This is the third TTMAC online Canadian course created by UofCTS for TTMAC. The other two TTMAC online courses were released over the last three years, and with great success. Both the TTMAC "Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone" course and the TTMAC "Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile" course have had several hundred tile and stone distributors, manufacturers and installers complete each of the courses.

The ITS Verification course instructs installers, setters and helpers on industry standards and practices, manufacturers' requirements and proper installation methods for tile thin-set applications that apply to ceramic tile, porcelain tile, stone tile, glass tile and other types of adhered tile materials. The course also teaches how to inspect and prepare substrates and tiles, how to achieve full thin-set coverage and points out quality workmanship requirements and practices. This course is also meaningful to architects, general contractors, distributors, manufacturers, consultants, inspectors and owners who want to be aware of the industry installation standards, practices and methods.

Tile installers who complete the ITS Verification course receive a certificate of completion and must renew it annually to remain current with industry standards. The ITS Certificate is a huge benefit to tile installation companies. It demonstrates to architects, homeowners and other customers that their tile installers have been trained to install tile per industry standards. It also demonstrates the company's commitment to quality installations, and ultimately helps companies earn more jobs and money, and avoid costly delays and failures.  

TTMAC's Board of Directors is thrilled with the success of the TTMAC online training programs. They reported that the success of the Ceramic Tile and the Natural Stone courses has proven that providing training courses on the internet is the most cost-effective and convenient way to reach their membership and educate the Canadian tile and stone industry.

Curt Higham, training director at Ames Tile & Stone Ltd., stated that Ames sent more than 150 of its employees through both the TTMAC Stone Course and the TTMAC Ceramic Tile Course. Higham indicated that the results have been phenomenal. The company's customers have noticed the difference in how much more knowledgeable and competent their employees are compared to other distributors. The training has been motivating to their employees and has increased their confidence and has enhanced the company's quality-minded culture.

TTMAC collaborated with the UofCTS to convert the U.S. version of the ITS Verification course into a version that would be relevant to the Canadian industry. It references the Canadian TTMAC manuals, specifications and industry standards, as well as relevant U.S. industry standards. The primary measuring unit is metric, but it also includes U.S. measuring units for reference.

The TTMAC online "Understanding the Basics of Natural Stone" and "Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile" courses offer an up-to-date comprehensive look at the Canadian stone and ceramic tile industry. The courses teach industry standards and sales techniques, and are designed to give salespeople the tools they need in order to increase sales.  It gives installers, as well as design professionals, details about industry standards and information on how to assist clients with selecting tile and stone products.   

The courses have been accredited for Continued Education Credits by three major Canadian architectural and interior design organizations. Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC), Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) and Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) have all assigned seven and eight continuing education units to each respective course.

To see a video preview of the ITS Verification online training course, and others, visit the Web site found on the online training courses page. You will see that the courses are interactive, professionally narrated and are loaded with plenty of video clips, photos and animations in order to enhance the learning experience.

Once registered, TTMAC students have 21 days to complete the course, which is accessible online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students can come and go at their convenience. With online training there are no travel costs or loss of work. All the student needs to access the courses is a computer and an internet connection. Students can print a certificate and download a student reference guide when they have completed and passed the course. Visit the TTMAC Web site for details on purchasing the TTMAC online courses at: www.ttmac.com.

For further information about the UofCTS training services, please visit www.UofCTS.org or call (619) 669-2967.