Field operations certification program
This course is designed to equip recently promoted superintendents, foremen, and crew leaders as they transition from hands-on trades to leadership positions. Participants will acquire vital technical skills necessary for effective project management in the construction industry.
Registration for Field Operations is now closed for the Spring ’25 semester.
Make sure to join the WMCI mailing list to be notified first when this class is open for enrollment again.
Course Description
Over a 30-hour duration, attendees will delve into crucial topics, including project communications, documentation, safety, logistics, coordination, financial management, MEP basics, and project closeout. These content areas are structured to provide the expertise and knowledge required to successfully navigate each phase of a construction project, ensuring a smooth transition to leadership roles in the field.
course details
- Dates: January 23 - April 3, 2025
- Day of the Week: Thursdays
- Exception: No class on March 13
- Course Times: 2:00PM - 5:00PM
- Registration Fee: $3,750
- Location: West Michigan Construction Institute
credentials earned
- Ferris State University ICET Credential
- Students must attend all course sessions to receive their certificate
Instructor: Ferris State University Professors
This course is certified by Ferris State University’s Institute for Construction Education and Training. All sessions are taught by Ferris State University professors.
course schedule and curriculum
Course Schedule:
- Thursday, Jan. 23: Project Communication
- Thursday, Jan. 30: Project Documents
- Thursday, Feb. 6: Admin
- Thursday, Feb. 13: Financials
- Thursday, Feb. 20: Safety & Site Logistics
- Thursday, Feb. 27: Scheduling & Project Meetings
- Thursday, March 6: BIM Coordination & Quality Control
- Thursday, March 13: No Class
- Thursday, March 20: MEP
- Thursday, Mar 27: MEP
- Thursday, April 3: Closeout
Project Communication
During the Project Communications section, students will learn:
- Email communication
- How to lead a meeting
- Conflict resolution/Negotiations/building teams/"getting to yes”
- Project diversity
- 16 personalities test
Project Documents
During the Project Documents section, students will learn:
- Plans and specifications – highlighted areas to look for information
- Addenda
- Bulletins
- Contracts – what is the sub being contractually required to provide; Temp Conditions; “per plans and specs”
- Scope of work – common items assigned to all subcontractors
- BIM models – what they look like, what info is in them, how to use’ coordination between trades
Project Safety and Logistics
During the Project Safety and Logistics section, students will learn:
- OSHA/MIOSHA administrative requirements
- Definition of a Competent Person
- What to do when you’re inspected (What happens when OSHA shows up?)
- Crisis management
- Mobilization/demobilization
- How to handle onsite injuries/accidents/medical issues
- Job Hazard Analysis…mitigation strategies
- Dynamic site plans
Project Planning
During the Project Planning section, students will learn:
- Quality Control – Testing & Inspection Requirements
- Scheduling (master, short interval) – as the “info giver” - validation of duration and logic of their trade in the schedule.
- Short interval – recognize the time impact of the schedule; what resources are required (labor/materials/equipment) based on a short term schedule
- Updating schedules – Requires input from subcontractors; what day is the expected progress update; how does the GC/CM want the update – remaining duration or percent complete.
- Project meetings led by a GC or CM – what is expected of a subcontractor at these meetings (Make sure safety is the first topic discussed)
Project Financials I
During the Project Financials I section, students will learn:
- Basic estimating – understanding the estimate, gross hours, % of cost, profit margin on the project, manpower loading.
- General conditions budgets
- Productivity reporting
- Payments (T&M)
Project Administration
During the Project Administration section, students will learn:
- Daily Reports
- Submittals
- Change management (RFI through Change Orders) (T&M)
- Retainage
- Pay applications
MEP Basics
During the MEP Basics section, students will learn:
- Plans and specifications
- Basic systems
- MEP coordination
- Commissioning
- Inspections
- BIM Coordination
Project Closeout
During the Project Closeout section, students will learn:
- Punchlists
- Warranties
- As-builts, record documents
- Training
- Extra materials
- Final payment
- Final inspections
