This summer, HCSS had a chance to take part in the first Estimating Boot Camp offered from the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC). Twenty professors from across the country (and Australia) gathered together for three days of learning a little bit about construction tech and a lot about teaching estimating to Construction Management and Construction Engineering students.
HeavyBid a Tool for Students
John Hildreth, PhD, is a Kimmel Distinguished Professor at Western Carolina University and was a co-chair for this year’s Boot Camp. John utilizes HCSS HeavyBid as a tool for students to learn estimating concepts and submit assignments.
In John’s words, “Estimating cost is really about estimating resources – the cost comes from the resources. HeavyBid is great for learning because costs are built up from the labor, equipment, and material resources required to put the work in place. HCSS has been a great educational partner in providing the software, training, and support at no cost to our program or students.”
As a Product Manager at HCSS, I am in constant learning mode about all things “construction”. This boot camp was an eye-opening experience regarding the different levels of estimating taught across the country. Performing takeoffs and generating material quantities seems to be a standard part of the teaching curriculum. However, going deeper into the breakdown of business costs or considering variations of crew productivity seems limited to the degree programs that have a ‘heavy civil’ influence. (And that influence seems to come from luck…)
As HCSS continues to invest in our University program, we aim to grow the number of students coming out of construction degree programs with an awareness of the paradigms that go into estimating the costs of self-performed work.
Learn More
If you’re interested in having HCSS work with a college or university in your area, submit a request to our Ideas portal.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Associated Schools of Construction, you can find your local region through the main directory here: https://www.ascweb.org/
