Ontario Construction News staff writer
Humber Polytechnic has partnered with CourseCompare and construction firm Pomerleau to launch a new micro-credential program aimed at addressing one of the construction industryโs most pressing workforce challenges: training project co-ordinators.
The Project Co-ordinator for Construction (PCC) micro-credential is a 16-hour, hybrid program designed with input from construction professionals. It combines technical training with real-world simulations, helping learners develop the hands-on skills needed to support productivity on Canadian job sites.
The launch comes at a time when the country is facing a historic housing crisis. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Canada will need nearly four million new homes by 2031. Meanwhile, productivity in the construction sector has declined by 10 per cent since 2019, intensifying the need for job-ready training.
โCanada faces a once-in-a-generation building challenge,โ said Frank Cappadocia, dean of Continuous Professional Learning at Humber. โTo restore housing affordability 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 thatโs been built with the sector, for the sector.โ
While project coordinators play a critical role in managing construction timelines and communications, many enter the role with little or no formal training. The PCC credential aims to fill that gap with focused instruction in scheduling trades, managing RFIs, interpreting construction drawings and navigating the full project lifecycle.
โThereโs a growing recognition that project coordinators are essential to scaling Canadaโs construction capacity,โ said Robert Furtado, CEO of CourseCompare, a Canadian online learning platform. โOur job is to connect that industry need with motivated learners โ and to support employers in building stronger, more efficient job sites through targeted education and workforce engagement.โ
CourseCompare has also released a strategic insights report outlining key training priorities for the role, based on input from industry leaders including Pomerleau, Orion Construction, BuildForce Canada and Building Transformations.
The PCC program is delivered in a flexible, hybrid format to reduce disruption for learners and employers. Companies can use the training to upskill current employees or prepare new hires for project coordination roles.
Benefits for employers include improved communication and accountability on job sites, fewer delays and inefficiencies, and training aligned with industry standards.
โIdeal training includes real-world examples,โ said Greg Cicovacki, online course developer at Humber. โWhen instruction reflects what actually happens on-site, itโs easier for learners to engage, apply what theyโve learned, and step into the role with confidence.โ
Those interested in the PCC micro-credential can access the programย directly through CourseCompare.