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Programs: High School | Adult Skilled Trades | Industry Professional Development

Better Communications workshop

Language barriers affect the workplace with communication breakdowns, misunderstandings, and barriers to connection. This seminar develops awareness and strategies so employees & their employers can be proactive in building better communication with speakers of other languages. 

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Two construction workers from different backgrounds communicate with each other on a job site.

Course Details

In partnership with the Literacy Center of West Michigan, WMCI’s Better Communication’s Workshop is a one-day, 4 hour session that covers the basics of understanding and overcoming language differences in the construction industry. Students will learn practical strategies to communicate information in ways that are more easily understood and strategies to check comprehension of feedback. 

Instructor: Christy Dam

Customized Workplace English Instructor, Literacy Center of West Michigan

 

Better Communications workshop Registration

The Better Communications Workshop is closed for the Spring '26 semester. If you have any questions about availability, please email Jordyn Kapala at jkapala@wmcinstitute.com.

Additionally, make sure you sign up for the WMCI course mailing list to ensure you're the first to be notified when new courses open that match your training needs.

Additional courses you may be interested in:

WMCI's Introductory Field Leadership Course is now closed.

START DATE
August 26, 2025
End Date
November 4, 2025
Registration Fees
$3800

What you'll learn:

In this six-session professional development course, students will develop the communication, management, and productivity skills needed to lead successful construction projects.

Who should attend?

As a perfect program to translate job site technical expertise into leadership of multiple persons and teams, this course is best for rising construction industry managers, foremen, and superintendents.

START DATE
January 14, 2026
End Date
February 11, 2026
Registration Fees
$610

What you'll learn:

A perfect introductory program for students to learn how to read and interpret construction documents in all areas of construction. Specific skills developed include: document terminology, site planes, plan specifications, bid manuals, and more.

Who should attend?

This program is structured for tradespersons who is just entering the field or transitioning into a position requiring a firm understanding of how construction documents work and are related to each other.
WMCI's Advanced Field Leadership Course is now closed

START DATE
August 27, 2025
End Date
November 5, 2025
Registration Fees
$3900

What you'll learn:

Building on skills learned in Introductory Field Leadership, students will learn develop competency: 1. Leadership from Within (Emotional intelligence for leaders, business acumen in contracting, coaching and mentoring skills) 2. Managing Behaviors (Time management, generations in the workplace) 3. Impacting Project Teams (Collaboration for successful communication, organizational skills, developing powerful messages) 4. Mentoring through Coaching (Harness the power of leadership energy, improving leadership performance through delegation) 5. Situational Leadership (Problem-solving, improving accountability, change management) 6. Leadership Growth (Critical-thinking, capstone project)

Who should attend?

Advanced Field Leadership is best for mid-level managers, project directors, and members of the leadership teams with a specific focus on smoothing the transition from being a technical expert in the field to being an expert leader of people and projects.
The WMCI Spanish for Construction course is now closed.

START DATE
January 13, 2026
End Date
March 19, 2026
Registration Fees
$1250

What you'll learn:

In a curriculum customized for the industry, students will learn the most common construction Spanish words and phrases used on a jobsite.

Who should attend?

This course is intended for those that speak little to no Spanish and are looking to engage more efficiently with their Spanish speaking team members.
WMCI course image for scaffolding safety training. This course is called "Scaffold Training: Competent Person"

START DATE
April 20, 2026
End Date
April 20, 2026
Registration Fees
$350

What you'll learn:

Students will learn how to recognize scaffold hazards, the proper way for handling equipment, and proactive methods to ensure the highest level of scaffold safety on job sites.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for personnel who are responsible for erecting, dismantling, repairing, maintaining, or inspecting scaffolding.

START DATE
March 18, 2026
End Date
Registration Fees
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What you'll learn:

During this 2 hour class, students will learn the important, lifesaving skills of the most common first aid practices, CPR procedures, and how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator.)

Who should attend?

This program is structured for those seeking training to meet First Aid & CPR certification or recertification.
The OSHA 10 course taught through the West Michigan Construction Institute is now closed.

START DATE
March 19, 2026
End Date
March 20, 2026
Registration Fees
$150

What you'll learn:

The OSHA 10-hour class for the Construction Industry provides training for workers and employers on the recognition, avoidance, abatement, and prevention of safety and health hazards in workplaces in the construction industry.

Who should attend?

Anyone seeking training to meet OSHA or other safety regulatory agency requirements.
Field Operations is closed.

START DATE
January 22, 2026
End Date
April 9, 2026
Registration Fees
$3750

What you'll learn:

Students will learn project communications, documentation, safety, site logistics, coordination, quality control, and project closeout skills.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for recently promoted superintendents, foremen, and crew leaders as they transition from hands-on trades to field leadership positions.
Presentation Skills - WMCI Course Thumbnail - closed

START DATE
October 28, 2025
End Date
October 30, 2025
Registration Fees
$2499

What you'll learn:

Students will learn how to organize presentations for clarity and impact, create visual aids, improve communication skills, and engage their audience with interactive techniques.

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for persons in business development, project management, and/or leadership looking to maximize the impact of their presentations.

START DATE
September 4, 2025
End Date
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Registration Fees
$3750

What you'll learn:

Students will learn project communications, contracts and scope of works, buyouts, cash flow, turnover, and other project administration skills.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for recently promoted superintendents, foremen, and crew leaders as they transition from hands-on trades to field leadership positions.