Education
The Home Builders Association of the Grand Traverse Area's mission includes the support of educational initiatives within our community. With education as one of the foundations of our association, we offer a variety of opportunities and venues for professional development and education that include the following and more.
Testimonials
Thank you for all of the relevant information you provided in the class last week. It was truly a great experience interacting with other peers and exchanging ideas in that format. I was initially skeptical about a zoom class but your professionalism and personal stories really made the experience enjoyable and informative. Don Bialk, Construction Design, Inc. of Manistee. Given to our NAHB instructor Tag Gilkeson
"The HBA CAPS Certification course offers a wealth of information to any builder or other professional, interested in expanding their knowledge of incorporating spaces for seniors or anyone requiring additional accommodations, with the goal towards staying in their existing home. This valuable class can help improve your business for a growing market." Mike McCumby, Saxton-McCumby Builders, Inc.
Testimonials
Thank you for all of the relevant information you provided in the class last week. It was truly a great experience interacting with other peers and exchanging ideas in that format. I was initially skeptical about a zoom class but your professionalism and personal stories really made the experience enjoyable and informative. Don Bialk, Construction Design, Inc. of Manistee. Given to our NAHB instructor Tag Gilkeson
"The HBA CAPS Certification course offers a wealth of information to any builder or other professional, interested in expanding their knowledge of incorporating spaces for seniors or anyone requiring additional accommodations, with the goal towards staying in their existing home. This valuable class can help improve your business for a growing market." Mike McCumby, Saxton-McCumby Builders, Inc.
Upcoming Classes
For assistance in registering for classes please call the HBA office at 231-946-2305 or email debbie@hbagta.com.
YEAR AT-A-GLANCE CLASS LIST
YEAR AT-A-GLANCE CLASS LIST

MIOSHA 10-Hr. Construction Safety
June 28 & 29, 2022
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days
In-Person
Lunch Provided
This 10-hour program presents an overview of MIOSHA regulations for the construction industry. Detailed information is presented to enable the participant to develop an accident prevention plan as required by Rule 114 of MIOSHA Construction Safety Standard Part 1, General Rules. An overview of MIOSHA inspection procedures is presented, as well as the most frequently cited MIOSHA violations in the construction industry. Participants gain detailed information regarding construction and health standards relative to the industry. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing hazards and describing safe work practices to eliminate or control those hazards. Students will receive both MIOSHA and OSHA 10-hour cards upon successful completion of the class.
MIOSHA Scholarships are available! The only requirement is to apply!
June 28 & 29, 2022
9 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days
In-Person
Lunch Provided
This 10-hour program presents an overview of MIOSHA regulations for the construction industry. Detailed information is presented to enable the participant to develop an accident prevention plan as required by Rule 114 of MIOSHA Construction Safety Standard Part 1, General Rules. An overview of MIOSHA inspection procedures is presented, as well as the most frequently cited MIOSHA violations in the construction industry. Participants gain detailed information regarding construction and health standards relative to the industry. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing hazards and describing safe work practices to eliminate or control those hazards. Students will receive both MIOSHA and OSHA 10-hour cards upon successful completion of the class.
MIOSHA Scholarships are available! The only requirement is to apply!

Estimating & Scheduling for Profitable Business Operations
September 8, 2022
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Virtual Via Zoom
The ability to effectively prepare for a project is vital to the success of any business. Project preparation consists of multiple processes that work together and, when performed effectively, enable you to increase your efficiency, achieve greater client satisfaction, enhance team and vendor relationships and protect profitability. This course provides you with the knowledge and skills to perform two of the critical processes in project preparation: estimating costs and creating the schedule to complete the project.
September 8, 2022
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Virtual Via Zoom
The ability to effectively prepare for a project is vital to the success of any business. Project preparation consists of multiple processes that work together and, when performed effectively, enable you to increase your efficiency, achieve greater client satisfaction, enhance team and vendor relationships and protect profitability. This course provides you with the knowledge and skills to perform two of the critical processes in project preparation: estimating costs and creating the schedule to complete the project.

Marketing & Sales for Building Professionals
September 22, 2022
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Virtual Via Zoom
The days of “build it or remodel it and they will buy” are a thing of the past. Today customers are both demanding and selective and, thanks to the world of technology, they are very well educated. So how do you stand out from the crowd and make your brand relevant? This course will give you an overview of the many types of marketing and sales tools available today to help you build your unique brand and a positive reputation so you can engage and motivate potential customers, clients and referral partners to choose your product or remodeling services. After the course, you will be given exclusive access to a Student FTP Site that provides additional resources for learning more about the sales and marketing techniques described in this course.
September 22, 2022
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Virtual Via Zoom
The days of “build it or remodel it and they will buy” are a thing of the past. Today customers are both demanding and selective and, thanks to the world of technology, they are very well educated. So how do you stand out from the crowd and make your brand relevant? This course will give you an overview of the many types of marketing and sales tools available today to help you build your unique brand and a positive reputation so you can engage and motivate potential customers, clients and referral partners to choose your product or remodeling services. After the course, you will be given exclusive access to a Student FTP Site that provides additional resources for learning more about the sales and marketing techniques described in this course.

Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist Designation (CAPS)
October 3, 4, 5, 2022
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Virtual Via Zoom
All 3 classes are required to earn your CAPS designation.
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place.
The baby boom generation has many choices as this large population of potential clients for remodelers, builders, contractors and occupational therapists considers where to live — but overwhelmingly, seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes. The CAPS designation offers your potential clients what they need most: reassurance that you’ll help them make the choices that will help them stay in their homes safely and securely.
In addition, the CAPS designation helps you make your clients’ homes more “visitable.” Even if the home owners don’t think they need additional task lighting, grab bars, and other home modifications for their own use, their family members and visitors might. CAPS helps you help your clients make the right choices, and it gives you more security in remodeling market niche that’s continuing to grow in popularity.
October 3, 4, 5, 2022
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Virtual Via Zoom
All 3 classes are required to earn your CAPS designation.
The Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) designation program teaches the technical, business management, and customer service skills essential to competing in the fastest growing segment of the residential remodeling industry: home modifications for the aging-in-place.
The baby boom generation has many choices as this large population of potential clients for remodelers, builders, contractors and occupational therapists considers where to live — but overwhelmingly, seniors would prefer to stay in their own homes. The CAPS designation offers your potential clients what they need most: reassurance that you’ll help them make the choices that will help them stay in their homes safely and securely.
In addition, the CAPS designation helps you make your clients’ homes more “visitable.” Even if the home owners don’t think they need additional task lighting, grab bars, and other home modifications for their own use, their family members and visitors might. CAPS helps you help your clients make the right choices, and it gives you more security in remodeling market niche that’s continuing to grow in popularity.
HBAGTA Educational Partners
The HBAGTA is proud to work with these amazing educational partners to bring you a wider scope of classes.
From online classes to a more formal education, turn to the HBAGTA and our partners for your educational needs.
From online classes to a more formal education, turn to the HBAGTA and our partners for your educational needs.
![]() MICHIGAN BUILDERS 60-HOUR
PRELICENSURE ONLINE COURSE ONLINE 3-HOUR CONTINUING COMPETENCY FOR LICENSED BUILDERS |
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Education Program Yearly Sponsorships - New Opportunities!
Education is one of the HBAGTA’s Core Values: We know a well-educated membership is the cornerstone of the home building industry. We believe that the HBAGTA has the possibility and opportunity to facilitate learning for every member and that every member has the obligation to acquire new knowledge, skills, values, and habits to support the communities perception of our industry.
Exclusive Platinum Sponsor
$5,500*
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Gold Sponsor - Limit 4
$2,000*
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Contact Debbie for more information, 231-946-2305.