Interested in learning more about the fence industry?
Whether you are new to the fence industry or simply want to expand your knowledge of the field, here are some helpful resources which offer fence-specific, material and coating-related, and other educational opportunities:
Fence Associations
Materials and Coatings
Other Educational Opportunities
Fence Associations
Canadian Fence Industry Association (CFIA) – The quarterly Fence Focus Magazine, chapter meetings, social events, seminars, and annual FenceCraft show provide opportunities to meet and learn from fellow industry professionals. Learn more at cfia.ca.
American Fence Association (AFA) – The Association’s AFA University offers several multi-day educational programs including Fence Installation School and the Certified Fence Professional designation certification program. The AFA produces Fencepost Magazine, the Across the Fence e-newsletter and the annual FenceTech show with a packed schedule of educational and networking opportunities. Local chapters offer further educational opportunities and AFA Divisions and affiliated associations including the Vinyl Manufacturers Association and the Chain link Fence Manufacturers Institute (chainlinkinfo.org) deliver more specialized knowledge. Learn more at americanfenceassociation.com.
North American Fence Contractors Association (NAFCA) is a volunteer-run organization comprised of vendors, manufacturers, importers, and contractors working in the fence industry. The organization offers information and news on their website, a blog and a LinkedIn discussion group. The group also offers a 3-day training course each February in Florida. According to the NAFCA, the course provides quality, real-world and cost effective fence building training from instructors with over 250 years of combined experience. Learn more at 4nafca.com.
Materials and Coatings
American Galvanizers Association (AGA) – The AGA’s website offers a wealth of resources for anyone looking for more information specifically about galvanizing: the Dr. Galv technical FAQ resource, an online knowledge base and their Galvanizing Insights enewsletter. The organization also offers a FREE online Galvanize It! seminar series is available in-person, online, and as a webinar. Learn more at galvanizeit.com.
The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) – The CWC represents the Canadian wood products industry through a national federation of associations. Their website cwc.ca offers case studies and a variety of architecture, design and construction publications. The CWC also offers wood solutions fairs, wood design conferences and a wide range of free, online professional development courses via their woodWORKS E-Learning Centre woodworkselearning.com.
Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA) – The CPIA is an advocacy-focused association offering newsletters, innovation forum, a blog and industry events including the PLAST-EX trade show. The Vinyl Council of Canada (VCC) operates under the CPIA umbrella to represent the interests of the vinyl sector in Canada. Learn more at plastics.ca.
The Vinyl Institute of Canada – The Vinyl Institute is a trade organization representing vinyl manufacturers. In partnership with the US Vinyl Institute (vinylinfo.org), the Institute offers webinars, industry events, technical papers, case studies, fact sheets, newsletters and continuing education programs for architects, designers, marketers and sales teams. Learn more at vinylinstituteofcanada.com.
Powder Coating Institute (PCI) – The PCI offers An Ask Joe Powder Q&A resource, Powder Coated Tough newsletter (powdercoatedtough.com), an online training materials shop and a full calendar of workshops, webinars, conferences and exhibitions. Learn more at powdercoating.org.
The Canadian Paint and Coatings Association (CPCA) represents Canada’s major paint and coating manufacturers and their industry suppliers and distributors. The CPCA offers workshops, seminars, webinars and online Diploma in Coatings Technology. Learn more at canpaint.com.
Other Educational Opportunities
Manufacturers and Suppliers – Many fence manufacturers and industry suppliers offer informative websites, publish blogs, provide facility tours and offer their own training for effectively installing and using their products. Get in touch with your own suppliers and find out what programs are on offer.
Networking with Fellow Fencers – As CFIA members, we are in the company of knowledgeable and experienced contractors, manufacturers and suppliers. Learning opportunities abound when connecting with other members via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and in-person through chapter meetings and social events and the CFIA’s annual FenceCraft trade show.
While not fence-specific, Canada’s Green Building Council and Canada’s Universities and Colleges offer a range of design, construction and engineering-related educational opportunities:
Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) – The CaGBC is a not-for-profit organization that strives to advance green and sustainable building practices in Canada. The CaGBC is the license holder for the LEED green building rating system in Canada and offers a variety of courses, webinars and workshops. Learn more at cagbc.org.
Universities and Colleges – Many of Canada’s Universities and Colleges offer full-time, part-time and online construction, engineering, sustainable building and design-related courses. Good starting points for finding a course are universitystudy.ca and ontariocolleges.ca.