Blueprint Reading Fundamentals Course (Self-Paced)
- 30 Hours
- Open to beginners
- 1:1 Bonus Training
Develop fundamental blueprint reading skills for residential and commercial construction projects through hands-on, real-world learning experiences.
Gain fluency in blueprint interpretation across architectural and mechanical contexts. You’ll learn how technical drawings translate into physical builds.
Develop fundamental blueprint reading skills for residential and commercial construction projects through hands-on, real-world learning experiences.
Develop a strong foundation in blueprint reading and construction cost estimating to navigate residential and commercial projects with confidence. This course bundle prepares students to interpret construction documents and create accurate cost estimates for a range of projects, from single-family homes to mixed-use commercial buildings.
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.
Blueprint reading is an essential skill for working in the AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) industries, but you’ll also find it in high demand in manufacturing and aerospace. This highly transferable skill set can give you an advantage when applying for jobs in these fields, setting you apart from the competition. In Boston, the local economy is rampant with large construction projects, well-known architectural firms, leading engineering companies, and specialized medical device manufacturers. Additionally, a strong engineering sector, for both civil and structural, increased the demand for blueprint literacy in Boston.
Plus, the unemployment rate among Boston residents has remained below 3.5% for more than a year, consistently staying below the national average. A low unemployment rate, yearly increasing job opportunities, and several industries with a strong demand for blueprint experts all make Boston an ideal city to learn blueprint reading and work as a blueprint expert.
Lucky for you, becoming a blueprint reading aficionado can lead to many successful careers. As previously mentioned, AEC industries and manufacturing will be where you see the bulk of these roles. Applicable jobs in these areas that use blueprint reading are architects, estimators, and project managers, among many others. Below is a brief list of the most common job titles you’ll see, as well as salary ranges, so you can begin to get an idea of your professional future.
While blueprint reading may be specific to the AEC fields, architecture, engineering, and construction are used by every known industry in the Boston region. From hospitals to businesses to subdivision development, Blueprint Readers help development and construction projects run smoothly, ultimately resulting in public and private spaces that benefit the residents of Boston.
The Boston area is home to 25 hospitals and 20 community health centers and has received the most NIH funding of any U.S. city for 21 consecutive years. Additionally, the city’s healthcare and social assistance industries account for over 18% of total employment, with five of the ten largest employers in the area being hospitals. There are more than 12,000 life sciences jobs in Boston across research, development, and manufacturing, and even more job demand can be found in the over 120 health IT and digital health companies. See below for a list of the major players in this industry.
Home to both traditional commercial banks and investment banks, Boston also boasts major insurance companies that contribute to the sector's strength, offering various insurance products and services. Boston's financial industry is increasingly influenced by the growth of FinTech, with a large number of cutting-edge FinTech companies based in the area. Below are a few of the top employers in this sector in Boston:
Boston was recently ranked the eighth best city in the United States for tech professionals, beating out places such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and Philadelphia. The city is also home to several educational institutions that are consistently known for their tech-related innovation, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and leading-edge research. Plus, there’s space for startups: a host of resources for entrepreneurs, from accelerator programs and venture capital firms to co-working spaces and networking events, are all available for tech endeavors. A few of the top employers are listed below.
Boston is home to numerous federal agencies and offices, including those within the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Air Force Materiel Command. The city also has its own departments like Public Works, Innovation and Technology, and Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, which directly manage city services and initiatives. Additionally, you can often find consulting firms assisting with government leadership transitions, cost management, and digital transformation. Other consulting companies specialize in areas like engineering, technology, and cybersecurity for both the federal government and energy sectors.