Construction is an incredibly interesting industry and one that has been around for thousands of years and is always changing.
Throughout history, construction projects have become more advanced, safer, and more effective, allowing skyscrapers and complex buildings to be completed in a short space of time. Construction is a popular career choice for many due to the availability of work. It also offers a lot of chances for progression, particularly if you have the right education.
Construction managers are those who are responsible for making sure construction projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the right specifications. They’re in charge of sourcing materials, hiring and managing staff, and maintaining communication with clients. If you’re looking to progress within the construction industry, studying construction management is a great pathway to do so.
What You’ll Learn in a Construction Management Course
You can study construction management at a traditional university or by taking an online course. Today, more people are choosing to learn online due to the increased flexibility and freedom that this offers. You can take classes online whenever you like, fitting them into your busy schedule. Many major universities and colleges have now started offering online courses in traditional subjects such as construction management.
Throughout the course, you’ll develop a better understanding of how to lead construction projects, including the challenges that you may face. You’ll gain practical skills that will help you to plan, coordinate and supervise both small and large-scale projects. You’ll also learn more about handling client relationships, and managing deadlines and budget constraints while also evaluating health and safety risks.
Common modules that you’ll complete on a construction management course include an introduction to the construction industry, compliance, and regulations, planning the project, quality management, and much more. By the end of the course, you’ll understand the different factors affecting the construction industry and how to tender, plan and carry out a construction project. You’ll also have the skills to manage all aspects of a project and embark on the next step in your career.
Some courses will also give you access to optional modules, allowing you to customise your learning and choose which areas you’d like to specialise in. You may also be required to complete a final project where you’ll use the skills you’ve learned to put your studies into practice. By the end of the course, you’ll gain certification that shows you have successfully completed your studies and are ready to work in construction management. It’s important to consider your options. You might need to learn how to manage some programs, such as roof measuring software or a particular cost estimation one.
Benefits of Studying Construction Management
A career as a construction manager may be in your future if you have outstanding leadership qualities, are very organised, and have extensive knowledge of how construction projects operate. Those who already have experience and an interest in construction will be particularly suited to the role.
Being the main point of contact and in charge of managing the needs of the customer, the general public, and the professionals involved makes the work potentially demanding. However, there will be possibilities, and seeing a project through to completion can be immensely rewarding.
Once you’ve completed your education, you’ll have a range of construction industry opportunities to choose from, including in your local area and overseas too. The global construction industry is growing, and currently, the US Bureau of Labor statistics has predicted an 11% increase in construction jobs by 2026.
If you have a certificate in construction management, you’ll have access to much higher salaries within the sector and roles that include construction manager, facilities manager, site engineer and sustainability consultant. You’ll have more responsibilities, but you’ll also find the work more rewarding if you enjoy new challenges and want more control over a project.