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Introduction
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Construction industry overview
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The project team
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Entities
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Personas
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Knowledge check
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Summary, resources, & what’s next?
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We want to hear from you!
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Conclusion
Construction Industry Overview -- Construction Bootcamp (Part 2)
Understand the construction landscape, structure, and key players.
Instructor: Ben Ashburn
1 hour
Last reviewed 12/2025
Video Content
Course Description
This course will cover how the construction industry works—who does what, how teams are structured, and how a project goes from an idea to a finished building.
The course starts with an overview of the global construction industry. You'll explore the main construction sectors like residential, commercial, industrial, infrastructure, and more. You'll also dive into the core stages of a construction project: preconstruction, construction, and post-construction. Then, you'll get to know the key players on a project team, including the owner, architect, general contractor, specialty contractors, engineers, and consultants.
By the end, you'll be able to confidently discuss industry structure, project phases, team responsibilities, and how construction projects are organized. If you're aiming for a career in construction or want to speak the language of the industry, this course is your starting point.
Learning Objectives
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Discuss the value of the construction industry worldwide.
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Discover the different sectors of the construction industry.
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Identify the project team in construction.
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Define and distinguish between entities and personas.
Prerequisites
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Learning Level: Beginner
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Prerequisite Knowledge: Completion of Construction Bootcamp Program Intro.
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Recommended Knowledge: None.
Continuing Education Course Credits
Course Title: Construction Bootcamp
Course Number: PC-01-061825
Session Number: 1
Curriculum Group Name: AIA Providers
Credit: 12.5 AIA LU
Course Expiration Date: 06/24/2028
Procore's Continuing Education courses may qualify for continuing education credits with other professional organizations or fulfill state licensing requirements. If you are a member of a different organization, you can download your course completion certificate from your learning profile and report your completion yourself to the organization for potential credit. Please refer to the organization's continuing education requirements for course eligibility information.
AIA CES Provider statement
Procore Technologies is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40108059. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the course explain how construction projects are structured from start to finish?
Yes, the course covers the entire construction lifecycle. You'll learn about the three major phases: preconstruction, construction, and post-construction. It explains what happens during each phase, who is involved, and how different teams and contractors contribute to completing the project on time and on budget.
Does the course cover construction job titles and who does what on a project?
Yes, the course clearly breaks down the difference between entities (companies like a general contractor) and personas (roles like a project manager or superintendent). It walks through who works for who, what their responsibilities are, and how they all fit into a construction timeline. This helps learners understand construction org charts and get a clear picture of how projects are run from both office and field perspectives.
What's Next
Continue your learning journey
This course is part of the Construction Bootcamp Learning Path. Explore and complete the additional courses in the path below to complete your journey.
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Construction Bootcamp: Program Intro
View Course PageKickstart your learning journey with the Construction Bootcamp program.
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You are here!
Construction Bootcamp: Construction Industry Overview
Understand the construction landscape, structure, and key players.
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Construction Phases & Project Delivery Methods
View Course PageUnderstand how projects are organized and executed.
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Drawings & Specifications
View Course PageLearn to interpret essential project documents.
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Construction Contracts
View Course PageGrasp the foundational elements of construction agreements.
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Estimating & Bidding
View Course PageDive into the critical process of costing and proposals.
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Scheduling
View Course PageMaster techniques for effective project timelines.
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Quality, Safety, & Risk
View Course PagePrioritize excellence, manage hazards, and mitigate project risks.
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Contract Administration (RFIs & Submittals)
View Course PageNavigate essential project communications.
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Contract Administration (Financials)
View Course PageControl costs and manage project scope.
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Construction Site Operations & Project Controls
View Course PageUnderstand day-to-day site management and oversight.
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BIM
View Course PageAn introduction to modern construction technology.
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Professional & Soft Skills For Construction Management
View Course PageDevelop crucial interpersonal and leadership abilities.
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Program Exam
View Course PageTest your knowledge with the final exam and explore pathways for continuous learning.
Related Resources
Instructors
Ben Ashburn
After a successful career as a construction estimator — working his way up from estimating manager to senior estimator — Ben has spent the most recent part of his career in construction sharing his skills with other as a construction educator. Ben has an extensive background in construction education: He has been an assistant professor in the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M, and lectured about estimating, scheduling, management, and other related construction topics at Murray State University. He has been a construction training and learning development partner with Procore since 2019.
Reviewers
Janine Trinidad
Janine Trinidad is a Construction Educational professional for Procore Technologies. In previous roles, Janine managed all phases of construction on hotel, mixed-use, and institutional projects in the San Francisco Bay area. She was responsible for negotiating contract budgets and change orders, managing RFIs and submittals, and overseeing quality control, among other duties. She is also a certified transformational coach with a focus on women-centered and trauma-informed methods. She is passionate about transforming the construction industry to be a healthier, more successful and welcoming place to work and believes technology and education are allies in doing so.
Dr. Irish Horsey
Dr. Irish Horsey is a seasoned expert in the construction industry with over 25 years of experience. Currently, she serves as the Director of Industry Advancement at Procore, while also teaching part-time at the Georgia Institute of Technology. A former Assistant Professor at Kennesaw State University, Dr. Horsey specializes in project management, workforce development, and diversity and inclusion in construction. She holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education and a Master's in Construction Management. Her extensive industry experience and academic background make her a trusted leader in advancing best practices and innovative strategies in construction.