Education/training
Training centre for construction execsIt's an organization that was created the same year as our country. Nearly 140 years later, the Toronto Construction Association (TCA) remains committed to the betterment of the construction industry through such initiatives as a training centre for construction executives. LINDA WHITE |
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 [ 2006-09-13 ] |
Construction Institute
"First and foremost, it's positioned as a continuing professional development institute," president and CEO John Mollenhauer says of the Construction Institute. "It recognizes education as a lifelong commitment and creates opportunities for industry practitioners to stay current in terms of local industry-specific technical and professional development."
The Construction Institute, established in 2003, offers a range of programs, courses and seminars in theoretical concepts, practical business solutions, ethical reasoning and management techniques.
COURSES AND SEMINARS
Courses include: blueprint reading and estimating, construction law, fundamentals of construction, leadership development in construction, managing human resources for contractors, planning and scheduling for contractors and small business construction essentials.
The Institute also offers a variety of seminars, including one on the Construction Lien Act and a tendering and bidding school. Courses are open to all interested, with special rates for TCA members.
The Construction Institute also provides accreditation/certification based on education, experience, service and conduct. Though the accreditation process is voluntary and non-governmental, Mollenhauer believes it offers numerous benefits, including professional status and peer recognition.
The accreditation can also serve as a marketing tool and provides a measurable benchmark of competence by clients, government organizations and other agencies. It's designed to assist in the transferability of qualifications from company to company or region to region and represents a commitment to ethical practices and standards.
Anyone seeking accreditation must take two mandatory workshops: ethics and tendering, and bidding school. Core competencies in the building code, health and safety and leadership development are built within specific programs. Advanced standing is available: If you are gold seal certified, you will receive credit for work completed.
Standings include: Candidate, Associate Member, Member, Professional Constructor, Master Builder or Fellow of the Construction Institute.
"Designation is recognized by peers and buyers of construction," Mollenhauer says. "We work with (the Canadian Construction Association's) Gold Seal, architectures and engineers to have programs that are practical and industry specific."
The TCA has more than 2,200 member companies representing an estimated 300,000 industry professionals. It offers a variety of services, including advice and counselling on matters relating to contract law, the Lien Act and payment process guidelines.
TCA is also in the Alternative Dispute Resolution business and frequently hosts mediation and/or arbitration hearings to members seeking to avoid the cost of arbitration. It's committed to attracting qualified new talent to the industry through its Speakers' Bureau and Future Building Show. Visit www.tcanet works.com to learn more.
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TORONTO CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION
Established in 1867, the Toronto Construction Association (TCA) is one of the oldest and largest construction associations of its kind in North America. It:
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