FALLS CHURCH, VA — “Use the Tools You Have” was a theme of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation’s popular Essentials of Project Management class.

From the moment the United States set out to build its first six frigates, we have needed someone in defense or government to take charge of bringing in big military projects on time and on budget.

The job outlook for project management professionals is strong: 2.3 million people will need to enter project management-oriented employment every year through 2030 just to keep up with global demand, ...