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Look for education opportunities through a national construction organization

Choosing to be part of leading national construction organizations can be a smart move, opening up opportunities for training and education. It can also expose your company to valuable connections and leads that can help your company prosper.

I recommend: By joining your local chapter of the Building Industry Association, you can in turn become part of the larger National Association of Home Builders, which offers many different training opportunities and trade shows for members. The American Subcontractor Association presents workshops for construction business managers, as well as access to web-based education and other resources.

Take advantage of construction organizations education and training

You can promote your own career and the careers of your employees through certifications and apprenticeships offered by construction industry organizations. There are also special training opportunities available through women in construction organizations.

I recommend: The American Institute of Constructors offers the Professional Certified Constructor exam for construction professionals. Find apprenticeship opportunities through The National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Get accredited in your trade through construction associations

One of the ways to help your business advance is by contacting a construction organization for accreditation and apprenticeship opportunities. Your employees will be more confident and experience more job satisfaction when they have all the learning tools mastered to do their jobs effectively.

I recommend: The National Center for Construction Education and Research can link you with an accredited training sponsor to ensure your workforce has the best training. Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) provides links to U.S. Dept. of Labor Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training programs.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Professional construction organizations present courses and training at trade shows, which presents a good opportunity to build your business. Use these opportunities to boost your employee morale by investing in their education and training.

Guide to Construction Organizations

Construction organizations offer those in the industry a ton of resources at their fingertips

By Kelly Shetsky, Anchor/Reporter

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use organizations in construction to network and develop your professional skills

Professional construction organizations run the gamut from local groups to international associations. All have one goal: to further the construction industry. They offer members valuable resources and relationships.

I recommend: American Subcontractors Association (ASA) is a commercial construction organization that gives subcontractors and suppliers a voice. They address issues including payment practices, retainage and insurance. Use the map on the ASA website to find local ASA chapters. Review an extensive list of construction organizations at Construction Market Research.

Pay annual membership dues to join a national construction organization

American construction organizations charge different amounts for membership dues, depending on the society and level of membership.

I recommend: American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) is a construction organization that represents more than 133,000 professionals. The society's goal is to make engineers global leaders. Join online. Membership with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) begins with your local ABC Chapter and dues include ABC National membership as well. Find a local chapter, along with contact information.

Benefit both professionally and personally by joining construction associations

Membership benefits to construction industry associations include reduced registration rates at annual conferences and workshops, access to career centers and newsletters containing important industry information.

I recommend: The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) is a national construction organization that represents the interests of the construction industry. Member benefits include networking opportunities, news and information, advocacy, educational programs, publications, member discounts and innovative products and services. You must join a local chapter to become a member of AGC of America. Use the map on the AGC website to find a chapter near you. The Construction Industry Institute (CII) is a learning organization with tons of knowledge and information. Complete a membership application file online to become a member. The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) is comprised of architects, specifiers, contractors, engineers, building materials suppliers and owners. Sign up for a webinar and receive benefits from the CSI store and when registering for an event.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When joining organizations in construction, take time to look through their websites extensively. From bookstores to certifications, there are many opportunities to further your career.

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Construction managers

A construction manager is in charge of the construction project. The construction managers ensure the quality of the work done and the schedule for it. Their responsibilities include planning the project, supervising employees and handling billing issues.

I recommend: Read through the ‘Occupational Outlook Handbook’ by the U.S. Department of Labor for a thorough description of the job of construction managers.

Construction inspectors

A construction inspector inspects and approves various aspects of the construction process. At the end of each phase, the inspector asses the work done and the safety of the structure constructed.

I recommend: The Learning Pulse.com provides more information about the work of a construction inspector.

Architects

An architect designs the building structure. Before undertaking any designing work, an architect has to obtain a license or professional degree as per the requirements of the different states.

I recommend: Browse through StateUniversity or Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information about architects.

CSLB (Contractors State License Board)

All construction organizations must follow certain standards that have been set by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB regulates the entire construction industry.

I recommend: You can learn more about this key term at Contractors State License Board.

Construction safety

All personnel working in the construction industry must be aware of construction safety and they should actively practice safety rules. Construction safety involves the knowledge of matters such as first aid, electrical safety, fall protection, hazards of power lines and proper operation of equipment.

I recommend: For more information on construction safety training, browse through The Construction Safety Council’s Web site. Safety Management Group, a professional service organization, provides detailed information about the safety training programs relating to the construction industry.

Construction insurance

All construction organizations must be aware of various types of construction insurance plans. In order to avoid penalties, organizations must have the minimum insurance policy required by the state.

I recommend: ARCHITECT Online, a part of Hanley Wood network, provides description about various types and facets of construction insurance.

Construction software

Many organizations use construction software to manage different facets of the building process, such as documentation, scheduling the phases of building and managing the budget.

I recommend: For more information about construction software, you can read through information at Software Advice.

ASTM E1946 - 07

ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) promotes the building standard E1946 - 07. This procedure outlines the standard practice for measuring the cost risk of buildings and building systems.

I recommend: You can learn more about this standard at ASTM International.

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Read up on info from construction industry associations for contractors and subcontractors

Associations for contractors are likely to cover all the bases: they keep track of safety and building codes, offer professional training opportunities and publish outlooks on the likely demand for construction services, based on economic conditions.

I recommend: The American Subcontractors Association has a database of thousands of documents, in addition to workshops, manuals and CD ROMs geared to subcontractor education. American Builders and Contractors has information on safety, business development and analysis of how the political climate might affect construction regulations. For a very, very extensive list of construction organizations, check out Ryan Links.

Join national construction organizations that offer information and training

Some construction organizations are dedicated to training and certifying contractors and builders, rather than representing them politically or providing networking opportunities. Sometimes construction education groups work with colleges and universities to set standards. Or they may offer training programs themselves, either online, at brick-and-mortar schools, or a combination of the two.

I recommend: The American Institute of Contractors was set up specifically to train professionals to competently execute complex construction projects, on time and on spec. In addition to its accreditation programs, the National Center for Construction Education and Research publishes construction research and statistics.

Find material geared to women in construction organizations

In a traditionally male dominated field, women might turn to a professional construction organization for women to get advice and share their experiences. Of course, women's construction organizations also offer training, contacts and resources to help members build their credentials.

I recommend: The National Association of Women in Construction publishes an occupational job outlook, as well as statistics on women's employment and compensation in construction. Professional Women in Construction regularly holds conferences and publishes news on women in the industry.