Building Knowledge: The Construction Industry Explained

No matter where you are in your construction career, Building Knowledge: The Construction Industry Explained (formerly known as Construction 101) provides the insights and tools you need to succeed. For seasoned professionals, it’s an opportunity to connect the dots, refine strategies, and gain a broader understanding of the industry’s complexities. For those newer to the industry, it’s the ultimate guide to understanding how the construction landscape operates and how every role contributes to project success.

This two-day course combines expert-led discussions, hands-on exercises, and real-world examples to explore the full lifecycle of a construction project—from concept to closeout. Learn how to streamline workflows, mitigate risks, and improve profitability while seeing how your work fits into the bigger picture.

Why Take This Course?

• Drive Profitability: Learn strategies to reduce project risks, enhance operational efficiency, and optimize decision-making to boost your company’s bottom line.
• Big Picture Perspective: Understand the construction process from start to finish, including key roles and responsibilities.
• Learn from the Experts: Hear from industry guest speakers who bring firsthand experience and insider tips.
• Tailored for You: Whether you’re in operations, administration, leadership, or procurement, this course offers something for everyone.  

 Whether you’re new to the industry or looking to refine your expertise, this course provides clear insight into how every stakeholder impacts project success—and how to turn that knowledge into results for your company.

Topics:

1. The Construction Landscape:
• Roles of contractors, consultants, and stakeholders
• Understanding construction associations and resources
2. Project Lifecycle:
• Major steps in construction projects from start-up to closeout
• Delivery methods and contracts (CCDC and CCA forms)
3. Risk Management:
• Comprehensive overview of bonding and insurance
• Strategies to mitigate financial and operational risks
4. Bidding and Tendering:
• Best practices for bid preparation, evaluation, and contract award
• Understanding bid documents and the legalities of tendering
5. Contracts and Legal Essentials:
• Key contract clauses and their implications
• Managing changes, disputes, and warranties
6. Project Management and Execution:
• Budgeting, scheduling, and quality control
• Mobilization, procurement, and cost control systems
7. Industry Best Practices:
• Sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and safety
• Effective use of project documentation and communication

Debbie Hicks, DSH Consulting

With a comprehensive education background (diploma in Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, teaching credential and in-progress MBA), learning has been at the core of Debbie’s career. As former president of the Southern Interior Construction Association in B.C. for 22 years, liaising with the buyers of construction services, architects, engineers and contractors in advocacy and education, Debbie brings a solid base to her expertise. In addition, Debbie’s recent experience as the owner rep for Kelowna Yacht Club’s clubhouse construction has provided additional perspective. Through these experiences and teaching techniques she brings both knowledge and interaction to the classroom – creating an ideal learning environment.

Plus Industry Guest Speakers!

New and longtime employees who are interested in understanding all the pieces of the construction industry, including:

• Contractors (general and trades)
• Buyers of Construction Services (municipalities and school districts)
• Design Consultants (engineers and architects)

Homework Requirements

There will be approximately 15 - 30 minutes a day of study required outside of the class time. Your course instructor will go over your homework and provide instructions during your orientation session.

WCA Cancellation Policy

WCA will provide a full refund or education credit equal to the amount paid for the course if registration is cancelled five (5) full business days prior to the course start date. Payment is non-refundable for cancellations made within five (5) full business days of the course start date and there will be no transfers to future course dates.

Complimentary substitution of another member of your company/team is welcome right up until the course start time for no additional fee. Please email us at wcaeducation@winnipegconstruction.ca if you require a substitution.