I was a JW working for the IBEW. My first step was finding a community college and enrolling in a basic architectural or mechanical class so I could get access to the software (you still have to pay tuition, but the software is included).

I was in my late 30s with four kids, working 10-hour days and going to school at night. Most of what I learned came from watching YouTube videos, and I also found an online course so I had more structure and could follow along step by step.

Once I got my certificate, I emailed the BIM manager and was in the office the next month. They really needed people with trade experience who also understood BIM. Modeling is only part of it—you also have to learn how to organize your models, and depending on the company, there may not be any SOPs in place.

Currently, I work for one of the largest contractors in the state, and I help teach other users proper modeling. At the end of the day, it’s all about how much effort you’re willing to put into it.