Apprenticeship Resources

Construction Estimating Principles and Application (8 hours)

Great Estimators know that to be competitive and competent in the current market, their companies must continually be in search of an edge. “How can we approach this project differently than our competition?” This virtual interactive training workshop is scheduled in two half-day sessions. 

Viewpoint 1 – The Estimating Principles Behind Every Bid:

This open forum discussion led by a panel of experienced construction estimators explores advanced elements of construction estimating. Experienced estimators will be challenged to evaluate their own systems within the framework of current trends and models with an emphasis on Bluebeam. Every topic will be discussed from various perspectives to allow Estimators from across the spectrum to benefit.

Learning Objectives:

• Cost/Price analysis
• Pricing project constraints
• How to build flexibility into your system
• Optimum time to complete
• Escalation
• Managing risk within the estimate
• Danger zones to avoid

Viewpoint 2 – How Technology Can Produce Faster, More Accurate Estimates:

Oftentimes simply being more visual in your bid scope can put you ahead of the competition by showing you truly understand the project. Each day we’ll spend some time demonstrating how technology can not only replace your highlighters, scales, and calculator, but fluid company standards for you and your team. With an emphasis on Bluebeam Revu, these digital tools and workflows will produce clear, visual markups that are accurate, predictable, and consistent no matter who on the team uses them. 

Learning Objectives:

• Working with PDF drawings
• Calibrating drawings
• Measurement tools
• Custom measurement tools
• Displaying and exporting data

Part 1 is scheduled on October 15; Part 2 is scheduled on October 16: Times: 12 – 4 p.m. 

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.

BASELINE BASICS 2 hours

Whether you’re opening Bluebeam Revu for the first time, or you’ve used it for years, this class will ensure a higher baseline knowledge. Attendees will learn interface navigation including menu dropdowns, toolbars, various tool panels, keyboard shortcuts and a few recommended settings. While learning various markup and measurement tools, several tips & tricks will be shared to increase speed and accuracy. 

Learning Objectives:

• Interface Navigation
• Calibration & Measurements
• Introduction to the Markups List

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.

MATERIAL TAKEOFFS & ESTIMATES – BASICS 2 hours

*Mandatory Pre-requisite – Baseline Basics

With Revu’s intuitive measurement tools and customizable interface, we can turn your highlighters into a data rich takeoff tools. We’ll start out going through the standard measurement tools and settings, then move into various customization options and discuss the results in the Markups List.

Learning Objectives:

• Introduction to Viewports
• Measurement Tips & Tricks
• Custom Estimating Tools

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.

MATERIAL TAKEOFFS & ESTIMATES – ADVANCED 2 hours

*Mandatory Pre-requisite – Baseline Basics & Material Takeoffs & Estimates Basics

After finishing the Bluebeam Takeoffs & Estimates – Basics course we’ll move into creating custom columns, embedding formulas, and information organization. Did you know you can export to an Excel spreadsheet, or even link directly to that Excel template file full of formulas you’ve been using for years?

Learning Objectives:

• Custom Estimating Tools (Continued from “Material Takeoffs & Estimates-Basics”)
• Collecting Rich Data with Custom Columns
• Reports and Exporting Data

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.

Reading Construction Documents (6 hours)

This  two-day, online program is for entry-level architectural or engineering designers, apprentices, entry-level tradespersons, project coordinators, assistant project managers, new project managers, estimators, specialty sales representatives, or anyone in career transition looking for a refresher.

Designed to quickly familiarize students with the basics of reading and understanding construction documents. From navigating title block information to combing through specification documents, participants will learn how to navigate a project and understand the material and construction requirements.

Learning Objectives:

• Introduction to Construction Documents
• Understanding Industry Document Standards
• Drawing Navigation
• The Importance of Specialty Plans

This course is offered on October 30 and October 31, 2024 from 1-4 p.m. 

Course Requirements (Technology & Participation) 

Please ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Have Bluebeam 2018 or newer installed, and ready to go before class. If you don’t currently have a license of Bluebeam Revu, you can download a free trial here.
• Attendance via tablet or phone is not recommended. You should have a mouse with a scroll wheel when attending this class. In Bluebeam there are several right-click shortcuts, and the wheel will help you zoom in/out on documents.
• 2-screen computer set-up is recommended. This will allow you to watch the instructor on one screen while practicing on the other.

Mastering communication and interpersonal skills are an essential in the success of projects. Construction projects follow a chain of communication from one person to the next, and from one party to another. With strong communication skills and workplace relationships, you can avoid delays, rework, and costly misunderstandings. Communication Skills was designed to enhance communication and improve teamwork which ultimately impacts your project success.

What You Will Learn:

• Understanding your role as a trainer, role-model, and mentor
• Recognizing communication & behavior styles in yourself and others
• Explore active listening techniques and recognize the barriers
• Discuss the importance of feedback and identify successful techniques for giving and receiving it
• Understand the impact of professionalism on the job site with peers, supervisors, and clients

Who Should Attend:

• Field workers
• Rising leaders & key personnel in team culture
• Administrative professionals
• Entry Level Workers & Apprentices
• People interested in enhancing their communication skills

This course counts for 7 hours of Unpaid Related Instruction (URI)!

Course Session Time: 7:30 – 3:00 p.m.
*NOTE DATE CHANGE

Instructor(s): Dan Paulson, InVision Development International, LLC

Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Registration Fee:  $200 Members & Apprentices

Reading construction documents and plans are fundamental skills necessary for anyone striving to be successful in the construction industry. This Plan & Spec Reading course has been designed for individuals with little to no experience with reading construction plans and specifications.  This course will provide a basic overview of construction drawings including, Civil, Site, Foundation, Floor, Roof, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing.

What You Will Learn:

• Architectural Lines & Symbols
• Terminology Used in Drawings & Specifications
• Guidelines for Reading Plans
• Specifications
• Building Codes

Who Should Attend:

• Entry level workers
• Apprentices
• Administrative Professionals
• Team members interested in enhancing their skill set in reading construction documents

Course Session Time: 7:30 – 3:30 p.m. (16 hours total)
Course Dates: November 7-8, 2024

Registration Fee: Apprentices & ABC Members: $300

Non Member Invited Guests: $600

Location: Tundra Lodge Resort, 865 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304

This course counts for 16 hours of Unpaid Related Instruction!

Plumbing apprentices are still required to take Plumbing Blueprint Reading.