Angela Gismondi
The training programs and Lunch N Learns offered by the Barrie Construction Association (BCA) not only provide members with critical industry education that allows them to meet education requirements, they also help businesses stay competitive and offer excellent networking opportunities.
One of the core values of the association is to provide industry-leading education and they do so in a variety of ways.
The BCA hosts a variety of Lunch N Learns and training programs throughout the year. The sessions are held the lunch hour from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and topics range from the latest industry news and changes to tips on running a successful business. Some of the most recent topics include the Construction Act, Working for Workers Act, the Ontario Building Code, Adjudication, Working with the City of Barrie and online Gold Seal certification.
“We’ve got speakers lined up,” said Alison Smith, executive director of the Barrie Construction Association. “A lot of ideas come from board members saying they want to know more about a particular topic. Chances are if they want to know more about something, other members will as well.”
Members are also invited to share ideas on topics to be addressed during the Lunch N Learns.
“It’s also about getting feedback from the members as to how we select subject matters,” said Smith. “It’s usually not difficult to find someone to speak about just about anything.”
The Lunch N Learns are held once or twice a month September to May and are free for members. Time for questions and answers is included to promote discussion between members. Lunch is provided and members also get the benefit of networking with others in the industry.
“It’s free information and knowledge,” said Smith. “One of the most successful Lunch N Learns we run is with lawyers and it’s dealing with the Construction Act, Prompt Payment and we usually have to rent out a venue because it’s so popular. We usually have two or three lawyers and they can ask any questions. It’s information that would be more difficult for them to get on their own.”
BCA also offers members with opportunities for career development and skills enhancement. The association uses resources and organizations that are affiliated with the construction industry to provide the best and most relevant training. In terms of safety and training courses, BCA offers CPR, Working at Heights and Counterbalance Forklift to ensure businesses are fully prepared and compliant with provincial by-laws. In-person classes are held in the training room at the BCA headquarters located at 200 Brock Street in Barrie. While there are sessions scheduled each month, BCA can also arrange additional dates to suit a company’s needs.
BCA offers an online learning component as well.
“We offer all kinds of virtual courses like Microsoft Project for Construction, Microsoft Excel for Construction, Mastering Subcontracts, Blue Print Reading, Construction Contract Documents, Close Out of a Construction Project and safety courses,” said Smith. “A lot of the professional development programs are Gold Seal.”
All the courses and schedules are available on the BCA’s website www.barrieca.com.
Smith said they are always looking for new ideas and welcome input from members. To suggest a topic, email in**@******ca.com.