Courses

Blueprint Reading for Commercial Construction Course Overview What Will You Learn? The Blueprint Reading for Commercial Construction course offers students a structured approach to interpreting commercial construction drawings, decoding architectural symbols, and analyzing complex building plans. This course is tailored to enhance skills in reading cover sheets, floor plans, elevations, sections, and MEP systems, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of commercial structural, electrical, plumbing, and technology specifications. By completing this course, you will: Gain expertise in deciphering blueprint symbols, annotations, and construction documentation Learn to navigate cover sheets, general notes, and commercial floor plans Develop skills in analyzing elevations, building sections, wall types, and egress plans Understand structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems Master technology integration and specifications for commercial projects Benefits of Learning Blueprint Reading at VDCI Practical Knowledge for Industry Professionals – This course offers valuable, hands-on experience that prepares students to efficiently interpret commercial blueprints, an essential skill for architects, engineers, and contractors. Comprehensive Understanding of Commercial Building Plans – Students will develop the expertise needed to confidently navigate all aspects of commercial building documentation, from structural to MEP systems. Real-World Application – The course includes practical projects, helping students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world commercial construction scenarios. Industry-Relevant Skills – Mastering blueprint reading for commercial buildings provides a competitive edge for individuals looking to excel in the fast-paced construction industry. Course Overview This course helps students master the art of reading blueprints for commercial buildings, focusing on key elements such as foundation plans, structural framing, MEP systems, and detailed specifications. Through structured lessons and projects, students will develop a practical understanding of how to read and interpret complex commercial building plans, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in their professional careers. Key topics covered include: Foundation and Structural Plans – Learn to interpret foundation layouts, basement columns, and load-bearing structures Floor Plans and Elevations – Understand how to read commercial floor plans, analyze elevations, and identify critical design features MEP Coordination – Explore mechanical, electrical, and plumbing layouts, ensuring proper system integration Building Sections and Wall Types – Gain insight into commercial wall assemblies, insulation techniques, and fire-rated partitions Egress and Occupancy Planning – Learn to navigate life safety codes, exit signage, and accessibility standards Interior and Site Plans – Understand interior details, finishes, and site utilities Technology and Specifications – Master reading security, telecom, and automation system layouts and interpreting project specifications Projects and Application Throughout this course, students will complete a series of practical projects, such as: Creating a floor plan analysis, ensuring accurate interpretation of dimensions, walls, and circulation paths Developing an MEP coordination plan, ensuring the correct integration of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems Drafting an egress and occupancy plan, ensuring alignment with fire safety codes and ADA regulations Interpreting and detailing a structural framing plan, ensuring compliance with commercial standards Analyzing project specifications, ensuring adherence to construction documentation requirements Upon completing this course, students will have gained the expertise necessary to navigate and interpret commercial building plans, laying a strong foundation for career advancement in fields such as architecture, engineering, construction management, and more. Career Applications and Industry Demand The ability to efficiently interpret commercial blueprints is a crucial skill for professionals in the construction industry. These documents serve as the blueprint for every aspect of a commercial building project, from initial design to final execution. Whether working in architecture, engineering, contracting, or project management, professionals who can confidently interpret these blueprints will stand out in their careers. This course is especially beneficial for: Architects & Designers – Ensuring that commercial designs are accurately executed in construction Construction Project Managers – Overseeing blueprint accuracy and ensuring compliance with plans General Contractors & Builders – Interpreting structural, electrical, and mechanical drawings to ensure precise execution MEP Engineers & Technicians – Understanding the interrelation between mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems within a commercial context Building Inspectors & Permit Officials – Reviewing compliance with building codes and construction standards With an increased demand for commercial developments, mixed-use properties, and urban infrastructure, proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints is a sought-after skill in the construction industry. Who Should Take This Course? This course is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge of construction or transition into the construction industry. It is especially valuable for: Students & Recent Graduates – Aspiring to develop practical blueprint reading skills for career opportunities in commercial construction Professionals in Construction & Engineering – Looking to expand their expertise in commercial building documentation Business Owners & Facility Managers – Needing to understand project plans for overseeing construction, renovation, or expansion efforts Real Estate Developers & Investors – Ensuring that project plans align with budgets, regulatory requirements, and scope By completing this course, you’ll be positioned to meet the growing demand for professionals skilled in blueprint interpretation, making you an asset in any commercial construction project.

Gain the skills to read blueprints for mixed-use commercial projects, including hotels, retail spaces, and parking, with an emphasis on interrelationships between drawings and how 3D models simplify construction documents.

Increase your value as a construction manager by gaining vital knowledge about concrete reinforcing and prestressing. What you'll learn: Explain the meaning of passive reinforcing versus active reinforcingList examples of active and passive reinforcingDiscuss the effects of adding rebar to concreteExplain how the change in location of the rebar within the concrete effects its performanceList advantages of prestressed concreteDescribe the difference between pre-tensioned and post-tensioned reinforcingDescribe the precast concrete process Explain how post-tensioned concrete works List common examples of prestressed concrete structures Concrete is the most widely used building material in the world. In addition to understanding concrete, today's construction professional needs to understand the principles of concrete reinforcing and how prestressed concrete works. This includes both pre-tensioned concrete that is typically manufactured in a precast plant, and post-tensioned concrete that is cast-in-place. Post-tensioned concrete is being used more and more throughout the world to build multi-story structures, slabs-on-ground, and bridges, while precast prestressed concrete continues to be used in rapidly built structures like parking garages. Understanding how and why reinforcing and prestressing works in a concrete structure. Gain a better understanding of the principle and theory behind concrete reinforcing and prestressing to help you be a better construction management professional. After completing this course you will be able to...Explain the meaning of passive reinforcing versus active reinforcing and list examples of eachDiscuss the effects of adding rebar to a concrete elementExplain how the change in location of the rebar within the concrete effects its performanceList advantages of prestressed concreteDescribe the difference between pre-tensioned and post-tensioned reinforcingDescribe the precast concrete processExplain how post-tensioned concrete worksList common examples of prestressed concrete structuresLearn from a professionalMy courses have been created as a place where everyone, whether you are an experienced professional, a young project engineer, new to a trade or a seasoned journeyman, can come to learn more about the industry that we have chosen as our profession. That's what this platform is about. These courses are meant to be a way for you to increase your knowledge of the construction industry in a variety of cutting edge topics from concrete reinforcing and prestressing, to micro trenching, to safety management systems. This is not a course that teaches you how to install rebar or prestressing steel. It is a course that educates you on why we reinforce concrete and how it works. This is information you need as a construction professional in order to talk to designers, owners and subcontractors. This course is a great way for you to increase your knowledge about concrete reinforcing and prestressing.

Learn how to manage your manager. In this course, adapted from the podcast How to Be Awesome at Your Job, Mary Abbajay explains how to build a good relationship with your boss.

Learn how to create and manage apps with SCCM and prepare for Microsoft certification exam 70-703. See how to deploy apps using PowerShell scripts, and deploy App-V virtual apps.

The Construction Site Fire Safety Manager Training (CSFSM) will fulfill the training requirements for Fire Safety Manager under the new regulation of the New York City Fire Safety Department. Course Content: Overview of the construction site fire safety requirements and responsibilities of the fire safety managerIntroduction to FDNY fire code and fire code for construction sitesUpon successful completion of the course and the examination, students will receive a certificate. The student can then file for the FDNY Certificate of Fitness. CSFSM course certificates are valid for one year. FDNY Certificate of Fitness: Upon successful completion of the course, each student has upto 1 year to submit all paperwork and fee to the FDNY. FDNY will review applications and will determine if the student qualifies for the certificate of fitness. Qualified applicants will be required to take a Computer Based Test (CBT) at FDNY headquarters. Fee for Certificate of Fitness: $25 Please Note: After registration, students will receive a information on signing onto the webinar via ZOOM. Please note access to a PC with webcam and audio will be necessary to attend the live webinar. Students will be required to show state ID (example: Drivers License) at the start of the Webinar.

Great leadership doesn't happen by chance—it happens by design. This course helps you create and evolve a personalized leadership checklist that keeps you focused on what matters most. You'll learn the core components of an effective checklist, from daily practices to strategic responsibilities, and how to structure them for clarity and action. Through practical tools, case examples, and hands-on activities, you'll build a Version 1 of your leadership checklist, test it against real challenges, and refine it as your role evolves.

Looking for a consistent and reliable way to install Windows applications? Learn about the Chocolatey package manager.

This short course encourages you to look across your organisation, at your place within it and the value you create. It considers how getting different perspectives and widening existing ones within your organisation can enhance commercial awareness.

Learn Misha’s hip-hop choreography that is featured in a commercial-style music video. From start to finish, check out the process of rehearsing in the studio to executing a camera-ready performance!

The course “Commercial law” is a core course in both the LLB and BA.LLB programmes. In these programmes, this course is taught over a period of 3 semesters.However, this online course seeks to present the gist of the laws relating to Business in a lucid and a concise manner. The course is specially designed to supplement and enhance the understanding of students about various aspects of Business Law.

Commercial Mortgages Course Overview This Commercial Mortgages course explores the elements determining loan details for income-producing investment properties. Commercial mortgages are used to fund real estate investment ventures. They are important for any credit analyst who wishes to understand issues relevant to real estate financing or would like to specialize in the real estate sector. In this course, we examine key metrics of the real estate lending process and dive into the key underwriting parameters for commercial mortgages. We also work through a realistic client example to understand the inner workings of a commercial mortgage deal. In this case study, we examine a rent roll analysis, risk rating, and the pricing of the loan. Commercial Mortgages Learning Objectives Upon completing this course, you will be able to: Examine key property valuation metrics like net operating income (NOI) and capitalization rates, and understand how they relate to the credit analysis processReview key property parameters and how they inform the underwriting processWork through an example property to see the end-to-end underwriting processUnderstand how key variables drive loan amount, risk rating, credit terms, and mortgage pricing Who should take this course? This Commercial Mortgages course is designed for current and aspiring commercial banking professionals in the real estate industry. This course is also a great resource for real estate analysts and commercial mortgage brokers who wish to better understand the real estate underwriting process. This course provides a valuable perspective on a real estate lender’s considerations when structuring a commercial mortgage deal which is vital for lenders, brokers, and advisors.

This course equips learners to identify the complexities of the business world, focusing on essential skills and knowledge for strategic decision-making and planning. Throughout this course, learners will explore the fundamentals of business acumen, including financial literacy, market trend analysis, and navigating competitive landscapes, equipping themselves to analyze market trends, engage in competitive analysis, and apply strategic thinking in real-world scenarios. By the end of this course, learners will have a solid grasp of market dynamics and be able to apply this knowledge in real-world situations. This course is designed for Business Analysts, Sales Coordinators, Marketing Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Business Students, and Aspiring Business Leaders. Tailored to enhance their understanding and capabilities, the course covers driving sales strategies, developing marketing campaigns, analyzing business performance, and preparing for leadership. It offers valuable insights and practical tools for navigating the dynamic business landscape. Participants should have a basic understanding of business concepts and an interest in market dynamics, sales tactics, and business strategy. Willingness to learn and apply new concepts is crucial, as the course covers advanced topics requiring critical thinking and practical application. Prior knowledge will help in grasping the complex aspects more effectively. Upon completion of this course, learners will be able to evaluate business acumen components, focusing on decision-making, financial literacy, and market insights. They will synthesize market trends to understand competitive landscapes and formulate strategies to navigate business challenges. Additionally, participants will critique business strategies, ensuring alignment with economic and industry trends.

This course focuses on understanding why managers are crucial to team success and the positive impact they can have. It covers recognizing both effective and ineffective management behaviors and highlights the unique value managers bring to their teams.

Learn how to transition from individual contributor to Manager and Leader with confidence! What you'll learn: Welcome to your career in management. But most important…Welcome to leadership. Even for the most gifted individuals, the process of becoming a leader is a rigorous and many times an exhausting journey. The rewards, however, can be enormous. I surveyed a group of managers across many disciplines and asked the question, “As a new manager, what do you wish you learned early in your career?” What follows in this course, is a result of the responses, as well as my personal experience coaching and mentoring new managers. I will open this course by asking you to be patient with yourself. You do not develop leadership skills overnight. It takes practice, it takes trying new things, it takes making mistakes. Yes, sometimes you will fail. That is ok. It is ok to acknowledge when something doesn’t work, it is ok to celebrate and build on your successes. I have broken this course into individual modules. These are small bite sized modules that you can view either one after the other, or one at a time as you drink your morning coffee. Feel free to jump around and view the modules that are of the most importance to you. Take what works, challenge what doesn’t, try new things. I’m excited to join you in this journey. It’s time to think about success. Let’s Get Started. Welcome to your career in management. But most important…Welcome to leadership. Why did you make this big move? To grow personally and professionally? To make a difference? To lead others to realize their success? All of the above?All this, and more! Even for the most gifted individuals, the process of becoming a leader is a rigorous and many times an exhausting journey. The rewards, however, can be enormous. I surveyed a group of managers across many disciplines and asked the question, “As a new manager, what do you wish you learned early in your career?” What follows in this course, is a result of the responses, as well as my personal experience coaching and mentoring new managers. I will begin by asking you to be patient with yourself. You do not develop leadership skills overnight. It takes practice, it takes trying new things, it takes making mistakes. Yes, sometimes you will fail. That is ok. It is ok to acknowledge when something doesn’t work, it is ok to celebrate and build on your successes. I have broken this course into individual modules. These are small bite sized modules that you can view either one after the other, or one at a time as you drink your morning coffee. Feel free to jump around and view the modules that are of the most importance to you. Take what works, challenge what doesn’t, try new things.The Chapters include:Introduction to ManagementDeveloping Your Leadership StyleLeadership ResponsibilitiesLeadership CommunicationTeam DevelopmentYour Growth and DevelopmentManagers Toolkit I’m excited to join you in this journey. It’s time to think about success. Let’s Get Started.

Discover how to work with concrete in modern construction. Explore the history and usage of concrete, the principles of concrete reinforcing, and how pre-stressed concrete works.

how to build a road What you'll learn: Protection of existing underground servicesField density test-cone methodCalifornia bearing ratio testRoad cross-section and profileclearing and preparing the area for road workExcavation for roadwayEmbankment for roadRoad subgradeFuture utilitiesPavement layers-Sub-base materialsAggregate base coursePrime coatTack CoatAsphalt mixturesAsphalt Paving Courses typesConstructing of asphalt courseTesting of completed asphalt coursesAsphalt design-Marshal method This course designed to expand your practical side of engineering knowledge. This course is concentrating on the construction of roads. Here you will learn how the road constructed. The construction stages such as protection of existing services, clearing the area, future utilities, preparing the road subgrade, then placing different pavement layers such as sub-base, base course, and asphaltic courses. Also, we will discuss the types of asphaltic course and the common defects of asphaltic pavement, such as permanent deformation, fatigue cracking, and low-temperature cracking. Also, I will show a typical cross-section of road and road profiles. Also, I will explain what the prime coat is, why the prime coat is used, and the proper way of applying, preparing the surface of the pavement layer before applying the prime coat, and the curing time for a prime coat. Tack coat, what is the Tack coat, why the Tack coat used, where the tack coat is used, and the proper way of applying of tack coat. This course will explain the process of placing the various pavement layers, spreading of these layers, compacting then testing of the laid layers. Each layer will be tested to determine the in-situ density, level, thickness, and surface smoothness. Also, the course will discuss the various tests conducted on asphalt courses such as density, degree of compaction, stability, flow, and thickness. This course will discuss the Marshall method, Marshall method used to select the suitable bitumen content for a specific gradation of aggregates by testing specimens to assess their properties and suitability.

Learn the skills you need as a middle manager, including how to build strong hybrid teams, onboard new employees, conduct performance reviews and give feedback, develop OKRs to drive business alignment, trust your teams to do their best work, build visibility online as a remote leader, and communicate across cultures virtually. After completing this learning path, advance your skills with Manage Remote and Hybrid Teams as a Senior Manager.Build strong hybrid/remote teams.Onboard new employees effectively.Create OKRs that drive alignment, autonomy, and accountability.Communicate across cultures virtually.

Discover what it means to lead at a distance. As a new manager, learn how to run effective virtual and hybrid meetings, build a virtual team culture, communicate across cultures, whether working virtually or in person, and drive engagement, productivity, and growth. After completing this learning path, advance your skills with Manage Remote and Hybrid Teams as a Middle Manager.Discover what it means to lead at a distance.Drive engagement, productivity, and growth remotely.Run effective virtual and hybrid meetings.Communicate across cultures virtually.

As a senior manager, you're leading distributed teams remotely, in an office setting or both. In this learning path, you’ll learn how to plan for and embrace this new reality, including how to run collaborative hybrid teams, communicate across cultures and create great employee experiences, coach your people, and drive results and resolve conflict.Plan for the work-from-anywhere organization.Build a high-performance work culture.Communicate across cultures virtually.Drive results and resolve conflict.