Turnkey Inc Brochure

Since 1994

Contractor/Management Training
Distance Education & On Campus Training
Catalog expiration date: December 31, 2009

VA APPROVED

No Experience Required

Toll Free: (888) 998-0991

3160 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546
(510) 537-2338

Turnkey Construction Management Institute, Inc. has institutional approval from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education pursuant to California Educational Code Section 94718. The Bureau's approval means that the Bureau has determined that an institution meets minimum standards established by the Bureau for integrity, financial stability, and educational quality including the offering of bona fide instruction by qualified faculty and the appropriate assessment of student�s achievement prior to, during, and at the end of the program. This approval does not imply any enrollment or recommendation by the state or by the Bureau. Institutional approval must be re-approved every five years and is subject to continuing review.

Veterans Approval � Approved for training of veterans and eligible persons under the provisions of Title 38, United States Code

Turnkey Construction Management Institute, Inc. is approved to offer the following courses:

Course 1 Construction Estimator
(Commercial & Residential) 14 Weeks � 462 Hours

Course 5 Construction Estimator/Project Manager 16 Distance Ed. Lessons
DISTANCE EDUCATION

Instruction is in resident facilities with occupancy levels accommodating 15 full time students at any one time, or via Distance Education.

California statute requires that a student who successfully completes a course of study be awarded an appropriate diploma or certificate verifying the fact.

Prospective enrollees are encouraged to visit the physical facilities of the school and to discuss personal educational and occupational plans with school personnel prior to enrolling or signing enrollment agreements. This school currently does not have available sponsored programs, government or otherwise, to provide grants or to pay for portions of tuition and fees.

All information in the contents of this school catalog is current and is so certified as true by the Directors.

The mission of Turnkey Construction Management Institute, Inc. (Turnkey Institute) is to prepare students for the construction management career field by providing individualized, hands-on training. The school supports a learning environment that promotes personal and professional success, leadership, innovation, diversity, responsibility and a sense of community. Turnkey Institute programs are rooted in the concepts of quality education, quality service, and the commitment to prepare graduates for positions in the construction industry. It is the goal of the institution to attract a diverse group of adult men and women who have a genuine interest in providing service to others and who possess qualities compatible with those recognized as important for success in the construction industry. The school is responsive to the needs of the construction community for which it provides a source of well-trained construction professionals.

To accomplish this mission, Turnkey Institute is committed to enhancing student competencies by:

Turnkey Construction Management Institute was founded in California on May 2, 1994, as an educational alternative to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to start a successful career in construction management. To meet the needs of a diverse student population, Turnkey Institute offers the 16-week Estimator and Project Management course via distance learning, and the remainder of the approved programs onsite.

Turnkey Construction Management Institute, Inc. is a California Corporation. The principal offices of Turnkey Institute are located at 3160 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, California.

Board of Directors
Robert W. Turney, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer

Our Main Campus in Castro Valley is located on the SECOND floor, at 3160 Castro Valley Blvd,

Ste. 200, Castro Valley, CA 94546. Directions to the campus: From highway 880 take 238 EAST STOCKTON-CASTRO VALLEY. 238 will merge into highway 580. Keep to the RIGHT and take the REDWOOD RD. exit. Turn LEFT at the STOPLIGHT, go under the freeway overpass down to the THIRD STOPLIGHT and make a RIGHT into CASTRO VALLEY PLAZA driveway, building is on the LEFT. From highway 680 take HWY 580 WEST OAKLAND-SAN FRANCISCO. Take the FIRST CASTRO VALLEY exit and turn LEFT at the STOP sign. Drive approximately 1 mile and turn LEFT at NORBRIDGE AVE. Turn RIGHT at the next STOP light onto REDWOOD RD, make your next immediate RIGHT into CASTRO VALLEY PLAZA driveway, building is on the LEFT.

From the San Fernando Valley: take 405 South, Exit Wilshire Blvd. � WEST. At the end of the off-ramp KEEP RIGHT and precede approx. 25-30 feet, Exit off Wilshire Blvd., down a small incline to a STOP sign at the bottom. This is the entrance to the Veterans Administration Grounds (it is not clearly marked). At the STOP sign turn RIGHT onto BONSALL. Drive up a small grade, you will cross EISENHOWER. Pass GRANT. Turn LEFT on PERSHING. (If you pass Nimitz, you�ve gone too far). Proceed WEST along PERSHING. You will pass the rear of Building 116, an old, 3-story brick building. PERSHING will turn RIGHT into MacARTUHUR. Follow MacARTHUR about 100 yards to front driveway. Park in Parking Lot # 23.

Castro Valley location consists of 1500 sq. ft. of classroom and offices on one floor. There is an administration office and Directors office. Classroom capacity holds 14 students. Four restrooms are located on both the first and second floors, outside the classroom.

Our Los Angeles Branch School is located on the first floor of the New Directions Inc building and consists of a 575 Sq. Ft. classroom comfortably accommodating 15 student workstations and administration. Restrooms and cafeteria are also located on the first floor and a full diner is within walking distance.

Maximum enrollment for either California locations for the following approved courses: Construction Estimator (Commercial & Residential) � 15 students / Construction Project Management � 15 students / Construction Superintendent � 15 students / Construction Estimator / Project Manager � 15 students

Turnkey Institute reserves the right to make changes in organizational structure, policy and procedures as circumstances dictate. The school reserves the right to make changes in equipment, school calendar and materials, and to modify curriculum, as it deems necessary. Substantive changes to curriculum must be approved by the Veterans Administration and Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education. When size and curriculum permit, classes are subject to be combined to provide meaningful instruction and training, and to contribute to the level of interaction among students. Students are expected to be familiar with the information presented in this catalog and its supplements.

Equal Opportunity Statement
It is the policy of Turnkey Institute that all employment, promotion and admissions processes are free from conscious or inadvertent discrimination because of race, age, sex, religion, creed, color, national origin, physical handicap, political affiliation or beliefs. This policy applies to the hiring of all job positions, and the admissions of students, whether they are private or government funded.

No special services are provided for handicapped individuals however, all doors, hallways, telephones, and restroom facilities are in compliance with standards dealing with access to handicapped persons. Should you have any additional assistance requirements, contact the School Director.

Admissions Requirements and Procedures
Turnkey Institute only enrolls participants who are able to merit and benefit from the educational activities offered. Turnkey Institute admissions procedures require potential students to schedule a personal or telephone interview with a school representative. A representative shall provide the applicant detailed information of the school�s campus, programs and policies, discuss the applicant's qualifications, and assist him/her in determining the best way to meet his/her career objectives. In addition, each applicant must:

1. Complete an application form.
2. Successfully pass an institute generated entrance exam.*
3. Execute all enrollment documents including the application form and enrollment agreement.
4. Submit a Registration Fee of $75.00. This fee is refundable if the applicant cancels the Enrollment Agreement by midnight of the fifth business day after the first class the applicant attends.
*If an applicant does not pass the entrance examination, he/she may wait one week and attempt to pass a second time. If the applicant does not pass the second time, he/she must wait one calendar year before reapplying.

Completion, Retention & Graduate Placement Rates
Completion, Retention and Graduate Placement rates are provided to students at the time of enrollment. All backup data to substantiate these rates are available for review by contacting the school director.

English Proficiency
Turnkey Institute does not provide English-as-a-second language instruction. Students are required to speak English when an instructional setting necessitates the use of English for educational or communication purposes. All classes are taught in English.

Placement Assistance
Turnkey Institute is very proud of their placement assistance program and due to the many years of high level training and the reputation for producing high quality entry level personnel, the Institute receives ongoing requests from contractors to fill their personnel needs. We also provide an industry specific resume for each graduate, job searching skills and labor market job postings a Job Market Analysis report.

Monthly Job Market Analysis
Turnkey Institute provides students with a weekly job market analysis of construction related positions being offered by employers throughout California as well as other states. The job market analysis has come to be relied upon by counselors, insurance companies, students and graduates as a reliable source of the current job market and excellent information leading to employment.

Records
All records are maintained for a period of not less than five years at Turnkey Construction Management Institute, Inc. Student records for the Castro Valley campus are maintained at Turnkey Institute, 3160 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546.

Credit Evaluation Policy
Credit will be considered for prior education or training. After testing and evaluation of applicant, the length of course will be shortened proportionally by the School Director. Students receiving veteran�s benefits must have all prior education and training evaluated upon enrollment. Credit will be awarded where applicable with the program being shortened accordingly. The student and Department of Veteran Affairs will be notified.

Instructional Schedule
All programs must be completed within their original contracted length of time. For VA payment calculations, programs will be measured at 50 minute hours.

Conduct Policy
Students shall at all times, while on campus, conduct themselves in an orderly and considerate manner, and shall appear for classes in a sober and receptive condition. Violation of this policy is just cause for dismissal. Any students observed under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be terminated from the school. Professional conduct must be demonstrated at all times, observing ethics and professional development. A student is subject to dismissal from school for disrespectful behavior, or creating a safety hazard to other students, administrators or faculty. Students are expected to dress appropriately for the trade they are being trained for. Students are also required to maintain their work areas in an orderly and clean manner.

Holidays
Turnkey Institute observes the following holidays:
New Year�s Day                    Labor Day                               Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday            Columbus Day
Presidents Day                   Veterans Day                         Good Friday                                            Thanksgiving Day
Memorial Day                        Christmas Day                       Independence Day                               Spring Break TBD

Drug Free Workplace
In accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, Public Law 101-226, Turnkey Institute is declared a drug and alcohol-free school. Student use of alcohol or the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing or use of a controlled substance or alcohol anywhere on school property, or while participating in school related activities, are prohibited. Students who violate this policy are subject to disciplinary action up to and including expulsion.

As of January 1, 2002, California Education Code Section 94945 requires Turnkey Construction Management Institute, Inc. to collect a fee from every new student to be remitted into the California Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF). This Fund is administered by the State of California�s Bureau for Private Postsecondary & Vocational Education. The amount of fee for 2002 is $3 per $1,000 of tuition paid, rounded to the nearest $1,000. The fee for 2003 is $2.50 per $1,000 of tuition paid, rounded to the nearest $1,000. Students are not required to pay the STRF fee if tuition is funded by a third-party payer, such as an employer or government program, or if you are not a California resident. Students will not be eligible for payment from the STRF if you fall into these categories. California Education Code 94944 governs STRF payment eligibility.

It is important that enrollees keep a copy of any enrollment agreement, contract, or application to document the total amount of tuition paid. Such information may substantiate a claim for reimbursement from the STRF, which must be filed within a year of the Bureau�s service to the student of their rights under the STRF, or if no notice of rights are served to the students, within four years of Institution's closure. For further information or instructions contact: Bureau for Private Post Secondary and Vocational Education 400 R Street, Suite 5000 Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 445-3427

Students' Right of Access to Their Files
Turnkey Institute guarantees the students' right of access to his/her files.

Release of Information
Turnkey Institute student records are retained and kept in accordance with the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The Act prohibits an institution from releasing the school records or any other information about a student to any third party (with the exception of government agencies so authorized by law) without the written consent of the student.

In the event a student does not enter a program for which he/she has enrolled, withdraws after beginning classes, or is dismissed from the school prior to completion of the program, a refund of monies paid (applied to the student�s tuition account) is made to the student in accordance with this refund policy.

The maximum non-refundable registration fee charged to veteran or eligible person is $10.00. Any amount charged in excess is subject to the refund policy.

1. A student has the right to cancel his/her agreement for a course of instruction until the fifth business day on which the student attended his/her first class. Business day means a day on which the student is scheduled to attend a class session.

2. Cancellation shall occur when the student provides a written notice of cancellation at the address of Turnkey Institute: Castro Valley Plaza, 3160 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA 94546. This can be done by mail, hand delivery or telegram.

3. The written notice of cancellation, if sent by mail, is effective when deposited in the mail properly addressed with proper postage.

4. The written notice of cancellation need not take any particular form and, however expressed, it is effective if it shows that the student no longer wishes to be bound by the Enrollment Agreement. Each student will be given two Notice of Cancellation forms to use upon enrollment, but any written notice may be used.

5. If the Enrollment Agreement is cancelled for a course of instruction by the fifth business day on which the student attended his/her first class (business day is a day on which a student is scheduled to attend a class session), the student will have no liability to Turnkey Institute for tuition or registration fees and Turnkey Institute will refund any money that the student paid within 30 days after it receives the student�s notice of cancellation.

Reimbursement to Veterans and Eligible Persons.
For information or for resolution of specific payment problems, the veteran should call the DVA nationwide toll free number @ 1-800-827-1000

Student�s Right to Withdraw from Program of Instruction after Commencement of Class
Students have the right to withdraw from a program of instruction at any time and receive at least a partial refund. Students are obligated to pay only for education services rendered and any unreturned equipment. The refund shall be calculated by (a) deducting a registration fee not exceeding $75.00 from the total tuition charge; (b) dividing this figure by the number of hours in the program; (c) the quotient is the hourly charge for the program; (d) the amount owed by the student for purposes of calculating a refund is derived by multiplying the total hours attended by the hourly charge for instruction; (e) the refund would be any amount in excess of the figure derived in step (d) that was paid by the student; and (f) the refund amount shall be adjusted for unreturned equipment.

If the amount of the refund is more than the amount that you owe for the time you attended, then a refund will be made within 30 days of the date of determination of withdrawal. If the amount that you owe is more than the amount that you have already paid, then you will have to arrange to pay it.

Turnkey Institute refunds are as follows:
Total program charge � program hours = program fee per hour
Per hour program fee x hours attended = Total program charge

Turnkey Construction Management Institute, Inc. uses a Clock Hour System. A clock hour is defined as a period of sixty minutes with a minimum of fifty minutes of classroom instruction.

Hypothetical Refund Example: Refund after completing indicated percentage of course.

CLOCK HOURS ATTENDED	PERCENTAGE ATTENDED	TUITION /FEES CHARGED	AMOUNT OF REFUND*
39.6	10%	$562.50	$5,062.50
99	25%	$1,406.25	$4,218.75
198	50%	$2,812.50	$2,812.50
237.6	60%	$3,375.00	$2,250.00
297	75%	$4,218.75	$1,406.25

Students are graded as they complete units of curriculum. Course assignments and examination scores as well as observations and other criteria determine grades, as the school deems appropriate in the training of professional people.

Grading is completed on a weekly basis so that if a student is having difficulty within a particular area of instruction it can be identified and provisions made for special assistance to allow the student to progress without further hindrance.

Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors are provided a weekly student prepared attendance and progress report. A monthly attendance and progress report is prepared by Turnkey Institute staff and provided to counselor.

Progress will be monitored at the end of each month in the program for all students including veterans receiving benefits. If the cumulative grade falls below 75%, or if attendance falls below 80%, at the end of any given evaluation period, the student will be placed on probation for a period of one month. If the student�s cumulative grade is not raised to 75%, or overall attendance raised to 80%, by the end of the probation period, the Veterans Administration or counselor will be notified and benefits interrupted.

If the Director determines that the conditions, which caused the interruption, have been rectified the student will be eligible to receive benefits.

Every student�s academic program must be completed within the maximum timeframe determined by his/her enrollment status. The maximum timeframe for program completion is a time period that may not exceed 1.5 times the standard program length required to complete the program. Therefore, students may attempt no more than 1.5 times the number of hours in the program of study for which they are enrolled, i.e., a student enrolled in a 100 hour program, may not attempt more than 150 hours. A student who does not complete the program within the timeframe will be terminated from his/her program of study.

A leave of absence, scheduled holiday breaks and time between the end of classroom training and externship is not considered when calculating maximum time frame, since credit is not available during those times.

Absence � Absence will be considered excused under the following circumstances: illness, death, or birth in the immediate family, and other valid reasons substantiated in writing and at the discretion of the school director. All other absences will be considered unexcused.

Tardiness � Tardiness is a disruption of a good learning environment and is to be discouraged. Tardiness without legitimate reason on two occasions in one class will be considered as one unexcused absence.

Interruption for Unsatisfactory Attendance � Students with three unexcused absences in any class will receive written notification of academic probation for a period of one month. Any unexcused absences during such probation period will be a cause for interruption of the student�s training program.

Cutting classes � Cutting of classes will be considered as unexcused absences.

Make-Up Work � Make-up work may be required for any absence. However, hours of make-up work cannot be accepted as hours of class attendance and must be previously arranged directly with the facility for which the student is attending.

Leave of Absence � Written requests for leaves of absence will be considered, and such leaves will be subject to being granted to students at the discretion of the school.

A Turnkey Institute certificate of completion will be awarded to those students meeting the graduation requirements. Students eligible for a certificate are those who have satisfactorily completed their course of study and have at minimum an 80% attendance record.

All students have the right to challenge any determination and may do so in writing to the attention of the School Director.

Students are Turnkey Institute�s first priority, and the Institute believes the student�s education is of primary importance. However, should there be any complaints or a problem concerning the educational process or school matters, the first step is to discuss the problem with an instructor. The instructor will attempt to resolve the matter. In the event that this proves unsatisfactory or the student does not wish to discuss the matter with an instructor, the student may address the problem to the School Director. If the issue is still unresolved, the student may either make an appointment to see the CEO/President, Mr. Robert Turney, or write Mr. Turney a communiqu� describing the issue and/or concern/complaint. For students who convey their complaint in writing, Turnkey Institute shall within 10 days of receiving the complaint, provide the student with a written response, including a summary of the institution�s investigation and disposition of it. Students may convey a complaint by communicating in writing to any teacher, administrator, and/or admissions personnel Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. If the complaint or relief requested by the student is rejected, the reasons for the rejection will be provided.

UNRESOLVED GRIEVANCES MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUREAU FOR PRIVATE POSTSECONDARY AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION, 400 R STREET, SUITE 5000, SACRAMENTO, CA, 95814, telephone (916) 445-3427.

Turnkey Construction Management Institute, Inc. offers open enrollment with classes beginning each Monday.

On-Campus students can receive classroom credit when verifiable homework assignments are previously assigned by the Director.

Worker�s Compensation Training Vouchers. VA GI Bill, WIA, State Vocational Rehabilitation

Course Description By definition, estimating is �the act of appraising or valuing the worth of something.� In construction, it is the science of mathematics, the knowledge of materials, and the art of interpretation of a blueprint. This combination produces an assessment of a construction project that becomes the bid package, or proposal, and the basis of the construction contract.

There are two basic prerequisites for anyone wanting to learn these procedures: 1) knowledge of reading and measuring blueprints, and 2) knowledge of mathematics.

The skills of measurement and pricing of construction work can readily be acquired by any person of average intelligence and competence who has reason and motivated to do so. It should be understood that it is extremely beneficial to be able to visualize and understand building construction systems and processes although it is not required.

Physical Requirements Estimators must be able to work full time, 40 hours per week, in an office environment. Their duties require sitting or standing at a desk, drafting table or computer workstation. Estimators must have the ability to handle blueprints, reach for miscellaneous office materials, and carry books or plans with an average weight of 5 lbs. They need to be able to communicate, read and write legibly in English.

Course Description Every participating organization on a project has its project manager. Although the person is sometimes known by different names, the duties remain the same. Whether in the direct employ of the owner, the design firm, or the contractor, the project manager is usually the person responsible for the management of all phases of the project for his/her organization. The project manager controls the scheduling, budgeting, and cost control coordination of construction, letting of contracts for the owner, and is normally the sole contact with the client as a representative of the contractor.

Physical Requirements Project Managers must be able to work full time, 40 hours per week, in an office environment. Their duties require sitting or standing at a desk, drafting table or computer workstation. Project Managers must have the ability to handle blueprints, reach for miscellaneous office materials, and carry books or plans with an average weight of 5 lbs. They need to be able to communicate, read and write legibly in English.

Course Description The Superintendent is in full charge of all field projects. When several projects are under construction, the Superintendent coordinates all of them, directing the interchange of materials, workers, and equipment; stimulating progress; and resolving all problems that do not require the attention of the company manager.

Physical Requirements Construction Superintendents must have the ability to work full time, 40 hours per week, including occasional overtime when construction projects require it. Their duties require being able to walk around on uneven surfaces, climb ladders, bending, crawling, and carrying blueprints with an average weight of 5 lbs. Construction Superintendents need to be able to communicate, read and write legibly in English.

Every participating organization on a project has its project manager. Although the person is sometimes known by different names, the duties remain the same. Whether in the direct employ of the owner, the design firm, or the contractor, the project manager is usually the person responsible for the management of all phases of the project for his/her organization. The project manager controls the scheduling, budgeting, and cost control coordination of construction, letting of contracts for the owner, and is normally the sole contact with the client as a representative of the contractor.

Physical Requirements Estimators and Project Managers must be able to work full time, 40 hours per week, in an office environment. Their duties require sitting or standing at a desk, drafting table or computer workstation. Estimators and Project Managers must have the ability to handle blueprints, reach for miscellaneous office materials, and carry books or plans with an average weight of 5 lbs. They need to be able to communicate, read and write legibly in English.

The curriculum for our distance education program is a duplicate of our on campus 16-week Estimator/Project Manager course. This program has been divided into 16 lessons. At the completion of each lesson, the course material is submitted either online or via prepaid envelopes. Material is then graded and promptly returned. Each student is provided a number of lessons to complete so that he/she may immediately continue onto the next lesson. Instruction is provided in three methods. First, a DVD video that guides the student through all sixteen lessons. Next, a very specific and detailed assignment list is provided which describes exactly what is contained in each lesson. Lastly, a toll free number is given to the student in order that he/she may call anytime during regular business hours.

Motivation is a key factor in the success of any distance education course and it is essential that any potential student be willing to work independently. The Institute is very aware of this issue and therefore makes weekly phone calls to students to verify on his/her progress and to encourage the student whenever needed. Many Turnkey Institute students are attending with the benefit of vocational rehabilitation and the staff places a very high value on providing ongoing progress reports to the vocational rehabilitation counselors. Counselors are provided with weekly reports on a student�s grades, participation and progress.

First we will brush you up on your construction math, but actually most of this is done by using our construction calculator. Then things start from the beginning by introducing you to blueprint reading. By the time you have completed our BP course you will be very good at both residential and commercial blueprint reading. From blueprints we will teach you how to produce detailed take offs of virtually everything one the job. (We place a very high emphasis and producing Take Offs. If the Take Off is wrong, then the Estimate is wrong!) This means that by the time you have completed our course you will be able to estimate nearly everything on a construction project, with the exception of electrical, mechanical and plumbing. We will then show you how to submit those take offs into a construction estimating software program known as Timberline Precision Estimating. (www.timberline.com for a complete demo.)

PM�s will also learn the above referenced material as well as the Critical Path Method of scheduling, also known as the CPM. This procedure is essential in understanding the scheduling process and most also be known if you are to use scheduling software. The software we provide basic instruction on is Primavera�s SureTrak Project Manager.

This course also includes most of the estimating curriculum, but also includes curriculum on how to deal with sub contractors and follow PM produced schedules.

Will this training provide me with the skills I need to move up into my company?

Yes. This curriculum is designed to give a graduate the Entry Level skills necessary so that an employer can train them on how they want it done.

Many employers will reimburse, or fully fund an employee to enroll and successfully complete our training. Give us a call regarding your particular situation as we have several ways that you can present this to your employer including template letters for presentation.

Yes. In many states it is very easy to obtain a contractors license, but being able be successful in the bidding and scheduling process is not quit as easy. Therefore our material will give a new contractor the skills needed to begin producing detailed Take Off�s (material lists) and computer skills so that they can be competitive contractors.

It all depends on your present skill level. If you are a contractor that is self taught and has never really learned how do produce detailed Take Offs and use estimating and scheduling software, then this is the course for you. If you have been an estimator for many years, can produce these Take Offs, use the computer and perhaps already have college background in construction management, then this is probably a bit redundant to you.

Yes. This is a wonderful career for Veterans and employers will usually seek out Veterans because they realize the efficiency and dependability that comes with an Honorably Discharged Veteran. In addition, this career is high paying and in high demand. Presently our school in the San Francisco Bay Area city of Castro Valley is Title 38 approved to accept VA education benefits in the following categories. VA Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation is available for both Distance Education and On Campus programs. VA Chapter 30 Vocational Education is available for On Campus training. Please visit or VA website are www.veterantraining.com for further contact information.

No, there is no question that some kind of construction experience will be beneficial in both completing the curriculum and securing employment, but many of my students and successful, working, graduates, have No Experience in the industry at all. In other words �You don�t need to know how to build it, to know how much it costs to build it,� but it sure helps. It is especially helpful to have experience if enrolled in our distance Education course, but once again not a requirement.

No. It is not required to have computer background to take this course, but it is helpful and we recommend starting with Video Professor Training courses. You can research this at www.videoprofessor.com. We first recommend learning your own operating system, then MSWord and Excel are common software programs used in this industry.

This is perfect material to offer a good employee that you may be thinking about moving up in your company. Many employers pay the total tuition for an employee so long as that employee maintains a pre-approved GPA and does not fall behind in the curriculum.

How does this curriculum compare to a college or university Construction Management Course?

This curriculum was developed by people from the construction industry and we do not teach �Theory�. Everything we do is �Hands On� and taught by people from the construction industry. In addition many contractors have stated that they felt the graduates of our program are �over qualified� as entry level personnel. It does not keep our graduates from securing employment, but they are so pleased with their new staff, they often return many more times over the years to hire more graduates as their company grows.

As California approved Private Postsecondary School, we are required to maintain a moderate rate of successful placements just to continue offering our program. We have a vested interest in making certain that our graduates are as successful as possible. Most colleges do not need to produce such placement statistics. Therefore, included free with your paid tuition is a very professionally produced resume designed specifically for the construction industry employers. We will also provide you with job seeking skills and what to say to potential employers.

Many job titles are available to our graduates once they have completed our course of instruction. The courses have specific Job Titles, but in reality our graduates have secured entry level jobs as Quantity Surveyors, Construction Administrators, Schedulers, Construction Managers, Engineers and many more.

Distance Education (DE) is taught via DVD and text. The on campus Estimator & Project Manager course is a full time, 16 week program. We know how much curriculum an average student can complete in a week, so we have designed the DE course to be 16 lessons. This allows a student to complete the material at their own pace. Some students can work non-stop and complete 2 or 3 lessons a week while others work on the material in their spare time and may take 2 weeks just to do 1 lesson. The DVD walks you through the entire course and any time you get stuck, just pick up a phone and give us a call during normal school hours. You will be given approximately 6 lessons to begin the course, so you should never have any down time between lessons.

Our schools are designed to be like a construction office and students work at their own pace and instructors are always available to the students while in class. This method allows a student to feel virtually no stress regarding the progress, or lack of, other students. If a student does well in one subject, then they can excel onto the next subject and not wait for someone to catch up to them. On the other hand, perhaps a student may wish to spend a bit more time on a subject, or just do it again for peace of mind, this is easily done and no other student is being held back because of this.

Our Distance Education course is an exact duplicate of the On Campus Construction Estimator / Project Manager course, but is instruction is conveniently delivered via DVD and text. Instead of a 16 week program, we call it 16 lessons. We know hoe much material an average student can complete in one week, so we now call the week a lesson. This means that a student may take 2 weeks to complete 1 lesson as they work on their own time, although this format has the benefit of being completed ahead of schedule because some students work on the material 7 days a week. Upon approval, you will be shipped your first kit which contains approximately 6 lessons including course tools. Also included are postage paid envelopes so that you can mail each lesson back to the school for grading. When you send us your material for grading, you will already have what you need to proceed to the next lesson. We will then send your corrected material back to you.

Our On Campus programs can be customized for specific training, although our listed complete course tuition ranges from $4,975.00 to $8,370.00. These programs are compared to two years of college education, although the tuition is much less than the total cost of attending college and occasionally we offer scholarships and specials, so please call our toll free at 888-998-0991 for specific quotes and any immediate offerings.

TCMI staff will always do their best to keep a student motivated and on track, although occasionally an enrollee must withdrawal from the program and requests a refund. If this happens, TCMI will refund tuition based upon the remaining amount of unused curriculum and on the return of books and tools that are in reusable condition. The exact formula is included on the Enrollment Agreement.

1. Discounts are occasionally offered for payment of full tuition and tuition can be paid with a VISA or MasterCard.

2. You can make several payments throughout your training, contact the school for information.

3. Financing is available by applying for a Sallie Mae or TFC educational loans and you can do this by clicking on their icon on the front page of our website or calling for information.

4. Veterans can apply for funding through their local VA office, or at the EDD, but please note that only Chapter 31 VA Vocational Rehabilitation will fund our Distance Education and On Campus training so long as you have a service related disability and you in good standing with the VA.. The Main Campus in Castro Valley, Ca has full VA approval, although our LA branch site can only accept Chapter 31 VA Vocational Rehabilitation. More information can be obtained by visiting our VA website at www.veterantraining.com.

5. Many states offer vocational rehabilitation funding if you were injured and can no longer return to your normal job and this must be researched through your own states programs. I recommend contacting your local State Rehabilitation office.

6. We are on the Eligible Training Providers List (ETPL) in California, which means that if you are a displaced worker you may receive funding through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Contact your local EDD office, or One Stop Center, for more information.

7. Injured workers can often receive funding through their employers Workers Compensation Vocational Rehabilitation program.

Our on campus programs vary in length from 12 weeks to 16 weeks, but this can be negotiated depending on your needs. Our distance Education program can be completed in 16 weeks or less, but often can take as long as 1 year, although we encourage a program length of no longer the 6 months.

This is a great opportunity to start a new career in a industry that is growing, stable and providing high salaries. Construction Management has been thriving for many years and due to the national tragedies caused by recent storms, the industry is in even a higher demand for people with ANY skills in the construction industry.

Even though most contractors consider maturity as an asset to be a Construction Manager, the need for people with these skills is in such high demand that employers are interviewing anyone with entry level skills. We do have some very good success stories from our younger graduates, especially if the graduate is going to work for someone they know who owns or represents a construction company, like a parent, friend or relative. In other words �Yes�, a determined and tenacious High School Graduate can be successful in this career.