Buildwitt Training aims to provide quick, targeted approach to getting workers up to speed

The first rollout of the BuildWitt Training platform offers bite-size training videos on five critical construction jobs: laborer, grade checker, pipelayer, operator (with instructions for 10 machines), and field supervisor/foreman

It’s no secret there’s a skilled labor shortage in construction, and this is making the importance of quality training more and more apparent. To answer that need, BuildWitt, a Nashville-based software and services provider, is developing a construction training software to serve everyone from new hires to seasoned veterans.

According to the company, current job training for contractors is fragmented. New hires often go into the field without enough training, while current employees are left to train new hires instead of focusing on projects and skilled employees go without a clear path for growth.

Enter BuildWitt Training, a new video-based platform designed to get crews trained better, faster and more consistently.

“In the past four years, we’ve been to hundreds of job sites, had thousands of conversations, and have seen construction businesses in-depth from all different angles,” says Aaron Witt, BuildWitt CEO and founder. “And contractors are telling us they need to get new hires up to speed as quickly as possible.”

It won’t replace hands-on experience, but the first rollout of the BuildWitt Training platform offers bite-size training videos on five critical construction jobs: laborer, grade checker, pipelayer, operator (with instructions for 10 machines), and field supervisor/foreman.

The platform launched this month and has more than 350 video lessons that go over industry basics, safety, roles and responsibilities, and tips and tricks, among other topics. Another several hundred video lessons will be available by the end of the year.

The microlearning app-based format delivers short videos, assessments and quizzes. This learning style has been proven successful in other industries, but never in construction, Witt points out. “We’re just doing something that’s never been done in the dirt world before,” he says.

Using the BuildWitt Training app, users can spend a couple of minutes watching a lesson during downtime, on their own, during rain delays, or on training days.

“They can consume it in small chunks daily without taking them away from the job,” says Allen Hurst, chief technology officer, BuildWitt.

“Many learning management systems produce content for people who sit in front of a desk all day,” Hurst continues, “but that’s not what’s going to make us successful in this industry. We’re addressing some of the most underserved needs first.”

Each lesson features an industry expert, including contractors and BuildWitt Training specialists, headed by Jay Collup, the company’s director for field development and an industry veteran of 16+ years.

“One of the most valuable pieces of our brand is our credibility with the people in the field,” Hurst says. “It’s important that we keep that top of mind with every video we create.”

Admins of the platform can also take the role-based courses and customize them to their processes. They can upload their own videos, create quizzes and assessments, or use the hundreds of options built into the program.

BuildWitt Training has already gotten the attention of the Dirt World community. Before its launch, the platform had more than 60 contractor customers. These early adopters say they were attracted to the platform’s ability to provide consistent, real-time communication, correction and direction on a 24/7 basis.

“Training is one of the biggest ways to eliminate inefficiencies, maintain safety and eliminate downtime,” says Ben Ruthven, superintendent, Peitzmeier Demolition and Concrete Cutting, Omaha, NE. “BuildWitt Training allows us to integrate our in-house material seamlessly and offers the potential to help develop content and learn from others in the trade.”

Adds Dusty Neil, environmental manager, L4 Construction, Lyons, CO: “I’ve been looking for a platform that would line up with the way I have always trained. Now I have the tools to do it.”

BuildWitt Training pricing ranges from a $3,000 annual Basic package for a two-user license to a $51,000 annual Enterprise package for 500 user licenses. Each of the five pricing packages can be scaled as contractors add additional users.

Hurst says additional features are coming quickly, including multi-lingual formats, additional job site roles and safety-specific modules.