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Construction Fundamentals

What is it?

A construction manager is the central figure responsible for overseeing the entire construction process, from the initial planning stages to the final completion of a project. They act as the leader and coordinator, ensuring everything runs smoothly, efficiently, and according to the set plans, budget, and safety regulations.

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Here are some of the key responsibilities of a construction manager:

They develop a comprehensive project plan, outlining the entire construction process, including timelines, milestones, and resource allocation.

They create a detailed budget for the project and monitor expenses throughout the construction process to ensure it stays within budget.

They oversee a team of construction professionals, including architects, engineers, subcontractors, and laborers, delegating tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring everyone works cohesively.

They ensure the construction adheres to all building codes, safety regulations, and quality standards.

They maintain clear communication with all stakeholders involved in the project, including the client, architects, engineers, and subcontractors, providing regular progress reports and updates.

They identify and mitigate potential risks that could arise during the construction process, such as delays, budget overruns, or safety hazards.

They manage contracts with various vendors and subcontractors, ensuring they meet their contractual obligations.

* Salary Range

$34,300 - $57,200

(entry level – experienced)

* Regional Jobs Available

2,518

(3 year forecast)

Length of Training

52 hours - 16 weeks

Type of Training

In Person

A man wearing a white hard hat and a neon yellow safety vest smiles with arms crossed, showcasing his job pride while standing in front of an industrial background.

Is it Right For You?

Here are some essential skills and qualities for a successful construction manager:

  • Strong leadership and communication skills: They need to effectively lead, motivate, and delegate tasks to their team, while also maintaining clear communication with all project stakeholders.

  • Excellent problem-solving skills: They need to be able to identify and solve problems quickly and efficiently, as unexpected challenges often arise during construction projects.

  • Strong organizational and planning skills: They need to be highly organized and detail-oriented to plan and schedule effectively, ensuring all aspects of the project run smoothly.

  • Budgeting and cost-control expertise: They need a strong understanding of budgeting and cost control principles to manage project finances effectively.

  • Construction knowledge: They need a good understanding of construction methods, materials, and regulations to make informed decisions throughout the project.

  • Technical skills: Depending on the specific project, they may also need some technical skills, such as blueprint reading or construction software proficiency.

  • A career in construction management can be rewarding and challenging, offering diverse opportunities to work on a variety of projects and contribute to the built environment.

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* Pay Range Data: Occupational Employment Wages Statistics (OEWS). 2023-Q3.
* Demand: Forecast data is based off national projections provided by the BoLS and adapted for regional growth patterns by Chmura.

A group of graduates in caps and gowns celebrating outdoors. Text on the image reads "Over $12 million in scholarships being awarded." These scholarships are paving the way for promising careers.
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Stephanie underwood - Chief financial Officer

Stephanie Underwood serves as Chief Financial Officer at Great Jobs KC, where she leads the organization’s financial strategy in support of its mission to create economic mobility through education and workforce opportunities. With more than 17 years of experience in nonprofit finance, Stephanie brings deep expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. She is passionate about using her career as a platform to serve and support mission-driven organizations, helping them maximize impact through strong financial stewardship.

Prior to joining Great Jobs KC, Stephanie served as Chief Financial Officer for Griffith Centers, a behavioral and mental health organization, where she oversaw financial operations for a multi-million-dollar organization spanning residential, educational, and community-based programs. She also spent nearly a decade as Vice President of Accounting Services at NFP Partners, providing CFO-level leadership to nonprofit organizations across the country, with a focus on strategic growth, audit readiness, and governance.

Outside of her professional role, Stephanie volunteers her time at her church and serves on the board of a local nonprofit. She is known for her collaborative leadership style and her commitment to aligning financial strategy with mission impact. She holds a Master of Science in Accounting and is proud to be a first-generation college graduate.

 

 

 

Adult Learner College Scholarship

The Adult Learner Scholarship application is closed. Please click GET STARTED to be added to communication reminders on when to apply during the next open cycle.

Program offers:

  • Up to $25,000 paid directly to the college over the course of up to six years.
  • Once awarded, the Scholar can enroll full or part-time the fall semester following awarding.
  • Scholarship can be used at any of our college partners. See our current list of partners HERE.
  • Scholarship can be used towards an associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, or a credit-bearing credential. 

Eligibility Requirements: 

  • Be a high school graduate or GED holder (24 years or older).
  • Live in one of the six eligible counties. (Kansas: Wyandotte, Johnson; Missouri: Cass, Clay, Jackson, Platte)
  • Be income eligible. (FASFA Student Aid Index of 12,000 or less)
  • Have not previously earned a bachelor’s degree.
  • Have not previously been awarded a KC Scholars Scholarship (Traditional or Adult Learner).
  • Is not currently enrolled in a Great Jobs KC Skills Training Program.
  • US Citizenship/Residency is not required to apply.

If you need more information on program details, please find our FAQs HERE

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Jimmy Swift - Chief Operating Officer

As the Chief Operating Officer, Jimmy Swift is responsible for overseeing our core programs, our adult workforce development program, Great Jobs KC tuition-free job training, and our KC Scholars Scholarship Program, which includes 11th Grade Traditional Scholarships and Adult Learner Scholarships. 

Jimmy has a career in education that spans more than 25 years and is built around supporting and improving the performance of career training programs and leading the operations of degree-granting institutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management and has served as Campus President, Vice President of Career Services, and Executive Director of various career schools.  

Most recently, Jimmy served as the Vice President of PLA University at Phalen Leadership Academies, bringing access to job skill training to the parents and families of the Scholars served by Phalen Leadership schools across the country.  Beyond his higher education experience, Jimmy serves as the Executive Board Chairman for Project Safety Net NY, a nonprofit community-based agency delivering a broad range of health, education, and prevention services to the New York Community. As the Chief Operating Officer for Great Jobs KC, he and his team are poised to make a substantial impact on the economic stability and future of Kansas City.

Great Jobs KC
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