Construction manager training can be obtained in a variety of ways, usually through obtaining one or more university degrees. Many who wish to become construction managers also seek out apprenticeships or internships in the field. Certification requirements vary according to the professional association.
Students must have graduated from high school or obtained the equivalent of a high school degree before pursuing further training in construction design management. A two-year associate's degree, from an online or on campus program, is one of the more affordable was to learn more about the industry. A good construction manager training program will include courses that take students through all of the components that they will need to effectively manage. Students may learn how to supervise employees, estimate the costs of a project, and how to manage a large scale construction project from start to finish.
If you want to advance even further and have an opportunity to secure higher paying jobs, construction manager training at the university level is required. In four-year colleges and universities, students who are interested in pursuing construction management can choose to major in an assortment of subjects including construction, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, operations management, and architecture. Construction manager courses offered by an institution may include structural engineering, building design, and legal studies. At the end of their studies, students receive a bachelor's degree.
The highest paid and most senior jobs in construction management belong to those who have successfully obtained a master's degree in the subject. Many large companies which hire managers for critical construction projects require candidates to have a master's degree in a construction or engineering related discipline. Getting a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is also acceptable. In a master's program, your construction manager training will consist of advanced topics in project management, manufacturing and production quality control, and site planning.
Securing and completing an internship program should be a top priority if you intend to become a construction manager. Many graduate programs require a summer internship in the field. Even if you choose not to pursue advanced degrees in construction management, you should still plan on looking for an internship at a construction management firm. On the job training can be a helpful supplement to the topics that you will encounter in class.
In order to establish your authority in the field of construction sciences, getting proper certification is necessary. Each country has their own professional association for construction managers which grant recognized certification. For instance, the American Institute of Constructors offers two levels of certification for construction managers, the associate construction certification and the certified professional constructor certification.
