EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS: WRLA ACADEMY IS NOW OFFERING ONLINE LEARNING AND INPERSON TRAINING

If you want to level up your employees with the knowledge and skills that are in demand right now, we have the perfect option for you! Our priority is to ensure you have the best resources around to stay ahead of the curve.

We have been hard at work to enhance the professional development opportunities available to our members, and creating material that is relevant and top of mind. We asked our members to identify the skills and competencies that are most in-demand in our industry. Our courses are designed to provide practical, hands-on training that members can immediately apply in their roles.

As an association, we have always been committed to providing our members with high-quality learning materials and resources. However, as the world has evolved, so too have the needs and expectations of our members. That’s why we have undertaken a major initiative to modernize our learning experiences and stay ahead of the curve.

In the past, our learning materials were primarily print-based. We would create manuals, workbooks, and other educational resources in-house, and distribute them to our members via mail or in-person events. While these materials were effective at the time, they had limitations in terms of accessibility, interactivity, and engagement. They also quickly became out of date as terminology, products, and technology changed.

ESTIMATING

Level 1 And Level 2

Overall, our shift towards modern learning experiences reflects our commitment to providing our members with the best possible learning resources.

Convenient Online Learning Courses Now Available

We’ve revamped our lineup of existing courses with more up-to-date materials, tailored to meet the needs of industry professionals who are looking to grow their careers—so whatever level you’re at, there’s something for everyone!

Available now on the WRLA Academy’s online learning portal:

• Foundational Lumber and Building Terminology. This course explains every term you need: from the foundation right up to the ridge cap.

• Blueprint Reading. This course will give you a complete understanding of how to interpret blueprints to complete a “take-off.”

• Online Estimating Level 1.

Coming soon to the online learning portal:

• Online Estimating Level 2.

• Building Science and Energy Efficiency to support our members with Net-Zero initiatives.

• Increasing Profitability in Yard and Warehouse Management.

One of the key advantages of our new online learning is flexibility. Members can access these resources at any time, from any device, at their own pace. This allows them to fit learning into their busy schedules and learn at a speed that is comfortable for them.

Another advantage of online learning is interactivity. Our courses are designed to be engaging; with quizzes, learning scenarios, and other elements that keep learners interested and help them retain information. We also use video and other multimedia elements to make the learning experience more dynamic.

To ensure that these courses are effective, we have invested in the latest technology and instructional design techniques. They are designed to be accessible to all members, regardless of their level of technical proficiency.

IN-PERSON TRAINING OPTIONS FOR IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE

In-person learning will always be a key component of WRLA Academy. Nothing can replace the classroom experience, and the hands-on approach of our instructors.

Further to our ongoing commitment to support the upskilling needs of our members, our in-person Estimating sessions have received an entire reno (stripped to the studs!) and have been receiving rave reviews. With modern blueprints and current software applications, our in-person training is designed to equip you with skills and techniques for efficiently providing take-offs and assisting your business to reach its full potential.

The WRLA was thrilled with the number of member employees who attended the Estimating courses. On March 28 and March 29, our instructor Len Regier taught both Estimating Level 1 and Level 2 courses to a sold-out room in Leduc, Alberta. A week later, Len taught a second session of very well-attended Level 1 and Level 2 courses in Regina, Saskatchewan.

We want to acknowledge the incredible efforts and contributions of senior estimators Nicole Younge from Star Building, and Len Regier from Nu-Fab for their unbelievable contributions. Without their commitment, we would never have experienced this level of success. From all of us at the WRLA, thank you. Teamwork makes the dream work.

ADAPTING TO A CHANGING WORLD—LEARNING GIVES YOU THE EDGE

The WRLA Academy proudly keeps our members informed and grows their skills with the latest developments in Building Science and Energy. With technology and innovation developing at a rapid rate, it is more important than ever to stay informed. Understanding the changes improves your businesses’ bottom line.

The WRLA is excited to announce that we are partnering with Blue House Energy who provide online training resources in the residential energy efficiency field. These courses are a perfect addition to our learning catalogue and supports you and your team in skill and knowledge development. Stay tuned for more info about our Blue House Energy partnership in the WRLA member-exclusive deals in a future WRLA Academy newsletter.

Join us and take your business to the next level!