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CONSTRUCTION FUNDAMENTALS TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM

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GBCA EVENT PHOTOS

GBCA EVENT PHOTOS

MARYBETH GERDELMANN, ASSOCIATE, EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT | GBCA

The General Building Contractors Association (GBCA) is enhancing its commitment to workforce development in Philadelphia's construction industry through its Construction Fundamentals education program and a newly introduced tuition reimbursement initiative. These efforts aim to provide accessible, high-quality training for both newcomers and seasoned professionals seeking to advance their skills.

Comprehensive Online Construction Courses

In partnership with Construction Experts Inc., GBCA offers a variety of online courses that teach essential construction concepts and advanced industry skills. These interactive, fully online classes are led by industry professionals with extensive experience in both construction and education. Participants can choose between self-paced courses, which can be started at any time and completed within a specified period, and 10week guided courses available up to four times per year. The program also includes a Construction Estimating Certificate, requiring the completion of at least five courses focused on cost estimation and related competencies.

Highlighted Course Offerings

Here are some of the courses available through GBCA's Construction Fundamentals program:

Introduction to Construction: A self-paced, four-module seminar that introduces the construction industry, its key players, and processes. Topics include safety regulations, construction documents, estimating, project management, scheduling, and project closeout.

Construction Blueprint Reading: This course teaches students how to read and interpret construction drawings, an essential skill for professionals involved in project planning and execution.

Estimating and Bidding 1: An introductory course focusing on the fundamentals of estimating and bidding processes in construction projects. It covers topics such as quantity take-offs, pricing, and bid preparation.

Planning and Scheduling: This course provides insights into project planning and scheduling techniques, including the use of critical path method (CPM) scheduling and other tools to ensure timely project completion.

Construction Fundamentals Tuition Reimbursement Program

To further support professional development, GBCA has introduced a Construction Fundamentals Tuition Reimbursement Program. This initiative is available to employees of Active and Associate member companies, as well as contributors to the Industry Advancement Program (IAP). Eligible participants who achieve a grade of 'B' or higher in approved courses can receive reimbursement for up to 100% of their tuition costs. The program has an annual budget and operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two reimbursements per company per year to ensure equitable distribution of funds.

Application Process

Prospective participants should register for their chosen course through GBCA's Online Learning platform. Upon successful completion and receipt of a qualifying grade, they must submit an application for reimbursement within two weeks. GBCA will review the application and process the reimbursement, typically issuing a check within two months of course completion.

Commitment to Workforce Development

These educational initiatives reflect GBCA's dedication to fostering a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in Philadelphia's construction sector. By providing accessible training and financial support, GBCA empowers individuals to enhance their expertise, contributing to the overall growth and professionalism of the industry.

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