COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MKT2020 Marketing a Trades Business

Business owners in trades, such as plumbing, automotive service, heating and cooling repair, electrical contracting and carpentry have a difficult task in marketing their business. This course provides a brief overview of selected marketing theory before engaging participants directly in practical exercises on how to improve a trades business though proven marketing strategies. Students learn how service marketing in a trades business differs from traditional product marketing, and the enormous impact that the individual's personal brand has on the company. Through a self-analysis exercise and a competitive analysis, students determine where they fit in the market. The importance of networking and referrals are emphasized. Students also consider various messaging and media options that resonate best with trades customers. Finally, students consider their specific trade to create a streamlined plan of action to promote their services.

FIN2010 Financial Processes in the Trades

This finance course is unique in that it provides a financial toolkit specifically designed with the entrepreneurial Journeyperson in mind. It is rich with common business taxation dilemmas faced by those operating their own businesses or for those serving in a managerial role. Although the focus is on practicality of use, the goal is for the Journeyperson to acknowledge and embrace the usefulness of the learning. Comprehending the logic behind appropriate project pricing and time to completion charting can be the difference between profit and loss. This course also introduces the simplicities of an IPO and the complexities of the risk and return correlation.

BUS2020 Business Planning for Tradespersons

Approximately ninety percent of all jobs in Canada are created by small and medium businesses and many of these businesses are in the skilled trades. An ever-growing demand for skilled trades results in great market opportunities for tradespersons. One of the important skills' gaps identified amongst tradespersons is the lack of business acumen and entrepreneurial skills. Business Planning for Tradespersons focuses on the tradesperson as an entrepreneur, guiding students through the steps of researching and developing a business plan at a level that is ready to implement. With the help of case studies, online collaborative tools, and design thinking methodology, students examine the steps and methods for developing a complete business plan, including marketing, operational and financial components in addition to evaluating the viability of business ideas.

Pre-requisites: FIN2010 and MGT2060 and MKT2020

MGT2050 Ethical and Legal Issues in the Trades

Operating a trades business involves many legal and ethical issues. Students gain a foundation for understanding and improving their ethical position as a trades business owner, including how to make tough yet ethical choices within the pressures of competition. Using current events, case studies, and discussions; students explore their personal integrity threshold, and determine the impact of their decisions on business results. Students further examine legal consideration in the operation of a trades business such as legislative, contractual and municipal obligation. Selected case studies from the trades are used throughout this course.

BUS2010 Emerging Trends and Innovation in Trades

Successful businesses not only respond to their current customer needs, but often anticipate future trends and use innovation to develop new ideas, products or services. The future of skilled trades will be shaped by emerging trends such as sustainability, new entrants to the skilled trades and applied research and development as well as skills shortages driven by demographics and economic factors. Leaders and entrepreneurs in the trades need to develop the capacity to leverage these trends and other changes that may arise in the future. Students develop the skills to be future leaders and entrepreneurs in the trades along with the ability to analyze and manage emerging trends and nurture a culture of innovation within their fields.

MGT2060 Operating a Trades Business

The student will be introduced to general considerations, and unique facets in the operation of a trades business. Using a business simulation scenario, students will go through all the stages of operating and maintaining a trades based business. Topics to be covered include planning, research, legal considerations, and day to day operation. Issues related directly to trades businesses will be the focus throughout the course.