Online Training Tools Worth the Investment (or Free!)

In construction, you don’t stop learning when you leave trade school or finish your apprenticeship. The best crews stay sharp, up-to-date on safety, and tuned in to new tools and methods. Training doesn’t have to mean sitting in a classroom for hours. These days, there are plenty of online training tools, some of them free, that can boost your knowledge and keep your team ahead of the curve.

Here are some worth checking out:

1. OSHA-Certified Free Courses

If you’re going to start anywhere, start with OSHA. Safety is non-negotiable, and OSHA offers a library of free and low-cost courses online. From fall protection to ladder safety to scaffold setup, these modules are recognized nationwide and can even help you meet compliance requirements.

• OSHA Outreach Training (10-hour & 30-hour courses): Although not free, these courses are affordable and widely respected.

• Free OSHA resources: Their website offers a wealth of guides, hazard alerts, and downloadable PDFs that you can review with your crew at no cost.

? Pro tip: Assign one short safety course or PDF review per week during your tailgate meetings. It adds up.

2. YouTube Channels for Builders & Contractors

Sometimes the best training doesn’t feel like training at all; it’s watching someone who’s been in the field for 30 years explain a trick or demo a tool. YouTube is packed with tradespeople sharing knowledge. A few standouts:

• The Build Show with Matt Risinger – Great for staying on top of building science, materials, and pro tips.

• Essential Craftsman – Scott Wadsworth covers everything from hand tools to big-picture thinking about the trades.

• OSHA Training Institute – Yes, even OSHA has YouTube content, with practical, easy-to-digest videos.

And don’t underestimate the “one-off” videos from fellow contractors. If you’re trying to figure out how to set up a tricky scaffold configuration or handle materials safely, YouTube often has someone walking through it step-by-step. Texas Bricklady is one of our favorites. Although relatively new to YouTube, she often has links to free resources.

3. Apps That Put Training in Your Pocket

Your phone can be more than a distraction; it can be a tool belt. A few apps we recommend:

• NIOSH Ladder Safety App (Free): Helps set up ladders at the correct angle, reducing one of the most common jobsite accidents.

• Scaffold Inspection Apps: Several free and paid versions exist (like SafetyCulture’s iAuditor) to help keep your scaffold inspections organized and documented.

• Procore & PlanGrid (Paid): Not training apps per se, but if you’re managing projects, learning these platforms can save time and prevent costly mistakes.

4. Industry Associations & Manufacturer Resources

Many scaffold and safety manufacturers offer free training modules, webinars, or certification programs. For example:

• Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA): Offers online courses and webinars on scaffold safety and regulations.

• Manufacturer Training: Brands like Werner and Hilti often have free video tutorials, product guides, and downloadable resources.

Whether you’re a foreman looking to keep your crew sharp or a new hire wanting to get ahead, investing in training pays off. And with so many free (or nearly free) options available, there’s no excuse not to keep learning.

At Southwest Scaffolding, we see firsthand how training translates into safer, more efficient jobsites. So pull out your phone, bookmark a few of these resources, and keep building your skills.