AISC
Career Accelerator Program with Steel
2025 applications are now closed.
Please check back for an opportunity to apply in 2026!
New project managers--here's your opportunity to hone your leadership skills while networking with other project managers in the structural steel industry!
The Career Accelerator Program with Steel (CAPS) is a four-year project management development initiative that takes place at NASCC: The Steel Conference. Participants, known as CAPS Fellows, attend specialized project management sessions with the rest of their cohort and receive additional training focused on their areas of project management, including fabrication, erection, and engineering.
How does CAPS work?
Individuals who are interested in CAPS must apply for the program, which is capped at 60 participants per cohort.
During the first three years, CAPS Fellows participate in exclusive Steel Conference sessions designed to give them a deeper understanding of project management. During the fourth year, Fellows complete a capstone project and mentor someone in their first year of the program.
Why should I participate in CAPS?
CAPS is a free program that positions project managers for success in their careers. If you're a CAPS Fellow, you not only participate in the program for free but also receive complimentary registration for NASCC: The Steel Conference for all four years of the program.
Who can participate?
CAPS is only open to AISC full, professional, associate, and affiliate members.
What will I learn?
Year One
CAPS1-1 - Introduction to Career Accelerator Program with Steel (CAPS)
Wednesday, April 2 at 10:15 a.m.
Room L010 - L014
This session will serve as an Introduction to AISC's Career Accelerator Program with Steel (CAPS). Participants in the CAPS program will be exposed to various topics critical to a career in the structural steel industry ranging from basic management principles to a crucial understanding of AISC technical documents. This session will offer an overview of these topics and feature reflections on a career in the steel industry from an award-winning speaker at the Steel Conference.
CAPS1-2 - What AISC Can Do for You
Wednesday, April 2 at 11:30 a.m.
Room L010 - L014
As part of the CAPS curriculum, this session will explore and highlight AISC initiatives including Workforce Development, Fabricator Education, and Technology (among others), as well as AISC member benefits.
CAPS1-3 - Modern Manufacturing of Structural Steel Shapes and Its Impact on Design
Wednesday, April 2 at 3:00 p.m.
Room L010 - L014
This session will provide a basic overview of modern steelmaking processes involved in the production of structural steel shapes that are commonly used in structural steel framing. Attendees will also learn the difference between mill orders and service center orders and gain an understanding of mill rolling schedules.
CAPS1-4 - What You Need to Know About the CoSP
Wednesday, April 2 at 4:45 p.m.
Room L010 - L014
Whether you have just started in this business or have been around for a couple of years, the Code of Standard Practice is a critical resource for you in this business. This document provides trade practices for those involved in the design, purchase, fabrication, and erection of structural steel. This session will provide an overview of all sections of the Code.
CAPS1-5 - Construction Contracts 101: An Introduction to Important Contract Provisions and How They Impact Your Responsibilities
Thursday, April 3 at 9:45 a.m.
Room L010 - L014
Contracts are central to an understanding of the scope of work and the terms and conditions that identify the responsibilities of the parties. While many contracts contain similar terms, not all contracts are the same and are certainly not all equal in how they allocate performance risk. In this program, we will introduce you to important contract provisions that impact not only your responsibilities but also those of the general contractor and the structural engineer. For example, we will review the scope of work provisions, scheduling provisions, and payment provisions. We will also cover provisions of the Code of Standard Practice to better understand the requirements that impact the work of the steel fabricator and structural engineer.
CAPS1-6 - Personal Leadership and Career Development
Thursday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m.
Room L010 - L014
Learn how to plan and execute a successful career path in our industry. Learn how developing your leadership skills is critical to your career success. Understand your strengths and weaknesses when you are placed in charge of a team or project. Learn to manage and participate as a leader with your team members and colleagues. Attendance at this session is by invitation only and is only open to accepted members of the CAPS program.
CAPS1-7 - Wrap-Up for the Career Accelerator Program with Steel
Friday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m.
Room L010 - L014
This session will serve as a wrap-up to AISC's Career Accelerator Program with Steel (CAPS) for both cohorts at NASCC: The Steel Conference 2025. Participants in the CAPS program will be exposed to various topics critical to a career in the structural steel industry, ranging from basic management principles to a crucial understanding of AISC technical documents. This session will offer both 2025 cohorts the opportunity to participate in an open discussion on what they learned and how we can improve CAPS. Attendance at this session is by invitation only and is only open to accepted members of the CAPS program.
In addition to these core sessions, CAPS Fellows will attend six supplementary seminars at NASCC: The Steel Conference chosen from among more than 250 available options.
Year Two
Have you secured your seat yet for CAPS Year 2? RSVP today.
CAPS2-1 - Fundamentals of Welding
Wednesday, April 2 at 3:00 p.m.
Room L015 - L019
The world of welding is deep and wide, but everyone involved with structural steel construction needs to have a baseline understanding of welding and aligned processes. This session will provide a baseline on the fundamentals of welding structural steel. Attendance at this session is by invitation only and is only open to accepted members of the CAPS program.
CAPS2-2 - Effective Communication
Wednesday, April 2 at 4:45 p.m.
Room L015 - L019
In this very interactive session, attendees will discover the crucial role of communication in achieving effectiveness and will learn which communication methods are most effective in different situations.
CAPS2-3 - An Understanding of AESS
Thursday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m.
Room L015 - L019
The AISC method for specifying Architecturally Exposed Structural Steel (AESS) was designed to improve communication between the architect, engineer, and fabricator by creating a system that created a very clear hierarchy of choices. The system defines Categories of AESS that are further given a series of additive characteristics that are used by the team to create finished steel that is well-suited for its level of exposure. Exposure relates to the distance to view and intended building use. It is important for the management team to understand the impact that AESS has on the project timeline and development.
CAPS2-4 - Quality Sessions
Thursday, April 3 at 1:45 p.m.
- Quality and the Erector - Room L013
This session offers project managers an overview of key quality principles for structural steel erectors. Learn how to navigate and implement Chapter N of AISC 360, focusing on inspection requirements and quality control measures that drive successful project outcomes. Equip yourself with the tools to ensure compliance and elevate project performance. - Quality for Fabricators - Room L015 - L019
Join your fellow participants to use provided materials and references to solve quality issues. Conducted in round table fashion, each participant will play a key role in their group’s success, as well as pickup on the findings of other groups to add tools to their quality toolbox. - Quality for Structural Engineers - Room L010 - L014
This session equips structural engineers with practical methods to enhance quality in steel design and construction. Learn how to integrate key quality control measures into your design process and construction practices, ensuring compliance with industry standards and improving project performance. Attendees will gain actionable insight to consistently deliver high-quality steel structures.
CAPS2-5 - Code of Standard Practice Sessions
Thursday, April 3 at 4:15 p.m.
- What Steel Erectors Need to Know about the COSP - Room L013
The Code of Standard Practice is a critical resource in the steel erection business. This document provides trade practices for those involved in the design, purchase, fabrication, and erection of structural steel. This session will provide a detailed review of specific sections of the Code for steel erectors who are enrolled in the CAPS program. - What Steel Fabricators Need to Know about the COSP - Room L015 - L019
The Code of Standard Practice is a critical resource in the steel fabrication business. This document provides trade practices for those involved in the design, purchase, fabrication, and erection of structural steel. This session will provide a detailed review of specific sections of the Code for steel fabricators who are enrolled in the CAPS program. - What Structural Engineers Need to Know about the COSP - Room L010 - L014
The Code of Standard Practice is a critical resource in the design business. This document provides trade practices for those involved in the design, purchase, fabrication, and erection of structural steel. This session will provide a detailed review of specific sections of the Code for design engineers who are enrolled in the CAPS program.
CAPS2-6 - Fundamentals of Bolting
Friday, April 4 at 9:15 a.m.
Room L015 - L019
This session covers the essential principles of bolting in structural steel applications, tailored for engineers, fabricators, and erectors. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of bolting fundamentals, including bolt types, installation techniques, and proper torque application. We will explore the importance of bolt specifications, joint design, and inspection practices to ensure structural integrity and performance. Join us to enhance your knowledge of bolting and discover best practices that can help optimize your projects and mitigate risks in the field.
CAPS2-7 - Wrap-Up for the Career Accelerator Program with Steel
Friday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m.
Room L010 - L014
This session will serve as a wrap-up to AISC's Career Accelerator Program with Steel (CAPS) for both cohorts at NASCC: The Steel Conference 2025. Participants in the CAPS program will be exposed to various topics critical to a career in the structural steel industry, ranging from basic management principles to a crucial understanding of AISC technical documents. This session will offer both 2025 cohorts the opportunity to participate in an open discussion on what they learned and how we can improve CAPS. Attendance at this session is by invitation only and is only open to accepted members of the CAPS program.
In addition to these core sessions, CAPS Fellows will attend six supplementary seminars at NASCC: The Steel Conference, in which you can choose from more than 250 available options.
Year Three & Four
To be announced in future years, these sessions will be a valuable addition to the CAPS program.
Who can answer my questions about CAPS?
Please direct all CAPS-related questions to Scott Melnick at melnick@aisc.org.