Humber Polytechnic has partnered with CourseCompare and leading construction firm Pomerleau to launch a new micro-credential designed to tackle one of the construction industry's most pressing challenges: training project coordinators.
The Project Coordinator for Construction (PCC) micro-credential is a 16-hour, hybrid training program created with input from industry professionals. Designed to meet real-world demands, the program combines technical instruction with simulations.
As Canada faces a historic housing shortfall needing nearly four million new homes by 2031, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation the demand for skilled construction professionals is rapidly growing. At the same time, the sector has experienced a 10 per cent drop in productivity since 2019. Industry leaders agree that more targeted, job-ready training is essential.
"Canada faces a once-in-a-generation building challenge," said Frank Cappadocia, dean, Continuous Professional Learning. "To 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 that's been built with the sector, for the sector."
The PCC program addresses the role of the project coordinator who often have little formal training for the position. The PCC micro-credential fills that gap with hands-on instruction in scheduling trades, managing RFIs, interpreting construction drawings and navigating project lifecycles.
"There's a growing recognition that project coordinators are essential to scaling Canada's construction capacity," said Robert Furtado, CEO of CourseCompare, a Canadian online education platform that connects organizations and learners with in-demand training opportunities. "Our job is to connect that industry need with motivated learners and to support employers in building stronger, more efficient job sites through targeted education and workforce engagement. We're helping shift project coordination from an informal skill set to a professionalized standard."
CourseCompare has produced a strategic insights report, gathering feedback from construction leaders at Pomerleau, Orion Construction and industry associations such as BuildForce Canada and Building Transformations. The industry report highlights the key competencies and training priorities project coordinators need to succeed.
Training built for the job site
The PCC micro-credential is offered in a hybrid, flexible format to reduce disruption for learners and employers. Construction companies can access the training to upskill new hires or prepare team members for coordinator roles.
There are many benefits for employers including the ability to upskill internal talent or new hires quickly; improve job site communication, coordination and accountability; reduce costly delays and project inefficiencies, deliver training with minimal disruption and align workforce development with industry-recognized standards.
Learners will develop both technical and soft skills, such as communication, conflict resolution, and cross-functional collaboration.
"Ideal training includes real-world examples," said Greg Cicovacki, online course developer at Humber. "When instruction reflects what actually happens on-site, it's easier for learners to engage, apply what they've learned, and step into the role with confidence."
Those interested in the PCC micro-credential can access the program directly through CourseCompare.
