligned with your likes and preferences, which leads to a much happier daily experience. You should enjoy the space you inhabit—with interior design training, you can start working towards that immediately.
The most common career path for someone who learns interior design is becoming an Interior Designer. It is all about making spaces look great and work well for the people using them, whether it’s a home, office, restaurant, or any other kind of space. Interior Designers work with clients to figure out how to make the space they want happen. They handle everything from layout and furniture selection to lighting and color schemes. Interior Designers focus on every detail, down to the slightest decor, making sure the space is beautiful, on-brand, and functional. Whether they work with individuals in their homes or businesses with their new location, they are valuable parts of the design process. Indeed reports that Interior Designers earn roughly $69,000 per year in the United States; however, the average will vary based on experience and location. For example, Philadelphia-based Interior Designers earn closer to $84,000 while those in Miami earn slightly less than the national average of $67,000. Moreover, a junior designer could earn closer to $55,000 but could potentially work their way up and earn salaries surpassing six figures.
Interior design requires learning computer-aided design, so you could also become a CAD Designer. In this specialized role, you would use software like AutoCAD to create detailed plans and blueprints for projects in all kinds of fields, like architecture, engineering, or interior design. You’ll create technical drawings and help take projects from ideas to reality. These designers often work behind the scenes, making sure the dimensions and design elements are precise and accurate. Indeed shares that these professionals earn an average base salary of $69,000 across the United States. However, expect a range in salaries as you search for jobs. First, your location will play a role in your expected salary. For instance, a CAD Designer living in Houston can expect an average salary of $79,000, an entire ten thousand dollar difference compared to the national average. Additionally, factor in your experience. While Junior CAD Designers earn an average salary of $54,000, those in senior-level positions earn closer to $85,000.
With adequate training, you could also become an Architect and create detailed plans for building designs. This includes anything from residential homes and condos to skyscrapers and commercial properties. Architects have training in CAD, building codes, zoning laws, project management, and interior design. Indeed states that the average base salary for an Architect in the U.S. is roughly $108,000. This average varies greatly from city to city, however. Compared to the national average, Austin-based Architects earn closer to $159,000 and those living in Orlando can expect an average salary closer to $97,000. This career path also offers opportunities for advancement as well, which means an increased salary. While a Junior Architect may start by earning $66,000, there’s a chance to work up to Lead Architect and earn closer to $125,000. However, there’s even more room for advancement as Chief Architects earn an average of $226,000.
You have plenty of options for learning interior design—it just depends on what you prefer and how much time throughout the week you have to dedicate to a class. Live online classes are a great way to enjoy a traditional classroom experience but from the comfort of your home. You will learn from an experienced instructor, log in at scheduled times, and complete hands-on projects just like you would in an in-person class. You can ask your instructor questions and chat with classmates. Plus, the course is structured to give you as much immersive experience as possible despite the virtual setting. Being able to connect with others is useful for networking and gives you multiple perspectives. In the end, you’ll end up a more well-rounded interior design professional.
Some people need ample flexibility to properly fit a new learning experience into their regular lives. If you are someone who likes to learn at a pace that suits them, you can opt for self-paced, on-demand classes. They are a great option for someone who needs or prefers additional flexibility to support them through the learning process. With this method, you will watch pre-recorded lectures, go through modules, and complete various lessons to help you pick up the skills and absorb the material. While you don’t have live interaction between an instructor or peers, many of these courses offer support through emails, chatbots, or discussion boards. This option is great if you have a busy schedule or want to build upon your skills on your terms.
On the other hand, you may feel more inclined to check out more traditional and familiar learning methods such as an in-person class. Most people grew up going to in-person schools with other students, so this may be a method you are more comfortable exploring. In-person classes are for those who thrive in a traditional classroom setting because you get to learn face-to-face. You’ll get hands-on instruction and direct interaction with the material, which is great for a beginner who needs that extra assistance. Of course, this requires you to have adequate transportation and time to make the commute. Depending on your location and schedule, this may be tricky, but if you’re someone who values a structured, traditional learning environment, this could be the best option.
Overall, each learning method has its perks and downsides that could vary based on learning needs, schedule, location, and goals. Live online and in-person classes offer interaction yet require you to follow a more structured schedule. On-demand classes are self-paced and flexible but do not offer the interaction that some students may depend on to acquire new skills. No matter which method you pick, the key is to make sure it aligns with your needs and preferences and helps you develop the skills you need to succeed in interior design.
Learning interior design can be as easy or as challenging as you make it; however, there are some things to consider that may determine which aspects of this field are more difficult for you. For instance, if you naturally have an eye for style and design such as having the ability to pick out a great color scheme or appropriately textured items, then you may find the styling aspect of interior design fairly enjoyable and easy to pick up. However, you may have difficulty learning the various design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and even some Adobe Creative Cloud applications. It could also take time and practice to make a space both aesthetically balanced and functional. But overall, if you’re passionate about design and willing to put in the effort, it’s an achievable endeavor.
The cost of learning interior design can vary greatly depending on the path you choose to take. If you decide to enroll in a traditional degree program, it could cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. On the other hand, shorter programs and bootcamps are far less costly yet still focused on career development. These can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the level of depth and the length of the course. It also depends on the purpose as introductory courses are far less costly than advanced courses. Of course, there are ways to make the cost less stressful. You can earn scholarships and benefit from flexible payment plans. But overall, you can find flexible course options to fit any budget.
While interior design is the core focus, you can learn other skills that help make you a more well-rounded and trustworthy interior design professional. First, your training will substantially increase your drawing and sketching skills, both by hand and digitally. Likewise, you may leave with basic architectural and construction knowledge that will help you in all kinds of design situations. Plus, it’s useful since Interior Designers often work with professionals in these fields and more. If you are serious about building a career in interior design, learning about essential business, project management, and finance skills could be immeasurably beneficial and worth spending the time, money, and effort to accomplish.
VDCI offers a variety of courses that can help you build a solid foundation in interior design and other related fields and skills. For instance, the CAD Certificate Program spans eight months, totaling 280 hours of class time. This is a part-time, totally online course that offers flexibility for busy schedules but still gives you a thorough education in computer-aided design software. Specifically, you will learn how to master AutoCAD, which is an industry-standard software for creating floor plans, layouts, and design blueprints. The program covers everything from fundamental tasks like creating drafting symbols to more advanced techniques like demonstrating layer and file management. Above all else, it will prepare you for a field in interior design, architecture, or a related field. You will have access to a flexible payment plan and free student software. In addition, you’ll earn several credentials, including a verified certificate of completion and an AutoCAD Fundamentals and AutoCAD Professional badge.
Likewise, there is an AutoCAD Fundamentals course that lasts 12 weeks, totaling 60 total hours of instruction. This is a part-time, fully online course that gives you thorough instruction in AutoCAD essentials. This is a great course for beginners who want to learn the foundational skills that will set them up for success in the future. You’ll learn how to create kitchen and bath fixtures, design a floor plan, and integrate information into one concise file. In addition, you will learn how to apply layer management, user coordinates system development, and even practice creating sheet layout environments. This course gives you flexible payment options and free student software so you are set up for success.
Many Interior Designers use Photoshop to edit marketing materials or other relevant imagery to impress clients and potential customers. If you want to start simple, consider the Introduction to Photoshop course from VDCI. Here, you will learn how to navigate and use Photoshop for image enhancement, whether you want to edit portraits, floor plans, or any other image. In addition, you will learn how to adjust, enhance, and refine imagery for marketing purposes. This course can be hugely beneficial for an Interior Designer who wants to provide their clients with the best design mock-ups possible.
You could also consider the Introduction to InDesign course where you will learn how to design brochures, flyers, business cards, books, postcards, and other digital publishing projects. Although Interior Designers may not use InDesign every day, it is worth learning because it can be useful during client meetings or while sharing marketing materials and other information with clients. In this class, you will learn how to create and adjust graphics as well as draw shapes and design your work for a commercial printer. In addition, you will learn the design principles and practice designing images with varying file types, purposes, dimensions, and colors.
Learn how to create beautiful and functional spaces by mastering the principles of interior design, including color theory, space planning, and software applications, through our comprehensive training program.
Gain practical knowledge in interior design to create functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing spaces for various purposes by learning about architectural components and design elements, as well as exploring key concepts like ergonomics, lighting, and sustainability.
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Master the tools and software for interior design in this comprehensive bundle covering AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, and Photoshop. Learn to create... professional floor plans, 3D models, and polished presentations, earning a digital credential upon successful completion.
Master the art of interior design for both residential and commercial spaces with a program that blends creativity and technical expertise. Learn... to craft detailed floor plans, 3D models, and polished presentations using tools like AutoCAD, Revit Architecture, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite. Gain versatile skills to create functional, visually stunning environments.
Transform ordinary living spaces into extraordinary environments with a comprehensive training program focused on residential interior design.... Master essential tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp Pro, and Adobe Creative Suite to create stunning visuals, precise blueprints, and functional layouts. Gain practical, industry-relevant skills to bring your creative visions to life.