The Foreman’s Development Series (FDS) consists of individual modules where foremen and journeymen have the opportunity to participate in an interactive learning atmosphere of teaching and discussion focused on industry “best practices.”  The rigorous and robust multi-lesson educational series replaces previously offered EPS and is designed to educate, excite, and expand one’s knowledge.  Participants can earn continuing education hours towards state certification while strengthening skill sets and learning from highly trained subject matter experts. FDS modules are 3-Hour instruction sessions.

FDS MODULES

  • The Role of the Foreman: This module introduces participants to a general overview of the duties and responsibilities of the foreman. In addition, it identifies important personal qualities and characteristics of a successful foreman.
  • Material Management: This module examines the various issues associated with ordering and handling jobsite materials and studies a series of “best practices” that will result in better material management on the project.
  • Labor Relations: This module focuses on the relationship between labor and management, hiring practices, managing employee attitudes, setting expectations and handling performance issues under collective bargaining agreements.
  • Understanding the Estimate: This module gives a broad overview of how electrical contractors pursue work through the bid process, how they arrive at their cost estimate, and how the successful estimate is then turned into the job budget of labor and material that the Foreman is responsible for managing.
  • Man-Loading and Scheduling: Participants will gain an understanding of common terms used in scheduling and compare a General Contractor’s Schedule with an Electrical Budget to learn how they relate to each other. They will use the schedule and budget to man-load a project, and then use that data to develop a Weekly Planner.
  • Managing Production: This class examines the concepts of individual versus system productivity. Participants will examine best industry practices for managing production, working more efficiently, and ways to motivate and set goals for a diverse workforce including CW’s/CE’s.
  • Safety I & II: There is no issue more important than safety on the job. The first module introduces the concept of an injury-free environment and demonstrates effective practices to bring this concept to reality. The second module focuses on mental health.
  • Project Start-Up: This module familiarizes the participants with the documentation, terms and procedures that are necessary to successfully begin a new project.
  • Communication: We’ll discuss why communication is important to the foreman and explore the common barriers to good communication and how to resolve them. Participants will learn how to apply techniques to improve their daily communication, as well as how to navigate through difficult conversations.
  • Documentation: Staying on top of the paperwork at each job site is a daunting and important task. Participants will cover the various forms of documentation that a Foreman will encounter on a job site and gain an understanding of how to create good documentation.
  • Change Management: Change happens on every job! This class will discuss how and why construction changes occur, the documents involved, how they are handled, priced, and tracked as well as how changes impact the project.
  • Project Closeout: We’ll look at the documentation such as punch lists, as-built drawings and commissioning that are important to the final stages of project completion. We will also discuss the importance of customer service to ensure that we become the preferred choice for future projects.
  • Understanding the Estimate Part II: Foremen learn how to use the Estimate to determine crew install rates, how to utilize Labor tracking as well as understanding monthly Job cost reports.
  • Specifications: Utilizing an actual Specification book this module provides Foremen with a working knowledge of typical Specification requirements utilized in today’s construction industry.
  • Highly Effective Foreman Part I: This module takes Foremen from highly qualified to ‘highly effective’ by improving their use of people skills with working relationships, communications skills, setting expectations and team building which results in better direction and motivation for their crew.
  • Highly Effective Foreman Part II: This module builds from Part I to help Foremen become more consistent in performing their jobs so that they achieve higher than average RESULTS on their projects. Topics include setting team goals, planning, time management, worker accountability, worker performance and conflict resolution.

Click below for registration information and module specifics:

  • Alameda FDS – Unless noted on the registration form, module instruction is held at the NorCal NECA Office: 7041 Koll Center Pkwy., Ste. 100, Pleasanton, CA 94566 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM
    • Role of the Foreman – 2/20/2024
    • Project Start-Up – 2/21/2024
    • Material Management – 3/19/2024
    • Labor Relations – 3/20/2024
    • Understanding the Estimate I & II – 4/16/2024
    • Man-Loading & Scheduling – 4/17/2024
    • Safety I – 5/28/2024
    • Safety II – 5/29/2024
    • Managing Production – 6/18/2024
    • Communication – 6/19/2024
    • Documentation – 7/16/2024
    • Change Management & Specification – 7/17/2024
    • Project Closeout – 8/20/2024
    • Highly Effective Foreman I & II – 8/21/2024

 

  • Solano/Napa FDS – Unless noted on the registration form, module instruction is held virtually from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM.  These modules are reserved for Local 180 electricians.
    • Role of the Foreman – 2/19/2024
    • Project Start-Up – 3/18/2024
    • Material Management – 4/15/2024
    • Safety I – 6/17/2024
    • Understanding the Estimate I & II – 7/15/2024
    • Man-Loading & Scheduling – 8/19/2024

 

  • Stockton FDS – Unless noted on the registration form, module instruction is held at the Stockton Training Center: 1531 El Pinal Dr, Stockton, CA 95205:
      • Managing Production – 2/1/2024 _ 5:30 – 8:30 PM
      • Safety I – 2/8/2024 _ 5:00 – 7:00 PM
      • Safety II – 2/22/2024 _ 5:00 – 7:00 PM
      • Estimating Principles – 3/5/2024 _ 5:30 -8:30 PM
      • Project Closeout – 3/7/2024 _ 5:30 – 8:30 PM
      • Change Management & Specifications – 4/18/2024 _ 5:00 – 7:00 PM
      • Effective Foreman – 4/23/2024 _ 5:30 – 8:30 PM
      • Understanding the Estimate II – 4/25/2024 _ 5:00 – 7:00 PM

Don’t see modules in your area?  Make sure to check back for updated class availability, times, and locations.

Modules are individual, topic driven lessons and do not have to be taken in a particular order.  Space can be limited.  Registration is taken on a first come first serve basis granting local members priority registration.  Classes are subject to cancellation if minimum class size is not met.  Registration is free, however, participants are subject to a $50 no show/late cancellation fee.