Blueprint Reading Classes & Bootcamps Denver

Denver has skyrocketed to become one of the must-watch industrial hubs of the West. Industries like technology and aerospace have drawn in high-quality talent and large corporations. This growth has caused major expansion in other sectors as well. Denver's construction industry is busy with new projects. This helps meet the needs of all the new residents and businesses. At the foundation of the construction industry is blueprint reading. Without experts who understand blueprints, building safe and structurally sound buildings gets harder. As Denver continues to grow into a major metro, now is the perfect time to learn and use your blueprint reading skills with the various expanding sectors.

Common Blueprint Reading Careers and Salaries in Denver

• Architects earn around $100,000 annually to design and plan buildings. They create highly detailed plans that ensure structural integrity and aesthetics.
• Common Skill Sets: AutoCAD, building codes, and construction documentation
• Structural or Civil Engineers focus on the structural support systems of buildings and infrastructure. They earn around $106,000 for their various projects, and to help follow safety regulations and code compliance.
• Common Skill Sets: AutoCAD, structural analysis, and Revit.
• Construction Managers work on construction sites, earning around $120,000 annually to oversee the project from the planning stages to completion. They manage budgets and coordinate subcontractors.
• Common Skill Sets: Scheduling, budgeting, and safety compliance
• CAD Technicians or Drafters develop the technical drawings or schematics of construction projects. They earn around $77,000 to create sketches, blueprints, and architectural or engineering specifications.
• Common Skill Sets: AutoCAD, Revit, 3D modeling, and technical drawing.
• Machinists set up and operate various machine tools. They earn around $60,000 to build machine tools and products from blueprints.
• Common Skill Sets: CNC (Computer Numerical Control) programming and precision measurements.

Top Industries and Employers for Blueprint Reading in Denver

When one thinks about blueprint reading, they may only consider the construction industry for viable careers. However, Denver has several major sectors that can benefit from blueprint reading professionals.

Construction and Development

The construction sector in Denver is experiencing an annual growth of around 3.5%, which is higher than the national average. Construction adds $13 billion to Colorado's annual GDP. The majority of construction projects revolve around residential development and infrastructure.

Blueprint reading is a foundational skill in this industry and helps throughout every stage of a build. From the planning stages to the construction sites, blueprint reading allows construction professionals to monitor supplies and ensure the building or project is structurally sound. Major employers include:

• PCL Construction
• JE Dunn Construction
• Saunders Construction
• Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT)

Renewable Energy and Utilities

Denver's energy sector has experienced major developments as Colorado has committed to 100% clean energy by 20240. With over 53,000 employees, the industry contributes $11 billion to the GDP. Energy companies have put more time and resources into growing the wind and solar energy sources than other forms of energy throughout the state. The shift to renewable energy has created a new demand for blueprint reading professionals.

Civil Engineers help update the electrical grids and natural gas infrastructure by looking at engineering blueprints of the city's grid. They also ensure that their updates are safe and will not cause harm to the public. Mechanical Engineers help design and interpret mechanical blueprints for pipes and renewable energy technology. Major employers include:

• Xcel Energy
• Renewable Energy Systems (RES) Americas
• Burns & McDonnell
• NextEra Energy Resources

Aerospace and Defense

Colorado ranks second in the nation for private aerospace employment, with over 500 private companies within this sector. However, the large military presence helps boost the demand for aerospace in the area. The industry brings in $15 billion for the state annually.

Aerospace Engineers use blueprints to develop spacecraft, aircraft, and satellite systems. Machinists use blueprints to produce parts for larger projects. Assembly Technicians follow blueprints to build the aircraft and ensure their safety. Major employers include:

• Lockheed Martin
• Ball Aerospace
• Raytheon Technologies
• Sierra Space

Advanced Manufacturing and Production

Manufacturing stands as one of the top industries in Denver, as it supports various other sectors with its products. Over,000 manufacturing firms of all sizes reside in Denver and contribute $12 billion to the state's GDP. Denver remains a large, competitive hub for advanced manufacturing in the nation.

Blueprint reading also stands as a foundational skill in this sector. Machinists interpret mechanical blueprints to set up machines for assembly. Quality Control Inspectors review the final product against the original blueprint to verify that it meets requirements. Other professionals use blueprints to troubleshoot machines and build various complex devices. Major employers include:

• Terumo BCT
• Sundyne
• CoorsTek
• Swisslog Healthcare

An Expanding Denver and the Demand for Blueprint Reading

Multiple trades and industries throughout Denver rely on blueprint reading. Due to growth in various industries throughout the city, several positions are expected to see major increases over the next decade. Architects and Civil Drafters should expect to see a 6% increase in job growth, while Construction Managers should see an 11% job growth. With the demand for blueprint reading professionals rising and labor shortages, employers are willing to pay more to get high-quality talent in the door. Many positions requiring blueprint reading as a key skill can expect to see salary increases ranging from 8 to 13% over the next 5 years.

As Denver has also become a major tech hub, many companies are embracing more technology. Several companies in the Denver market are integrating digital blueprints and are moving away from traditional paper blueprints. Before jumping into any career, those looking to learn blueprint reading should also take some time to familiarize themselves with digital blueprint software like AutoCAD, Autodesk BIM 360, and PlanGrid. Learning this software prepares you for any available position and proves to employers that you can read blueprints in any form. There has never been a better time to pursue a blueprint reading career in the ever-expanding Mile High City.