BUILDING A SAFE FUTURE WITH CONSTRUCTION TRAININGS AND CERTIFICATIONS

BUILDING A SAFE FUTURE WITH CONSTRUCTION TRAININGS AND CERTIFICATIONS

BY MEG GINSBERG, MANAGER, TRAINING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT | GBCA

Workers in the construction industry play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of the region, but the inherent risk in their role demands industry standards to keep workers safe. Education courses equip workers and professionals with the necessary knowledge to adhere to safety standards and other regulations to identify and mitigate risks. As a result, improved safety on job sites contribute to the industry’s growth and success.

GBCA and industry organizations provide hands-on training, education and courses that ensure our members understand industry-specific regulations and best practices. As the industry continues to change and evolve, ongoing safety training is important for companies to stay updated on the latest protocols.

Curious about where to begin? Here is a list of nine trainings and certifications that can provide value to you during your professional development.

SAFETY

OSHA 30

Offered three times a year, this course is offered March 25 through March 28, May 20 through May 23, and July 22 through 25. The OSHA Outreach Training Program provides both workers and employers training in preventing safety and health hazards in the construction industry. During the 30-hour training, the program provides education regarding workers’ rights, employer responsibilities and how to file a complaint. This course is a great fit for supervisors, experienced professionals and workers who have day-to-day safety responsibilities.

Eggs With OSHA

This breakfast event, held three times per year, is an opportunity to exchange ideas about safety in the construction industry through member networking. The group-setting discussion, attended by Region III OSHA representatives and the Philadelphia Area Director, is a platform to introduce new products, ideas and methodologies in construction safety. Attendees can network with industry professionals and learn about safety standards and innovations.

United Academy Online Safety Trainings

Through a partnership with United Academy, powered by United Rentals, GBCA offers online safety training courses intended for safety professionals and construction industry workers. Some courses cover general safety training, but also specific topics such as fall protection and confined space excavation.

EDUCATION

Guided Construction Fundamentals Courses

Offered four times a year, this 10-week course offers online learning for those looking to dive into the construction industry. Courses are geared towards individuals looking to start a new career, as well as industry professionals wanting to hone their skills. All classes are taught by industry professionals with extensive experience in the field. Guided courses cover general industry skills, but also niche topics like blueprint reading, estimating, bidding and more.

Self-Paced Construction Fundamental Courses

GBCA also offers courses that can be taken at your own pace within the designated time allotted. These courses can be started anytime, and cover introductory industry materials, and essential math in construction and construction estimating. These courses are designed to develop skills that can be applied to the industry through practice exercises and realworld applications.

Construction Estimating Certificate Program

In partnership with Construction Experts, Inc., GBCA offers a program covering construction estimation where participants can work towards a certificate. The program teaches a fundamental understanding of cost estimation through teaching how to understand construction documents, take-offs and other nuanced costs to learn how to develop comprehensive bids for a project.

To earn a certificate, participants must complete at least five courses that focus on construction estimating. Courses for the certificate should be completed in two years.

AGC Edge

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) offers many educational programs designed for participants to develop their skills and improve performance in the construction industry. AGC Edge teaches field leadership and participants learn through activity-based discussions with case histories, problems and exercises. Courses are intended for individuals in a supervising role looking to learn how to become a more effective manager.

Tuition Reimbursement

GBCA strives to expand its educational and professional development offerings to ensure a skilled and productive workforce. To give members opportunities to build a successful career in construction, GBCA supports educational growth for all member companies and their employees by offering a tuition reimbursement of up to $2,000 per semester for approved courses.

Tuition reimbursement is available to employees of GBCA active or associate member companies and companies that contribute to the GBCA-administered Industry Advancement Program (IAP). Applicants wanting to take advantage of this offering must submit a Tuition Reimbursement Application before course enrollment and will receive a confirmation letter of approval from GBCA.

Professional Development

Dale Carnegie Trainings

Through a partnership with Dale Carnegie Training, GBCA provides professional development training on the business of the construction industry. GBCA members are eligible for a discount on Dale Carnegie’s Core Courses which are synchronous online workshops. Core Courses provide multisession workshops intended for professionals who want to improve their business and leadership performance.

In addition to Core Courses, GBCA members can take advantage of value-pricing online subscription courses called Dale Carnegie Unlimited. These subscription packages offer participants courses to gain certificates in areas like sales, customer service and leadership teaching to improve their professional skills.

GBCA is dedicated to the professional development of its members and is happy to help members as they continue to shape and improve the future of the construction industry. As always, GBCA loves to hear from its members. If there are training programs that you or your team are interested in attending, please reach out to Meg Ginsberg, Manager of Training and Professional Development, at mginsberg@gbca. com with any questions.