At Structural Component Academy (SCA), we offer online courses designed to give you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in the structural component industry. Whether you’re a high school student, a professional starting a new career, or a truss plant new hire, our courses provide practical, industry-focused training at your own pace.
SCA is not a traditional college or trade school. Our programs are:
Affordable – Only $6,500 compared to tens of thousands at a 4-year college.
Fast – Learn the fundamentals and software skills in months instead of years.
Industry-Focused – Learn the exact tools, processes, and software professionals use every day.
Flexible – Self-paced learning allows you to balance life, work, or school.
The primary difference between the entry-level and the advanced level course lies in the assumed knowledge of the student, the complexity of the material, and the required application of that knowledge.
The entry-level course will focus on foundational concepts, while advanced level course builds on this prerequisite knowledge to explore specialized, complex roof designs in greater depth.
Prerequisites
Few to none, as the course is designed for those with little to no prior knowledge of the roof truss industry.
Requires prerequisite knowledge from the entry-level course, using it as a foundation for more complex roof designs.
Course content
Covers the basic concepts, vocabulary, and principles of the roof truss industry, and simple roof design with 8 different roof designs to build on.
Focuses on more specialized roofs, requiring a deeper, more extensive understanding of the roof truss design including changes in ceiling designs.
Complexity
Requires a basic level of knowledge and recall, because each Module builds on concepts and designs from the previous module. Each module will become more challenging
Expects students to engage in higher-level thinking, this area will not have as much instructor input, student must build from their knowledge of the first 8 modules in the entry-level
Application of knowledge
Involves applying basic skills and following a structured set of instructions. There are lots of instructor lead knowledge and training in this level.
Challenges students to use critical thinking and solve complex roof designs and apply theoretical knowledge in more abstract and sophisticated ways. You will always be able to refer back to the entry level is needed.
Teaching style
Each module allows the student to have the material in a visual, auditory, reading and kinesthetic learning style.
The advance level makes the student think more about the roof design concept without as much aid from the instructor led entry level but in the roof truss industry, the simple house is a box & all plans are just a bunch of boxes that are connected, the student just needs to see the roof in this way.
Class size
Each student has 90 days to complete. The course is an e-learning course, but they can send an email if they need any assistance and a tech will be able to direct them.
Each student has 90 days to complete. The course is an e-learning course, but they can send an email if they need any assistance and a tech will be able to direct them
Assignments
Includes a General Section and Modules 1-8 with at least 18 questions in a quiz form at the end of each module
Includes a General Section and Modules 9-15 with at least 18 questions in a quiz form at the end of each module. These students will also have an additional 5 sets of blueprints that are very advanced and will test their skill set.
Expectations
When applying for a roof truss designer job, they will have a basic fundamental understanding of reading blueprints, finding the information off those prints so it can be input into a roof truss software program and begin a career as a remote/in-house truss designer
After the entry level and advance level courses are complete, a person can begin a career as a remote/in-house truss designer as expect to be well compensated for their knowledge of the roof truss industry.
Industry Awareness – Understand the role of trusses and components in construction.
Basics – Blueprint reading, construction math, and safety fundamentals.
Design “How To” – Learn to input data into software and design trusses.
Real-Life Blueprint Experience – Apply concepts to real-world examples.
Career Connections – Access job listings, network with industry pros, and land your first role.
Three months access to complete the first 8 modules
Learn from anywhere, anytime
Each module builds upon the last for steady skill growth
Our courses are designed to build on each module, taking you from foundational concepts to advanced design skills:
Understand blueprints, structural principles, and industry terminology.
Master the top 4 truss design software's used by professionals.
Each module builds on the last, reinforcing skills and knowledge.
Apply what you learn to actual truss designs and layouts.
Easily connect to jobs and industry contacts once you finish.
The more you know, the more you have to earn. SCA courses provide the skills, knowledge, and confidence to step into a truss or component design role quickly and affordably. Compare the cost and time of a 4-year college or trade school to our online, self-paced program, and you’ll see the smart choice for your future.
Our courses are designed for anyone ready to start or advance a career in structural component design. Ask yourself if one of these scenarios fits:
You’re a high school student looking for a fast, affordable alternative to college while gaining in-demand skills.
You’re starting a new career later in life and want practical training without going back to a traditional college program.
If any of these sound like you, SCA can help you learn the fundamentals, sharpen your software skills, and launch a career in an industry with growing demand.