Educating and Training Individuals to Become Career-Ready and Advance within Construction Industry Occupations

Trade Talk Times

December 2025

'Tis the Season to Celebrate Students, Skills, & Success!

Build Smart students spent this year diving into skilled trades training across the construction industry. Whether it was hearing from industry experts, concentrating in the classroom, or gaining hands on experience; our students made the most of their training journey. To learn more about this year's courses visit our website and to see more photos follow us on Facebook.

David's Path to Success

After graduating high school, David entered the workforce unsure of his future. “I finished high school, started working, and never went back to college.”

Later, as a team member at Cornerstone Building Brands, David knew he would pursue a career in the construction industry. That’s when his area manager suggested he consider the Construction Management Certificate program offered at Ferrum College in partnership with Build Smart Institute.

“They offered to pay for my school and I took advantage of that opportunity,” David shares. He went on to enroll in multiple courses including CORE Fundamentals of Construction, Blueprint Reading, and Project Supervision, both offered online; while continuing his employment at Cornerstone.

Read David's full story on our website.

2026 Courses Available Now

Our team has been hard at work putting the finishing touches on Build Smart's 2026 course schedule, and it's officially live!

Now available on our website, the schedule includes all courses planned for the year. Enroll early and plan ahead with confidence, knowing exactly when the classes you're interested in will take place.

Visit buildsmartinstitute.com to view the full schedule or complete an interest form to have a Build Smart team member contact you.

Tuition assistance is available for those who qualify

Gratitude for a Strong Year

As we wrap up 2025, we are grateful for the trust industry partners placed in our team.

This year, Build Smart Institute delivered training to companies across the construction industry both large and small. Notably, more than 60% of our employer partners were new to Build Smart’s training programs.

Interested in exploring our customized training options?

Online Training

Too Busy for Training?

Try Online Courses That Work With Your Schedule

Finding time for professional development can be a challenge, especially with a packed schedule. That’s why Build Smart offers flexible, self-paced online courses designed to fit into your life.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or advance your career, our online programs make it easy. You can enroll quickly and start learning immediately, whenever it works best for you.

We offer courses in Project Supervision, Estimation, and more, each designed by industry professionals to give you practical, job-ready knowledge. New courses are being added in January!

Visit our website to explore available courses and enroll today!

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