Introduction to Construction Estimating (CE)

Outline:
To ensure project success, contractors must be able to provide accurate and professional estimates of costing and materials. This online training course will provide learners with skills and knowledge related to estimating practices, and help them understand the importance of estimates as one of the key first steps in any construction job. The lesson modules cover a wide range of topics, with interactive activities based on real-life field situations to help reinforce the lessons.

Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course you will know more about: 

  • How to produce accurate and professional estimates.
  • Site-specific conditions and regulatory requirements.
  • How to handle the purchasing and logistics associated with materials on a construction project.
  • Labour performance and operations.
  • How to effectively organize and manage current and historical cost data.
  • How to assemble bids and meet bid closure deadlines.
  • On-site equipment and material placement.
  • Safety and job conditions.

Register for this course here. After you have registered and received your login details, access the course online here.

Merit Contractors Association, Construction, training, Merit College of Construction, e-learning

Communication, Negotiation, Conflict Resolution (CNCR)

Outline:
This course has been designed to help improve written, oral and negotiating skills within the construction industry. (2 Gold Seal credits)

Learning Objectives:
This course will provide managers with the tools to help them:

  • Define a conflict
  • Identify the stages of conflict
  • Understand the importance of communication
  • Use assertiveness techniques to get their point across
  • Deal with difficult people more effectively
  • Recognize the criteria for an effective negotiator
  • Understand how power can be used/abused in negotiation
  • Identify when to close negotiations

Register for this course here. After you have registered and received your login details, access the course online here.

First Level Supervisor Training Program

Outline:
This course will introduce you to all aspects of supervision beginning with a discussion of the supervisor's role and the skills required. The course examines the supervisor's role with respect to safety, inspections and investigations, and human resource management including how to address personal problems and performance issues. The course introduces you to planning and scheduling, productivity and quality, and problem solving. The final section teaches you how to lead an effective work team. The course duration is approximately 14 hours.

Learning Objectives:
This course will help you understand how to:

  • Build your supervisory skills
  • Lead a work crew
  • Communicate effectively
  • Manage your role in safety and due diligence
  • Develop and motivate teams
  • Address performance issues

While this program is not a substitute for Merit's in-class Supervisor Training Program, it provides an awareness of the strong supervisor skills required on any construction project.

Register for this course here. After you have registered and received your login details, access the course online here.

WorkFace Planning Awareness for Tradespeople

Outline:
Workface Planning Awareness for Tradespeople provides tradespeople with a high level explanation of WorkFace Planning. This course will introduce you to the WorkFace Planning (WFP) process and the benefits it offers. You will learn about key WorkFace Planning concepts and specialized WFP roles that will assist you in your daily work routines.

This course is approximately 60 minutes in length and is broken into 3 content modules; each of which contains an interactive section focused on reinforcing the concepts introduced during the module. At the end of each content module you will complete a short quiz consisting of 5 randomly generated multiple choice questions. In order to advance, you must recieve a score of 80% or higher. Upon successful completion of WorkFace Planning Awareness for Tradespeople, you will receive a wallet-sized certificate.

Learning Objectives:
Purpose of WorkFace Planning

  • What is it?
  • Why is it necessary?
  • When and where should WFP be used in a project?


Process of Workface Planning

  • Important steps to execute WorkFace Planning effectively
  • Field Installation Work Packages (FIWP)
  • Front end activities required to support WorkFace Planning


Roles Involved in WorkFace Planning

  • Who implements WFP on a project?
  • What are their responibilities?

Register for this course here. After you have registered and received your login details, access the course online here.

Introduction to Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Outline:
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is the process of generating and managing building data in parallel with the life cycle of the building, from design to construction to handover and beyond. It is already industry standard in much of the world and is quickly becoming a standard feature in Canada.

As BIM is adopted by more and more construction companies, its usefulness has expanded beyond the original design phase activities. This course positions BIM in the context of all phases of construction illustrating how to maximize BIM as a tool for the entire construction team. You will see how BIM fits into the construction workflow. It introduces the BIM philosophy in design, bidding, construction, commissioning, delivery, and as-built stages of construction.

Learning Objectives:
After successfully completing this course learners will:

  • Know what BIM is;
  • Recognize the full potential of BIM technology;
  • Comprehend the BIM philosophy;
  • Be aware of how BIM can assist at all stages of a construction project;
  • Appreciate existing and potential new uses for BIM;
  • See the value of new technologies such as BIM.

This course is available online only. A certificate is given upon completion. You can register for the course here.

Construction Law (CL)

Outline:
This course is designed to teach and familiarize owners, managers, supervisors and project managers with construction contracts and contract law; liabilities and responsibilities of all parties to a contract, compiling and submitting proper extras and claims, and ways and means for leaders to avoid conflict with contracts, owners, trades, and labour.

Learning Objectives:
This course will provide managers with the tools to help them:

  • Understand construction contracts;
  • Recognize the different construction roles;
  • Write contracts;
  • Identify simple errors in construction contracts;
  • Understand the claim process;
  • Learn to solve construction disputes effectively.

This course is available online only. A certificate is given upon completion. You can read more about the course here and register for it here.

Confined Spaces Safety Awareness (CSP)

Outline:
This course will introduce you to the types of confined spaces and the associated hazards. You will learn about the activities within a confined space, and codes of practice. Different types of hazard controls are presented including engineering, administrative and protective equipment.

Learning Objectives:
After successfully completing this course you will be able to:

  • Identify the types of confined spaces;
  • Recognize the potential confined space hazards;
  • Assess and control these hazards;
  • Understand your roles and responsibilities prior to entry, while working, and on leaving a confined space.

This course is available online only. A certificate is given upon completion. You can read more about the course here and register for it here.