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Construction Training Resources

Conventional educational tracks for construction include professional design and engineering schools, technical education, and hands-on training.

A traditional professional school will offer a complete college education that leads to a degree and registration in one of the construction fields. For example, a degree program in construction management will focus on teaching students to plan, analyze, schedule, and estimate costs for construction projects. They will learn about building materials, surveying, blueprint reading, and the technologies that are utilized in the construction industry. Commonly, courses in communications, accounting, marketing, and quality control are included in such programs. Field experience may also be included. There are also schools of architecture, as well as accredited engineering programs.

Technical or professional schools often offer a two-year associate degree for technicians and other construction professionals, but they may also lead to four-year degrees in construction management. Over the past few decades, the construction industries have come to include people who have been trained in accredited construction education programs, as construction specialists. Typically, these are individuals who have experience in the construction industry, who have opted to add formal education and training, earning either an associate or bachelor degree. Typically, these programs will include education and training in construction management, construction science, and construction technology.

Also important to the construction industries are those who have learned the trade through hands-on experience through apprenticeship programs, often administered by a council made up of contractors, labor unions, and non-union members. Construction apprentices perform construction tasks, on the job, but often supplemented by classroom instruction.

Although requirements may differ from state to state, continuing education is required for licensed contractors. This may be accomplished through traditional classroom instruction and, in many cases, through online educational programs or video-based courses. These courses will review information necessary to qualify for licensure, as well as instructing students on new practices or regulations which may have come into place after their initial education. 

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