Contact us if you have questions about the courses listed or if you have an idea for a new class.
Professional Development Courses Offered
Basics of Construction Estimating
Comprehensive 18-hour course develops the skills of superintendents, foreman, junior estimators, layout personnel. Attendees should have a working understanding of blue prints (plans) and basic knowledge of the construction industry. Course includes class room instruction and hands-on work.
Topics Covered
- Estimating Procedures
- Measuring Quantities
- Close Outs
- Components of an Estimate
- Estimating Various Trades
- Determining Costs
- Measuring Quantities
Instructor: Randy Becker
Construction Site Layout I
This 9-hour introductory course will help develop the skills of your field employees! Great for new hires! This course will be tailored to the aptitude levels and specific needs of the class. This course will include class room instruction and hands-on work and requires attendees to bring an auto level, leveling rod, transit or theodolite, tripod, 6-foot ruler, 25-foot tape, 100-foot steel measuring tape, plumb bob, & calculator.
Topics Covered
- Introduction to Surveying
- Basic Construction Layout Techniques - Use of transit for 90-degree angles
- How to determine and set elevations with an auto level
- Layout of excavations, pavement, footings piers, corners, anchor bolts, storm drains, etc.
Instructor: Randy Becker
Construction Site Layout II
This 9-hour course is ideal for your foreman or employees with 3-5 years experience working in the field and have a basic understanding of site and building plans, but would like to further develop their skills. The class will be tailored to the aptitude levels and specific needs of the class and will include class room instruction and hands-on work. Requires attendees to bring an auto level, leveling rod, transit or theodolite, tripod, 6-foot ruler, 25-foot tape, 100-foot steel measuring tape, plumb bob, & calculator.
Topics Covered
- Introduction and History of Surveying
- Horizontal and Vertical Control
- Coordination of Site, Architectural and Structural Drawings
- Horizontal Angles, OMS and DD
- Use of Transit
- Staking and Offsets
- Layout Piers and Anchor Bolts
- Foundation Layout
- Angular Measurements
- Radial Stakeout
- Utility Layout
- Use of Auto Level and Laser Level
- Elevations
- Cuts and Fills
- Excavation Layout and Sitework Layout
Earthwork and Contour Line
Instructor: Randy Becker
Construction Site Layout III
This 9-hour course is ideal for your foreman or employees with 3-5 years experience working in the field and have a basic understanding of site and building plans, but would like to further develop their skills. The class will be tailored to the aptitude levels and specific needs of the class and will include class room instruction and hands-on work. Requires attendees to bring an auto level, leveling rod, transit or theodolite, tripod, 6-foot ruler, 25-foot tape, 100-foot steel measuring tape, plumb bob, & calculator.
Topics Covered
- Coordinate Geometry
- Area computations
- State Plane Coordinate System
- Trigonometry
- Use of the total station
- Trigonometric leveling
- Finding control
- Establishing line and grade for
- Traverses
- Error of closure
- Surveying and mapping
- Horizontal and vertical curve
- Land records research
Instructor: Randy Becker
Foreman Training
The foreman plays a key role in the operation of a construction company. They are the first line of management on the job and are responsible for supervising workers in an effective and efficient manner. This 9 hour course is ideal for potential foremen to help develop the right leadership skills to face a complex and challenging workforce while ensuring a successful project. Certificate of completion will be provided to attendees who attend all classes.
Topics Covered
- Safety
- Team Building
- Communications
- Problem Solving
- Business Organizations
- Motivation
- Decision Making
- Project Control
Instructor: Randy Becker
Infection Control for Construction
This course addresses the Infection Control Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan (ICRA and ICRM). It teaches what safety methods must employ while constructing in the healthcare industry.
Infection Control for Construction addresses the four different levels of protection that must be incorporated into the daily operations based on the environment in which work is commencing. Each participant will learn how to complete an ICRA and ICRM and what they should look for when working in those environments.
TOPICS COVERED
- Understand why and when to run negative air pressure
- Monitor dust migration
- Track travel paths of construction materials
- Learn how Interim Life Safety Methods (ILSM) affect construction zones
Instructor: Mark M. DuPré, MCPPO, ASHE, Assoc AIA
Plan Reading
This 9-hour course is ideal for Junior Estimators, Foremen, new Project Engineers, and Journeymen. This course will include classroom instruction and hands-on work with site plans, architectural drawings, structural drawings, and MEP drawings.
Attendees are required to bring an Engineer's scale, an Architect's scale, notebook, pencil and calculator to each class.
Certificate of completion will be provided to attendees who attend all classes.
Topics Covered
- How to Read General Plans and Notes
- How to Read Site Plans and Civil Drawings, Sections, Details and Specifications
- How to Read Architectural Drawings, Sections, Details and Specifications
- How to Read Structural Drawings, Sections, Details and Specifications
How to Read Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Drawings, Details and Specifications
Instructor: Randy Becker
Site Work Estimating
Enhance the skills of your employees to promote from within! This comprehensive 10-hour course is ideal class for Junior Estimators, Site Foremen, & Layout Personnel. Class will be tailored to meet the aptitude levels and specific needs of the class. This course will include class room instruction and hands-on work . Certificate of completion will be provided to attendees who attend all classes.
Topics Covered
- Materials Take-Offs
- Earthwork Computations
- Excavations/Backfill
- Equipment Utilizations
- Labor Estimates
- Safety Equipment
- Underground Utilities
- Soil Erosion Control
- Mobilization
- Cuts & Fills
- Barricades & Signage
- Paving
- Import/Export
- Temp Facilities
- Geotechnical Reports & Soil Boring Logs
- Concrete Estimates
Landscaping
Instructor: Randy Becker
Goal Setting & Delivering Feedback
Goal Setting:
Learn how to define roles and responsibilities of members of your work group.
Set SMART goals and objectives to help achieve results.
Apply a framework for discussing expectations and gaining commitment.
Handle challenging situations that may arise during performance discussions.
Delivering Feedback:
Learn how to describe performance using objective criteria, asking questions and listening.
Provide specific feedback to improve performance, to recognize and encourage continued good performance, and/or to take corrective action when performance does not improve.
Apply techniques for checking in and giving on-the-spot performance pointers.
Conduct effective feedback discussions throughout the performance year building a culture of accountability.
Both classes must be attended in order to receive a certificate. Goal Setting is a prerequisite for Delivering Feedback.
Instructor: Celeste W. Barros, CPC– EL-MP
Engaging in Productive Conflict
Learn to harness the power of workplace conflict by transforming destructive behaviors into productive responses using DiSC Productive Conflict®. Assess self to learn more about productive and destructive behaviors you may demonstrate when in conflict. Learn ways to transform destructive habits into more productive responses resulting in improved workplace relationships that drive results. Choose the path of ‘discovery’ rather than ‘damage’ and more effectively communicate and work through differences.
Participants complete the Everything DiSC® Productive Conflict assessment for increased self-awareness around conflict behaviors.
Instructor: Celeste W. Barros, CPC– EL-MP
This 8-Hour prep course to help apprentices prepare for the Connecticut License exam and will:
* Review test taking procedures
* Review all reference materials indicated in the PSI Information Bulletin
* Review key definitions outlined in the International Plumbing Code and other code books
The following materials are required for the course. Attendees without all of the materials the day of class will be rescheduled for another date. Individuals registering for the course can purchase required materials through various book sellers.
* International Plumbing Code or International Plumbing Code 2015, 2018 or 2021 edition.
* NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code or National Fuel Gas Code Handbook, 2012
* NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code, 2014
* Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 (OSHA), with latest available amendments
OR
* Code of Federal Regulations - 29 CFR Part 1926 Selections by PSI, with latest available amendments
* Water Processing: Residential, Commercial, Light Industrial 3rd Edition, 2000
* NFPA 56: Standard for Fire and Explosion Prevention During Cleaning and Purging of Flammable Gas Piping Systems Current Edition
The following books are recommended for study but not allowed in the testing center:
• Mathematics for Plumbers and Pipefitters, Lee Smith, 8th Edition, 2013
• Plumbing Design and Installation, L.V. Ripka / ATP Publication
Refund Policy:
CEC employs a No Refund Policy. If enrolled participants must cancel a class, CEC will reschedule them for a class at a later date subject to availability. A $25.00 rescheduling fee will be applied if individuals do not contact our office within a week of class date if they are unable to attend.
Cancellation Policy:
CEC reserves the right to cancel any course or class due to circumstances beyond our control such as insufficient enrollment registration up to one week prior to class date or inclement weather. Alternative class dates will be offered to those enrolled.
In these instances, all tuition will be refunded, or class rescheduled to a later date. Classes cancelled due to inclement weather will be broadcast using the WFSB (channel 3)-Early Warning Network and NEWS 8 (WTNH) Storm Closings. They will also be posted on wfsb.com, wtnh.com and our website, thinkconstruction.org.
The following materials are required for the D2 Prep course:
International Mechanical Code, 2015, 2018 or 2021 Editions allowed
2012 NFPA 54 Fuel Gas Code
OSHA Standards 29 CFR Part 1926
Modern Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, 21st or 22nd Edition
ACCA Ductulator
These books are allowed in the exam room but are optional for this prep course:
- 2014 NFPA 58: Liquified Petroleum Gas Code
- 2005 HVAC Duct Standards
Attendees arriving without full set of materials will be rescheduled for the next date.
The following materials are required for the S2 Prep Course:
International Mechanical Code, 2015, 2018 or 2021 Editions allowed
2014 NFPA 58 Liquified Petroleum Gas Code
2006 or 2011 NFPA 31 Standard for the Installation of Oil Burning Equipment
2012 NFPA 54 Fuel Gas Code
OSHA Standards 29 CFR Part 1926
Modern Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, 21st or 22nd Edition
ACCA Ductulator
These books are allowed in the exam room but are optional for this prep course:
-2005 HVAC Duct Standards, 3rd Edition
-NFPA 56: Standard for Fire and Explosion Prevention During Cleaning and Purging of Flammable Gas Piping Systems, Current Edition
The following books are NOT allowed in the examination center but are recommended for study. They are optional for this prep course:
- Modern Hydronic Heating for Residential and Light Commercial Buildings, 2004, 2nd Edition
- Residential Oil Burners, 3rd Edition, 2007
- Steam Plant Operation, 10th Edition, 2017
Attendees arriving without full set of materials will be rescheduled for the next date.
Lunch:
It is recommended that each attendee bring a bag lunch with them to facilitate keeping the class schedule on time.
Refund Policy:
CEC employs a No Refund Policy. If enrolled participants must cancel a class, CEC will reschedule them for a class at a later date subject to availability. A $25.00 rescheduling fee will be applied if individuals do not contact our office within a week of class date if they are unable to attend.
Cancellation Policy:
CEC reserves the right to cancel any course or class due to circumstances beyond our control such as insufficient enrollment registration up to one week prior to class date or inclement weather. Alternative class dates will be offered to those enrolled.
In these instances, all tuition will be refunded, or class rescheduled to a later date. Classes cancelled due to inclement weather will be broadcast using the WFSB (channel 3)-Early Warning Network and NEWS 8 (WTNH) Storm Closings. They will also be posted on wfsb.com, wtnh.com and our website, thinkconstruction.org.
This introductory 9-hour course will help develop your construction plan reading skills. Class will be tailored to the experience levels and specific needs of the class. This course will include classroom instruction and hands-on work with site plans, architectural drawings, structural drawings, and MEP drawings.
Attendees are required to bring an Engineer's scale, an Architect's scale, notebook, pencil and calculator.
Both classes must be attended to receive the certificate of completion.
This introductory 9-hour course will help develop your construction plan reading skills. Class will be tailored to the experience levels and specific needs of the class. This course will include classroom instruction and hands-on work with site plans, architectural drawings, structural drawings, and MEP drawings.
Attendees are required to bring an Engineer's scale, an Architect's scale, notebook, pencil and calculator.
Both classes must be attended to receive the certificate of completion.
OSHA courses are not only a great way to bring yourself up to speed on safety codes, completion cards are now being required on some private contracts and on publicly funded construction jobs in Connecticut and Massachusetts!
Our courses are instructed by OSHA authorized instructors with years of construction and construction safety experience. Upon successful course completion, students will receive Completion Cards from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Course Outline
OSHA Act, General Duty
Materials Handling, Storage, Usage & Disposal
Motor Vehicles, Mechanized & Construction Equipment
General Safety & Health Provisions
Personal Protective Equipment
Stairways, Ladders & Excavations
Required Electrical
Required Fall Protection
Competent Person
Course Outline
• Introduction to OSHA
• Materials Handling, Storage, Usage & Disposal
• Motor Vehicles, Mechanized & Construction Equipment
• General Safety & Health Provisions
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Stairways, Ladders & Excavations
• Required Electrical
• Required Fall Protection
• Competent Persons
OSHA courses are not only a great way to bring yourself up to speed on safety codes, completion cards are now being required on some private contracts and on publicly funded construction jobs in Connecticut and Massachusetts!
Our courses are instructed by OSHA authorized instructors with years of construction and construction safety experience. Upon successful course completion, students will receive Completion Cards from the U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Course Outline
OSHA Act, General Duty
Materials Handling, Storage, Usage & Disposal
Motor Vehicles, Mechanized & Construction Equipment
General Safety & Health Provisions
Personal Protective Equipment
Stairways, Ladders & Excavations
Required Electrical
Required Fall Protection
Competent Person
This introductory 9-hour course will help develop your leadership skills to face a complex and challenging workforce while ensuring a successful project. Today's foremen must be capable of leading their teams to work safely, productively, and to produce quality work, to plan, communicate, execute and document the work, and identify changes. This course will include classroom instruction and hands-on work with estimating and scheduling.
This course will use the NCCER text, "Fundamentals of Crew Leadership, 4th edition". The book is included with cost of the course.
Attendees are required to bring a notebook, pencils, and calculator.
All three classes must be attended to receive the certificate of completion.
This introductory 9-hour course will help develop your leadership skills to face a complex and challenging workforce while ensuring a successful project. Today's foremen must be capable of leading their teams to work safely, productively, and to produce quality work, to plan, communicate, execute and document the work, and identify changes. This course will include classroom instruction and hands-on work with estimating and scheduling.
This course will use the NCCER text, "Fundamentals of Crew Leadership, 4th edition". The book is included with cost of the course.
Attendees are required to bring a notebook, pencils, and calculator.
All three classes must be attended to receive the certificate of completion.
This introductory 9-hour course will help develop your leadership skills to face a complex and challenging workforce while ensuring a successful project. Today's foremen must be capable of leading their teams to work safely, productively, and to produce quality work, to plan, communicate, execute and document the work, and identify changes. This course will include classroom instruction and hands-on work with estimating and scheduling.
This course will use the NCCER text, "Fundamentals of Crew Leadership, 4th edition". The book is included with cost of the course.
Attendees are required to bring a notebook, pencils, and calculator.
All three classes must be attended to receive the certificate of completion.
