Western New York's Source for Construction Learning
The Construction Exchange provides educational programs for members that are tailored for the construction industry. Offerings range from eight-week workshops to hour-long seminars.
Please visit the Calendar of Events for upcoming courses.
Workshops and Seminars
New York State Workers Compensation – Controlling Costs
March 28, 2018
Workers Compensation costs can be a significant line item on a company’s balance sheet, particularly if you are a contractor operating in New York. In this seminar, you will learn exactly what it is you can control when it comes to your Workers Compensation program. You will also hear cost cutting strategies along with techniques on how to operate a business more safely.
Course Details and Registration
Intro to Blueprint Reading
April 9, 2018 to May 14, 2018 – 6:00pm to 8:30pm for six Mondays – $250 per person for members
October 9, 2018 to November 13, 2018 – 6:00pm to 8:30pm for six Mondays
The Introduction to Blueprint Reading course is geared for those with limited or no blueprint reading experience. Both field and office personnel are encouraged to participate.
Course Details and Registration
Quantity Takeoff and Estimating
April 11, 2018 to May 30, 2018 – 6:00pm to 8:30pm for six Wednesdays – $360 per person for members
Course Details and Registration
Scheduling for Beginners
April 17, 2018 – 8:00am to 10:30am – $25 per person for members/$50 for non-members
Course Details and Registration
Bidding and Performing Prevailing Rate Work
April 19, 2018 – 5:30pm to 8:30pm – $10 per person for members/$30 for non-members
Course Details and Registration
First Three Rules of Construction: Document, Document, Document
April 24, 2018 – 8:30am to 11:00am – $25 per person for members/$50 for non-members
Course Details and Registration
Current Human Resource and Legal Issues in the Workplace of the Construction Industry
April 25, 2018 – 8:00am to 10:30am – $10 per person for members/$30 for non-members
Course Details and Registration
Mechanic’s Liens
A mechanic’s lien can be a powerful tool for contractors and suppliers to secure payment. This seminar covers the process that must be followed for a mechanic’s lien to be effective and other best practices for your collections/receivables process.
Course Details and Registration
Change Orders and Claims Avoidance
May 10, 2018 – 8:30am to 9:30am – $10 per person for members/$30 for non-members
Course Registration and Details
Construction Industry Technician
October 24, 2018 to November 14, 2018 – 6:00pm to 8:30pm for four Wednesdays – $225 pp for members
How and Why to Review Insurance Certificates
November 14, 2018 – 8:30am to 9:30am – $10 per person for members/$30 for non-members
Top 20 Contract Provisions Every Contractor Should Know
December 12, 2018 – 8:30am to 9:30am – $10 per person for members/$30 for non-members
Safety Training
Click here to view the full schedule of safety courses available through Construction Exchange Safety Services. Or call Tom Bush at (716) 892 – SAFE (7233) to set up a private course.
Full Courses
Choose a course below for full details and to register.
Introduction to Blueprint Reading
The Introduction to Blueprint Reading course is geared for those with limited or no blueprint reading experience. Both field and office personnel are invited to participate. Upon completion of the six-week course, participants will:
- be able to interpret line conventions, abbreviations and symbols
- understand the different scales used on drawings and be able to tell the difference between architect’s scale and engineer’s scale drawings
- be able to recognize the various types of drawings included in a “released for construction” set of drawings
- be able to read basic construction drawings including plan views, elevations, sections and details
- perform coordination exercises using several drawings, for example, architectural and structure coordination
- be able to interpret the notes and schedules located on drawing
This course consists of 15 hours of classroom training held over six weeks, with class one night a week. The spring course is set to start on April 8, 2018 and the fall course will start on October 9, 2018. The course instructor, Cheryl McBride, has 35 years of experience in the construction industry and 14 years of experience teaching construction courses. The cost for the program is $200 and includes a textbook.
Construction Industry Technician Course
The CIT course was developed by the National Association of Women in Construction Education Foundation (NEF) and at one time was only offered to NAWIC members. Today, the CIT course is available to all members of the construction industry. This course presents an overview of the construction industry and covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Types of construction such as residential, commercial, civil
- Construction trade associations, professional societies, and institutes
- Forms of business ownership such as sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation
- Types of construction agreements and contracts such as negotiated, competitive bid, cost-plus
- Construction documents such as project manual, specification sections, types of drawings
- Construction process requirements such as pre-planning, permitting, project closeout
- Construction insurance and bonding
- is brand new to the construction industry and requires an overall introduction to the industry
- has limited general knowledge of the industry
- has a support staff role and requires deeper knowledge for career advancement
- is a technician or tradesperson with aspirations to advance to a field or office management position
- has a desire to learn as much as possible about the construction industry
Education Committee
The Construction Exchange Education Committee meets periodically to discuss the educational needs of the membership. The committee decides which courses to offer and helps to choose instructors. If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Joe Benedict at (716) 874-3435.
Education Committee Members:
Karen Antonelli, Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner
Gary Bichler (Chair), R&P Oak Hill Building Company
Earl Cantwell, Hurwitz & Fine
Dave Guido, Encompass Management
Don Hahn, Hahn Training
Brendan Kelly, M&T Bank
Joe Marchitte, MKS Plumbing
Andrew McLellan, UNYSE
Drew Miller, Webster Szanyi
Byron Nakagawa, Bison Scaffold & Mason’s Supply
Greg Schober, Huber Construction
Shannon Seipel, Lafarge
Tim Toole, Lawley Insurance
