​Supervisory Training Program (STP)​

Supervisors aren’t born; they are made. In today’s fiercely competitive construction industry, leadership that stands out is crucial. For over forty years, the Supervisory Training Program (STP) has been the bedrock for developing field leaders. Now in its new 10th edition, STP integrates proven subject matter with cutting-edge industry practices, equipping you with essential skills and knowledge.
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Ideal for high-performing and ambitious individuals aspiring to supervisory roles, this program offers a deep dive into the intersection of field operations and office management. Gain insights into industry evolution, master the latest strategies in team management, and learn to apply best practices directly to your role.​

The comprehensive 6-course program focuses on the knowledge and skills that every supervisor must have to be an effective manager of people, time, equipment and materials. STP is a construction-specific training curriculum developed, updated and field-tested by and for contractors. Supervisory skill—or the lack of it—directly affects every company’s bottom line. You make your money in the field, and STP can help you improve your organization’s bottom line.

The highly collaborative program is best suited for anyone on a construction jobsite in a supervisory role – from the new supervisor or foreman to the experienced superintendent who is looking to become a more effective manager of people, time, equipment and materials.

NOTE: Units do not need to be taken in numerical order; they contain standalone content. Visit the association calendar for course offerings.

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STP Unit 1: Leadership and Motivation

About the Course: Leadership and Motivation: Building Strong, Effective Teams​
In the dynamic world of construction, effective leadership is the cornerstone of project success. The Leadership and Motivation unit within AGC’s Supervisory Training Program, 10th edition is designed to equip you with the tools and strategies needed to lead with confidence and inspire your team. 

• Defining the Role of a Leader: Understand the core responsibilities and qualities of an exceptional leader in construction. Learn how to set clear goals, make decisive decisions, and manage your team effectively.
• Motivating Project Partners: Discover proven techniques to motivate your team and project partners. Learn how to foster a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and productivity.
• Current Best Practices: Stay ahead of industry trends with insights into the latest leadership practices. Learn from real-world case studies and examples to apply these best practices in your own projects. The concepts in these units build on one another defining the roles of a leader in construction and motivating project partners. Communication is the key to a successful project outcome and collaboration is a large part of construction.      

Topics Addressed

• Lesson 1: The Value of Project Leadership
• Lesson 2: Leading In Construction
• Lesson 3: Team Development
• Lesson 4: Succeeding as a Leader
• Lesson 5: Motivating Your Team
• Lesson 6: Expectations and Accountability
• Lesson 7: Improve Your Team
• Lesson 8: Leadership Skills in Action

STP Unit 2: Oral and Written Communications

About the Course: Communication: The Key to Project Success
Effective communication is vital to the success of any construction project. The Communication unit in AGC’s Supervisory Training Program, 10th edition focuses on the essential skills needed to ensure clear, concise, and impactful communication across all levels of your project team. 

• Importance of Communication: Learn why communication is critical in construction and how it impacts project outcomes. Understand the various forms of communication and their appropriate use in different scenarios.
• Best Practices for Effective Communication: Discover techniques for clear and effective communication with team members, clients, and stakeholders. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and enhance your ability to convey information accurately and efficiently.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Explore strategies to foster a collaborative environment where all team members feel heard and valued. Understand how to navigate and resolve conflicts, ensuring a smooth and productive workflow.      

​Topics Addressed

• Lesson 1: Elements of Communication
• Lesson 2: Written Communication
• Lesson 3: Effective Communication
• Lesson 4: Listening
• Lesson 5: Persuasion, Negotiation, and Difficult Conversations
• Lesson 6: Meetings and Presentations

​STP Unit 3: Planning & Scheduling
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About the Course: Planning and Scheduling: Blueprint for Success ​
Effective planning and scheduling are the backbone of any successful construction project. The Planning and Scheduling unit in AGC’s Supervisory Training Program, 10th edition equips you with the technical skills necessary to ensure your projects run smoothly from start to finish. 

• Comprehensive Project Planning: Learn how to meticulously plan every aspect of your project. From initial concept to final completion, understand how to create detailed project plans that anticipate challenges and streamline operations.
• Utilizing Schedules: Discover how to develop and manage project schedules that communicate your plan clearly to all stakeholders. Learn techniques to track progress, adjust timelines, and ensure timely project completion.
• Tracking Progress: Master the tools and methods for monitoring project milestones and performance. Gain insights into identifying potential delays and implementing corrective actions to keep your project on track.

Topics Addressed

• Lesson 1: Planning and Scheduling
• Lesson 2: Elements of Scheduling
• Lesson 3: Developing Project Schedules
• Lesson 4: Communicating Project Schedules
• Lesson 5: Updating Construction Schedules

STP Unit 4: Contract Documents 

About the Course: ​Contract Documents: Navigating the Legal Landscape
Contract documents are the foundation of project planning and execution. The Contract Documents unit in AGC’s Supervisory Training Program, 10th edition offers a deep dive into the critical elements of contract management and its impact on project success.

• Key Contract Elements: Explore the various components of contract documents that drive project planning and scheduling. Understand terms, conditions, and clauses that are essential for project execution.
• Best Practices in Documentation: Learn the best practices for managing and utilizing contract documents. Ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and maintain clear communication with all project stakeholders.
• Activity-Specific Focus: Gain knowledge on how specific contract activities impact project planning and scheduling. Learn how to align your project plan with contract requirements to avoid disputes and ensure smooth operations.

Topics Addressed

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Contracts
• Lesson 2: Types of Construction Contracts
• Lesson 3: Construction Documentation
• Lesson 4: Importance of Contract Terminology
• Lesson 5: Managing Change in Contracts

STP Unit 5: Improving Productivity and Managing Project Costs

​About the Course: Productivity and Managing Project Costs: Master the Metrics of Project Success
In the competitive world of construction, maximizing productivity and effectively managing project costs are essential for success. The The Productivity and Project Costs unit in AGC’s Supervisory Training Program, 10th edition provides you with the tools and techniques to monitor, manage, and optimize these critical aspects of your projects. 

• Tracking Productivity: Learn how to systematically track productivity on your construction site. Understand the key performance indicators (KPIs) that matter and how to use them to gauge efficiency and performance.
• Managing Project Costs: Discover strategies for accurate cost estimation, budgeting, and cost control. Learn how to monitor expenses in real-time and make data-driven decisions to keep your projects on budget.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Gain insights into how tracking productivity and costs can enhance not only current project success but also provide valuable data for future projects. Use historical data to predict challenges and create more accurate project plans.

Topics Addressed

• Lesson 1: Introduction to Project Costs and Productivity
• Lesson 2: Creating the Project Budget
• Lesson 3: Field Cost Control
• Lesson 4: Cost Control Reports
• Lesson 5: Labor Productivity
• Lesson 6: Equipment Productivity
• Lesson 7: Post-Project Evaluation

STP Unit 6: Risk Management and Problem Solving

About the CourseManaging Risks: Safeguarding Project Success
Construction projects come with inherent risks, but effective risk management can significantly enhance project outcomes. The Managing Risks unit in AGC’s Supervisory Training Program, 10th edition focuses on identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to ensure your projects are safe, cost-effective, and on schedule. 

• Identifying Risks: Learn how to identify potential risks early in the project lifecycle. Understand the different types of risks, including safety, financial, quality, and schedule-related risks.
• Risk Evaluation and Mitigation: Discover techniques for evaluating risks and developing effective mitigation strategies. Learn how to create solutions that shift risk and enhance project success.
• Comprehensive Risk Management: Understand the importance of a comprehensive risk management plan. Gain skills in implementing and monitoring risk management practices that ensure project resilience and reliability.    

Topics Addressed

• Lesson 1: Risk in Construction
• Lesson 2: Categories of Risk
• Lesson 3: Risk Assessment
• Lesson 4: Risk Managment
• Lesson 5: Problem-Solving Tools
• Lesson 6: Solutions for Common Risks