• Course Info
• Five Month Program
  • Segment One
  • Segment Two
  • Segment Three
  • Segment Four
• Eight Month Program

This comprehensive course is designed to instruct the student in the fundamental concepts of cost estimating and present an overview of project development. Focus is given to “hands on” training using actual construction documents and up to date cost data, computer hardware and software. Students are encouraged to contribute their prior knowledge and experience to develop a team spirit for the training program.

The following is a description of the curriculum that will be covered during the 720 course hour program. The duration of each segment is approximately 5 weeks. Training for the following four segments are held on-campus.

In addition to what is outlined below, communication skill training is also taught in each of the four segments. Emphasis is placed on improving the student’s skill level in all elements of communication including verbal, written and non-verbal communication. Activities to help improve the student’s communication skill include writing daily reports, in-class oral presentations by the student, as well as extensive phone skill training in segments three and four.

This phase is a comprehensive class designed to aid students making a transition to cost management.

This phase consists of quickly learned methods and mathematical formulas to determine material quantities, surface areas and volumes used in construction, manufacturing and other industries.

The classroom activities consist of lectures, written exercises, board illustrations, and assessments. Students are encouraged to interact to develop skills in communication and teamwork, fully utilizing each student’s individual aptitudes and experience for the good of the class.

This class will develop a student’s ability to locate and understand information from line drawings and written specifications. This class offers students the information to create an orderly and methodical quantity takeoff. Emphasis is placed on “hands on” experience. Students will interpret actual construction drawings, specifications and related contract documents for actual construction projects. Topics covered in this phase consists of:

• PLAN READING
• SPECIFICATIONS
• FOUNDATION
• FLOOR AND ROOF PLANS
• BID AND CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
• ELEVATIONS
• QUANTITY TAKE-OFF
• SECTIONAL VIEWS
• COMMUNICATION
• SCHEDULES
• PRICING
• MARKUPS FOR OVERHEAD AND PROFIT
• BID PREPARATION

This segment will develop the student’s basic computer skills, and help prepare them for creating work related documents using modern technology. This segment begins with an introduction to computers starting with Microsoft Windows/Word training, and then progressing to the Timberline Precision Estimating software program. Students will also learn job scheduling techniques needed to schedule projects from start to finish using Microsoft Project. During this phase, students will be exposed to the following computer programs:

• MS WINDOWS XP
• MS WORD
• TIMBERLINE PRECISION ESTIMATING
• MS PROJECT

The classroom activities consist of discussions and lectures, exercises and evaluations, which incorporate a computer monitor connected to an overhead projector for displaying the monitor screen on the board. Each student has exclusive use of a computer. The students will produce accurate and descriptive estimates and produce bids for projects ranging from a $25,000 remodeling job to $500,000 projects. Jobs are bid using a combination of student take-offs and actual subcontract quotes, striving for a “real life” situation. Bid results are summarized and discussed in the classroom.

During this segment, students will be utilizing all of the skills and abilities acquired in the previous segments and “managing” a project from start to finish. In addition, students will learn how to design full color, 3D images of a building using Chief Architect software, an architectural building design program, to produce realistic images of projects in its completed state. Students will take a project from conceptual or design phase, and produce accurate estimates and schedules for that same project. This approach allows each student to develop proficiency in the various programs needed to effectively work in this industry. Students will also learn techniques of communication that will assist them in managing people, tracking and negotiating the changes in business. This portion of training will prepare students to manage the “surprises” that exist in business. In addition, students will be conducting job development activities, such as identifying where and how to look for work, plus improve interviewing skills. We encourage the positive philosophy that is necessary to create opportunity. The following areas of training have been developed to enhance positive results:

Communication Training:
• GIVING AND RECEIVING INSTRUCTION
• NEGOTIATION SKILLS
• PAINT PICTURES WITH WORDS
• TAKING A PHONE MESSAGE
• CONFLICT PREVENTION & RESOLUTION
• CREATING WINNING PROPOSALS
• STOP ARGUMENTS BEFORE THEY START
• RESOLVING CONFLICT WITH WIN-WIN

Management Training:
• PROJECT SCHEDULING
• CASH FLOW AND PROFIT IMPROVEMENT
• IMPROVE PROFIT WHILE PAYING BILLS
• OVERHEAD EXPENSE
• SUB-CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE
• CITY, COUNTY, & STATE CONTRACTS
• CHANGE IS GREAT
• COST & TIME MANAGEMENT
• PAYMENTS TO SUPPLIERS & SUB-CONTRACTORS
• FINDING AND ACQUIRING PROFITABLE PROJECTS

Classroom activities include lectures, videos, plus in class exercises and board illustrations. Emphasis is placed on students studying and using plans and specifications to gain proficiency and confidence in quantity takeoff procedures. Upon completion of a project, results are discussed by the instructor and students. Student participation and interaction are encouraged. The diverse backgrounds and work experiences of the students add interest and information to the classroom activities.

For students enrolled in this program, once the 720 course hour on-campus portion of training has been completed, training continues at a participating worksite. This program will allow a student to have three months of Externship training (similar to on-the-job training) to gain added skill and application of the skills acquired during the previous 720 course hours of instruction. Northwest Technical Institute will be responsible for securing the Externship site wherein at the completion of the 720 hours (approx. twenty weeks) of Cost Estimating/Project Management classes held on campus (See Five Month Cost Estimating/Project Management Training Program Description, for more information), the student will begin applying their newly acquired skills at an actual firm. The site will be found based upon input and participation from the student, the vocational counselor (if applicable) and the school. During the externship time, the student will not be characterized as an employee since he/she is still active in a training program.

Through this Externship component, the student will continue to apply the skills learned to real time problems commonly faced in today’s business climate such as eliminating competing firms for projects, and completing projects ahead of schedule, as well as managing and directing sub-contractors while improving profits and eliminating losses.

NW Tech Instructors will conduct on-site training visits to the Externship site throughout the duration of the Externship, for sites within a 50 mile radius of Portland. These frequent visits to the Externship site is to benefit not only the student, but also the employer, who is in need of the skills and abilities that our graduate can provide, but who may be unaware of all the benefits that they bring. The extra time spent hands-on at the worksite will help ensure the future employability of the graduate, ideally at that particular worksite location. Training during this time will revolve around training and improving the student’s knowledge and performance in performing the day-to-day work required at the Externship site. Because of the on-site training visit schedule, externship site locations will be limited to a 50-mile radius of Portland, Oregon. Additional fees or special arrangements/modifications may be needed for externships beyond a 50-mile radius of Portland, Oregon.