ACCA | Toronto Pearson
Project Ascend
This program is designed to provide BIPOC contractors with essential estimating and bidding skills to increase their competitiveness in the construction industry.
Corporate Sponsor:
Program Summary
This initiative aims to tackle the unique challenges BIPOC contractors face in the construction industry by focusing on one of the most critical areas for success: estimating and bidding. By blending hands-on skill-building with mentorship, networking opportunities, and ongoing support, the program goes beyond traditional training models. It is designed to equip participants with the tools and confidence to pursue larger commercial projects, enhance their competitiveness, and improve their success in securing contracts.
Each Cohort will run for 9 weeks covering weekend in-class sessions and a speed networking and mentorship event.
Start Date: May 24, 2025
Course Timeline
Week 1
Introduction to Estimating
- Overview of Estimating and Its Importance in Construction.
- Types of Estimates: Conceptual, Detailed, Square Foot, Parametric.
- Assembly Estimating and Quantity Surveying.
- Sources of Estimating Information and Overview of Contract Documents.
- Types of Contract Agreements: Residential, ICI (Industrial, Commercial, Institutional), and Civil.
- Agreement Provisions and Contract General Requirements.
Week 2
Project Manual and Bidding Documents, Contracts, Bonds, and Insurance
- CSI/CSC Master format Overview and Its Importance in Estimation.
- Invitation to Bid, Instructions to Bidders, and Bid/Proposal Forms.
- Specifications, Addenda, Alternates, and Substitutes.
- Bonds (Performance, Bid, and Payment Bonds) and Insurance (Builder’s Risk, Liability).
Week 3
Developing an Estimate
- Organizing an Estimate and Site Investigation Essentials.
- Specialty/Subcontractors and Materials Estimation.
- Preparing Estimate Sheets, Recap Sheets, and Checklists.
- Understanding Overhead (Direct, Indirect, and Home Office Overhead).
- Scheduling, Contingencies, and Risk Allowances in Estimation.
Week 4
Equipment Costs and Excavation, Overhead, Contingencies, and Labor Costs
- Equipment Costs: Operating, Depreciation, Ownership, and Rentals.
- Specifications and Calculations for Excavation (Soil, Backfilling, Rock Excavation).
- Dewatering, Asphalt Paving, Piles, and Landscaping Costs.
- Labor Hours, Productivity, Unions, Wages, and Rules.
- Labor Burden and Pricing.
Week 5
Concrete, Masonry, and Metals
- Estimating Concrete: Work, Reinforcement, Accessories, and Finishing.
- Masonry (Concrete and Brick Estimation).
Structural Metal Framing and Miscellaneous Metals. - Estimating Wood and Plastic Components (Board Measure, Framing, Assembly).
- Thermal and Moisture Protection (Membranes, Insulation, Roofing, Flashing).
Week 6
Finishes, Doors, Windows, and Specialties, Wood, Plastics, and Thermal Protection
- Estimating Doors and Windows (Wood, Metal, Frames, and Hardware).
- Finishes (Drywall, Flooring, Painting).
- Specialty Finishes and Custom Work.
- Waterproofing, Damproofing, and Parge Coats.
- Estimating Project
Week 7
Electrical and Mechanical Systems
- Electrical Systems: Wiring, Fixtures, and Equipment.
- Mechanical Systems (Plumbing, HVAC, Controls, and Equipment).
- Estimating Project
Week 8
Final Class
Capstone Project Presentation and Review.
Capstone Project
- Objective: Develop a complete project estimate for a mock construction project, incorporating all elements covered in the course.
- Components:
- Prepare a detailed quantity takeoff.
- Include materials, labor, equipment, overhead, and contingencies.
- Present and defend the estimate to the class for feedback.
- Assessment:
- Weekly Quizzes: 20%
- Class Participation: 20%
- Captsone Project: 60%
- Final Exam
The unique 9-week program blends estimating skill development with mentorship, networking, and ongoing support. By equipping participants with the tools to confidently bid on larger projects, the program strengthens their competitiveness and increases their chances of long-term success in the industry.
Apply Below
Training Facilitated by Proplanix Consulting Group Inc.
Meet the Instructor, Neil Lowhar
Proplanix Consulting Group Inc.
Neil is a Senior Consultant with over 20 years of extensive construction experience as a Construction Manager. Also, he is a qualified Construction Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.), a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a Canadian Construction Association Gold Seal Certified (GSC) and a National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO). He has extensive experience in project planning, constructability, risk management and execution.