Take Your Career in Construction to the Next Level

Construction Education

Construction U Education

ABC Wisconsin offers comprehensive education programs for our members designed to support and grow construction professionals from the apprentice through the experienced contractor. Construction U education programs are designed to make a great impact on your team, your projects, and accelerate your career in the industry.

Construction U offers a wide variety of craft and professional development education in a variety of formats. Whether it is in-person, online, or a customized in-house education experience, we have something that meets the needs and budgets of our members. Please contact our Education Department at 800-236-2224 or 608-244-5883 for more information on any of the classes listed within our program.

Course Overviews

Field Crew & Support Team

Communication Skills: For You & Your Crew

Who Should Attend:

Field workers
Rising leaders & key personnel in team culture
Administrative professionals
Entry Level Workers & Apprentices
People interested in enhancing their communication skills

Mastering communication and interpersonal skills are an essential in the success of projects. Construction projects follow a chain of communication from one person to the next, and from one party to another. With strong communication skills and workplace relationships, you can avoid delays, rework, and costly misunderstandings. Communication Skills was designed to enhance communication and improve teamwork which ultimately impacts your project success.

What You Will Learn:

Understanding your role as a trainer, role-model, and mentor
Recognizing communication & behavior styles in yourself and others
Explore active listening techniques and recognize the barriers
Discuss the importance of feedback and identify successful techniques for giving and receiving it
Understand the impact of professionalism on the job site with peers, supervisors, and clients

*This course counts for 7 hours of Unpaid Related Instruction (URI)!

March 14, 2025, Professional Development Center, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 7:30a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Instructor: Dan Paulson, InVision Development International, LLC
Registration Fee $200 Members; Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

November 5, 2025, Professional Development Center, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 7:30a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Instructor: Dan Paulson, InVision Development International, LLC
Registration Fee $200 Members; Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Foreman Fundamentals

Who Should Attend:

Field workers looking to explore and grow into the role of a foreman
Foreman looking to improve skill sets and enhance the function of a team
Small – midsize construction company owners wanting to improve his or her leadership abilities

Construction foremen play a critical role in successful construction sites. They act as leaders and managers on complex construction sites; provide communications between the field and the home office and are often on the front line with the customers. Being a successful foreman requires skill. This person is an individual who not only produces a high-quality final product, but also one who is profitable, productive, and personable.

What You Will Learn:

Understand the role of a foreman
Explore your leadership style and understand it’s impact
Discuss why delegation is critical to your success and how to do it effectively
The steps to building an engaged team and establishing a positive workplace culture

April 4, 2025, Professional Development Center, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 7:30a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Instructor: Bill Rozga, Trade Talk, LLC
Registration Fee $200 Members & Apprentices

April 25, 2025,Professional Development Center, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 7:30a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Instructor: Bill Rozga, Trade Talk, LLC
Registration Fee $200 Members & Apprentices

December 12, 2025, Professional Development Center, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 7:30a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Instructor: Bill Rozga, Trade Talk, LLC
Registration Fee $200 Members & Apprentices

Understanding Operations

Who Should Attend:

Field workers who are exploring a role in leadership
Field workers who want a better understanding of construction operations from the business side
Support staff looking to increase their business operations understanding

Each worker on a project is critical to the overall success. When each team member understands how and why decisions are made, the likelihood of project success and profitability increases. A shift from field worker to “business owner” ensures that everyone is working towards the same goal.

What You Will Learn:

The concepts of shifting to a business owner mindset
Communication that will influence decision-makers
The cost of poor decision-making and understanding the risks
An understanding of the importance of goals and action plans and measuring operational performance

COMING SPRING 2025

Plan & Specifications Reading

Who Should Attend:

Entry level workers
Apprentices
Admin professionals
Team members interested in enhancing their skill set in reading construction documents

Reading construction documents and plans are fundamental skills necessary for anyone striving to be successful in the construction industry. This Plan & Spec Reading course has been designed for individuals with little to no experience with reading construction plans and specifications. This course will provide a basic overview of construction plans and specs including, Civil, Site, Foundation, Floor, Roof, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing.

What You Will Learn:

Architectural Lines & Symbols
Terminology Used in Drawings & Specifications
Guidelines for Reading Plans
Specifications
Building Codes

Plumbing apprentices are still required to take Plumbing Blueprint Reading.

May 1-2, 2025, Professional Development Center, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 7:30a.m. – 3:30p.m.
Instructor: Gary Roehrig
Registration Fee $300 Members; $600 Non-Members

October 23-24, 2025, Tundra Lodge Resort, 865 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay, WI
Course Session Time: 7:30a.m. – 3:30p.m.
Instructor: Gary Roehrig
Registration Fee $300 Members; $600 Non-Members

Project Coordinator: A 6-Day Education Series

Who Should Attend:

Project Coordinators
Assistant Project Coordinators
Administrative Assistants
Office Managers

The Project Coordinator is an integral member of the construction team. This person must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to handle project documents, contracts, progress reports, and closeout documents. This program offers project coordinators and office support staff the ability to enhance their skillsets and operational understanding in project life cycles, plans and specifications, organization, team collaboration, and time management.

What You Will Learn:

Understanding of the construction industry and the Project Coordinator role
Explore and work with construction documents to gain an understanding of the requirements for an entire project
Discuss communication models and negotiation techniques necessary for project success
How to read and interpret plans and specification documents
Discuss the concept of breachless contract and introduce contract basics and terminology
Learn how to efficiently plan and maintain your projects

Begins March 18, 2025, Professional Development Center, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 8:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Registration Fees: $1,500 for the first person, $1,200 for each additional person from the same company OR $325 for individual classes
Registration deadline is 5 days prior to each course offering.

COURSE OVERVIEW

DAY 1: INTRO TO PROJECT COORDINATOR – MARCH 18, 2025

Instructor: Denita Schreier, WDS
Through engaging peer discussions, attendees will discuss the roles and responsibilities of Project Coordinators through the life cycles of Project Delivery as well as the characteristics that help to make a Project Coordinator successful. This session will also provide insights on how to identify and prioritize important tasks to maximize your ROI on time investment and minimize non-productive activities.

DAY 2: PLAN & SPEC READING – MARCH 25, 2025

Instructor: Gary Roehrig
Reading construction documents and plans is a fundamental skill necessary for anyone working within the construction industry. Attendees will work with a set of construction plans and specifications to learn common terminology and symbols used within construction documents.

DAY 3: CONTRACT LAW & NEGOTIATION – APRIL 1, 2025

Instructors: Josh Levy & Rachel Potter
This session will learn definitions and terminology used in construction contracts as well as discuss the concept of breachless contract. Attendees will learn communication models that positively impact negotiation practices both in the office and out.

DAY 4: WORKING WITH CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS – APRIL 8, 2025

Instructor: Gretchen Bockenhauer
Through work and review of construction documents, participants will gain an understanding of the requirements for an entire project.

DAY 5: TEAM COMMUNICATION & MEETING MANAGEMENT – APRIL 15, 2025

Instructor: Brandi Davis
Attendees will identify their communication style preferences, learn how to be more effective with the people they interact with daily, and learn how they may be perceived by other styles as well as explore best practice steps of effective conflict resolution. This session will also provide tips and techniques that will keep meetings running smoothly.

DAY 6: CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING – april 16, 2025

(This session is a half-day class followed by a celebration lunch and not available to purchase as a stand-alone session)

Instructor: Brandi Davis
Now more than ever, organizations are needing to find innovative, creative solutions to remain competitive. In this energetic and interactive session attendees will learn strategies for enhancing creative problem-solving to go beyond our current patterns of thinking.

Crew Leadership: The Good, The Bad, & The Uncomfortable

Who Should Attend:

Crew Leaders
Foremen
Project Supervisors
Office Managers

In this interactive session, get ready to dive into leadership strategies that will propel you, your team, and your organization forward! Discover what it truly means to be an effective leader, learn how to empower your employees to excel on the jobsite, and understand your vital role as a trainer. You’ll also gain essential tools for managing conflict and leading with impact. This full-day experience will equip you with the skills, techniques, and confidence to run your crew successfully. Don’t miss out on transforming your leadership approach!

What You Will Learn:

Identify your role and responsibility as a leader
Learn key strategies on how to build and lead an effective team
Learn how to effectively navigate conflict
Understand how to effectively give and receive feedback individually and in team settings
Identify leadership skills that empower your employees to succeed

*This course counts for 6.5 hours of Unpaid Related Instruction (URI)!

April 22, 2025, Professional Development Center, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 8:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Instructor: Cory Kundert, Kundert Construction
Registration Fee $200 Members; Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

November 11, 2025, Professional Development Center, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 8:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Instructor: Cory Kundert, Kundert Construction
Registration Fee $200 Members; Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Entry Level & Middle Management

The Building Blocks of Safety Success

Who Should Attend:

Safety Managers
Superintendents
Foremen and/or Supervisors
Team members responsible for safety initiatives within the company

Safety professionals are tasked with extremely important initiatives such as creating and implementing health and safety policies, training employees on safety standards, and conducting safety inspections. This program provides ABC Wisconsin members with the tools and skill sets required to develop safety professionals into safety leaders. At the end of this session, participants will have a comprehensive safety plan to initiate within their organization.

Course Session Time: 7:30a.m. – 3:30p.m.
Where: Consolidated Construction Company, 4300 N. Richmond St., Appleton WI
Registration Fees: $1,400 for the first person, $1,200 for each additional person from the same company

COURSE OVERVIEW

DAY 1: THE ROAD TO WORLD-CLASS SAFETY – AUGUST 19

Instructor: ABC of WI Safety Staff
Participants will understand the importance of leadership commitment, cultural transformation, and the safety management processes in achieving a world-class safety culture.

DAY 2: RISK ANALYSIS & HAZARD CONTROL – SEPTEMBER 16

Instructor: Mark Miner
Participants will learn their role, responsibilities, and value as a safety leader, including the key components of a safety program and their relationship to regulatory requirements.

DAY 3: INSPECTIONS, OBSERVATIONS, SITE PLANS & EMERGENCY PLANS – OCTOBER 14

Instructor: Mark Miner
Participants will learn the elements required to develop a site-specific safety plan to meet specific job conditions. This will include how to manage the flow of post incident information, managing on-site emergencies, and crisis planning.

DAY 4: CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE SAFETY MEETINGS & TRAININGS – NOVEMBER 11

Instructor: Mark Miner
This session will prepare safety professionals on how to develop and deliver effective training as well as facilitate efficient and value driven safety meetings. Participants will learn how to assess needs, develop objectives, prepare content, and analyze end-of-message results, including daily pre-task analysis. Participants will learn techniques to coach personnel to address safety problems and will receive an overview of the OSHA, MSHA and DOT training requirements.

DAY 5: SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING INCIDENTS – DECEMBER 16

Instructor: Mark Miner
This session will cover response to incidents. Learners will review methods commonly used for conducting incident reviews, record-keeping, and documentation for regulations and insurance needs as well as higher level incident data examination for systematic analysis.

2025 Project Supervision

Who Should Attend:

Project Managers
Project Supervisors
Crew Leaders / Foremen wanting to enhance their skillset

The Project Supervisor is responsible for the overall success of the project delivery including the planning phase, safety components, employee relations, and overall details of the construction project. Advance your career and excel in project supervision principles. The interactive program consists of multiple sessions taught by industry leaders, covering construction-specific topics every supervisor needs to know.

The Project Supervision program gives both seasoned and newer field managers an opportunity to develop their skills, share experiences and best practices and enhance their role as Project Supervisors.

Course Session Time: 8:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Where: Comfort Inn & Suites, 5025 County Rd V., DeForest, WI
* For hotel accommodations, please call the hotel directly at (608) 846-9100 and mention ABC of Wisconsin.
Registration Fees: $2,400 for the first person, $2,200 for each additional person from the same company

COURSE OVERVIEW

DAY 1: PROJECT DELIVERY: THE BIG PICTURE – JAN 14

Instructor: Jim Bunkelman, Royal Construction, Inc.
This session discusses the transitional skills required to move into a leadership position, the format to deliver a profitable project, and examine a project from the initial estimate to closeout. Attendees will discover why projects go wrong, examine common reasons for cost overruns, and learn how to efficiently plan and maintain your projects.

DAY 2: CONTRACT LAW – JAN 15

Instructors: Josh Levy & Rachel Potter, Husch Blackwell
Project supervisors are often on the front line of disputes or potential disagreements between contractors and subcontractors. This session will discuss the concept of breachless execution. Attendees will learn common terminology, issues and resolutions, progress billing and the payment process, performance issues, default, and termination. Through interactive discussions, attendees will practice dispute resolution and how to avoid disputes through best practice standards.

DAY 3: COST CONTROL – JAN 28

Instructors: Denita Schreier, W.D.S. Construction, Inc. and Sam Daniels, Daniels Construction
The success of any project requires effective control of construction costs on the job site. This session specifically focuses on construction cost and applies principles and practices associated with cost awareness and production control to different elements of a project. Cost control begins with the estimate and then continues through work and cost analysis, production scheduling, reporting, production control and ends with project evaluation. Attendees will solve common construction problems using case studies and discussion of common cost control issues.

DAY 4: PROJECT EXECUTION – JAN 29

Instructor: Lee Hill, Koppers, Inc.
Project supervision goes beyond simply managing the job. You are charged with the responsibility of ensuring the project is completed on time, safely, and financially responsible while caring for those in your charge as well. Consequently, a successful job hinges on the fundamentals of being able to gracefully navigate the communication puzzle we encounter every day talking to many different people. We also have to ensure our teams have the necessary skills and forethought to be able to think ahead, look for obstacles and be your eyes and ears when you are not present. Investigating swiftly, following up, delegation, communication, critical thinking and long-term planning are all skills that we will discuss to help both you and your team become more successful and efficient.

DAY 5-6: SUPERCON – FEB 12-13

Program attendees will select from a variety of safety, personal development, leadership, and business management sessions taught by industry experts that will best meet their needs. This three-day also offers the opportunity to network with peers.

DAY 7: COMMUNICATION FUNDAMENTALS – FEB 25

Instructor: Dan Paulson, InVision Development International, LLC
In the often-high-pressure environment of a construction site, effective communication is crucial for ensuring project success and safety. This session introduces the DISC model as a tool for understanding and adapting to different communication styles within your team. Participants will learn how to identify and interpret the four primary DISC personality types and how these styles are demonstrated in team interactions. Attendees will understand the importance of their role in the flow of communication and learn how to overcome the barriers necessary for productive workflow within the team, and on the job.

DAY 8: STRATEGIC THINKING & PROBLEM SOLVING – FEB 26 (8:00AM-1:00PM)

Instructor: Dan Paulson, InVision Development International, LLC
Strategic planning provides both a process and a set of outcomes that help you find the answers to core questions about projects and direction. Attendees will learn the role strategic planning plays in enabling long-term success by understanding the strategic planning process and its essential components and how it applies to complex problem solving.

Lean Construction

This two-day course is focused on understanding Lean Construction principles and techniques. Build on foundational concepts that help you improve supply and workflow, reduce waste, and boost efficiency on your projects. Through hands-on activities and examples, Lean Construction methods will be shared with your staff to improve planning, communication and project outcomes.

Who Should Attend:

Crew Foremen
Project Superintendents
Project Managers
Owners, Executives and Decisions Makers

What You Will Learn:

Understand basic Lean principles and the Last Planner System.
Develop strategies for eliminating waste and increasing productivity on-site.
Enhance collaboration through improved communication and workflow management.
Identify and overcome barriers to Lean adoption in construction settings.
Initiate a customized action plan for implementing Lean processes on current projects.

March 11-12, 2025, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Instructor: John Koga, Lean Construction Value Specialties, LLC
Registration Fee: $499 Members

Upper Management

Business Transitions

Whether you are toying with the idea of exiting the business in the next few years or are 10 years away, it is never too early to start planning; it certainly can be too late! This course was designed for business owners to evaluate their leadership team, current operations and financial position and build strategic exit plans to help maximize their reward for years of hard work and effort.

Who Should Attend:

Owners and leaders wanting to strengthen and increase the value of the business
Current owners considering exiting the business in the next 10 years
Business leaders looking to buy into their firm or looking to acquire a firm

What You Will Learn:

Discover how the entire process of selling or transitioning your business works
Learn how strategies you deploy now will increase selling price even ten years from now
Learn how to maximize the legacy you spent decades building by readying your leadership team to run your company when you’re gone

April 29, 2025, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 8:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
Instructor: John Schwab , Executive Coach, EOS Worldwide
Registration Fee: $399 Members
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Executive Communication

Executive Communication is a two-day course specifically designed for business owners and senior leaders. In a world where effective communication is paramount, mastering the art of strategic storytelling, influential persuasion, and active listening can set you apart from the competition. This course offers a blend of interactive sessions, real-world case studies, and hands-on activities that engage you in practical application—ensuring you not only learn but can also implement these skills into your day-to-day. After two-days, you will leave with actionable strategies to articulate your vision, build meaningful relationships, and navigate challenges with agility.

Who Should Attend:

Business Owners
Senior Leaders
Executives
Company Influencers

What You Will Learn:

Identify and structure compelling narratives to communicate business vision and values effectively, enhancing engagement and influence.
Master techniques of influential persuasion to inspire action, foster buy-in, and effectively communicate decisions to various stakeholders.
Apply active listening strategies to understand stakeholders’ perspectives, enhance collaboration, and build trust in professional relationships.
Recognize and adapt to diverse communication needs and styles, enabling quick and effective responses to dynamic business challenges.
Engage in hands-on exercises and case studies to translate learned concepts into daily practices that support strategic goals and leadership presence.

March 6-7, 2025, ABC of Wisconsin, 5330 Wall St., Madison, WI
Course Session Time: 8:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
Instructor: Dan Paulson, InVision Development International, LLC
Registration Fee: $499 Members

Become an ABC Education Partner!

To learn more about this opportunity to gain brand awareness and exposure at Construction U education events contact the Director of Education, Brandi Davis.

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Take Your Career in Construction to the Next Level

Construction Education

Course Overviews

Field Crew & Support Team

Communication Skills: For You & Your Crew

Entry Level & Middle Management

The Building Blocks of Safety Success

COURSE OVERVIEW

DAY 1: THE ROAD TO WORLD-CLASS SAFETY – AUGUST 19

DAY 2: RISK ANALYSIS & HAZARD CONTROL – SEPTEMBER 16

DAY 3: INSPECTIONS, OBSERVATIONS, SITE PLANS & EMERGENCY PLANS – OCTOBER 14

DAY 4: CONDUCTING EFFECTIVE SAFETY MEETINGS & TRAININGS – NOVEMBER 11

DAY 5: SUCCESSFULLY MANAGING INCIDENTS – DECEMBER 16

Upper Management

Business Transitions

Become an ABC Education Partner!

Stay up to date with our Chapter news.

Become a member. Grow with us.

Don't miss these networking opportunities.

What’s happening? Be the first to know.

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