Building Knowledge: The Construction Industry Explained
Formerly known as Construction 101.
Description
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:
- The Construction Landscape:
- Roles of contractors, consultants, and stakeholders
- Understanding construction associations and resources
- Project Lifecycle:
- Major steps in construction projects from start-up to closeout
- Delivery methods and contracts (CCDC and CCA forms)
- Risk Management:
- Comprehensive overview of bonding and insurance
- Strategies to mitigate financial and operational risks
- Bidding and Tendering:
- Best practices for bid preparation, evaluation, and contract award
- Understanding bid documents and the legalities of tendering
- Contracts and Legal Essentials:
- Key contract clauses and their implications
- Managing changes, disputes, and warranties
- Project Management and Execution:
- Budgeting, scheduling, and quality control
- Mobilization, procurement, and cost control systems
- Industry Best Practices:
- Sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and safety
- Effective use of project documentation and communication
Presenter
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!
Intended Audience
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)
Related Info
What Past Participants Say About This Course...
If you're entry level or advanced in the construction industry, this course is for you. It's for all walks of life wanting to know how the construction project lifecycle works, and what you can do to make it better. I highly recommend taking this course. Debbie Hicks was an amazing presenter, teacher, and showed us everything with great skill. The workflow of the course was perfect, and I was never lost.
For anyone that is entering the construction trade or has been in the construction trade without any formal construction education outside of trades certifications I would highly recommend this course be taken first!
Debbie has put together an engaging course that is relevant to the 1.4 million Canadians that make up our industry!
I truly believe everyone, especially those new to construction, should take this course. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the industry as a whole, which is often missing when people are too focused on their own roles. Many individuals in construction can become siloed in their specific positions without seeing the bigger picture or understanding the interconnectedness of all roles. This course bridges that gap and helps put all the puzzle pieces together.
One of the highlights for me was the diverse mix of people from all different positions. Hearing from individuals with different perspectives added a lot of value and gave me a more holistic view of the field. I highly recommend this course to anyone in the industry—whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge
A thorough, high-impact and high energy course. A ton of quality information and engagement in a workable amount of time for a working professional. Debbie takes the course seriously while not taking herself seriously. Should be mandatory for all construction related professionals.
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.