AI for Contractors: 12-Month Mastery Program

When:

• Jan 08, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• Feb 04, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• Mar 25, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• Apr 29, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• May 27, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• Jun 25, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• Jul 29, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• Aug 26, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• Sep 30, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• Oct 28, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• Nov 18, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM
• Dec 16, 2027 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM

Where:

• Via dedicated Zoom link - All sessions begin at 2 PM.

Fee	Type of Fee
$1,200	/ Person - MBI Members
$1,950	/ Person - Non-Members

Presenter:  Carl Britton Jr., Iron Thread Consulting, Derby, KS

The commercial construction industry is changing fast — and AI is at the center of it. MBI's AI for Construction program is a 12-month, hands-on learning experience designed specifically for Iowa's construction community. Each month combines a 90-minute live virtual training session with a 60-minute Q&A check-in and real-world assignments you apply directly to your own projects and workflows. No theory for theory's sake — every session is built around tools and strategies you can use immediately. The program moves through three phases: building your AI foundation, applying it for direct business impact, and ultimately creating competitive advantage through custom solutions and automation.

Over the course of the year, participants will master essential skills including prompt engineering, Microsoft Copilot, AI-powered estimating and bidding, safety documentation, code research, predictive analytics, and workflow automation with tools like Procore and BlueBeam.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Each month includes:

• One 90-minute live virtual training session
• One 60-minute check-in/Q&A session
• Hands-on assignments and real-world application challenges

Month 1: AI Fundamentals for Construction Trades
Live Session: Friday, January 8, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Friday, January 15, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Understand what AI actually means for construction companies
• Identify simple tools you can implement immediately
• See real-world examples from electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and sheet metal work

Hands-On Assignment: Complete three AI-assisted tasks using tools introduced in the session and document time savings.

Month 2: Prompt Engineering Mastery
Live Session: Thursday, February 4, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Friday, February 19, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Learn how to communicate effectively with AI tools
• Apply construction-specific prompting templates
• Avoid common mistakes that waste time

Hands-On Assignment: Create a library of 10 custom prompts for your specific role and test their effectiveness.

Month 3: Microsoft Copilot Integration
Live Session: Thursday, March 25, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Thursday, April 8, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Maximize your existing Microsoft 365 investments
• Apply Copilot to estimating and communication tasks
• Integrate AI with tools you already use daily

Hands-On Assignment: Use Copilot to complete one estimating task and one communication task, comparing results to traditional methods.

Month 4: ChatGPT for Project Management
Live Session: Thursday, April 29, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Thursday, May 6, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Apply AI to project planning and risk assessment
• Improve team communication using AI assistance
• Work through real project scenarios and solutions

Hands-On Assignment: Create a project risk assessment and communication plan for a current or upcoming project using AI tools.

Month 5: AI-Powered Estimating and Bidding
Live Session: Thursday, May 27, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Thursday, June 10, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Speed up quantity takeoffs with greater accuracy
• Conduct market research and competitive pricing analysis
• Get AI assistance with proposal writing

Hands-On Assignment: Complete an estimate using AI tools and compare accuracy and time to your standard process.

Month 6: AI for Safety Management and Compliance
Live Session: Friday, June 25, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Thursday, July 8, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Automate safety documentation processes
• Use AI for incident analysis and prevention
• Set up compliance tracking and reporting systems

Hands-On Assignment: Create an AI-assisted safety briefing and compliance checklist for an active project.

Month 7: AI-Enhanced Customer Communication
Live Session: Thursday, July 29, 2027 @ 2pm  | Check-in: Thursday, August 12, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Write professional proposals and emails faster
• Develop client presentations with AI support
• Use AI for relationship management

Hands-On Assignment: Draft three client communications (proposal, follow-up email, presentation outline) using AI assistance.

Month 8: Code Research and Technical Problem Solving
Live Session: Thursday, August 26, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Friday, September 10, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• Quickly interpret and research building codes
• Analyze technical specifications efficiently
• Solve complex technical problems with AI assistance

Hands-On Assignment: Research a code question and document a technical problem solution using AI tools.

Month 9: Predictive Analytics for Equipment and Risk
Live Session: Thursday, September 30, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Thursday, October 14, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Optimize equipment maintenance schedules
• Predict and prevent project risks
• Improve resource allocation decisions

Hands-On Assignment: Create a predictive maintenance schedule or risk assessment model for your equipment or project portfolio.

Month 10: Building Custom AI Solutions
Live Session: Thursday, October 28, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Friday, November 12, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Build company-specific AI assistants
• Automate administrative processes
• Create custom calculators and tools for your business

Hands-On Assignment: Design and build one custom AI solution specific to your company's needs.

Month 11: Automation and Workflow Integration
Live Session: Thursday, November 18, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Thursday, December 2, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Integrate AI with Procore, BlueBeam, and other industry software
• Streamline data flow between systems
• Eliminate manual data entry where possible

Hands-On Assignment: Identify and implement one workflow automation that connects your existing software tools.

Month 12: Future-Proofing and ROI Measurement
Live Session: Thursday, December 16, 2027 @ 2pm | Check-in: Thursday, December 30, 2027 @ 2pm

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Measure and track your AI implementation success
• Plan for emerging technologies
• Scale successful implementations across your organization

Hands-On Assignment: Complete a full ROI analysis of your AI implementations and create a 12-month forward plan.

Master Builder Designation: Leadership - 15 Credits | Project Management - 15 Credits