Introduction to Blueprint Reading

The Introduction to Blueprint Reading course is geared for those with limited or no blueprint reading experience. Both field and office personnel are invited to participate. Upon completion of the six-week course, participants will:

• be able to interpret line conventions, abbreviations and symbols
• understand the different scales used on drawings and be able to tell the difference between architect’s scale and engineer’s scale drawings
• be able to recognize the various types of drawings included in a “released for construction” set of drawings
• be able to read basic construction drawings including plan views, elevations, sections and details
• perform coordination exercises using several drawings, for example, architectural and structure coordination
• be able to interpret the notes and schedules located on drawing

This course consists of 15 hours of classroom training held over six weeks, with class one night a week. There is a fall course starting October 3, 2016 and a spring course starting April 10, 2017. The course instructor, Cheryl McBride, has 35 years of experience in the construction industry and 14 years of experience teaching construction courses. The cost for the program is $200 and includes a textbook.

Construction Industry Technician Course 

The CIT course was developed by the National Association of Women in Construction Education Foundation (NEF) and at one time was only offered to NAWIC members. Today, the CIT course is available to all members of the construction industry. This course presents an overview of the construction industry and covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Types of construction such as residential, commercial, civil
• Construction trade associations, professional societies, and institutes
• Forms of business ownership such as sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation
• Types of construction agreements and contracts such as negotiated, competitive bid, cost-plus
• Construction documents such as project manual, specification sections, types of drawings
• Construction process requirements such as pre-planning, permitting, project closeout
• Construction insurance and bonding

• is brand new to the construction industry and requires an overall introduction to the industry
• has limited general knowledge of the industry
• has a support staff role and requires deeper knowledge for career advancement
• is a technician or tradesperson with aspirations to advance to a field or office management position
• has a desire to learn as much as possible about the construction industry