July_27_2009

July 30, 2009

WCA Online Planroom Address Change

The location of the Winnipeg Construction Association Online Planroom has changed. If you access the login page from a saved favourite on your computer you will need to update this address.

Old login page: https://is6.infinitesource.ca/wca/index.html

New login page: http://www.plansource.ca/Portals/61984/server/wca.htm

Please update these settings as soon as possible to avoid an interruption to your Online Planroom access.

Alternately, you are still able to access the Online Planroom from the WCA Homepage at http://www.winnipegconstruction.ca

In the event that you do not remember your username or password:

- click the "Forgot your login?" link found below the Login & Password fields and request to have the information emailed to you.

- contact the WCA Planroom at 204-774-2431.

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CCA Federal Infrastructure Update

Since the delivery of the federal Budget earlier this year, CCA has been working to keep members updated on federal infrastructure program spending and provide information regarding program rules and obligations. At the request of the office of the Honourable John Baird, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, CCA has posted on their Web site an update on government programs and spending since January.

Please find the first construction industry update HERE.

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It Pays to Hire An Apprentice!

The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) recently released the results of its Phase II study of the benefits of apprenticeship training for an employer. The Study found that employers receive a benefit, on average, of $1.47 for every $1 invested in apprenticeship training. This is up 9 cents since the 2006 pilot study!

Read the full report HERE.

CCA Media Release.

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OPR Tip of the Week: Opening Projects in a New Window

Have you ever been perusing a list of projects through the Online Planroom and found yourself thinking twice about opening a project in fear that you'll lose your spot on the Project List?

Rather than clicking on the link to open the project, "Right-Click" the mouse and choose "Open in New Window" from the menu that appears. This will open the Project Information in a new window and keep your place on the Project List still located in the original Internet Explorer window.

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Manitoba Construction Sector Council Update

The Manitoba Construction Sector Council continues with its mandate to advance the human resource needs of the construction industry in Manitoba. In its first year of operation, the council is laying the foundation for future initiatives.

Training Programs

There are two programs in particular that are underway. The “On-the-job-mentorship Program” is being facilitated by Manitoba Building Trades on behalf of the MCSC. Two organizational meetings have taken place and an advisory group is in place to guide the project. One of the goals of the project will be to have made-in-Manitoba written materials and a training package.

Secondly, the “Supervisory Development Program” is being facilitated by the Winnipeg Construction Association on behalf of the MCSC. A positive focus group meeting has taken place and existing materials on the topic are being assessed and catalogued. The goal of the project is to have a modular core course that can then be exported to individual construction sectors. Ideally, it would mean course participants in seats by fall or the new year.

MCSC will consider additional new projects in the coming months.

Labour Market Information

In conjunction with the national Construction Sector Council, MCSC facilitated a Winnipeg press conference on June 25, 2009. The conference keyed on highlights from the “Construction Looking Forward 2009-2017” report. It was noted that the industry may be facing a skilled trades shortage of nearly 9,000 over the next nine years, the result of increased activity in Manitoba together with anticipated retirements.

MCSC and CSC will co-host a forum in Winnipeg on November 10, 2009 to discuss the implications of this LMI information and consider supply side solutions.

For more information on MCSC, please visit our Web site at www.mbcsc.com.

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Gold Seal Update

NEXT EXAM: The next Gold Seal exam is on Friday, October 9, 2009. Application deadline is Friday, September 18, 2009.

Communication, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Objectives: This course is designed to help improve the written, oral and negotiating skills for estimators, superintendents and project managers who must deal effectively and professionally with employees, sub-trades, owners, clients, engineers and their employees. This course is self-paced and is approximately 8 hours in length.

REGISTRATION CNCR

WCA Member Fee: $90.00 + GST

Construction Project Management

Objectives: This course is designed for project managers, superintendents and estimators. The course covers business case development, procurement, contracting, risk management and project close-out.

REGISTRATION CPM

WCA Member Fee: $90.00 + GST

Construction Law

Objectives: This course will provide managers with the tools to help them understand construction contracts, write contracts, identify simple errors in construction contracts, understand the process claim and learn to solve construction disputes effectively. A final mark of 75 per cent is required in order to receive a certificate of completion.

REGISTRATION Construction Law

WCA Member Fee: $90.00 + GST

For more information, visit www.goldsealcertification.com or contact Kelly Thiessen, Gold Seal Administrator, Winnipeg Construction Association, at kellythiessen@winnipegconstruction.ca or 775-8664 x 2225.

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