WorkSafeBC requires all traffic control workers to have a Traffic Control Person (TCP) certification. This translates to a two-day course that combines classroom learning and field practice to ensure traffic control persons have the skills they need to be prepared and safe on the road. Universal Health and Safety (UHS) proudly offers the certification, and as a Universal Group company, it also offers immediate access to GOtraffic and Universal Flagging recruiters who are happy to discuss career options at the Universal Group. Here’s what it’s like to take a TCP course at UHS:
Register
Registering for the course is easy. Simply head to the website or call to find out when the next course starts. Courses are typically offered two to three times per week and are scheduled from 8AM to 4:30PM. Universal Health and Safety is located by Brentwood Town Centre in Burnaby meaning you’ll be minutes from the Gilmore Skytrain Station and have lots of food options for lunch. It’s ideal to plan to arrive early on the first day as you can expect to meet 20-30 students from all walks of life and trainers excited to get you trained. You’ll also be given all of the materials you need to complete the course including a participant guide, traffic control manual, and hip guide.
Learn the Basics
Day one consists of classroom learning and lots of free coffee to keep you engaged. You can expect to learn about the basics of the traffic control industry including how to set up traffic management plans, conduct field-level risk assessments, and use a hip guide to follow proper procedures. The trainer will explain the rules of the road and you’ll follow along with your training and MOT manual. Though the course is fast-paced, students are always encouraged to ask questions and can expect several unit summary quizzes to test their comprehension.
Focus on Safety
Overall, the course is focused on safety. You’ll hear lots of stories that will hopefully provide perspective and drive home the importance of being prepared and following procedures to stay safe. Then you’ll be given lots of safety tips.
Half-way through the day, you’ll break for a 30-minute lunch. Not to brag but UHS is right beside Tim Hortons (it’s also close to Starbucks and White Spot). If you prefer to stay in, the lunch room includes a microwave and basic kitchen utensils for you to use.
The latter half of the day will ensure you’re prepared for field practice on day two (assuming you pass the written assessment first). For that, it’s important to remember to wear CSA-approved steel-toed boots with ankle support, long solid-coloured pants, and long sleeves.
Field Practice
Day two is a field day! This means you’ll participate in a 4-hour road practical that will have you practicing all of your skills. Expect a short walk to a low-key road where you’ll complete and sign a field-level risk assessment as a group. Once that’s done, you’ll separate into smaller groups and each will practice setting up equipment according to a traffic management plan. Then, groups will take turns holding the paddles and practicing hand signals.
Final Assessment
As the course winds down, you can expect a final assessment. Using an open book format, the teacher will test your knowledge of traffic control. Once you complete the assessment, you can chat with your newly-made friends while the teacher grades your work. You’ll soon find out if you were successful and the last step will be to wait for your TCP card to arrive in the mail. (If you don’t pass your assessment the first time, you can always try again.)
See? Easy as pie!
Contact UHS to kick start your career in the traffic control industry today.
