Ready, Set, Operate! (Fall, September, 2026)

Program Description

An Overview

We invite you in our Ready, Set, Operate! course to step into the role of a non-profit housing provider and consider what you would need to know if you were responsible for financial management, human relations, tenancy, and more!

This hybrid course includes both self-directed learning and facilitator-led instructional activities. You will have the opportunity to virtually discuss course materials and concepts with other learners and a facilitator multiple times during the course – all from the comfort of your office or home.

This course explores:

• The importance of applying a framework of cultural awareness and safety to all aspects of housing operations
• Effective tenancy management and building engaging tenant communities
• Planning for growth, organizational restructuring, and succession
• The key components to proper financial management
• Key areas of risk management and the role of insurance
• Developing and maintaining strong external relationships
• Finding, managing, and maintaining an effective team
• Key concepts in asset management to maintain your buildings
• The importance of having an effective maintenance strategy

Course Format

• This is an 8-week course. It includes access to HousingU, BCNPHA’s online learning platform, which features self-directed learning materials and discussion forums.
• Virtual learning sessions conducted on Zoom include instruction and group learning through presentations, activities, and discussions of course concepts in virtual breakout sessions.
• The virtual learning sessions are 10 hours in total, and include an orientation session, plus four facilitated learning sessions. Self-directed learning takes about 3-4 hours total, to be completed in segments.
• Participants should have basic computer skills, access to the internet, a camera and microphone (e.g., a headset). This course is provided in English and requires reading and writing at a high school level.
• Attendance at all 5 Zoom sessions, along with participation in both group and self-directed learning activities, is required to qualify for a course completion certificate. Virtual sessions are not recorded.
• Contact learn@bcnpha.ca if you are not able to attend a session due to unforeseen or special circumstances.

Prerequisites

This course is designed for anyone who operates or has an interest in non-profit housing in BC. Regardless of your role, experience, or background, it provides an overview of the key areas to be aware of when operating housing.

As this course is highly participatory, a camera and microphone is required for Zoom sessions. Before the first session, participants are asked to complete the introductory module of the online materials and fill out a quick intake survey. This helps the facilitator prepare and get to know you a little better!

Sept 7:
Registration closes end of day.

All virtual sessions are in Pacific Time.

Sept 9:
Session 1: Virtual Course Orientation

10:00am – 12:00pm (2 hrs)
Meet and greet & technology check. You will also have log-in access to HousingU.

Sept 23:
Session 2: Tenancy Management

10:00am – 12:00pm (2 hrs)

Oct 7:
Session 3: Operations Management

10:00am – 12:00pm (2 hrs)

Oct 21:
Session 4: Relationship Management

10:00am – 12:00pm (2 hrs)

Nov 4:
Session 5: Property Management and Course Wrap-Up

10:00am – 12:00pm (2hrs)

Dec 2:

Access to online course content via HousingU remains open up to Dec 2.

Registration Details

To register, click on the button above to login to our secure Registration site.

Please note that all HousingU courses are for single-user registration only, as our learning management system requires a unique email address for each participant. This means you can’t enroll another person on your behalf. Each participant must set up their own BCNPHA account, register individually, and use their own email to receive their unique login details and course access.

Participants are welcome to either pay upfront or select “Pay Later” upon registration checkout and then forward the receipt/invoice to the appropriate party for reimbursement, if applicable.

Registration Assistance

For step-by-step registration instructions (PDF) and/or our cancellation policy, check out the Program Info: HousingU Registration page.

Registrants will receive course access instructions from learn@bcnpha.ca prior to the course start date.

Live Session Access

Registrants will receive a Zoom link for the 5 live virtual sessions upon registration

Online Course Content Access

You will be able to access the online resources and forums in HousingU, BCNPHA’s online learning platform, on the course start date. HousingU course log-in information will be sent prior to the start date.

There is a maximum capacity of 25 participants for this course.

Need help?

• Having problems with your account? Email webfeedback@bcnpha.ca.
• Having problems completing your online registration? Email events@bcnpha.ca.
• Having problems accessing your online course? Email learn@bcnpha.ca.

For more information about course content, contact learn@bcnpha.ca