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WMCI daytime and evening courses are cancelled Tuesday, 1/27 due to inclement weather.

BUILD A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION

The West Michigan Construction Institute provides the training, knowledge, and national certification for students to have a well-paid, high-demand, and meaningful career in commercial construction.  

How to Enroll
Course Catalog

Construction Summer Camp

It’s never too early to build construction skills!
WMCI is hosting its 4th annual summer camp where Middle School students get to explore the world of construction through hands-on activities about the trades.

Unlock your future in Construction today

WMCI’s hands-on training will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the West Michigan construction industry and beyond. 

  • Learn from instructors who are experts in their trade
  • Develop skills with hands-on projects and interactive labs
  • Connect with West Michigan's top construction companies
  • Advance your career with access to employment resources & networking
About WMCI
Impact Report
A WMCI student learns concrete skills on a job site visit to the construction site of Grand Rapid's Amphitheater project.
A group of WMCI students learn exterior envelope construction skills on a job site.
A WMCI student celebrates her graduation with the WMCI high school instructor.

I think that WMCI has put a great program together to better the industry. The training and knowledge I have gained here helps me on a day-to-day basis.

WMCI Graduate
Sprinkler Fitting II

Our instructor was great! Thoroughly explained everything and he was always prepared and willing to teach no matter what you knew.

WMCI Graduate
Plumbing I

Even having 8 to 9 years experience under my belt, I continued to learn something every day.

WMCI Graduate
Intro to Construction

Where are you starting?

Students

High School

Junior and senior students receive a nationally-recognized credential upon the completion of the 1 or 2 year program.

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Adult Skilled Trades

Hands-on, competency-based skilled trades education for students interested in building a successful construction career.

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Industry Professional Development

Advance your career in construction through certification and professional development training.

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CONNECT WITH WMCI

Personal Visit and Tour:

Explore the West Michigan Construction Institute with a one-on-one guide. Tours are the best way to learn about the skilled trades, ask questions, and see if a career in commercial construction is right for you.

Course highlights 

COURSES
WMCI's Concrete 1 and CORE: Intro to the Construction Trades course.

Concrete 1

START DATE
August 25, 2026
Total Course Cost
$4567

What you'll learn:

In addition to the essentials of concrete safety, tools, and equipment, students will also learn concrete placement, reinforcing, formwork and finishing. Students will also learn helpful communication, math, and safety skills applicable across all skilled trades.

Concrete Jobs:

Jobs in the concrete industry include: concrete finisher, concrete carpenter, form builder, heavy equipment operator, and project manager.
WMCI's Introductory Field Leadership Course.

Introductory Field Leadership

START DATE
September 1, 2026
Total Course Cost
$3800

What you'll learn:

In this six-session professional development course, students will develop the communication, management, and productivity skills needed to lead successful construction projects.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for rising or current field leaders, including crew leaders and superintendents, who are seeking professional development and opportunities to strengthen their leadership skills. A key benefit of the program is the shared learning experience among field leaders from a variety of trades and companies.
WMCI's Spanish for Construction Training course featured image.

Spanish for Construction

START DATE
January 19, 2027
Total Course Cost
$1250

What you'll learn:

Session topics include: Greetings & Introductions, Numbers, Telling Time & Schedules, Identifying Construction Jobs and Tools, Talking about Safety, & Giving Instructions

Who should attend?

This introductory-level course is intended for those who speak little to no Spanish, and is open to anyone looking to engage more effectively with their Spanish speaking team members.
WMCI's Plumbing 1 training course

Plumbing 1

START DATE
August 17, 2026
Total Course Cost
$4569

What you'll learn:

Students will learn how to safely install, test, maintain, and repair different types of pipe systems.

Plumbing Jobs

Commercial plumbing job titles can include: apprentice, journeyman plumber, service technician, and plumbing designer.

First Aid & CPR Training

START DATE
September 23, 2026
Total Course Cost
$110

What you'll learn:

During this 2 hour class, students will learn the important, lifesaving skills of the most common first aid practices, CPR procedures, and how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator.)

Who should attend?

This program is structured for those seeking training to meet First Aid & CPR certification or recertification.
WMCI's Exterior Envelope +Core: Intro to the construction trades course.

Exterior Envelope 1

START DATE
August 19, 2026
Total Course Cost
$6624

What you'll learn:

Students learn to safely install, test, maintain, and repair different types of envelope systems.

Exterior Envelope Jobs

Examples include: Sheet Metal Worker, Glazier, and Building Enclosure Technician
WMCI's Sprinkler Fitting 1 class

Sprinkler Fitting 1

START DATE
August 17, 2026
Total Course Cost
$4519

What you'll learn:

Learn the basics of commercial construction with an emphasis on sprinkler systems and components.

Sprinkler Fitting Jobs

Examples of Sprinkler Fitting job titles can include: Apprentice, Fire Sprinkler Technician, Fire Sprinkler Foreman, Sprinkler Designer
WMCI's Drywall 1 course that includes Core: Intro to the Construction Trades

Drywall 1

START DATE
August 19, 2026
Total Course Cost
$4569

What you'll learn:

This comprehensive course equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the drywalling field, including everything from measuring, cutting, and fitting drywall panels to mastering finishing techniques and understanding building codes.

Drywall Jobs:

Drywall Installer, Drywall Hanger, or Drywall Technician (also known as a 'Taper.')
WMCI's General Carpentry and CORE: Intro to the Construction Trades course

General Carpentry

START DATE
August 25, 2026
Total Course Cost
$4569

What you'll learn:

Students will learn hand & power tools, construction of floor & wall systems, framing, basic stair layout, and job site procedures and planning.

Carpentry Jobs

As a foundational trade in construction, there are many different career paths you can take including becoming a Journeyman Carpenter, Framer, Cabinetmaker, Drywall Technician, and Foreman.
Course thumbnail image for the field operations certification program taught in partnership with Ferris State faculty.

Field Operations Certification

START DATE
January 14, 2027
Total Course Cost
$3750

What you'll learn:

Session Topics include: Project Communication, Project Documents, Scope of Work, Administration, Project Planning and Meetings, Safety and Logistics, Financials, BIM Coordination and QA/QC, MEP, & Closeout.

Who should attend?

This course is designed to equip recently promoted superintendents, foremen, and crew leaders as they transition from hands-on trades to field leadership positions.
Full Course Catalog

Resources 

WMCI BLOG