Construction 101
Putting the construction industry pieces together!
Put all the pieces of the construction industry puzzle together with this in-depth two day series covering every aspect of doing business in this sector. You’ll learn how people who make up the many layers of construction management and operations work together in order to succeed.
From suppliers to senior managers, new recruits to seasoned professionals – you are guaranteed to leave the course with a better understanding of how the industry works.
Leading the Day, with industry experts from every field, is Debbie Hicks , BSc, Past President of Southern Interior Construction Association (23 years) Kelowna, BC and CCA Gold Seal Committee Member (7 years).
“Best course I have ever been part of. Amazing!”
- Leslie, University of Northern BC
“I recommend this class to everyone just coming into the Construction World for our company. I found it very beneficial, even after being in Construction for almost 10 years.”
- Jeanette Cooper, Executive Assistant, EllisDon Construction Services Inc.
October 13 + 14 Victoria
Topics include project management basics to legal matters to risk management.
Who should attend?
ANYONE
NEW HIRES
SCHOOL DISTRICTS UNIVERSITIES EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
MUNICIPAL STAFF
JOB SEEKERS
Book before September 1 and save money!
VICA members save $25
Victoria: 250.388.6471
Nanaimo: 250.758.1841
Coming to this course was time well spent. I appreciated hearing from others in different fields of work. This course gave me insight into the layers of authority and how it all works together on a project. It’s helped me, more clearly, understand the bigger picture of a contract life, the details and make up of a contract, and more importantly, how to keep my eye out for risks.
- Kim Carson, Contract Administrator, Arctic Power
TGOLD SEAL CREDIT MANAGEMENT COURSES
he CCA Gold Seal Certification Program is a national certification program for construction project managers, safety coordinators, superintendents, estimators and owners’ project managers. Certification is based on the candidate’s education, experience and their ability to satisfy the rigorous standards of the program.
For the individual — the Gold Seal Certificate is a declaration of skill and competence recognized across Canada by the construction industry. The certificate enhances mobility and professional development of construction managers.
For the contractor — employing Gold Seal certified managers is a statement regarding the professionalism and commitment of the firm to construction management excellence. A Gold Seal Certificate assists employers in recruiting capable construction managers.
To learn more about the Gold Seal Program, go to goldsealcertification.com or contact Robyn Quinn education@vicabc.ca
CONSTRUCTION LAW
TIM WILLIAMS, DAVID LETKEMANN
Construction owners, managers, estimators and supervisors will develop an understanding of contract law as it relates to construction and the various CCDC/CCA and other contracts used within the industry. Participants also learn how the BC Builders Lien Act works and other legal means to resolve construction disputes and avoid litigation.
INTRODUCTION TO BLUEPRINT READING
TIM WILLIAMS, CHAD BRECHIN
Students will learn how to read construction blueprints, using both residential and commercial samples. Participants advance through the phases of blueprint reading in order to understands drawings, specifications and do simple material takeoff. Eligible for one Gold Seal credit.
CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING
TIM WILLIAMS, MARK WATERS
Designed for construction estimators and those with experience in construction who want to become estimators or improve their knowledge of estimating. Participants learn how to estimate construction projects and prepare a successful bid.
GOLD SEAL CREDIT MANAGEMENT COURSES
CONSTRUCTION
TIM WILLIAMS
BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
Construction owners, managers, estimators, supervisors and staff will learn how to improve management and systems of their construction company. Specifically how to do strategic and business planning in construction including marketing, HR management, operations and financial planning.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
TIM WILLIAMS, ENZA BRUNO
Construction owners, project managers, estimators, supervisors and staff learn how to successfully manage a complex construction project. They will gain an understanding of project process and the constraints encountered by project managers. (PMBoK 5th Edition approach)
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY FOR SUPERVISORS
TIM WILLIAMS, ROGER REGEHR
Participants learn the fundamentals for building a safe workplace appropriate for their construction company and become familiar with WorkSafe regulations and Certificate of Recognition audit requirements. They also build practical skills to supervise construction worksites, conduct toolbox talks, provide health and safety training, conduct regular safety inspections, and if an accident occurs, a safety investigation. Participants learn the legal and practical obligations of a prime contractor and how to show due diligence.
VICA ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
COMING EVENTS
Capital Project Forum 2016
SPRING 2016
Join fellow industry leaders for a day-long forum promoting collaboration and co-operation in the construction industry. Enjoy networking, workshops, key note speakers and informational presentations. Registration includes breakfast, lunch and a hosted reception.
“Everything was very well organized. I wouldn’t change a thing!”
- Bradley Shuya, Bradley Shuya Architect Inc
“The speakers were very informative - I feel confident that everyone in the room came away with information they did not have before the workshop.”
- Scott Cunningham, Victoria Airport Authority
TRAFFIC CONTROL
This two-day comprehensive standardized training curriculum is the only course accepted under Section 18 in WorkSafe BC’s regulation.
Our traffic control training ensures your traffic control personnel understand what they need to do, and why, to keep travelers and workers safe and secure.
We cover basic and high risk traffic behaviours and the necessary responses of traffic control personnel. Presented by DOMCOR.
SITE SECURITY
Ensuring your site is at minimum risk for vandalism, after hours safety concerns, and local interruptions are high priorities. This four-hour general site security session will give participants a checklist of necessary training and staffing as well as possible issues and ways to mitigate those risks. Training delivered by VICA members.
As of September 2015, all licensed general contractors will be required to take Continued Professional Development (CPD) courses to maintain their license each year.
Many VICA courses are eligible!
MS PROJECT FOR CONSTRUCTION
NEED TO USE MICROSOFT PROJECT MORE EFFECTIVELY?
Take this 2-day hands-on workshop and learn how.
This course will provide you with the skills to effectively track and analyze projects with a better understanding of the impact of changes.
Using MS Project critical path activities, you will create Gantt charts and identify Baselines and Critical Paths and learn how to handle rain days, budgets and changes due to time delays.
members: $799 per participant
Register online today!
“I have been using this software for one year and have realized that I was barely touching the surface. I will be able to better set my files and present my work at meetings. Great job!”
Frank Landry, M.A.P. Earthworks
Interested in advanced MS courses? E-mail education@vicabc.ca
BULLET-PROOFING YOUR RFPs
MICHAEL ASNER is the author of the Request for Proposal Handbook and recognized as one of North America’s leading speakers, consultants, and authors dealing with public sector procurement and the Request for Proposal process.
NEW!
This one-day workshop will update your RFP skills and provide you with best practices from more than 60 jurisdictions.
Join the discussion on two of the hottest topics in Canadian Public Procurement:
NEGOTIATED RFPS
• Legal basis;
• The rules and the problems;
• How to introduce Negotiations and Best and Final Offers into your process;
• Specific examples of the use of Negotiations/ BAFO in Canada;
• The advantages of negotiating with vendors;
STATEMENTS OF WORK
• Discuss ways of identifying flaws in the Statement of Work
• Describe 5 techniques for verifying the accuracy and completeness of the SOW
• Provide you with checklists, templates, examples and guides for creating an effective SOW.
MAKE BETTER BIDS!
SPEND THE DAY EXAMINING THE RFP PROCESS:
• Rules of Engagement
• Policy issues
• Sample evaluations and more!
“Michael was exceptionally knowledgeable in the content and could answer every question.”
“Lots of good information. Lots of good resources.”
FIRESTOP UNIVERSITY
NATHAN LANG
Learn what BCBC 2012 Code requires and understand how proper installation can save you from losing money on labour and materials. You may think you are compliant but why risk not knowing?
POWDER/GAS ACTUATED TOOL TRAINING
NATHAN LANG
The need to fasten diverse materials quickly and reliably onto concrete and steel is key to structural stability. In response, Hilti developed direct fastening using powder actuated and gas actuated tools.
This course covers:
• Operating principles, fastener selection and safety training, including workers’ compensation requirements for cartridge disposal
• Tool-specific training (in parking lot)
• Operator’s test (written and hands-on)
CHEMICAL/MECHANICAL ANCHOR TRAINING
NATHAN LANG
Do you know the critical risks associated with anchoring? This session will give you practical guidance in the process, because, when you don’t set anchors properly, you risk liability.
Come learn about seismic requirements for mechanical anchoring to be in full compliance with BCBC 2012. Each participant will receive a printout of the BCBC reference and a list of approved IBC 2012 anchors for cracked concrete.
HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING COURSES
INFECTION CONTROL DURING CONSTRUCTION
GRANT RODGERS
NORTH WEST ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP
Contractors need to know the stringent criteria for work to be done in a health facility – not just hospitals but seniors homes and many other situations. The standards are comprehensive and can have a significant impact on costs for the contractor. North West Environmental Group president, Bill Sullivan, shows how contractors can meet those requirements and bid with confidence on the next project. The session will include handson activities and bidding scenarios for:
• Acute care hospitals
• Inpatient continuing care hospitals
• Long-term care facilities
• Community-based providers
• Ambulatory care clinics
• Outpatient care (e.g., clinics, dentists’ and doctors’ offices)
* Pre-order optional copy of CSA Z8000 for $189.00
OSSA & BC COMMERCIAL FALL PROTECTION
PACIFIC RIM SAFETY TRAINING INC.
Falls from heights cost more than just compensation for injured workers. They take an emotional toll that reduces morale and affects everyone. Statistically speaking, falls from elevations represent one of the greatest hazards in the construction industry in BC.
This one-day industrial/commercial end-user program will allow you to understand the use of fall protection as it relates to the work you perform at height. Various fall protection options exist: this course will identify which options best meet your needs, and give you the tools and knowledge to work at height safely.
Fall Protection is required for work in the oil sands. The OSSA courses are taught by a qualified OSSA instructor following specific OSSA guidelines.
OSSA REGIONAL ORIENTATION
PACIFIC RIM SAFETY TRAINING INC.
Anyone who wants to work at an OSSA member worksite must take the OSSA Regional Orientation program. This mandatory session is approximately 30 to 45 minutes long. Gain awareness of job hazards and critical safety issues found on-site and on completion receive a certification card.
OSSA CONFINED SPACE ENTRY MONITOR AND RESCUE
PACIFIC RIM SAFETY TRAINING INC.
This one-day confined space entry/monitor program focuses on giving participants an understanding of confined spaces and restricted spaces. They are able to recognize hazards associated with entry, controls that must be in place to eliminate or reduce such hazards and the duties of a confined space
monitor. The rescue component is the second level of the Confined Space course and has its own certification. Pacific Rim Safety Training’s instructors are trained and certified by Fusion Safety Services.
H2S ALIVE
PACIFIC RIM SAFETY TRAINING INC.
This course is the industry standard for hydrogen sulphide (H2S) training in oil and gas, and is intended for all workers in the petroleum industry. It was developed by the Petroleum Industry Training Service in 1978 and is recognized worldwide.
Program topics:
• H2S properties and Initial Response Strategy
• Respiratory protective equipment
• Gas detection and monitoring
• Rescue techniques and rescue breathing
• Sample case studies Participants write a test on completion and receive a three-year certificate.
TRAINING AVAILABLE IN VICTORIA,
NANAIMO AND NORTH ISLAND
TRAIN THE SAFETY TRAINER
This course is designed to assist medium and small sized construction companies to provide on-the-job and local training. Participants may be company owners or employees who are responsible for organizing safety training and compliance with WorkSafe BC regulations and other legislated safety requirements within the construction industry.
COR INTERNAL AUDITOR
This course introduces the concepts of health and safety program auditing and provides the participant with comprehensive information on the Certificate of Recognition program and the certification process for companies seeking COR certification and the WorkSafe BC rebate. Each participant will be required to complete a COR audit on a construction company. The BCCSA reviews all student audits and will grant a COR Auditor Certificate upon completion.
FOUNDATIONS FOR EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH AND SAFETY
This course introduces the basic concepts of health and safety – the things you will need to know for your company to set up an excellent health and safety program and get the most from participation. It is designed for people who are responsible for health and safety in their organizations. During this two-day course, we will introduce leading edge practice in health and safety and provide ideas and practical tools you can take back to your workplace and use right away.
PRINCIPLES OF INJURY MANAGEMENT
This course introduces leading edge practices in injury management and provides ideas and practical tools participants can take back to their workplace and use right away. This course guides them in building proactive and responsive approaches to help injured workers stay at work or return to safe and productive work as soon as possible.
VICA offers a variety of online courses designed to meet the demands of today’s work force.
Education department hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Registrations received after hours or on the weekend will be processed the next business day. to register or for more information : 1.877.847.6471
AERIAL LIFT
An aerial lift is a necessary piece of equipment for many businesses. While these types of machinery make jobs easier, they can also present safety problems. This course explores a wide variety of lifting and hoisting machinery, teaching your employees how to stay safe on the job.
WHMIS TRAINING
Provides basic knowledge of the detailed system of labelling and identification of hazardous materials in the workplace. Hazardous materials include biohazardous, poisonous, corrosive and combustible.
TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS (TDG)
This award winning course includes a thorough exam to meet Transport Canada’s training requirement. Course features video, animation, learning games, and skill building exercises.
FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS
This online Fire Safety program based on the Ontario Fire Code will provide the knowledge necessary to prevent fires in the workplace. It also focuses on the basic elements of fire prevention and protection.
PIPELINE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TRAINING (PCST)
This course is intended to familiarize the worker with how to recognize, assess and control hazards on the work site. It has been designed to complement other safety-related courses offered by the industry.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT (GOLD SEAL)
Designed to cover the basics and important aspects of project management, this course includes risk management, CCDC/CCA contracts, estimating process and project budgets. The course is for construction owners, managers, estimators, supervisors and staff.
INTRODUCTION TO BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)
As BIM is adopted by more and more companies in the construction industry, 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.
CONFINED SPACES SAFETY AWARENESS
This course introduces 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.
WORK PLACE VIOLENCE AND HARASSMENT
The necessary structure and elements of a Workplace Violence, Harassment and Bullying Program will be discussed. This online course will provide a general understanding of how to identify, report, and control unwanted behaviors in the workplace.
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY TRAINING SYSTEM (CSTS)
This is an interactive, computer-based training program, focusing on hazard awareness and preventative actions. Workers watch videos of actual construction sites and potential hazards and are guided through proper approaches to each situation. Most BC employers now require this for working on a job site. Mandatory in Alberta.
H2S AWARENESS
Provides information which is required to properly recognize, assess and control hazards that are associated with the H2S gas. The properties of H2S, the health hazards that are associated with exposure, the detection and monitoring methods, and acceptable exposure limits of H2S will be discussed throughout this course.
LEADERSHIP IS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN THE BUSINESS OF CONSTRUCTION
It’s no secret our industry faces challenges as senior managers move into the retirement phase of their careers. The gap is widening between who is ready to move into leadership roles and how many positions will need to be filled. The combination of practical industry experience and developed leadership skills will make an ideal candidate for those vacant and critical positions.
How can you prepare candidates to take the reins? Take advantage of long term strategies that include building their capacity for new areas of responsibility.
To lead teams, build business vision and tackle organizational issues - the VICA/BCIT leadership program is designed to address construction industry needs. Succession planning isn’t just about company assets - it’s about developing people to maintain and grow those corporate assets.
The next cohort of construction leaders launches in December 2015 - includes three mandatory one day workshops and choice of three electives - all for one price. VICA Members receive a discount.
LEADERSHIP SERIES
INSTRUCTOR: CHERYL THOMAS
REQUIRED WORKSHOPS
LEADERSHIP 1: BECOMING A SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION LEADER
The purpose of Leadership 1 is to develop the interpersonal competencies associated with leadership effectiveness. Through a combination of group interactions, role playing, lectures and experiential activities, participants will have an opportunity to enhance an array of skills including critical thinking, communication, feedback, presentation, conflict resolution, and productivity skills. Predicated on the assumptions that leadership is about action not position and that every individual has the potential for leadership, this course will also
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
I will be bringing the ideas we’ve covered back to my team to help them all become better leaders.
There was value in every topic discussed. Kudos, as I have attended several university level business courses that gave me nothing to apply to my position.
The Leadership Series has been a worthwhile investment in our management team and we will definitely enroll others in future sessions.
Very good instructor. Great course! I think all managers should take it.
provide participants with the opportunity to begin to develop a personal model of leadership.
”
LEADERSHIP 2: MANAGING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION TEAMS
Leadership 2 develops team leadership competencies and continued personal development as a leader. Skills that are developed in the context of team leadership include problem solving and decision-making, appropriate risk-taking, communication skills to conduct difficult conversations and conflict resolution skills, mediation and negotiation.
LEADERSHIP 3:
LEADING A SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION ORGANIZATION
Develop organizational leadership competencies and continue to develop interpersonal competencies associated with leadership effectiveness. Participants will have an opportunity to enhance skills including strategic planning and its successful implementation, communication strategies, organizational performance measurement, leading organizational change, understanding organizational cultures and sub-cultures, and the role as a member of an organization’s leadership team in terms of accountability and responsibility.
LEADERSHIP SERIES
INSTRUCTORS: VICA AND BCIT
ELECTIVES
(MINIMUM 3 REQUIRED)
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN CONSTRUCTION (ONE DAY)
Generating business is not about luck. Construction firms that use strategic business development efforts set themselves up for success. The approach to business development requires an awareness of customers, projects and types of work you are best-suited to deliver profitably. When you know yourself you can create the plans to secure the work, and then execute on the plan. This workshop will cover topics like market sizing and forecasting, identifying growth opportunities domestically and
internationally, proactive prospecting, growing revenue opportunities with your current customer base, and developing strategies key to long term and predictable revenues.
TIME MANAGEMENT (ONE DAY)
This workshop will assist participants to work through what is important in the context of their day. It will cover how to: plan and prioritize each day’s activities in a more efficient, productive manner; set effective goals; overcome procrastination quickly and easily; planning and handling crises effectively and quickly; organizing workspace and workflow to make better use of time; manage stress; and, understand effective delegation techniques.
FINANCE FOR NON-FINANCIAL MANAGERS (ONE DAY)
Money matters can be intimidating for even the smartest people. Having a solid understanding of basic financial terms and methods is crucial to your career. This workshop will give you a solid foundation in finance. Commonly used terms such as financial statements, budgets, forecasting, purchasing decisions, and financial legislation will be covered.
UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED,
ALL LEADERSHIP COURSES ARE ELIGABLE FOR ONE GOLD SEAL CREDIT.
WELCOME TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITE
“Now the way I act and carry myself will be better and I can bring more knowledge onto a job site.”
- Jessica, participant
Welcome to the Construction Site gives people new-to-construction information to ensure they are comfortable on site and confident to start work.
A one day orientation and introduction to familiarize participants with construction culture and behavior on-site.
PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE:
• half-day of in-class activities with a visit by senior superintendent
• interactive site-tour of an active construction site
• lunch
Morning classroom – learn the etiquette of the construction site: who does what, what to wear, how to behave, why time is so
critical, role of safety in the jobs, and what is happening in the industry on the island.
Activities and learning session delivered by Robyn Quinn (Education at VICA).
Participants will meet a senior superintendent and ask questions about their career, why culture is so important, job opportunities, and what the future in construction looks like.
After lunch, participants are taken to an active construction site for a guided tour and Q&A.
Inquiries about this custom program:
John Howard Women On Worksite hosted by Knappett Camosun Women in Trades tour with Kinetic and Herold Engineering.
John Howard BladeRunners tour with Farmer Construction.
Camosun Women in Trades in the classroom.
WELCOME TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITE
“Talking to the superintendent was helpful, as was the information about available jobs.”
- Autumn, participant
BENEFITS:
Orientation approach to people who may not have had any exposure to the construction culture. No judgement attached to asking lots of questions.
Opportunity to meet a senior construction person, tour a working local site, see themselves in the industry, see a realistic overview.
Opportunity to create a relationship and connect with VICA member host company and speaker.
AGENDA:
9:00 A.M. – 9:25 A.M.
Course overview/introductions
9:25 A.M. – 9:50 A.M.
Module 1: History of Construction on Vancouver Island & Major Projects
9:50 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
Module 2: Introduction to the Construction Culture
10:30 A.M. – 10:45 A.M. BREAK
10:45 A.M. – 11:05 A.M.
Module 3: Roles in Construction
11:05 A.M. – NOON.
Module 4: A Day in the Life of a Construction Worker (senior superintendent).
NOON – 1:00 P.M. LUNCH
1:20 P.M. – 3:15 P.M.
Site Tour with interactive component
$215 PER PERSON
WTTCS IN ACTION: JOY KNOWLES, COMMUNICATIONS INTERN
I was invited to join eight enterprising young women of the BladeRunners program for Welcome to the Construction Site. We were introduced to basic skills, what we need to secure a job in the idustry and to the culture of construction.
I learned a lot in the next six hours about roles and responsibilities, safety, and the history and future of the industry through handouts, conversations and interactive activities.
Welcome to the Construction Site focused not only on what we can expect from construction – but what construction will expect from us: a positive attitude and beneficial skills.
To assist in securing the necessary attitude and skills, we were introduced to Patti Faulconbridge, Human Resources and Safety Administrator at Knappett Project Inc.
Tromping through mud in borrowed steel-toed boots at Knappett’s site at the University of Victoria, I discovered my inner hard hat-wearing, hammer-swinging, scaffold-climbing construction worker. We learned from and asked many questions of carpenter Julie Daniels about her reasons for choosing construction, the worksite culture and what apprenticeship was all about.
I left the site and the day with new information, a greater vocabulary of industry jargon and an appreciation for good work-boots.
John Howard Women on Worksite talking with a Knappett carpenter at UVIC.
INSTRUCTORS
Nathan Lang am-m/e has been presenting Firestop, Chemical/Mechanical anchoring and Powder/Gas Actuated seminars with Hilti for the past 5 years through Camosun, Drywall Association School and through various companies on Vancouver Island. He brings a wealth of information as Hilti’s non-structural specialist in the electrical, mechanical and interior finish trades.
John Wolfe is a Pacific Rim Safety Training Inc. instructor with 22 years’ experience as a health and safety specialist in manufacturing. John is a recognized auditor for COR and OSSA programs and has successfully installed OH&S programs in major hotels and casinos in Western Canada. John has received awards from WorkSafe BC and the CSSE, and he lives by the motto, “Safety, is NO ACCIDENT.”
George Martin has been teaching for over 25 years. He teaches H2S Alive, Confined Space Entry Monitor and Rescue, Certified First Aid and Paramedic courses. George has over 30 years’ experience in the oil and gas industry and has been a safety officer for WCB, a nurse and a medic. George currently teaches on the Pacific Rim Safety Training team.
Tyler Galbraith of Jenkins Marzban Logan LLP has been practising construction law for 10 years, with a focus on builders’ liens, construction litigation, disputes, arbitrations, tendering and construction contracts. Tyler is currently a member of the VICA Board of Directors.
Gerhard Botha b.sc., qs is a qualified professional quantity surveyor. He is an experienced project manager and quantity surveyor. For most of his 30 year career he facilitated turnkey projects as project manager. He has developed shopping centres, commercial office buildings and industrial buildings, both in Canada and internationally.
Tim Williams MBA, b.econ., cpa, gsc is the president of BGC Partners Inc., which provides business consulting and training services to the construction industry. He has worked with numerous construction companies for over twenty years. He is a Gold Seal certified project manager. He has taught business at the university level and has trained construction owners and managers on behalf of construction associations across Western Canada.
Chad Brechin, asct is the president of Integrity Design Studios Inc. He is a Georgie award–winning designer and has been designing commercial, industrial and highend residential construction projects for over twenty years. He received his AScT in Building Science at BCIT. Chad joined the Applied Science Technologist Association in 1995. He is an experienced trainer who has taught technical drafting and AutoCAD 3D (BIM) at a university level.
cheryl thomas has consulted to over 250 organizations in public and private sectors across Canada, the U.S., the Middle East and South America. She is an expert in team development and designs and delivers management-level professional development programs in strategic management, leadership, team building, strategic planning, performance management, change management and effective communication. Her clients have included large multinational construction companies such as LangO’Rourke, Kayson Company and Emaar. Cheryl has taught in several universities in Canada including her current role at BCIT, as well as taught and managed an MBA program for Sharif University of Technology in Iran. Because she spent eight years in the Middle East, Cheryl continues to advise companies on entering the markets in the Middle East and Africa.
Michael Asner is recognized as one of North America’s leading speakers, consultants, and authors dealing with public sector procurement and the Request for Proposal process. He helps government entities improve their RFP practices and documents. He acts as an RFP Advisor or Fairness Officer on high-risk, high-value procurements. He frequently assists lawyers in procurement cases. His clients include cities, counties and public agencies in Canada and the U.S. Michael also assists private sector firms in understanding how to sell to government and how to create winning proposals. He offers RFP training and workshops throughout North America dealing with both RFP issues (for governments) and proposal writing (for private sector firms). Michael has published extensively about the RFP Process. His textbook, The Request For Proposal Handbook, now in its fifth edition, is in use in more than 5000 organizations.
