RC120 SeptOct 2025 - Magazine - Page 40
LABOUR
THE CASE FOR THE
PROJECT COORDINATOR
New training program aims to set national training standard
S PROJECT COORDINATION the biggest blind spot on Canadian job
sites?
With demand for new housing far outpacing supply,
Canada must build an additional 3.87 million homes by
2031 to restore a昀昀ordability, according to the CMHC. At
the same time, the OECD Global Forum on Productivity
reports that the construction sector has seen a 10 per cent
productivity decline since 2019. Industry experts agree: scalable,
site-speci昀椀c training is no longer optional.
Humber Polytechnic, in partnership
with CourseCompare and in collaboration with Pomerleau has
launched the Project Coordinator for Construction (PCC) microcredential, designed to address a critical skills gap in Canada’s
construction sector and support the country’s urgent housing
and infrastructure goals.
The 16-hour, hybrid, micro-credential prepares learners for
one of the most essential yet undertrained roles on the job site:
the project coordinator. Designed around real-world demands,
the course combines technical instruction with simulations
led by experienced industry professionals. It is supported
by CourseCompare’s education platform, which integrates
labour market mapping, high-intent audience targeting, and a
data-driven recruitment strategy to connect organizations and
learners with in-demand training opportunities.
“Canada faces a once-in-a-generation building challenge,”
says Frank Cappadocia, Dean, Continuous Professional
Learning at Humber Polytechnic. “To restore housing
a昀昀ordability and deliver the infrastructure Canadians need,
we must train the right people for the right jobs. This program
provides a fast, practical, and scalable solution that’s been built
with the sector, for the sector.”
“There’s a growing recognition that project coordinators
are essential to scaling Canada’s construction capacity,”
says Robert Furtado, CEO of CourseCompare. “Our job is to
connect that industry need with motivated learners—and to
support employers in building stronger, more e昀케cient job sites
through targeted education and workforce engagement. We’re
helping shift project coordination from an informal skillset to a
professionalized standard.”
I
40—RENEW CANADA – SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025
Training built for construction’s front lines
Despite being central to project timelines,
communication, and coordination, project
coordinators often receive little formal
training. The PCC micro-credential is
designed to change that. Participants gain
hands-on instruction in scheduling trades,
managing RFIs, interpreting construction
drawings, and navigating project lifecycles—
skills that directly reduce delays, minimize
cost overruns, and improve job site 昀氀ow.
Developed with input from leading
builders and industry groups, the program
is delivered in a 昀氀exible, hybrid format to
minimize disruption and maximize site
impact. It’s available on demand to employers
looking to upskill new hires or help
employees transition into coordination roles.
Key bene昀椀ts for employers include:
• Upskill internal talent or new hires quickly
• Improve job site communication,
coordination, and accountability
• Reduce costly delays and project
ine昀케ciencies
• Align workforce development with
industry-recognized standards
Graduates are equipped not only with
technical skills but also with essential soft
skills—communication, con昀氀ict resolution,
and cross-functional collaboration—that drive
high-performing teams.
“Ideal training includes real-world
examples,” said Greg Cicovacki, OCT,
and Online Course Developer at Humber
Polytechnic. “When instruction re昀氀ects
what actually happens on-site, it’s easier
for learners to engage, apply what they’ve
learned, and step into the role with
con昀椀dence.”
RENEWCANADA.NET
