In the past I commented about transitioning from residential to commercial. And one pro tip I received, and then gave, was, ‘expand your knowledge base.’ I now recognize how fluffy that is without context or additional support. I’m a firm believer that knowledge is power and we are in the knowledge age where the ability to learn comes in so many shapes and forms. 

Expanding your knowledge in commercial construction is essential if you want to make a successful transition from residential construction. Here are some steps to help you expand your knowledge base and key skills:

1. Identify areas of interest: Start by identifying areas of commercial construction that interest you the most. Are you interested in project management, safety regulations, or building codes? Understanding what you want to learn will help you find the right courses and workshops. For me, I love the mechanics of a build and the parts it takes to complete something. It is why I ended up in estimating.
   
2. Research available training: Once you have identified the areas you want to learn about, research available training options. Look for courses and workshops offered by reputable organizations and institutions that specialize in commercial construction. Also, online courses can be a convenient way to learn about commercial construction topics on your own time. Look for reputable online courses that offer certified training and are recognized within the industry. Even Linkedin is loaded with educational resources: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/topics/construction-3
   
3. Attend industry events: Attending industry events such as seminars, conferences, and trade shows can be a great way to learn about new trends, technologies, and techniques in commercial construction. Networking with other professionals can also help you learn and grow your career. A safe start? Local home and garden shows to network, learn about new gadgets, and so on. And then work your way up to larger conferences.

4. Learn from experienced professionals: Learning from experienced professionals can be a valuable way to gain practical knowledge about commercial construction. Consider shadowing or interning with a commercial construction company to gain hands-on experience.

5. Stay up-to-date: As with any industry, commercial construction is constantly evolving. Stay up-to-date with the latest news, trends, and best practices by reading industry publications, attending webinars, and following industry leaders on social media. I personally follow a number of companies and tradesmen on Instagram where their short videos of advice are both entertaining and informing.

These are just some of the ways you can look to expand your knowledge and skills in commercial construction and successfully transition to this exciting field. Do you have other things you’ve found that have worked well? Education is ongoing, and I’d be honored to know what has worked for you.

Cheers,

Nate Regina