Building Industry Employee Development Program
Series 2: Foundations of Residential Construction 2 (6 hours) 

Building Industry Employee Development Program
Series 2: Residential Construction Technology – Wall, Roof & Exterior Systems

AIA Pre-Approved • 6 Hours (LU/HSW)
Online • Self-Paced Workforce Training

Who This Course Is Designed For (EMPLOYEE-ONLY Eligibility)

All hours are fully recognized for AIA LU/HSW credit and support competency development for employees only.
This program is strictly for staff-level personnel and NOT open to business owners, partners, directors, executives, or their relatives.

① AIA Architect Employee Members

• Staff Architects employed by architecture firms
• Architect employees without ownership or managerial authority
• Internal architectural employees (T4 payroll employees)

② AIA Associate Members (Employees)

• Associate-level design employees
• Graduate architects / interns employed in firms
• Junior designers on payroll (non-managerial)

③ Architectural Technology & Design Teams (Employees Only)

• Architectural Technologists
• Senior / Intermediate Technologists (staff roles)
• Architectural Designers (employee status)
• BIM Technologists & Coordinators
• Drafting Technicians / CAD Technicians
(Employees only; contractors and managers not eligible)

④ Construction & Project Delivery Teams (Employee Roles Only)

• Design-Build employee staff
• Construction Manager employees (non-director level)
• Project Coordinators / Project Manager employees
• Site Supervisors employed by builders
• Residential Builder employees & field technicians
• Developer technical employees (non-management)

⑤ Specialized Consultant Teams (Employee-Level Technical Staff)

• Structural engineering employees
• Building code analysis employees
• Planning consultant employees
• Life safety / fire protection engineering staff
• Building envelope & sustainability employees
• Net-zero / passive house technical employees

Eligibility Reminder (Grant Compliance Requirement)

Not Eligible: owners, executives, directors, managers, relatives of owners, or contractors running their own business.
Eligible: T4 employees and wage/salary staff performing technical, design, or project-delivery duties.

Course Description

This AIA pre-approved 6-hour employer training program provides employees with a practical, skill-focused introduction to wall framing, roof systems, blueprint reading, and exterior construction technologies used in residential architecture.

Designed specifically for workforce upskilling and employer training grants, this program equips employees—especially new hires, junior staff, and technical personnel—with the applied knowledge needed to support safe, accurate, and code-aligned residential construction work.

Participants will learn to read residential plans, understand wall and roof construction systems, recognize structural and energy-efficiency implications of different assemblies, and confidently assist in design coordination and field communication. The emphasis is on practical, workplace-applicable skills rather than advanced engineering theory.

Key Topics Covered
1. Wall Framing Techniques in Residential Construction

• Understand load-bearing and non-load-bearing wall systems
• Learn advanced framing strategies for structural integrity
• Explore framing approaches for complex geometry and openings

2. Wall Framing for Housing & Small Buildings

• Systematic review of framing methods for small-scale residential structures
• Integrating sustainable materials for energy-efficient designs
• Incorporating windows, doors, and architectural elements into wall systems

3. On-Site Roof Cutting & Construction Techniques

• Essential safety protocols and tool usage
• How climatic conditions affect on-site roof work
• Integrating roof cutting with truss systems for performance and stability

4. Roof Framing & Truss Systems

• Prefabricated trusses vs. custom-built framing
• Structural strategies for steep, flat, or irregular roof forms
• Integration with mechanical systems, insulation, and building envelope assemblies

5. Blueprint Reading: Residential Construction Drawing Tutorial

• How to interpret plans, elevations, sections, and framing diagrams
• Understanding notation, dimensions, sequencing, and symbols
• Quality-checking drawings for safety and design compliance

6. Exterior Finishes in Residential Construction Technology

• Role of exterior finishes in weather protection and durability
• Installation basics for siding, cladding, and specialty finishes
• Practical troubleshooting: moisture, insulation, maintenance

7. Print Reading & Residential Building Plan Interpretation

• Interpreting structural notes, schedules, and specifications
• Communicating plan details with trades, engineers, and supervisors
• Use of digital tools and software for enhanced plan analysis

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, employees will be able to:

1. Understand Core Wall & Roof Construction Systems

• Identify components in residential wall and roof assemblies
• Recognize structural, thermal, and safety considerations

2. Apply Blueprint Reading & Plan Interpretation Skills

• Read and interpret standard construction drawings
• Identify key requirements and communicate them effectively on project teams

3. Support Construction Coordination Activities

• Understand the relationship between framing, envelope, and mechanical systems
• Assist supervisors and designers in verifying design intent

4. Strengthen Knowledge of Exterior Finishes & Applications

• Understand protective and aesthetic roles of exterior materials
• Recognize installation considerations for long-term durability

Learning Outcomes

Successful participants will:

• Build foundational skills in residential framing, roof systems, and envelope construction
• Improve drawing interpretation and technical communication
• Understand material selection and sustainable construction considerations
• Support supervisors, builders, and design teams with higher confidence
• Demonstrate improved readiness for real-world site coordination
• Receive an employer-recognized certificate upon successful completion

Program Duration

4 weeks (recommended for employer grant programs)
Flexible pacing based on employer schedules.

Learning Resources

• Textbooks and construction manuals
• Case studies and real residential drawing sets
• Video demonstrations
• Digital learning materials

Delivery Methods

• Online self-paced learning
• In-class or blended delivery
• Optional on-site demonstrations

Marking Scheme

• Theory / Online Learning – 50%
• Practical Application / Case Study / Project – 50%

Grading scale mirrors industry-standard systems:
A = 94–100% … F = 0–59%

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum grade C
• Completion of all theory + applied learning components

Class Capacity

Up to 30 employee participants per cohort.

Instructors

Delivered by the expert team at
UOFVISA.COM — Academy of Vancity Institute of Science and Art
Architects • Technologists • Construction Specialists

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