Public Works Supervision

This is the first of 3 Public Works Institute courses in the Public Works Supervisor Associate Certificate Program. Based on the American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Institute Guidelines, it introduces the student to public works financial concepts, leadership, and supervision. Topics covered include an introduction to financial management, business planning, budgeting, accounting and cost control, financial reporting, leadership skills, personal development, integrity and ethics, motivation and morale, and conflict resolution. The course is delivered through a series of lectures, in-class exercises, and discussions.
Prerequisite(s):

• Grade 12 Graduation.

This is the second of 3 Public Works Institute courses developed in conjunction with the Public Works Institute of BC. Based on the American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Institute Guidelines, it introduces the student to government, organizational behavior, and contract documentation. Topics covered include presentation and verbal skills, contracts and contract law, contract administration, government and community, organizational behaviour, change management, customer service, labour relations, roles and responsibilities of Local, Provincial, and Federal Government, and Worksafe BC. The course is delivered through a series of lectures, in-class exercises, and discussions.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in COMM 1103

This is the third of 3 Public Works Institute courses developed in conjunction with the Public Works Institute of BC. Based on the American Public Works Association (APWA) Public Works Institute Guidelines, it introduces the student to the broad concepts of environmental management, sustainability, and basic project management and leadership skills. The course is delivered through a series of lectures, in-class exercises, and discussions.
Prerequisite(s):

• 65% in INFR 1120

Explores the provincial OH&S legislation in BC governed by the BC Workers Compensation Act and the Workers Compensation Board Occupational Health & Safety Regulation. The history of BC legislation and how it has evolved sets the tone for discussions on the current legislative system, its enforcement and recent trends toward prosecution. Introduces the BC WCB structure, mandate policies, and procedures. Learning activities revolve around applying key regulations and sections of the Act to the workplace. Students must obtain a copy of the BC legislation or have access to it via the BC WCB's website.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in OCHS 1000

This communication course teaches practical business communication techniques for planning, organizing, selecting, writing, and presenting information in business or industry. It covers routine memos, letters, request and reply letters, and oral presentations. NOTE: Students do not need to submit transcripts for entrance to this course. BUT, in the case of formal or informal grade appeals or reviews they will be asked to show proof of their English requirements. Students scoring below "C+" in English 12 should take COMM 1106 instead of COMM 1103. Students who wish to confirm their English level are strongly advised to take COMM 0015.
Prerequisite(s):

• English Studies 12 "67%" (C+) or equivalent (ie: COMM 0015 "70+" or IELTS Academic 6.5, etc.)

Familiarizes the technical writer with formats and conventions of documents used in the construction industry. Also includes a review of basic English grammar and sentence structure as well as an introduction to public speaking. Emphasis is placed on writing with clarity, directness, and brevity. 3.0 credits 12 weeks.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

This course provides an introduction to the relationships between drawings and building construction. Emphasis is on practical application of learned skills in a lab environment. These skills are essential for further studies in site processes, construction procedures and estimating. The course goal is to enable students to interpret construction drawings. Students will be able to derive necessary information from graphical construction documents in conformance with general practice in the industry.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

The course provides basic knowledge of water distribution practices and focuses on the practical aspects of water system planning, construction, operation and maintenance. The course includes water disinfection, safety, backflow control systems and record management. This course is designed to assist candidates wishing to write the Environmental Operators Certification Program (EOCP) Level 1 exam. EOCP examination time and fee information will be made available to all qualified students.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Covers the topics of pavement failures and pavement repair techniques, asphalt mixes, crack sealing and the types of equipment used, street lighting systems, pavement marking and street signs, vegetation control, sweeping and shoulder maintenance, maintenance management and pavement management systems, and their integration with job costing are reviewed.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

​This course introduces the student to interpretation of engineering drawings used in public works construction, including the correlation between construction layout, specifications and standard drawings. Prior completion of PUBW 1001 is recommended.​
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Provides an advanced knowledge of water distribution practices and focuses on the practical aspects of construction, operation and maintenance of water distribution systems. Prepares students for the Environmental Operators's Certification Program (EOCP) Level 2 exam. EOCP examination time and fee information will be made available to all qualified students.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in PUBW 1114

This continuing course in municipal roadworks maintenance will be presented by different instructors. Topics to be covered include utility location and adjustments for reconstruction and pavement widenings, master municipal specifications, road rehabilitation techniques, trenchless technology, drainage and spill containment, sidewalks, curbs and traffic control devices.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in PUBW 1121

This course covers the duties and legal responsibilities involved in public works inspection; examines inspection techniques, reports and data collection; and examines relevant clauses of MMCD general specifications for Public Works construction. Inspection requirements and quality control for soil placement, asphalt cement, Portland cement concrete and underground utilities are discussed.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

An introduction to the time value of money and the effects of differing interest rates and periods of payment for both simple and compound interest. Time cash flow diagrams are developed and the theory of annuities is presented.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Applies the principles learned in TSYH 4720 to problems in comparison of alternatives; viability of investment and rate of return; the study of depreciation for the purpose of assessing lease/purchase alternatives and equipment replacement.
Prerequisite(s):

• 50% in TSYH 4720

Introduces basic supervision and management skills. Topics include management responsibilities, interpersonal and communication skills, leadership, teamwork, negotiation and dispute resolution. Basic ethical rights and principles are examined, as well as various industry codes of ethics. Relevant case studies are reviewed as they relate to ethical issues in the workplace. 3.0 credits 12 weeks.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Designed for new supervisors or those seeking a higher level of leadership responsibility. The purpose of this course is provide students the opportunity to gain a level of self-understanding of the field that will assist them in correctly identifying their own strengths and areas for improvement with respect to leadership, team, conflict-management and communication skills. Study will include the performance side of supervision as the areas of performance appraisal, training and development and motivation are explored. Through the use of interactive cases and structured experiences, students will increase their self-confidence and leadership abilities and establish a foundation for further training in supervision and management.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

Discusses how to coordinate, develop, implement, and maintain an OH&S program within an organization. Explores how political, cultural , economic, and industry climates as well as corporate and personal values influence safety culture. Introduces management commitment, employee involvement, communication, supervision, education and training, safety recognition, safety policy, and safety committees. Provides legal, moral, and economic reasons for implementing a safety program. Outlines how to develop the policies and procedures required for a written OH&S program including workplace inspections, accident investigations, record keeping, first aid, ergonomics, emergency preparedness, job hazard analysis, training, work procedures and regular program review.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in OCHS 1000 and (60% in OCHS 1100 or 60% in OCHS 2100)

Focuses on the reduction of the effects of disasters through established and proven workplace emergency plans, procedures, and training. Evaluates the issues that arise prior to, during, and immediately following an emergency, as well as the long-range recovery challenges that follow. Discusses the development of an emergency response team and its implications. Includes an overview of community and government disaster services.
Prerequisite(s):

• 60% in OCHS 1000 and (60% in OCHS 1100 or 60% in OCHS 2100)

This course presents the study of factors that either influence or are influenced by people at work. Focuses on macro factors such as organizational structure, technology and environment; group factors such as group dynamics, leadership, conflict, change and decision-making; and individual factors such as personality, attitudes, perception and motivation.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.

An introduction to the legal aspects of construction contracts. Topics include an overview of the construction industry, contractual responsibilities and relationships between the parties to a construction project, bonding, liens and holdbacks, tendering, types of construction contracts, contents of bid and contract documents and the application of typical clauses to construction related issues.
Prerequisite(s):

• No prerequisites are required for this course.