Each month CEG is presenting a blog contributed by members of Professional Women in Construction (PWC). Founded in 1980, PWC is a nonprofit advocacy and support organization dedicated to the advancement of professional, managerial and entrepreneurial women in construction and related industries. PWC has chapters nationwide.
In an effort to meet the needs of its members and constituents, Professional Women in Construction (PWC) launched a Continuing Education Program in the fall of 2012 and the program has proved to be one of their most popular offerings. The courses, which meet approximately 10 times a year, are much in demand for the topical information, the networking opportunities and the CEU credits (or hours) they offer – i.e. since many construction professionals are LEED certified, registered architects or professional engineers, they need to complete a specified number of CEU credits or hours each year to maintain their certifications and licensures.
To date, the extremely well-received program has covered a variety of topics including “Voice Intelligibility in Fire Alarm Systems” presented by SimplexGrinnell; a hands-on workshop in “Sustainable Roofing Practices” by Kemper Roofing Systems; a panel discussion of building professionals coordinated by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) on “The Value of Specifications;” a presentation on “Understanding Special Inspections” by HAKS; “Use of Stock Components for Architectural Metalwork” presented by Julius Blum & Co, Inc.;
and the most recent class held in January 2014: “Existing Building Energy Systems” conducted by Thornton-Tomasetti, Inc.
The speakers selected speakers, all certified in their fields, are chosen from a wide spectrum of disciplines. Material vendors and suppliers are an ideal source as they are able to provide detailed information on such topics as product data, specifications, LEED credit eligibility, proper installation methods, and much more. Engineering firms are certified to present on a particular aspect of their discipline, and building code professionals know the latest updates on new and constantly changing local building code requirements. Presenters must be approved and recognized by the registration entity to conduct the course.
As PWC seminars are geared to meet the needs and interests of its members and all participants, the topics covered extend beyond technical presentations related to licensure and certification.
PWC will combine its Continuing Ed program with its Mentorship series on Wednesday, March 12, from 8 – 10:30 am with a Small Business/Entrepreneurial Seminar moderated by Barbara Armand, president of Armand Corp. Speakers will be Dale Bernstein, founder of unCommon Human Resources on small business issues and a PANYNJ representative who will outline steps to get your business certified as an M/W/DBE. Continental breakfast will be served. Cost is $5 PWC/members and $20/non-members; General Society, 20 W. 44th St., New York City. Click on the event to register: http://www.pwcusa.org/events.php?chapter=NY01
Networking is also a major draw for participants who welcome the opportunity to meet others in the industry to exchange ideas and learn of possible work or job opportunities.
The Continuing Education programs are a free benefit for PWC members and open to the public for a nominal fee. The classes provide an additional resource for our members and constituents to further their advancement in the industry. PWC’s Mentorship program, also recently launched, helps us introduce career opportunities to high school and college students from diverse backgrounds.
PWC officer and board member Nancy Czesak, RA, first vice president, Tishman, an AECOM Company, is chair of Membership Committee and co-chair of the Continuing Ed and Mentorship programs together with Dorothy Wasiak, director, capital planning, Matthew Adam Properties.
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