"Before I came to Build Smart Institute, I had never really considered a job in the trades. I was working at a job where I wasn't happy, and no career advancement was likely. Build Smart Institute's Core Fundamentals program provided an introduction to the trades and related safety practices, and some experience with hand and power tools. As valuable as that education was, it was only the start of many opportunities for networking, volunteering, seeing other students succeed, and exploring a career at Southern Air, Inc."

- Levi Weddle, Fundamentals of Construction Graduate, 
Full-Time Employee of Southern Air, Inc.

"My biggest takeaway from the Build Smart program is how comprehensive and thorough it was. I would say the Build Smart program is set apart from other programs or college courses because not only are the teachers masters at construction, but they also care about the students and love what they do. The advice I would give to new students coming into the program is you have made the right decision. This is the best place to learn construction because they actually make sure that you have learned the skills. Build Smart is a wonderful place if someone wants to learn."

- Allen Harris, Fundamentals of Construction Graduate

"I recently rejoined my family construction business and wanted to jump start my knowledge without tying up other company employees. Build Smart Institute was the perfect answer in terms of content, timing, and cost. I took classes on blue print reading and project management and look forward to taking other classes in the future. My classes at Build Smart gave me a much greater appreciation for the level of complexity and attention to detail required for even small projects, much less the enormous technical marvels built in places like Las Vegas. The instructors are all former construction professionals who teach using real world examples based on their own personal experiences. Every staff member made it clear they are there because they genuinely believe the construction industry can provide a wonderful profession, not just a job, particularly for those without college degree. In that, they understand sometimes emotional support is even more important than classroom teaching. As a society, I do not believe we give the construction industry nearly enough credit for its role in creating a better world. From hospitals and medical clinics to libraries and schools, our industry touches people’s lives all day every day. Build Smart Institute provides a new and exciting path for people to join a profession that has literally endless opportunities."

- Greg Lionberger, 
Lionberger Construction Company