August 11, 2020 – Our friends at the Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta (ECAA) have published the Fall 2020-2021 Professional Electrical Contractor (PEC) course schedule. Have a look at this line-up …

Basic Electrical Estimating (BEE)
September 23 and 24
Instructor: Jeff Light, PEC

Description: For small contractors who are not ready to make the investment in a computerized estimating system. Designed to teach new contractors the fundamentals of preparing an electrical estimate using the Elemental Format hands-on. The course will address material take-off, materials pricing, materials labouring (using the NECA Manual of Labour Units), labour costs, special overheads, general overheads and profit/contingencies.

Delivered in-class over 2 days (15 hours).

Safety Principles
September 24 and 25
Instructor: Barry Lawrence

Description: Legislation recognizes a PEC as an “Employer”. This course lays the groundwork to develop a successful safety program and mitigate employer risk. You will learn to identify common gaps found in safety systems, simple ways to interpret legislation, and many other valuable tools, including OH&S obligations (employer and worker), employee competency; WCB expectations, claims management strategies, CSA Z463 and CSA Z462.

Delivered online over 2 days (15 hours).

Estimating & Finalizing the Tender
October 1, 2 and 3
Instructor: Chris Reinert

Description: This 3-day course will cover types of estimates, organizing the estimate, labour units, computer estimating, and finalizing the tender. Goals include how to do an estimate using a set of drawings and specs; applying take-off terms and procedures to finalize and submit tender documents; and develop an estimate in a format that can be used as a Project Management tool.

Delivered in-class over 3 days (22.5 hours).

Electrical Project Management
October 7 and 8
Instructor: Phil Perry

Description: Once given a successful bid package, you will develop an awareness of how to apply 10 project management knowledge areas and 5 processes to derive a project charter and project schedule. From there, you will then learn how to manage the project to successful commissioning and close-out.

Delivered online over 2 days (15 hours).

Business and Public Relations
October 15 and 16
Instructor: Brian McCready

Description: Learn proven management concepts in the areas of managing business strategy, direction for improved performance, credit and collections, time management, managing required HR concepts, business promotion and public relations, selling and customer service-focused business. This will immediately begin improving the performance and profitability of your electrical contracting business.

Delivery to be confirmed. 2 days (15 hours).

Legal Implications
October 22 and 23
Instructors: Michael Bokhaut & Matthew Kachur

Description: This course will increase your awareness and understanding of legal issues and pitfalls common to electrical contractors. The course will also address incorporation, income tax and GST, construction contracts, subcontracts and liability thereunder, as well as how to ensure payment for your work—including remedies available under The Builders’ Lien Act.

Delivered online over 2 days (15 hours).

Accounting Principles
November 5 and 6
Instructor: Clayton McCrae

Description: This course will introduce you to the common terms and concepts used in accounting, along with showing you how to use accounting tools to attain goals, analyze your business, and create strategies for future growth. The goal is to develop awareness of how to read financial reports to understand your companies financial position. You will learn practical skills to help you develop, interpret and use financial information, identify problems and opportunities, and focus your resources toward a successful electrical contracting business.

Delivered online over 2 days (15 hours).