Coping with COVID-19 – use your downtime for online training

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Has your jobsite been shut down? New orders slowing to trickle in? Struggling with supply chain issues? Contractors who suddenly find themselves with some extra time on their hands as a result of Coronavirus slowdowns and shutdowns can take advantage of their downtime to learn some new skills.

Schluter Systems has a full television studio setup in their Montreal office where they regularly film step-by-step tutorials on how to install their complete line of shower and heated flooring systems.

Other manufacturers, including Kohler and Velux , also have extensive libraries of videos to help you better understand their products and how to properly install them.

The major industry associations have also posted valuable resources and are hosting free webinars.

The U.S.-based Painting Contractors Association is hosting twice weekly online conferences from April 7 through May 28. Think Tank Tuesdays feature virtual panel discussions on topics including “Getting Your Finances in Order” and “Marketing in Slow Times,” followed up by Brain Meld Thursdays with peer-to-peer networking sessions on the week’s topic. Each event has separate residential and commercial segments. If you miss the live events, recordings are posted on the site once they’re completed.

With sponsor Benjamin Moore on board, the sessions are free for PCA members. Non-members can sign up for the conferences for $199, or join the PCA for an annual membership at $399 and get free access to the sessions. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association has an array of valuable information on its website , some free for all with a special members’ only area with more detailed resources.

And the U.S. National Electrical Contractors Association is hosting free weekly webinars for members.

Know of other similar programs we should add to the list? Let us know and we’ll include the details in a future update.


Allan Britnell
Allan Britnell
Freelance writer and the former editor of the Canadian Home Builders' Association's members' magazine, Building Excellence.
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