You can learn the skills necessary to become a BIM Manager from the convenience of home by enrolling in an online training program. Online learning is a convenient way to learn necessary technical skills, like mastery of BIM software, and to develop the communication and leadership skills you will need to work as a BIM Manager. You will also want to consider the benefits and risks of both at-home training and finding remote or freelance work within this career field. Read on to learn about how to pursue at-home BIM Manager job training and freelance work.

Which BIM Manager Training Method is Right for Me?

One of the first steps you’ll take when pursuing at-home training is deciding which type of course or training program you want to enroll in. Online learners have many options, from more comprehensive certificate programs to individual classes and bootcamps. Additionally, you will need to consider what type of training you want and whether you want to learn from an instructor or enroll in a self-paced course. Some who just want to learn a few of the basics might look at free resources, while more career-oriented learners should consider certificate programs. 

Certificate Programs

Certificate programs are a great option for beginners who are looking for all-inclusive, career-oriented BIM training. These programs will usually take between three months and a year, depending on whether you attend full- or part-time, and they aim to provide you with all of the technical skills and knowledge you’ll need to be career-ready upon completion. This training method also usually comes with career-support services like mentorship, networking, or help navigating the job market that those looking to break into a career in BIM will find useful. 

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Bootcamps

Enrolling in an accelerated skills bootcamp is another option. This will usually mean taking a shorter course focused on a specific BIM software or necessary BIM Manager skill. Bootcamps will not provide you with a complete BIM Manager skillset, but they are a great way to get started learning industry-standard software like Revit, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Navisworks, or others you will need as a BIM Manager. Bootcamps are also a good option for those who need to supplement their already-developed skills with further training.

On-Demand Classes

You will want to consider whether you prefer instructor-led, live online training or asynchronous online, on-demand training. On-demand classes are self-paced, meaning that students will receive access to course material and can move through it at their own speed. This allows highly motivated students to learn BIM necessities quickly. Because on-demand classes are not instructor-led, they can vary in quality and use. Locate nationally accredited, proven online training providers to find education suitable for pursuing a career as a BIM Manager. 

Free Resources

You can find many free online resources to learn the basics of BIM management, some of which are discussed further in this article. Free resources are often video tutorials, self-paced courses, community forums, or other skill-specific digital resources. Free resources can get you started learning about BIM and BIM management, but they rarely provide the in-depth, career-oriented training you’ll need to become a BIM Manager. 

What is a BIM Manager?

BIM Managers are responsible for developing and managing the use of BIM software practices at an organizational level. BIM stands for building information modeling and is becoming an essential part of drafting, modeling, and managing projects in industries like design and Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC). BIM Managers will lead their organization’s use of digital software and construction documentation and are responsible for tasks such as setting standards for creating BIMs, handling BIM software updates or issues, assigning project tasks to team members, managing important construction documents, and interfacing with clients and other important project stakeholders. 

The role of a BIM Manager requires these professionals to oversee an organization’s use of BIM software. To be successful, BIM Managers need to know how to work with BIM software like Revit and need to know how this software interacts with others like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and other BIM and CAD programs depending on their organization’s needs. In addition to knowing how to use BIM software, these professionals will need strong communication and leadership skills, as they will be in charge of a larger team and need to facilitate communication between different project stakeholders. While one can find entry-level BIM jobs after receiving the necessary training, this role will require five to ten years of on-the-job experience, similar to other manager and director roles within an organization. 

Can I Learn to be a BIM Manager from Home?

Yes, you can learn the basics of BIM from home. Learning from home will allow you to get a handle on the fundamentals of necessary BIM and CAD software before putting them to use in your job. It is common to learn the essentials of working with Revit or AutoCAD, for instance, from a live online or self-paced training program and many online classes can provide expert training to interested learners. Being a BIM Manager involves more than just learning skills, from home or in a classroom, so once you receive the training you’ll want to complement it with on-the-job, in-person experience in the AEC industry. 

What are the Advantages of Learning from Home?

Most people choose to learn from home due to convenience. It can be difficult to find in-person BIM Manager classes outside of large cities or full-time university or college degree programs. Even if BIM software or BIM Manager classes are available in your local area, some will find these classes are scheduled at times they cannot attend due to work or other obligations. Often, at-home learning means online learning and online learning tends to be more accessible for those with full-time jobs or busy schedules. Online classes are more likely to be part-time or scheduled on the weekends or in the evenings. 

Learning how to be a BIM Manager from home means also that you can more easily set your own schedule and decide how much time and effort to dedicate to your studies. Many choose at-home learning because it allows for more independence, as you can learn on your own schedule and have more determining power over what you study. If you’re taking a self-paced course, this can actually mean that you learn your topic and skills much quicker than average provided that you’re willing to put in the time and effort. 

What are the Disadvantages of Learning from Home?

A general disadvantage of learning from home is that some learners become disengaged and have a harder time focusing when they are not learning from a live instructor in a classroom. Those who successfully learn from home are highly motivated and find ways to remain engaged in the course material. Strategies to overcome disengagement include reaching out to the instructor or other students, posting more frequently in online discussion forums, setting aside a specific space in your home dedicated to your studies, and keeping to a carefully designed study schedule so that it becomes part of your daily or weekly routine. 

A specific concern for those looking to become BIM Managers is that most employers hiring BIM Managers will need to see that you have five to ten years of on-the-job experience. This is not something a prospective BIM Manager can do remotely, as you will need to be working with your team members as well as doing site visits and even monitoring the project through its various phases. This means that at-home learning is best for those looking for an entry point into working with BIM or those who already have enough on-the-job experience in the AEC industry and are looking to upskill with specific technical skillsets to become a BIM Manager. 

What Resources Are Available to Help Me Become a BIM Manager at Home?

There are a variety of free and paid resources that prospective BIM Managers can use to learn the necessary BIM software and skillsets. Free resources are a great way to learn the basics, on-demand classes are a convenient way to learn BIM fundamentals, and live online certificate programs and bootcamps will often provide the most career-oriented and comprehensive training for learners. These different forms of training will range in price and quality, so you will want to make sure to read reviews from former students and users and look up the reliability of the education provider. 

Free Resources

Free resources are a great way to learn the basics of BIM and CAD software. There are many options for this kind of training, including YouTube videos, online websites and guides, and even short courses or certificate programs. A good place to start is to look through Autodesk’s own tutorials and resources for learning its industry-standard software like AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, and Navisworks. LinkedIn’s online learning platform, LinkedIn Learning, also offers introductory BIM and CAD courses that are free for most with public library cards. 

While free resources are the most cost-effective way to learn BIM, they might not offer the best quality learning materials. Free resources are more likely to be out-of-date, inaccurate, or limited in scope than paid classes, certificate programs, and degree programs. You will want to carefully vet providers, whether they are through YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, or another source, and you will want to receive your comprehensive BIM training only from reliable, proven educators. 

On-Demand Classes

On-demand classes are online asynchronous classes that often offer a cost-effective and convenient way to learn BIM essentials. Instead of attending regular live class sessions, students enrolled in on-demand classes receive access to course material that they can move through at their own pace. This allows dedicated students to learn new concepts and skills quickly and it also allows students to slow down, review material, and practice as much as necessary before moving on to more advanced skills. Because there are no classes to attend, students can learn entirely on their own schedule with this training method and these classes also tend to be cheaper than some other options. 

Self-paced classes are not for every learner. Because there may be little to no access to an instructor, it can be hard for some to learn BIM material entirely on their own. This type of class also does not always come with career-support services or professional skill development both of which are necessary for transferring your classroom skills to the workplace and navigating the job market. If you’re learning BIM to start or advance your career, make sure you find career-oriented and comprehensive self-paced training from a reliable provider. 

Live Online Classes and Bootcamps

Live online training is a great option for those looking for convenience, flexibility, and low-cost training. Enrolling in a live online class means that your training will be led by an expert instructor and you will attend regularly scheduled class sessions with other students. This option is similar to in-person training in that you can engage with others learning the same topic and receive individual attention from an instructor. You can find this kind of training in short classes, accelerated skills bootcamps, or comprehensive certificate programs. Classes and skills bootcamps are a great way to learn single skills or technical software, while certificate programs will often provide career-oriented training that aims to move students from the classroom directly into the workplace. 

Instructor-led, live online training allows you to learn course material from any location. You will not have to find a course or training facility near you or commute to attend classes. Additionally, this kind of training is more likely to be offered part-time, in the evening, or on the weekend, making it a great option for those who work full-time or who are otherwise too busy to attend regular weekday classes. Online training tends to be lower-cost than in-person training, though this will vary by provider. You can use Noble Desktop’s Classes Near Me tool to find online BIM training classes and bootcamps. 

The main downside to live online instruction is that some learners struggle to remain focused and engaged with this training format. Learning online or over a video streaming platform is not for everyone. Some do struggle to pay attention to video lectures or engage with classmates when they’re not face-to-face or in the same room. As a learner, you might need to make an extra effort to interact with your classmates or the instructor and to find a quiet, non-distracting place to attend classes and do any necessary studying for the training course. 

How to Find BIM Manager Work at Home

You can find remote and freelance opportunities to work on BIM projects or in BIM management. Freelancing, especially, will involve a lot of effort to locate employment opportunities and network with other professionals in your industry whereas fully or partially remote BIM Manager positions can be found through regular employment channels alongside non-remote positions. You can use freelance and remote work job boards and social platforms like LinkedIn to navigate the job market and connect with others in your field. Both remote and freelance positions will allow you to work with BIM from the convenience of your own home. 

Freelance Opportunities

You can find freelance opportunities to work on BIM projects for individual clients. Freelance work allows you more independence in comparison to working full-time for one company or design firm as you get to determine the clients you work for, the projects you work on, and the price of your services. Freelancing can be a great way for someone to develop and practice their BIM skills and it can also allow freelancers to discover the parts of working with BIM that they are most interested in. Freelance work is usually completed remotely and it can be very competitive as many BIM professionals are vying for the same job opportunities. 

Freelancers need to be self-motivated and dedicated to finding their own work opportunities. There are online job boards and websites for freelancers, such as Guru, Upwork, and Freelancer. Projects posted to freelance-specific job boards are usually small, like asking for a BIM Specialist to build a component in Revit, and posted by full-price as employers are not looking to hire someone permanently. Other freelance websites allow you to set the price of your services and will match you with prospective clients based on their BIM needs. Successfully completing freelance projects allows you to gain more experience working with BIM and it can help you to create the connections you need to find a full-time position if that is what you’re looking for. 

Finding Remote Jobs as a BIM Manager

Those looking for remote work as a BIM Manager can find these positions posted in the same places as non-remote positions. Remote positions can be more competitive as many BIM professionals want the flexibility and independence of working from home. Additionally, the pool of potential applicants widens for remote positions since they are not tied to a specific location. Aside from regular job boards or sites, you can find remote work through your own professional network. Networking with other AEC industry professionals is a great way to find out about potential work opportunities and to get your name out there as someone looking for at-home work. 

To land one of these remote positions, you will need the same, if not more, on-the-job experience as a non-remote BIM Manager. You will still need at least five years of on-site, on-the-job experience and you will want to have a CV, portfolio, and professional references that can speak to your skills and successes. Because you might not be meeting with your employer or team members in person, you will also need strong communication skills to convey the strength of your abilities and to make your prospective colleagues feel like you can guide their organization’s use of BIM even from a distance. 

How Will Remote Work as a BIM Manager Differ from On-site Work?

Working remotely or from home as a BIM Manager will be different than working on-site at an office with your colleagues. BIM Managers do not necessarily need to do location scouting for projects or monitor construction like others who actively design, plan, and execute digital models. Instead, they are in a role that involves supervision, project management, and providing professional guidance to others. Someone working remotely will be using the same software as an on-site worker and much of this BIM management software is already designed so that you can connect with others who may not share the same workspace. 

When deciding whether remote work is right for you, consider what you enjoy about BIM management and working with others. Those who work best in-person and face-to-face might find remote work isolating as you will spend a lot of time alone, connecting with others through social channels and BIM management software. Remote work, however, can let you utilize your time more effectively as you can easily use project management software and cloud computing to connect with disparate team members, track progress on specific projects, and troubleshoot issues with the software or project model.

Learn the Skills to Become a BIM Manager at Noble Desktop

The Virtual Design & Construction Institute (VDCI) offers two comprehensive certificate programs for those needing BIM Manager training. VDCI offers nationally accredited training for those pursuing work in the AEC industry and design fields which makes them a great option for those who want accelerated, career-oriented training. Their classes and certificate programs are conveniently online and part-time and provide industry-standard technical skills, software, and professional skill development so that students can easily move from the classroom to the workplace. 

The BIM Certificate Program is a condensed, self-paced online training program that aims to get students job-ready in just eight months. This course of study tasks students with learning introductory and intermediate Revit skills, designing a complex 3D building model, and generating necessary construction documentation. Those enrolled in this program will also take additional electives and have the chance to specialize in Revit MEP, Revit Structure, or SketchUp Pro. Students will have access to software during their course of study. 

Another VDCI program to consider is the CAD/BIM Certificate Program, a ten-month, self-paced training program for those who need both AutoCAD and BIM training. Like the BIM Certificate Program, those in this program will learn how to use Revit and create detailed construction documents through BIM software. This longer course of study will include detailed training in 2D drafting with AutoCAD and how to use this software to create construction documents. Students will have access to any necessary software when taking this course and can specialize through electives in Revit MEP, Revit Structure, or AutoCAD construction documents. 

Noble Desktop also offers top-rated, career-oriented training in AutoCAD. Their 30-hour AutoCAD Bootcamp provides intensive training in using the basic and advanced features of this software’s industry-standard 2D drawing features. Those pursuing Autodesk certification will be interested in the AutoCAD Certification Program, which provides comprehensive training in introductory, intermediate, and advanced AutoCAD drawing tools and technical skillsets. The cost of the Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design & Drafting exam is included in the course’s tuition and enrolled students will also receive six hours of 1-on-1 private tutoring to prepare for this certification exam and enhance their AutoCAD skills. All of Noble Desktop’s classes are taught by expert instructors who will provide students with hands-on training and individualized feedback on their skill levels. Classes can be taken in person at their Manhattan training facility or online from any location.