As an industry, we need to ensure long-term success through modelling lifelong learning and upskilling as organizations and individuals.
Beyond the many advantages of employee engagement and long-term career satisfaction, adopting a culture of ‘always be learning’ will help prepare industry professionals to adapt to new building codes, sustainability requirements, digital tools and technologies, and evolving workforce expectations.
Why Lifelong Learning Matters More Than Ever
There is a lot of demand right now for professionals in all areas of residential construction, and as the industry continues to rapidly evolve, adaptability will matter more than ever before. It will be a core skill, highly sought after by employers, and essential for securing long-term job stability.
Through learning and funded upskilling with programs like OHBA Futures Faster, participants can contribute meaningfully to today’s urgent housing needs while building skills that help them advance their career and stay in the industry.
Lifelong learning can also help all levels of an organization: by prioritizing professional development, companies can remain competitive in a market where codes, regulations, technologies, and even client demands change quickly.
What Lifelong Learning in Action Looks Like
Lifelong learning can be such a powerful tool when it’s visible and on display. It’s something that starts from the top down: leaders who demonstrate their continuous desire to learn can send a positive message throughout their organization, inspiring others to do the same.
Likewise, when mentors with OHBA Futures Faster share their learnings with mentees, they’re also proving that guidance is a form of professional development that can supercharge results. Even entire teams within an organization can embrace lifelong learning, thereby fostering a culture of curiosity and progress, while also inspiring other teams and individuals to follow their lead.
When you embrace learning at all levels, from leadership to the most junior member of staff, the idea of professional development becomes contagious. This can strengthen the entire organization, enhancing workplace camaraderie, improving culture, boosting competitiveness, and increasing customer satisfaction.
How to Build a Culture of Lifelong Learning
Organizations that truly commit to ongoing professional development integrate learning into their day-to-day operations, making it a core part of their culture rather than just a box to check. Some of the most effective ways to do this include:
- Sharing professional development opportunities with staff during team meetings or through the company’s internal newsletter
- Carving out time for and investing in new micro-credential upskilling opportunities like OHBA Futures Faster
- Including a designated “Continuing Education” section in the annual self-assessment, prompting employees to reflect on what they’d like to learn next and how they plan to achieve it
- Encouraging staff to follow other industry-leading educators on social media who regularly offer training opportunities
- Hosting monthly Lunch & Learns tailored to each department’s needs
- Creating regular peer learning opportunities, such as mentorship programs or internal knowledge-sharing sessions
- Offering a small annual learning budget for each employee to use towards books, online courses, or conference attendance
- Celebrating upskilling accomplishments through all-staff emails, staff meetings, or company LinkedIn posts to reinforce the value of continuous growth
The home building industry, of course, offers many high-quality educational opportunities through our professional associations such as:
Ontario Home Builders’ Association
- EnerQuality courses - technical training for Net Zero and Energy Star certification, and other timely topics like Building Beyond Code and Advanced Building Science.
- Training Ontario - HCRA-approved courses and other professional development or industry topics that range from Financial Planning & Management, Advanced Moisture Control, Sales Skills Fundamentals, to Radon Mitigation.
- OHBA Member Webinars
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
- Net Zero Training - CHBA has developed the training courses below for the Net Zero Home Labelling Program with the help of industry experts.
- LEEP Workshops and Forums - Designed as innovation exchange workshops, LEEP bridges the gap between codes, regulations and construction industry professionals by highlighting the development of reliable, robust and cost-effective solutions.
Organizations that foster this kind of learning culture not only enhance individual development, but also strengthen their teams, improve industry knowledge, and drive long-term success.
When you create a culture that prioritizes lifelong learning and recognizes achievements, everyone within an organization feels more engaged and motivated to grow, meaningfully connected to a purpose beyond themselves, and empowered to contribute to the collective advancement of the industry.
Learning in the residential construction industry isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about creating a stronger future together.
Ready to lead by example through your lifelong learning? Fill out our eligibility form today*.
*Program details, availability, and eligibility are accurate as of the date of publication and may change over time. Please explore the OHBA Futures Faster website for the most current information.
