Programs and certificates

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Associated General Contractors' Construction Supervision

Supervisory skill--or the lack of it--directly affects every company's bottom line.  Decisions made daily by foremen and superintendents are crucial to the success or failure of every construction project. You make your money in the field.  Or you lose it. 

For 30 years, The Associated General Contractors of America has been the leader in educating the construction industry through its Supervisory Training Program (STP).  STP is designed specifically to meet the needs of the construction industry.  Developed, updated and field-tested by contractors, STP teaches the skills that are crucial to a project’s success. From Leadership and Motivation to Accident Prevention and Loss Control, this program provides the information every foreman and supervisor needs to make decisions quickly and confidently in the field.

Individuals completing the entire series of nine courses earn a certificate from AGC of America.

Unmatched Experience for Participants

• Every STP course is activity-based with discussions, case histories, problems, and exercises.
• Participants in STP courses draw upon their field experience and learn by interaction with others from all areas of the construction industry.
• Since 1976, more than 110,000 persons have participated in one or more STP courses offered by AGC chapters, construction firms, labor groups and community colleges.
• STP is constantly being revised to reflect state-of-the-art construction practices and to make the learning process more effective.
• Individuals completing the entire series of nine courses earn a certificate from AGC of America.

These classes begin between September and April.  For current class offerings, click here.

For a checklist of requirements, click here.

To inquire about offering AGC classes customized to your employees, click here.

For a brochure you can download and print, click here.

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TITLES AND DESCRIPTIONS:

Leadership and Motivation (Unit 1)

This course explores the leadership styles required of construction supervisors and helps explain how they can positively influence workers’ attitudes and abilities. It will also address issues such as goal setting, decision-making, time management, problem solving, and much more.

Oral and Written Communication (Unit 2)

This course will cover the components of positive, direct communication and help participants develop better communication skills. Areas to be covered are written communication, active listening, negotiation, dealing with dif.cult people, communicating with groups, and communicating with all organizational levels.

Problem Solving & Decision Making (Unit 3)

This course explores the techniques for problem prevention and anticipation while providing clues for identifying potential problems before they happen.  Strategies for solving scheduling and technical problems, along with performance problems, will be discussed.  Ideas for creative problem solving, ways to establish a problem solving atmosphere, and strategies for developing follow-up systems will also be covered. 

Contract Documents and Construction Law (Unit 4)

Creating a positive environment for developing contractual relationships is a main focus of this course.  Other topics include managing general conditions, changes, and differing site conditions within designated time frames. Discussion will also include strategies for negotiating resolution.

Planning and Scheduling (Unit 5)

Understanding and Managing Project Costs (Unit 6)

Accident Prevention and Loss Control (Unit 7)

Managing the Project: The Supervisor's Role (Unit 8)

Productivity Improvement (Unit 9)

This course will focus on ways to improve productivity by calculating the effects of time, cost and profit on productivity; identifying causes of non-productive time; and by using labor and equipment more efficiently.  Other topics to be explored will be organizing for productivity improvement; planning and scheduling; challenging the work process; work improvement analysis; personnel management and productivity; communication and record keeping; understanding workers’ abilities and the impact of environmental factors; and implementing and monitoring the productivity program.  Text is included in course fee.

General and Specialty Contractor Dynamics (Unit 10)

This course covers construction systems, contractual relationships, qualifying and selecting specialty contractors, communication, plans and specifications, site mobilization, time management, productivity improvement, and project closeout. The Construction Specification Institute (CSI) divisions are discussed and checklists are presented that help both general contractors and specialty contractors recognize each other’s needs. The checklists reflect the things supervisors need to keep an eye on while preparing to do the work described throughout each particular session of the unit. Information, activities, and exercises to develop the coordination skills supervisors need to effectively complete jobs are also presented. Coordination is a two-way proposition—both general and specialty contractor supervisors must make an effort to coordinate with each other throughout the planning, scheduling and sequencing of the work, as well as regarding equipment startup, site conditions, permit acquisition, documentation, quality control, and safety.  Text is included in course fee.