Building Knowledge: The Construction Industry Explained

Whether you’re new to construction, new to Canada, or looking to strengthen your understanding of how the industry works, this course gives you a practical, full-picture view of an ICI  construction project from concept to closeout.

Over two days, you’ll build a stronger understanding of how construction projects come together, who is involved, how responsibilities are divided, how decisions are made, and how different project delivery methods influence the way work is planned and completed.

Following the project lifecycle from preconstruction through construction and closeout, you’ll explore the roles of key stakeholders, codes and regulations, procurement and tendering, contracts, site operations, change management and Ready-for-Takeover. Practical scenarios help connect the concepts to real project situations so you can better understand how the different pieces of a construction project fit together and where you fit within them.

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:

Industry & Project Fundamentals

• Project stakeholders, roles and responsibilities
• Construction associations and the regulated design practice ecosystem in Canada
• Modern project delivery methods

Preconstruction

• Authorities having jurisdiction, codes and bylaws
• The contracting pyramid
• Contract documents
• Budgeting, estimating and project bonding
• Procurement and tendering basics
• Standard CCDC contracts

Construction

• General conditions of construction contracts
• Mobilizing on site
• Contract administration
• Site meetings, inspections and testing
• Labour relations basics
• Change order protocols
• Project closeout and Ready-for-Takeover

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!

Individuals working in or moving into management, coordination, administration, site, consulting or support roles within the ICI and civil construction industry, including:

• Project managers and coordinators
• Contractor, consultant and owner representatives
• Field supervisors and site staff
• Architects, engineers, estimators and contract administrators
• Administrative and operations support staff
• Owner/developer representatives and public-sector staff
• Vendors, suppliers and service providers
• Lawyers, commercial real estate, insurance and bonding professionals
• Contractors, consultants and real estate professionals new to Canada

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.