Top 8 Construction Training Courses and Resources for Continuing Education

Construction is a skill, and like any skill, it’s important to refresh the skills needed. Construction training courses offer refresher classes to improve skills. There are many free and online courses available to help you refresh your skills.

Technical Skills

With the advent of the internet, it’s possible for people to learn and refine their skills through free courses. For those new to construction, or interested in a different field, it’s possible to find videos and handouts that walk you through the steps. There are training videos and tools out there for every level, regardless of experience in the field.

Alison.Com

Alison.com offers construction training courses in a variety of introductory skills. If you’re interested in construction and looking to see what interests you most, their skills courses can take you through the basics. They offer instruction in introductory plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and electrical. You can complete the free introductory construction training courses on your own time and at your own pace.

Safety

While safety training can be boring or repetitive, it’s incredibly important in assuring the health and safety of those at the site. Everyone should review safety practices every year as a refresher. And OSHA’s made that very easy.

OSHA’s Free Courses

OSHA has many free videos, handouts and other resources which can be found on their website. The videos are in both English and Spanish and cover a variety of topics from falls, sprains, accidents, and other issues common in construction. You can complete the short videos on your own schedule.

OSHA’s Paid Courses

For a more intensive training, OSHA has their outreach training for the DOL Wallet Card. There are two courses, one for 10 hours and one for 30 hours. Both of these courses cost; however, OSHA runs promotional specials often. They cover all of the basic safety and hazard training as well as some more specific training. Some states and employers require the DOL card or training for employment.

Equipment Training

Those interested in learning how to use the heavy machinery on the site can find online courses they can take around their busy work schedule. Depending on the machinery commonly used on your site and what you want to learn, there are many different courses that can be taken to learn or go over important equipment training points. Therefore there will be courses more useful to some than other operators.

Heavy Equipment Operator Training

Caterpillar offers online training for heavy equipment operation.These respected courses aren’t free; however, sometimes employers will help cover the costs. They train students on personal, machine, and job site safety, different procedures, and proper maintenance. The courses are centered around their own machinery; however, many of the topics and lessons are applicable across machines.

Community Colleges

Many local community colleges offer heavy equipment operator training. Many community colleges also have tuition assistance for heavy equipment operator training. Some of these colleges even work with you and your schedule, with training or in-class work coming before or after your workday.

Construction Training Courses for Management

Project management and project planning are common free construction training courses because both courses can help project managers improve upon already existing skills. Or help people learn skills so they can move up in their careers. These two universities offer free construction training courses for project management.

Project Management

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology offers a free online project management course. The course is geared more towards infrastructure projects; however, it covers project finance, project evaluation, and project organization. It’s a useful refresher or interest course since the principles are applicable to other types of construction work.

Project Planning

The University of Cape Town offers a free online course for project planning. While it is an introductory course, it works as a great refresher course or introductory course. Those interested in project management can use it to learn the basics of project planning and consequently get ahead in their careers or refresh their skills.

Continuing Education

Construction is a technical skill that requires refreshers in order to maintain quality. Taking courses offered at tradeshows and conferences, participating in online forums, and asking questions of colleagues also help continue your education and training. As technology changes, so do the necessary skills and techniques involved in construction. That’s why construction training courses are useful.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why should I consider construction training courses for continuing education?

• Construction is a skill-based industry, and staying updated with the latest knowledge and techniques is crucial for career growth and ensuring safety on the job site. Continuing education helps you refresh your skills and adapt to industry changes.

2. Are there online resources for improving my technical construction skills?

• Yes, there are numerous online resources available to enhance your technical construction skills. You can find videos, handouts, and courses covering a wide range of topics, suitable for various skill levels.

3. Which platform offers introductory construction courses to explore different aspects of the field?

• Alison.com provides introductory construction training courses in areas such as plumbing, carpentry, masonry, and electrical work. These courses allow you to explore your interests at your own pace.

4. Why is safety training essential in construction, and where can I access safety courses?

• Safety training is vital in construction to ensure the well-being of all workers on the site. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) offers both free resources, including videos and handouts, and paid courses, such as the DOL Wallet Card program, to enhance safety knowledge.

5. Are there online courses available for heavy equipment operator training?

• Yes, you can find online courses for heavy equipment operator training, which can be convenient for those with busy work schedules. Caterpillar offers respected online courses covering safety, procedures, and maintenance.

6. Are there options for in-person heavy equipment operator training?

• Many local community colleges offer heavy equipment operator training, and some even provide tuition assistance. These programs often accommodate working professionals with flexible schedules.

7. Are there construction training courses available for project management and planning?

• Yes, there are free construction training courses available for project management and project planning. Institutions like MIT and the University of Cape Town offer online courses that cover project finance, evaluation, organization, and planning.

8. How can I continue my construction education beyond formal courses?

• Continuing education in construction involves various approaches, such as attending tradeshows and conferences, participating in online forums, and collaborating with colleagues to stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements.

9. Why are construction training courses valuable in a constantly evolving industry?

• Construction is subject to technological advancements and evolving techniques. By taking construction training courses, you can adapt to these changes, maintain high-quality work standards, and advance your career.

10. Are there opportunities for financial assistance or employer support for these courses?

• Some employers may offer financial assistance or cover the costs of construction training courses, especially if the training benefits their workforce. It’s advisable to check with your employer or industry associations for potential support.