ACADEMY
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4
President’s Message
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What You Don’t Know Might Cost You
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Which WRLA Course is Right for You?
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Government Grant Links and Application Information
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Building Material Fundamentals (BMF) Series
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Fundamentals of Construction Terminology
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Blueprint Reading
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Increasing Profitability through Yard and Warehouse Management
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Fundamentals of Construction Estimating
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Blue House Energy—Building Science for Everyone
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Brandt Safety Training
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Coming in 2024
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Train Your Whole Team and Save
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Meet the WRLA Academy Team
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
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n behalf of the WRLA Board of Directors and staff, we are thrilled to expand our education offering to our industry members. While there is a fair amount of construction education for the broader sector, training and development for the building materials supply industry is less robust. Having recently completed an industry labour study, we have learned that there is a significant need for training to help with the retention of staff and to support entry level staff. Starting April 2024, members will have unlimited access to our Industry Terminology and Building Materials Fundamentals courses; over 25 modules! With the changes to the national energy code, we have partnered with Blue House Energy to ensure that we can help our members navigate through the learning curve, with the added bonus of a discount. Brandt continues to be a partner on the material handling side, and with the deep discounts they provide on their training, we encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities. As we head into 2024, we will be focused on ensuring that we are meeting members’ needs. Our Business Succession series is on the docket, and we will be announcing the launch date very soon! The WRLA is here to serve you, so if you have training and development needs that we can support you with, please reach out. We will expand our member visits so that we can continue to be the industry partner that you rely on for your training and development needs. We look forward to your participation in our existing programs and continued support in our development.
Liz Kovach PRESIDENT, WRLA 4
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
BUILDING IS BUILDING SCIENCE Understanding that new material specifications are coming is one thing. Understanding the science behind it can make all the difference. A highly skilled workforce is a much more profitable workforce. Investing in your employees’ success is investing in your company’s success. Education is fundamental to maintaining our high industry standards. When contractors walk through your doors, being able to provide a fully detailed and costed takeoff for their project not only saves them time, but it makes you more money. Your expertise also helps create trust, which in turn, creates customer retention, which is priceless!
WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW MIGHT COST YOU
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ANADIAN BUILDING STEP Codes are here. This obviously has major implications for the Building Materials Industry. While manufacturers are getting up to speed on the new specifications, it’s important that the dealer community keeps pase with product knowledge and industry-related skills that can both make the consumer and contractor experience easier but more profitable for the business. That’s where WRLA Academy is pleased to be able to offer an extensive suite of courses that will take our member businesses and their employees through the ins and outs of Lumber and Building Materials all the way f rom building the foundations of day-to-day terminology to being able to confidently and competently produce advanced take-off documents for complex building projects. WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
WRLA Academy has a suite of programs that can help bring newcomers to the industry up to speed in record time without taking your most experienced staff away from their jobs for longer than necessary. From there we can teach your employees everything they need to know about reading blueprints, and from there, the estimating program can turn your sales team into sales superstars. We’ve also created partnerships with industry experts to provide up-to-the-minute courses in Energy Efficiency, which is critical for keeping up with changing building codes. Finally, we can help you find the means to pay for this training through provincial government grant programs. (And we’ll walk you through it!) Take a look at our WRLA Academy programming, find the course that’s right for you, and start growing your bottom line today! Scan the QR code to see all the offered courses.
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WHICH WRLA COURSE IS RIGHT FOR YOU? LEGEND New Hires
Procurement and Purchasing
Ownership / Management
Customer Service
HR Staff
Administration
Sales Staff
Estimators
Equipment and Material Handlers
Marketing Staff
Project Manager
Merchandising
Yard and / or Warehouse Staff
COURSES PG
6
Hours
Program
Roles
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Online, self-paced. Course duration varies: 10-60 minutes
Building Material Fundamentals (included with WRLA membership)
9
Online self-paced 5 hours
Fundamentals of Construction Terminology
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Online self-paced 8 hours
Blueprint Reading
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Mostly in person
Increasing Profitability through Yard and Warehouse Management
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Online self-paced OR In-class: 8 hours
Fundamentals of Construction Estimating Residential Estimating Level 1
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Online self-paced OR In-class: 8 hours
Fundamentals of Construction Estimating Residential Estimating Level 2
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Online, self-paced. Course duration: Varies
Blue House / Building Science
15
Online, in-class & on-site
Brandt Safety Training
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
GOVERNMENT GRANT LINKS AND APPLICATION INFORMATION
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aking advantage of high-quality training and making sure your workforce is as skilled as it can be makes good business sense and will pay off in closer customer and supplier relationships, as well as increased sales and profits. However, these rewards can take some time to materialize. How do you, as a business owner, manage the expense of training in the short term? WRLA is working with provincial governments to advocate for recognition of our programming as job-growth initiatives that can provide tax breaks and rebates to businesses that are investing in their people through training. At present, there are existing job grants available that can greatly offset the cost of professional development for your team. Be sure to read the requirements for each carefully before applying. If you require assistance, or have any questions, you can contact Martine Yzerman at WRLA Academy, academy@wrla.org. Here is a list of job grants for different provinces across Canada. Click on the link or scan the QR code. British Columbia Employer Training Grant (ETG)
Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG)
Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant (CSJG)
Canada-Manitoba Job Grant (CMJG)
Canada-Ontario Job Grant (COJG)
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
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BUILDING MATERIAL FUNDAMENTALS (BMF) SERIES
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levate your knowledge in residential construction with the ‘Building Material Fundamentals Series’, offered by the WRLA Academy which is included in your WRLA membership. Developed by industry experts, these courses provide a concise yet comprehensive understanding of Canadian building materials. TOPICS COVERED: ◊ Lumber Fundamentals ◊ Exterior and Interior Building Materials ◊ Additional Courses
DELIVERY MODEL Comprehensive library of online self-paced learning modules. Course duration varies: 10-60 minutes. All BMF courses are included in WRLA Membership. AUDIENCE
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Exterior Building Material Fundamentals ◊ Building Envelope ◊ Sheathing ◊ Roofing ◊ Siding ◊ Doors & Windows ◊ Decks ◊ Paint Interior Building Material Fundamentals ◊ Insulation ◊ Drywall ◊ Doors & Window ◊ Millwork Moulding ◊ Floor Covering ◊ Kitchen and Bath Cabinets ◊ Electrical ◊ Paint Additional Courses ◊ Understanding commodity pricing & market Volatility ◊ Sustainability in the building material industry ◊ Safety fundamentals ◊ Building Codes & Regulations ◊ Software Application Essentials ◊ Additional interior courses including Trusses, Metal (studs, decking and railing), and Interior Finishing WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSTRUCTION TERMINOLOGY
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ISCOVER THE KEY to insider knowledge! Master terminology and shorten your learning curve so you can focus on the essential components you’ll encounter when working in the Lumber and Building Materials industry. You’ll increase your knowledge and become a trusted professional to both your customers and suppliers alike. Spend less time looking up the answers to f requently asked questions, and you’ll have more time to grow your sales with intelligent, common-sense additional suggested purchases. Learn key terminology that will help you speak the language of estimating and find out what the proper terms are for the components that make up the most popular end consumer builds, including decks, garage floors, f raming, walls, roofs, trusses, and interior assembly.
DELIVERY MODEL Online self-paced 5 hours AUDIENCE
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
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BLUEPRINT READING
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ain a solid understanding of residential working drawings for accurate estimating. Our course covers various types of drawings to ensure you’re well-versed in blueprint reading. By the end of this class, you’ll be able to: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
Identify key details in title blocks, cover sheets, and schedules. Grasp liability and contractual obligations tied to blueprints. Differentiate section and elevation views, emphasizing the ‘cut plane.’ Calculate dimensions both vertically and horizontally in imperial and metric units. Recognize industry terms, abbreviations, and symbols
DELIVERY MODEL Online self-paced 8 hours AUDIENCE
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WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
INCREASING PROFITABILITY THROUGH YARD AND WAREHOUSE MANAGEMENT
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n today’s fiercely competitive business landscape, achieving and sustaining profitability is crucial for the long-term success of any organization. This comprehensive course, “Increasing Profitability through Yard and Warehouse Management Increasing Profitability with Yard and Warehouse Management” has been meticulously designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to maximize warehouse profitability and elevate the quality of the customer experience. This comprehensive course, spanning three levels, is designed to equip logistics and warehouse management professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve excellence in warehouse operations. Throughout the course, participants will gain a deep understanding of critical aspects of warehouse management and develop strategies for optimizing efficiency, reducing costs, and fostering a culture of excellence. Each level is structured as a combination of theoretical concepts, practical applications, case studies, and interactive discussions. Upon successful completion of Level 1, participants will be required to complete additional online learning before advancing to Level 2, and the same progression applies for Level 3. This tiered approach ensures that learners build upon their knowledge progressively, ultimately becoming adept warehouse management professionals.
Students can expect to learn the following: ◊ Inventory Management ◊ Operational Efficiencies ◊ Supply Chain Optimization ◊ Cost Reduction Strategies ◊ Risk Management & Compliance ◊ Building a Workplace Culture ◊ Data Analytics and Decision Support ◊ Future Trends and Innovations ◊ Future Trends & Innovations
DELIVERY MODEL Students must complete online modules before enrolling in the in-person session. There are three levels offered throughout the year: January (Level 1), April (Level 2) and October (Level 3). AUDIENCE 11
ELEVATE YOUR CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING SKILLS CONVENIENTLY WITH OUR ONLINE COURSES, ALLOWING YOU TO LEARN ON THE GO, ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.
FUNDAMENTALS OF CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING
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ur four-part program, including Industry Terminology, Blueprint Reading, Estimating Level 1 and Estimating Level 2, culminates in a recognized certificate f rom the WRLA, signifying your in-depth understanding of the components required for residential structures, including decks, garages, and houses. You’ll also gain the expertise to create complex material lists with a strong focus on professionalism. Courses are offered twice a year in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba for in-person learning. Enroll today to enhance your expertise in construction estimating. Not able to attend in person? Courses are offered online and accessible year-round f rom anywhere.
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WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
RESIDENTIAL ESTIMATING LEVEL 1 This course guides you seamlessly through the estimating journey, offering comprehensive insights f rom contract documents to material quantity calculations in construction. Dive into “take-off” methods using professional drawings to craft precise materials lists. Gain mastery over the terminology and components necessary for typical estimates, covering decks, garages, and bungalows. With practical exercises and more, this course lays the foundation for confident estimating.
DELIVERY MODEL Online self-paced OR In-class: 8 hours AUDIENCE
We encourage all Level 1 Estimating students to complete the online Terminology and Blueprint Reading courses to ensure they are confident reading blueprints and understanding the common terminology used in the Lumber and Building industry.
RESIDENTIAL ESTIMATING LEVEL 2 Unlock new sales opportunities for your business through precise construction estimating! Building on the foundations f rom Level 1 (strongly recommended prior), this course is the next step in building your estimating expertise. In Level 2 you will learn terminology and components for estimating standard 2-story homes, bonus rooms, walkouts, duplexes, 2-story duplexes, cantilevers, and tall walls. Gain confidence through practical exercises and real-world examples, setting the stage for your success. WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
DELIVERY MODEL Online self-paced OR In-class: 8 hours AUDIENCE
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BLUE HOUSE ENERGY— BUILDING SCIENCE FOR EVERYONE
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RLA members save 10% on Key Courses with Blue House Energy and get prepared for shifts in the building code as the industry marches toward Net Zero.
DELIVERY MODEL Online, self-paced. Course duration: Varies AUDIENCE
Key Courses offered: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ 14
Building Science Basics Envelope Fundamentals Construction Technology Net Zero for New Construction Whole House Energy Retrofit (late 2023) Energy Advisor Foundation Exam Prep Energy Advisor House Exam Prep Intro to HOT2000 Modelling WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
BRANDT SAFETY TRAINING
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e offer telehandler, excavator, mobile elevated work platform, fall protection, skid steer, cranes & rigging, forklift and front end loader training online, in-class and on-site. Brandt training programs provide students with the basic principles of materials handling and construction equipment operation, load handling, maintenance and safety. The course begins with a theory portion followed by a half-day, hands-on practical training session and final evaluation. After successful completion of the theory test and a final practical assessment, an Operator Equipment Safety Certification is provided to students. Benefits of taking a Brandt course: ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊
Reduce equipment, product and facility damages Reduce worker’s compensation claims and premiums Increase productivity Improve maintenance condition of any equipment Enhance employee morale and company safety culture
Enhance your safety, productivity, efficiency and confidence on the job with Brandt Equipment Safety Training. Our certification meets and exceeds safety standards across Canada with OH&S and CSA compliance. WRLA Members receive up to 40% off Brandt Training Courses!
DELIVERY MODEL Online, in-class & on-site AUDIENCE
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
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COMING IN 2024 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT—GETTING YOUR BUSINESS ON THE PATH TO CONTINUOUS GROWTH!
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1
STABILITY
2
SCALE UP
3
STRENGTHEN
4
STEP BACK
Creating a reliable business
Growing and expanding
Building value
Passing the torch
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
IN EACH OF THESE STAGES, THERE ARE 5 TOPICS THAT VARY DEPENDING ON WHICH STAGE YOU ARE IN AND WHERE YOU WANT TO GO NEXT:
January 17: POWER UP PD SESSION: Navigating Business Lifecycles: Mastering Your Current Stage & Preparing for the Next
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Start f rom your ‘here’ to get to your ‘there’.” Just as we evolve from adolescence to adulthood, businesses too have unique life stages. Ever pondered why your business feels out of sync with others? Perhaps you’re navigating a distinct phase! Recognizing and mastering your business’s current stage is pivotal. It dictates your priorities and shapes your roadmap to progress.
Branding and Marketing Revenue Generation Systems and Processes Staffing and Organization Financial Management
Pete Baran, CEO and Chief Business Mechanic at Blueneck Business Mechanics will be delivering an overview of these topics on January 17, at the WRLA Building & Hardware Showcase. Make sure to attend this session (included free with your Showcase admission) and then get ready to grow your business acumen in 2024!
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
In this enlightening session, we’ll demystify the stages of business development. Discover where your business might be plateauing, master the intricacies of that stage, and gear up for the subsequent phase. Equip yourself with the knowledge to make stage-specific decisions, ensuring your enterprise doesn’t just grow, but thrives. Let’s embark on this journey, ensuring every step is calibrated to your business’s unique rhythm!
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PURCHASE 5-9 COURSES—5% DISCOUNT PURCHASE 10-49 COURSES—10% DISCOUNT PURCHASE 50-99 COURSES—15% DISCOUNT PURCHASE 100+ COURSES—20% DISCOUNT
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TRAIN YOUR WHOLE TEAM AND SAVE!
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RLA offers a discount on all Academy courses when admissions are pre-purchased. This is a perfect opportunity for businesses with large employee pools or multiple locations.
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
CONTINUOUS LEARNING WITH WRLA: KNOWLEDGE IS A JOURNEY, NOT A DESTINATION! The courses we’ve outlined so far are designed to get you and your teams up to speed with the latest developments in Building Science, Building Codes, and the skills necessary to bring new hires on board, as well as advanced options that will help your team estimate even the most complex projects. But there’s more! Our industry is always changing and innovating. That’s why we offer WRLA webinars and podcasts. Focusing on a particular topic of interest to our industry, and delivering it in a fast, fun format— perfect for taking in over a lunch period or - in the case of our podcast - your morning drive, we’re diving into the big topics on everyone’s mind with some of the top experts in the industry. WRLA webinars are held throughout the Fall and Spring. You can watch a playlist of all our past webinars on the WRLA YouTube channel. (Scan the QR code to check it out!) The WRLA Podcast comes out twice a month, and features in-depth interviews with industry experts— many of whom are also WRLA members like you! Featuring host and WRLA President Liz Kovach, the episodes are a great way to get an insight into various parts of the LBM industry f rom the folks who know it best. Scan the QR Code to subscribe to the WRLA podcast on Spotify or find our show on your favourite podcast app.
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE
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ACADEMY
www.wrla.org/programs/training-courses.html 20
WRLA ACADEMY PROGRAM GUIDE