BOTTOM LINE
Elevating the trade through e-learning How technology is revolutionizing professional development today
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-learning is one of the fastest-growing educational resources worldwide. It not only increases retention rates by 25% – 60%, but it is also perfect for busy schedules since it is an easily accessible and flexible tool. Industry-specific online educational resources aim to provide a space where contractors and company owners can explore series, webinars and podcasts that will cultivate their knowledge while elevating the trade. E-learning has proved to be an efficient tool for the future of the coatings industry since it allows contractors to continually learn and master their skills. Just this year, there have been new online resources released from organizations like OSHA, XO Safety, and Breakthrough Academy. These types of platforms are not only important for providing education, but also for providing accessibility and self-paced learning. Chris Moore, founder of Elite Business Advisors, says, “I see e-learning as a pivotal point in the professionalization of the painting industry. We will continue to see the trend of educated contractors rapidly develop alongside technology as more contractors look for information to help them grow into skilled craftsmen and seek the ability to learn through headphones while on the jobsite.” Content and resources In the coatings industry, e-learning has taken on an important role and become the main tool to provide companies with resources to train and educate employees. This burgeoning resource has proven crucial in equipping newer contractors with the hard skills and best practices they need to master the trade in a short period of time, which is critical at a time when work is plentiful and qualified help is scarce. Many reputable organizations are actively developing online courses and training programs with the purpose of making the learning process easier and more engaging. For example, the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) recently released PCA Overdrive.
Many painting contractors in the industry use series on PCA Overdrive like the Trade Best Practices series or Advice from a Young Tradesman to train their crews while at the same time learning new skills and concepts in different areas of their businesses. Christian Tirado, owner of Seamless Drywall in Indio, CA and one of PCA Overdrive’s most active users, says he uses this e-learning platform regularly because it offers him the ultimate guide on the business of contracting. He emphasizes the usefulness and convenience of online learning to manage his business, particularly in marketing and sales. His story is an excellent example of how e-learning has increased the industry development and expansion by normalizing the
“ I see e-learning as a pivotal point in the professionalization of the painting industry.” —CHRIS MOORE, ELITE BUSINESS ADVISORS transition from being a contractor to being a business owner. As Noah Kanter, the host of Advice from a Young Tradesman, admits, “I would have killed for this treasure trove of educational and inspirational content when I was coming up because it is an incredible resource for every forward-thinking paint contractor.” Learning is a key aspect of the coatings industry’s talent cycle. Everything from new-recruit onboarding to contractors’ competency depends on the training, knowledge and mastery of the trade. Fortunately, the prevalence and ease of e-learning options makes achieving mastery—and elevating the industry to the benefit of all—easier than ever.
KATIE JACOME is PCA’s digital media specialist, focusing on the logistics of producing high-quality material, developing messages, and establishing a consistent voice and tone for the organization. She concentrates her efforts on creating informative content for both PCA members and the painting industry as a whole to elevate the trade. PCAPaintEd.org
Sep/Oct 2021 | inPAINT
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