Workforce Development in Construction series 1

Building Industry Employee Development Program

Series X: Wood Panel Products & Heavy Timber Construction

AIA Pre-Approved • 2 Hours (LU/HSW)

Online • Self-Paced Workforce Training

Who This Course Is Designed For (EMPLOYEE-ONLY Eligibility)

All hours are fully recognized for AIA LU/HSW credit and support competency development for employees only.

This program is strictly intended for wage-based or salary-based staff and not open to business owners, partners, directors, executives, or their family members.

① AIA Architect Employee Members

Employed staff architects (non-owner)

Internal architectural employees

Architect employees working under supervision

② AIA Associate Members (Employees)

Graduate architects employed in firms

Junior designers and intern architects (employee status)

③ Architectural Technology & Design Teams (Employees Only)

Architectural Technologists

Senior / Intermediate Technologists (non-managerial)

Architectural Designers (staff roles)

BIM Technologists & Coordinators (employees)

Drafting / CAD Technicians

④ Construction & Project Delivery Teams (Employee Roles Only)

Design-Build employees

Construction Manager employees (non-executive)

Project Coordinator & Project Manager employees

Site Supervisors employed by construction firms

Residential Builder employees

Developer technical employees

⑤ Specialized Consultant Teams (Technical Employees Only)

Structural engineering employees

Building code analyst employees

Planning consultant employees

Fire protection / life safety engineering staff

Building envelope & sustainability consultant employees

Passive House / Net-Zero design employees

Engineering-related technical staff

Not Eligible: owners, partners, directors, executives, independent contractors, or relatives of owners.

Course Description

This AIA pre-approved 2-hour technical training introduces employees to the foundational concepts of wood panel products, heavy timber systems, and wood-based structural assemblies used in modern residential and commercial construction. The course is structured for employer training grants and is designed to build practical, industry-aligned knowledge for staff-level design, engineering, and construction personnel.

The program explores:

The advantages and environmental benefits of wood panel systems

Manufacturing processes, grading, and performance characteristics of structural panels

Key code requirements for Type IV heavy timber construction

Structural behaviors, safety performance, and fire-resistance of heavy timber systems

Light-frame wood construction principles and variations

Integration of lumber efficiency strategies and prefabricated assemblies

This training equips employees with the essential understanding required to support safe, compliant, and well-coordinated construction projects.

Learning Objectives

1. Structural Wood Panel Systems

Participants will learn to:

Identify major structural wood panel types

Understand plywood production and panel manufacturing methods

Specify structural wood panels appropriately

Recognize chemical treatments, fasteners, engineered wood components, and panel assemblies

2. Heavy Timber Construction Fundamentals

Participants will be able to:

Review the evolution of timber frame construction

Understand fire-resistive behavior and charring characteristics

Recognize wood shrinkage factors and impacts on heavy timber stability

Identify lateral bracing, long-span capabilities, and integration of building services

Understand code-recognized features and limitations of heavy timber buildings

3. Wood Light-Frame Construction

Participants will gain the ability to:

Trace the development of platform, balloon, and hybrid framing systems

Understand wall, floor, and roof framing methods

Recognize foundation requirements for light-frame structures

Identify variations and modern adaptations in light-frame construction

4. Material Efficiency & Prefabrication

Learners will understand:

Optimal lumber usage strategies

Prefabricated framing assemblies

Light-frame construction integration with building code requirements

Unique structural considerations of light-frame wood buildings

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, employees will:

Demonstrate foundational knowledge of wood panel systems and heavy timber construction

Understand how code requirements influence structural wood design

Apply improved judgment in selecting wood materials and assemblies

Support site supervisors, technologists, and architects in achieving safe and efficient construction outcomes

Possess enhanced competency in integrating wood systems into drawings, specifications, and field coordination

Additionally, participants will receive a Housing Management Commission–accredited certificate, recognizing completion of this employer-supported construction training program.

Program Duration

4 weeks (recommended employer-training cycle)

Learning Resources

Technical textbooks & industry guides

Real-life construction case studies

Online reference materials & demonstrations

Instructional videos and supplementary documents

Delivery Methods

In-class instruction

On-site training

Online / distance learning

Hybrid delivery

Employers may choose any format required for their workforce.

Marking Scheme

This program includes both theory and applied learning:

1. Theory Component – 50%

Online modules and knowledge checks

2. Applied Component – 50%

Case study

Term project or practical assignment

Presentation / report

Grading Scale

A = 94–100%

A- = 90–93%

B+ = 86–89%

B = 83–85%

B- = 80–82%

C+ = 75–79%

C = 70–74%

D = 60–69%

F = 0–59%

Requirements for Graduation

Minimum final grade: C or higher

Completion of all required theory and applied components

Program Capacity

Maximum 30 participants per cohort.

Instructors

Delivered by the expert instructor team at:

UOFVISA.COM — Academy of Vancity Institute of Science and Art

Comprising senior architects, technologists, engineers, and construction professionals.