Claude Guay
“I’m proud to be part of a program, or club, that displays that I’m competent in my work. Personally I feel like I gifted myself a certification that rewards me and my company.”
Claude Guay, GSC, Construction Director, HONCO Steel Construction
Claude is a construction director at HONCO Steel Construction. Located on Quebec City’s south shore, HONCO is active in the construction industry in Canada, the United States and other oversea markets. Claude is responsible for all the construction operations on projects completed locally and elsewhere.
Claude began his career in architecture doing drafting for a consulting firm. Eventually his employers suggested he should become a general contractor. Soon thereafter he became a project manager. In 2004 he left that position for the construction director position at HONCO Steel Construction.
Claude discovered Gold Seal Certification when he was searching for ways to earn recognition for his skills in project management. With the help of a friend, Claude discovered the Gold Seal advantages and that’s when he really decided to pursue it.
In July 2008, Claude earned his Gold Seal Certification. “If you’re interested in earning your Gold Seal, it’s important to talk to your company about it! Who knows, they may agree with your desire to get your certification and help sponsor your way through the program. I can’t think of one reason why not to push your employees to earn their certification. It makes the company look great!”
Claude stated that his personal drive towards obtaining his Gold Seal Certification was to demonstrate his 30 years of Project Management and Estimator experience with a form of written legitimacy that could be recognized nationally. “A Gold Seal Certification isn’t given to just anyone” he said. The work that he does now, with his Gold Seal Certification supporting his professional integrity, is top of the industry.
Claude also obtained plenty of support from his local construction association (Association de la construction du Québec (ACQ)), who helped him with his application. He’d like to make a special mention in his Success Story feature to extend his thanks to the ACQ – “I was very fortunate to have gotten amazing support, and great advice.” He reported that it was a pleasant experience to apply.
“I encourage serious construction professionals to go get their certification. It will allow them to perfect their knowledge, perform better in their jobs, and provide them with credibility when facing employers and clients. It’s not a certification given to just anyone, it’s specific to construction, and for me it’s the best certification you can get if you’re working in the construction industry.”