Inside AGC — January/February 2007

Education— Learning in a Different Kind of Classroom

AGC Relaunches Online Institute, Allows Employees to Learn from Home

Today's construction professionals are faced with numerous projects, demanding clients, information to learn and little time. Because of multiple responsibilities, professional development is often an overlooked, but important aspect to the construction professional. AGC has recognized this need and offers many resources including the newly redesigned Online Institute that makes training easier and more efficient for members.

Online professional development courses offer innovative, convenient, cost-efficient alternatives to traditional classroom methods. AGC offers a variety of online professional development training through the AGC Online Institute, podcasts, e-forums and audio conferences. These cutting edge tools provide the best in construction education, training and information to keep members at the forefront of the industry and ahead of the competition.

AGC Launches Enhanced Online Institute

AGC is leading the construction industry with the re-launched AGC Online Institute which offers courses on topics ranging from the OSHA approved 10-Hour and 30-Hour courses to estimating. The redesigned site now offers 53 courses including 12 in Spanish. New and updated features also include audio, video and flash graphics that bring the coursework to life. New features also include a single-source login that allows users to pay, register and login from a central location. The updated courses continue to offer individuals or a company affordable classes that allow the user to participate at their pace and convenience.

"One of the greatest benefits AGC offers its members is cutting edge educational programs," said AGC Construction Education Committee Chair, Pete Filanc, President, Filanc Construction, Escondido, Calif. "The new Online Institute adds another dimension to the products that we already offer."

In addition to the time and cost benefits, AGC's Online Institute provides a more focused learning environment. Courses are specific to the topic and students are able to spend their time focusing on the subject matter that is most important to them-saving the company even more time and money.

For more information on the new Online Institute and to register for classes, visit www.agc.org/onlineinstitute.

Informal Learning Technology

Busy professionals can now easily download a podcast on important industry issues to stay updated on the latest trends or news. AGC began offering economic podcasts in June 2006 and is now providing special podcasts on the state of the construction industry, the association and most recently, an Election Recap highlighting what the 2006 election means to the construction industry. The podcasts are providing members with the information they need-fast!

"AGC's economic podcasts are a tool of concise information, very useful in speaking with owners about proposal costs," said Diana V. Mucha, Turner Construction Company Project Manager, Orlando, Fla.
Throughout the year, AGC also offers audio conferences on the topics that impact contractors-such as immigration and surety bonding. Audio conferences blend the benefits of in-person meetings with the convenience of staying in your office. Call-in listeners are able to listen to experts, officials and practitioners discuss a specific topic and ask questions.

AGC's e-forums provide a spot to connect with peers in real-time, exchanging advice and receiving guidance on every-day issues. The Human Resources Forum and Environmental e-forum are just a few of the forums that are available to members.

These tools will also be increasingly important in training the work force to rise to management positions as the industry scrambles to expand and replace its aging work force. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) study, State of the Construction Industry 2002-2012, the current average work force age is 47 with an increasing job to student ratio. The BLS also estimates that the construction workforce will increase by 11.7 percent by 2014, creating an even larger demand for construction industry professionals and craft workers.

These statistics show the need for more professional development in the construction industry. But, even without an aging work force, there is still a great need for continuing education that allows construction professionals to keep up with the latest technology and industry advances. The burden of providing training is shifting to the employer and AGC is making it easy for members to provide convenient and affordable training to their employees.