Blueprint Reading Classes & Bootcamps Atlanta

Blueprints are detailed technical drawings that represent how something will be constructed. They show many different details, including dimensions and the materials to be used. Blueprints can be hand-drawn; however, it is becoming increasingly common to use computer applications like AutoCAD or Revit. Blueprint reading is the ability to read and properly understand blueprints, and it is a fundamental skill for anyone working in the construction industry.

What Can You Do with Blueprint Reading Training?

Blueprints are central to the construction industry, so blueprint reading can be an asset if you plan to work in any type of construction-related job. In an Indeed article titled, “How to Read Blueprints in 5 Steps, ” the author explains that blueprints are essential to keeping everyone coordinated and on track for constructing a project. He says, “The plan's details help estimate the labor cost, create a construction schedule, and obtain building permits. A set of blueprints shows the project complies with building codes with approval for construction. They're valuable references when making changes to the construction process or doing maintenance or repair work.” If you want to work in construction, you’ll need to learn how to read blueprints, since they guide every part of the process.

What Will I Learn in a Blueprint Reading Class?

Scale

Most blueprint drawings are drawn to scale. This means that every unit on the blueprint represents a larger unit. When you take a blueprint reading class, you’ll understand how to interpret the scale on a blueprint.

Blueprint Lines

A blueprint usually contains several different types of lines, which represent different types of information about the building or object to be constructed. Lines might be straight or curved, thick or thin, solid or dashed. When you take a class, you will learn about the different types of lines and what they mean, which will help you better understand the blueprint.

View

Blueprints usually contain a variety of different views of the building or product, and you’ll need to understand how to read these views. A plan view is a common type of view and shows what the building or object looks like from above. Blueprints may also show elevations, which depict how something looks from the back, front, or side.

Industry Terminology

If you’re learning to read blueprints, you will likely need to learn some basic industry terminology. Fundamental concepts are likely to be covered in a class.

Attention to Detail

Successful blueprint reading requires attention to detail, and you will develop this skill when you take a class. By learning how to pay attention to small details, you can better understand everything that is presented in a blueprint.

How Hard is It to Learn Blueprint Reading?

Blueprints are often very detailed and complex, with a large amount of information distilled into a small area. Most beginners find that when they first start out, reading a blueprint is challenging. However, by learning all the basic skills involved and spending time practicing those skills on real blueprints, almost anyone can master blueprint reading. Those who already have experience in the construction industry may find it easier to learn since they are likely to be familiar with some of the basic concepts.

How Long Does It Take to Learn Blueprint Reading?

Most people find that they can learn some basic blueprint reading skills within a matter of days. Even if you want to master this field at a professional level, you are likely to find the learning process relatively quick compared to some other types of skills; many experts say that you can master it within a matter of months. If you’re trying to speed up the learning process, you can try enrolling in a formal blueprint reading class. A class gives you access to expert instruction and guidance, which can not only help you learn more quickly but also make the learning process easier.

Should I Learn Blueprint Reading in Person or Online?

Blueprint reading classes often come in different formats. Three common ones are in-person, live online, and on-demand. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. Some people find that in-person training is the best way to learn a new skill. The face-to-face format means that teachers may find it easier to connect with students and offer personalized attention and guidance based on their interactions. In-person instruction may also feel more collaborative because students learn together in a classroom, where it can be easier to talk to one another throughout the learning process. Many students also say that in-person learning makes it easier to network with their fellow students. However, to learn in-person, students need to commute to a classroom, which can take time and be expensive. This also limits them to classes that run in their geographic location.

Live online training is an alternative to in-person classes, and it has become increasingly common in recent years. With live online learning, students receive live instruction, but they don’t have to spend time or money commuting to a classroom. Instead, they attend by logging in via computer, which can be done from any location with internet access. In addition to offering more flexibility, in some cases, live online classes are more diverse, with students attending from a variety of different locations. This can be advantageous because students may be exposed to varied perspectives and find different types of networking opportunities. However, live online training also has disadvantages. While an in-person classroom is specifically designed for learning, with an online class, students may be more likely to get distracted. In addition, while students don’t have to commute to a live online classroom, they still have to log on at a set time to attend the live class.

For students looking for even more flexibility, on-demand classes may be a good fit. The on-demand format lets students learn at their own pace, working from any location that they want, and setting their own schedule. Many on-demand classes still include the opportunity to interact with instructors and other students. Another advantage of on-demand learning is that students may be based in several different geographic locations, which adds a diversity of perspectives. Finally, on-demand classes are typically cheaper than live ones. The biggest downside to this format is that there is no live instructor, which means that students can’t get immediate feedback or answers to questions.

Can I Learn Blueprint Reading Free Online?

For students who want to learn blueprint reading, free online resources can be beneficial. YouTube is one source of free information. Its short tutorials can help you pick up a new skill or troubleshoot a specific problem. You can also find free resources on some school websites. For instance, Noble Desktop offers many free seminars to help students get a better understanding of various topics before they commit to a paid class. For students who are serious about learning to read blueprints, though, free resources generally are not comprehensive enough. Most students choose to enroll in a paid class where an expert instructor can guide them through a comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date curriculum and answer all of their questions. Paid classes also include interaction with other students, which can further enrich the learning process.

Industries That Use Blueprint Reading

Atlanta has many industries that use blueprint reading. According to the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the city has 31 Fortune 500/,000 company headquarters and is home to more than 300 headquarters for international business. According to a July 26,2023, report by Urbanize Atlanta, the Atlanta area is seeing continued growth in construction, even while growth in some other U.S. metros has slowed. The author states, “Metro Atlanta has experienced an 18 percent gain in construction starts over last year’s numbers, notching about $5.4 billion in new projects breaking ground.” In addition, he adds, “Metro Atlanta’s sheer amount of new commercial and multifamily construction this year ranks third across the country so far.”

Blueprint Reading Job Titles and Salaries

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager is responsible for managing the construction process, which includes planning, managing staff, and collaborating with specialists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (the BLS), a federal agency that publishes labor market statistics, over the next ten years, employment of Construction Managers will grow by 9 percent, which is much faster than the average job growth rate of 4 percent. It says that much of this growth will result from demand for new construction but adds, “In addition, a continuing emphasis on retrofitting buildings to make them more energy-efficient should create jobs for general contractors, who are more likely to manage the renovation and upgrading of buildings than to oversee new large-scale construction projects.” An Atlanta Construction Manager has a yearly salary of $106,000, according to Indeed.

Architect

An Architect is responsible for designing houses and other types of buildings. The BLS predicts that over the next decade, there will be 8 percent growth in jobs for Architects. The BLS notes, “Improved building information modeling (BIM) software and measuring technology are expected to allow architects to take on activities once performed by other workers such as architectural and civil drafters, interior designers, and engineers.” Indeed reports that an Atlanta Architect earns about $108,000 per year.

Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and frequently need to read blueprints. Over the next ten years, jobs in this field will grow rapidly, by 11 percent, according to the BLS. It states, “Nearly every building has electricity. Electricians are needed to install and replace these power systems.” In Atlanta, an Electrician earns about $61,000 yearly, as reported by Indeed.

Drafter

A Drafter creates blueprints. The BLS explains, “Drafters use software to convert the designs of architects and engineers into technical drawings. Most workers specialize in architectural, civil, electrical, or mechanical drafting and use technical drawings to help design everything from microchips to skyscrapers.” As reported by Indeed, an Atlanta Drafter earns about $65,000.

Blueprint Reading Classes Near Me

The Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers a variety of training options for AEC professionals, including blueprint reading classes. This school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Its online, self-paced classes allow you to create your own learning schedule. You will also be able to get advice and feedback on your submissions and projects and interact with peers in discussion forums. VDCI classes are approved by Autodesk, Adobe, Trimble, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for e-learning.

If you’re interested in learning blueprint reading, one popular option is Blueprint Reading Course—Residential Construction. This class is taught by a licensed Architect. You’ll learn about how project information is conveyed in construction documents. You will also learn about different drawing types and gain an understanding of how scale is presented in construction documents. In addition, this class covers the interrelationships between drawings and the need for consistency in construction documents.

Another VDCI option is Blueprint Reading & Construction Estimating Course Bundle. In this class, you will review construction documents for a real-world, mixed-use commercial project that includes retail, hotel, and parking. You will learn how to analyze different drawings and will gain an understanding of how 3D models in a set of construction documents make it easier to understand the project.

VDCI also offers a class called Introduction to Construction Estimating, where you can learn how to become an Estimator. This class covers the different types of estimates, components, and sub-components, and how an estimate is organized. You will also learn about the purposes of construction estimating and the estimating tools used. In addition, the course covers quantity takeoffs and determining prices based on estimated quantities.

You can also take a blueprint reading class through Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Blueprint Reading Basics is a self-paced course that covers a variety of blueprint reading skills, both for residential construction and commercial construction. This class is designed for beginners and there are no prerequisites. You will gain the skills needed to read and understand construction documents and will develop an understanding of construction industry jargon and terminology.

If you want to learn more about blueprints, you might also be interested in an AutoCAD class. Noble Desktop offers a variety of AutoCAD classes, which run in-person at its New York City location or live online. This school is licensed by the New York State Education Department and all of its classes come with a certificate of completion and the option of a free retake within one year. Noble offers three shorter multi-day AutoCAD classes. In AutoCAD Level 1, you can learn to use AutoCAD’s basic drawing and editing tools to create drawings for architectural and mechanical objects. AutoCAD Level 2 is an intermediate class, where you will work on more advanced and technical projects. You will also learn how to create templates by setting units, drawing limits, and scales, and how to use the interface to complete advanced layer and block techniques. AutoCAD Level 3 is an advanced course where you will learn about annotation, dynamic blocks and attributes, collaboration and publishing, and customization. In this class, you will learn to execute advanced AutoCAD projects from start to finish as well as how to use the program’s tools to increase efficiency. If you would like a longer class, Noble also offers the AutoCAD Bootcamp, which is a combination of its beginner and intermediate classes at a 10 percent discount.

Blueprint Reading Corporate Training

If you have a construction-related business, you might find it advantageous to train a group of employees in blueprint reading. One great option for corporate blueprint reading training is through the Virtual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI), an affiliate of Noble Desktop. VDCI corporate classes take place online and are project-based. Your employees will master blueprint reading in just a few weeks, and their daily work schedule will not be affected. You can choose a one-time class or opt for ongoing training. Both options include a dedicated support coordinator. Email us for more information about corporate training options.