Project success 101- IPCS – Training

In this blog, we’ll dive into the essential training you need to become a master builder. Training is the foundation that supports every aspect of your lean implementation in construction. Whether you want to understand the phases of construction training, key steps involved, or roadblocks you might encounter, this guide has you covered.

Let’s get started. I am passionate about training, and I believe it’s a critical part of any system where foremen and workers complete their work efficiently. If your crew has the team, plan, supply chain, and environment needed to succeed, then ensuring proper training for everyone else is essential.

Training can be divided into different areas—such as foreman training, scheduling training, and more. But for now, let’s focus on the overall framework. Here’s how I break down the construction training process:

Different Stages of Training in Construction

1. Entry Stage
   • This is the beginning of your construction career. The training here focuses on onboarding field or project engineers and covers basic skills like how to navigate job sites, safety protocols, and essential tasks.
2. Proficiency Stage
   • In this stage, you become familiar with construction terms, acronyms, and practices. You understand RFIs, submittals, pay applications, basic scheduling, and more. It’s about becoming proficient in the job’s day-to-day tasks.
3. The “Wanting More” Stage
   • This is where you begin to feel the routine of construction work and question if this is all there is. Many people experience a sense of burnout or frustration during this phase, and it’s crucial to push through.
4. Leading Change Stage
   • In this final stage, you start leading change. You implement Lean techniques, prioritize operational excellence, and shift from simple project administration to achieving real productivity and profits.

In each of these stages, specific training programs will help you excel. Whether it’s mastering the basics or taking on leadership roles, the right training ensures you’re on a path to success.

What You Can Learn in the Field/Project Engineering Bootcamp

One of the most impactful programs is the FE/PE Bootcamp, which focuses on helping you break out of old habits and develop a mode of learning that prioritizes respect for your craft. It teaches you to expect more from yourself and your team while gaining valuable on-the-job experience.

Another essential aspect is learning the fundamentals of construction, which includes topics like surveying, quality, safety, scheduling, and procurement systems. Mastering these core elements early ensures you’re set up for success as you progress in your career.

The Importance of Learning the Fundamentals

In the proficiency stage, it’s essential to have strong foundational skills in project management and construction supervision. Poor habits formed early on can lead to significant challenges later. 

For example, superintendents who don’t engage in scheduling miss out on critical leadership opportunities, often relying too heavily on project managers to handle the task. Basic project management training can help avoid this pitfall and set you up for long-term success.

When to Do the Super/PM Bootcamp

As you move through the stages of your career, you’ll eventually reach the point where you transition from being an assistant to taking on primary roles. This is where the Super/PM Bootcamp comes into play. It’s an intensive program designed to teach you advanced project planning techniques and Lean construction management strategies.

This bootcamp is perfect for sharpening your skills and learning how to implement lean techniques like Takt production and Last Planner. It provides the spark needed to reinvigorate your passion for the industry and push your career to new heights.

The Implementation Period

Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll enter an implementation period. Here, it’s okay to fail. The first pull plan you create or the first project you manage may not go perfectly—and that’s normal. What’s important is that you begin implementing what you’ve learned and continuously improve.

Capstone Training/Projects & Leading Change

At this stage, you’re ready for capstone training. This final phase allows you to demonstrate your mastery of construction techniques and show that you can lead significant change within your company. Through successful project implementation, you prove that you’re prepared to take on more significant responsibilities and make a lasting impact in the industry.

The Ideal Training Pattern in Construction

Over the past 15 years, we’ve refined a training pattern that sets you up for success. It starts with mastering the fundamentals, growing with a mentor, and breaking out of mediocrity to implement Lean techniques. By following this pattern, you’ll be well-positioned to excel in your career.

Helpful Resources for Construction Training

Throughout your training journey, it’s crucial to have the right resources. Here are some books that can help you at each stage:

• Entry Stage: Elevating Construction Surveyors or Elevating Construction Foremen
• Proficiency Stage: Elevating Construction Superintendents and How to Win Friends and Influence People
• Advanced Stages: Built to Fail, How Big Things Get Done, and The Goal by Eli Goldratt.

These resources provide a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to support your training efforts.

Conclusion

Investing in your training is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure career success. The construction industry rewards those who continuously improve and master new skills. By following this structured training path, you’ll be well-prepared to make a significant impact on your projects and ultimately, achieve your goals.