Special Features - Building Futures

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RED DEER ADVOCATE SPECIAL FEATURE

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

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A GUIDE TO CONSTRUCTION TRADES TRAINING G IN C CENTRAL ALBERTA B

Membership = Business

Contact the RDCA ofямБce to join today!

www.reddeerconstructionassociation.com

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With access to over 3,600 commercial construction projects each year across Alberta, an RDCA membership can help increase your business today.

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RED DEER ADVOCATE SPECIAL FEATURE

The Red Deer Construction Association (RDCA) is a trade organization that is the collective voice for the commercial and industrial construction industry serving Central Alberta. The RDCA proudly serves over 300 members across various trade and associate companies.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RDCA

The RDCA and its member companies continue to make a commitment

www.reddeerconstructionassociation.com

rdca@telusplanet.net

7419 - Gaetz Ave., Red Deer 403.352.8970 www.divineflooring.net

The Chamber works on your behalf to:

...because we care

Build strong business networks Lend small business a helping hand Celebrate local business excellence Act as the voice of local business Develop strategic relationships that save you money

3017 Gaetz Avenue Red Deer T4N 5Y6 Phone: 403-347-4491

Red Deer Construction Association (403) 346-4846

Pleased to employ local building trades people

building networks, inspiring success

Soffit, Fascia, Siding, Eavestrough 78400C27

To learn more please visit reddeerchamber.com

For more information on the Red Deer Construction Association and its many efforts and services, contact us at:

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A MESSAGE FROM GARY GIES,

Since 1957, the RDCA has worked hard on behalf of many local companies involved in the construction industry and is very proud of its history of serving and supporting them. We offer many services through the association including safety courses, tendering opportunities, advocacy, business breakfast seminars, and many social networking events. The RDCA covers one of the largest sections of the province extending from Red Deer west to the British Columbia border and east to the Saskatchewan border. It also covers the areas north to Wetaskiwin and south to Olds.

towards the education and promotion of the industry. We have set priorities to build strong partnerships with our educational institutions to help create more awareness to the young workforce that we hope will be choosing our industry as their future career. We work hard to create a strong message that this is a great industry to choose as a career and that there a many opportunities available to them right close to home. The RDCA is very proud, through the efforts of its membership to have awarded over $58,000 in scholarships in the promotion of local apprentices over the past number of years.

SERVING CENTRAL ALBERTA www.henryseaves.com For FREE estimates contact: Ph: 403-343-9545 Fax: 403-342-4418 #100 - 7669 Edgar Industrial Court, Red Deer

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The national construction labour force is estimated to rise by 100,000 workers between 2012 and 2020.

The industry will need to replace 219,000 workers that are expected to retire over the next decade.

To address expansion and replacement demand requirements, industry will need to recruit an estimated 319,000 new workers to construction.

Growth in construction will be concentrated in the nonresidential sector related mostly to resource projects.

Trades required for this type of construction work include: boilermakers, carpenters, construction estimators, construction millwrights and industrial mechanics, crane operators, electricians, gasfitters, ironworkers, plumbers, sheet metal workers, steamfitters and pipefitters, and welders.

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RED DEER ADVOCATE SPECIAL FEATURE

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TRADES TRAINING CAN START AS EARLY AS HIGH SCHOOL BELOW ARE A LIST OF TRADES TRAINING PROGRAMS AVAILABLE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL FOR LOCAL STUDENTS

Automotive Mechanics: Ƭinstructed by Alan Wade is offered in three levels.

Students in Mechanics work on various sub-systems found on modern vehicles, starting from the basic to the complex. Students study engines, cooling and lubrication systems, fuel and exhaust systems as they work on vehicles in the automotive lab. ƬStudents have the opportunity to repair their own vehicles. Skills learned in this program are skills needed to work in the Automotive industry, or on their own restoration and custom projects.

Many graduates of Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School have gone on to find work and careers in apprenticeships and trade related industries. ƬThis is a credit to the C.T.S. instructors and R.A.P. coordinators at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School.

NEW IN 2014-15 Linear delivery: In Building Construction, Fabrication/ Welding, Auto Mechanics and Auto Body, courses are set up to accommodate the needs of the student and their academic timetables. — For more information on the Vocational courses offered at Lindsay Thurber High School contact: Richard Zimmerman, CTS Vocational Curriculum Leader, at 403-356-5250 Building Construction: ƬInstructed by Dale Schindel is offered at three levels: Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced.

Upon completion of all three levels, a student who applies him or herself has an excellent knowledge basis to move into an apprenticeship.

The introductory level shop projects are designed and set up to challenge and create interest for the student to continue on into higher levels. At the Intermediate and Advanced levels, students are required to make one compulsory project and then design, draft and construct pieces of furniture for themselves.

Students can choose to take an existing design and modify it or start with their own sketch. Along with the cabinet making, the students will be exposed to a class group project to design a playhouse, or storage shed. Plans are hand drafted with material costs and the students work together to produce the final product. This project is treated like a job site where the structures are completed with flooring and electrical, siding, shingles, and eave troughs as needed. Advanced students will be assigned supervisory positions to mentor other students in the program.

Fabrication - Welding: instructed by Adam Newman and Richard Zimmerman.

Fabrication is also offered at three levels. In Introductory, students learn basic welding skills by making a project like a motorcycle stand or shop stool, or other instructor accepted items of their own design. At the Intermediate and Advanced levels, larger projects are undertaken. Ornamental fencing, mini choppers, docks, boats, Quad and ATV trailers, utility trailers and farm equipment are a few of the items students work on.

Client service is a big part of the program at the Advanced Level. Ƭ Auto Body Repair: Zimmerman.

instructed by Adam Newman and Richard

Auto Body repair is offered at the Intermediate and Advanced levels, projects completed by the students are the Panel and painting project completed by apprentices, along with complete vehicle body repair and painting. Students participating in these classes have the opportunity to bring their own vehicles in to complete any repair and refinishing that is needed. Skills learned in this program are skills needed to work in the Auto body industry, or on the student’s own restoration and custom projects.

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Cosmetology: Students can learn modern and up to date styles, styling techniques and aesthetics through our Journeyman certificated Stylists / Teachers. Some time is awarded toward the hours needed to complete a Journeyman certification from the full completion of this program. For more information; contact Sharon Stan at our Hedz & Nails Salon, (403) 314-2014.

Food Studies: Students in Food Studies are given the opportunity to become proficient, gain knowledge and obtain lifelong skills in safety and sanitation, nutrition, international cooking, basic cooking and baking techniques ranging from the beginner to the advanced levels. Students in the Foods program are chosen to compete in the Skills Alberta competitions for Baking and Culinary Arts.

Fashion Studies: LTCHS is the only high school in Red Deer with this type of program. Students in Fashion Studies are given the opportunity to become proficient, gain knowledge and sewing skills ranging from the beginner to the advanced levels. Sewing safety, fashion illustration, pattern drafting, costuming, care and use of specialty fabrics, and creating accessories are just a few of the areas students can explore.

Students in the Fashion Studies program are chosen to compete in the Skills Alberta competition.

— For more information on the Vocational courses offered at Lindsay Thurber High School contact: Richard Zimmerman, CTS Vocational Curriculum Leader, at 403-356-5250 CTS Media & Design at Lindsay Thurber has moved in a new and exciting direction! We have several new course offerings, with a view towards allowing students to specialize in specific areas as opposed to a broader approach. Our focused programs include MS Applications, Architectural Design, Programming, Photography, Visual Media, Motion Media, Web Design, Video, Animation, Financial Management, Yearbook, Tourism, Legal Studies, and Fashion Studies. By streamlining our courses, we encourage students to explore their interests and passions while taking their skill sets to higher levels than previously taught. Each program is extremely hands-on, allowing students to experience current and relevant equipment and software while learning and creating. ƬOur department strongly believes that this sense of achievement and confidence will help our students to transition to postsecondary education or the world of work. Great Programs – Great Department - Great School! Ƭ R.A.P. ( Registered Apprenticeship Program ) – RAP Coordinator – Renee Rudolph Lindsay Thurber also has a successful Registered Apprentice Program that offers students the opportunity to mentor under Journeyman trades people, within a variety of 50 trades, in the community. The R.A.P. program provides the students the opportunity to get their apprenticeship “Blue Book” and gain valuable experience and hours as they transition towards their career and postsecondary education after high school graduation.

Cabinetry and Furniture Building Program teaches students the basics of woodworking, the use of hand tools and power equipment in a safe and productive manner. The primary focus of this 4 yr. program is the detailed examination of crafting furniture and cabinet making.

Fabrication studies offers vast opportunities in all processes of welding, sheet metal, and machining including CNC machining technology that offers easy transition to RDC programs.

Robotics offers students the opportunity to exercise their math and science knowledge and develop problem solving skills as they create, solder and program robots including Lego Mindstorms.

Business Ed. In partnership with Red Deer College, the HHHS Business Department features a dual-credit Business course where students can earn both 30-level high school and 3 college credits, for a course that is required in the first year of both the Business Diploma & Commerce Degree programs. ƬThis course, Marketing Management 30, may also be used as an elective for programs outside of the faculty of Business at RDC. ƬOther courses offered by HHHS Business Dept. include Financial Studies, and Business Technologies, where students learn software programs and procedures that form the cornerstone of the modern day business office’s practices such as document creation, multimedia presentations, book-keeping/spreadsheet use, and database management.

Health Sciences This area is has 2 programs: Sports Medicine and Medical Studies. Sports Medicine focuses on sports injury management, conditioning, biomechanics and coaching.

Medical Studies focuses on home care, integrative health and parenting, which features the Baby Think It Over project.

Students will have the opportunity to earn credits and training hours towards NCCP Coaching, Athletic Therapy, First Aid and CPR certifications. Ƭ Cosmetology - Cosmetology 9-12 (25+credits) Learn the latest in hairstyling and aesthetics through professionally trained journeyman stylists/teachers! Visit our salon - HILLS HEADLINERS HAIR STUDIO 403-342-1574.

Food Studies - Food Studies at HHHS offers students a variety of courses ranging from introductory cooking techniques to advanced baking techniques. ƬTopics include Safe and Sanitary food handling, Meal Planning, Meat Cookery, Entertaining with Food and International Cuisine. ƬStudents can get involved in various activities such as hosting a Tea Party for Seniors, planning activities with ECS students or participate in the Winter Celebration. Students also have the opportunity to work in a commercial environment with our Red Seal Chef preparing a variety of food for the school and community events.

Students in the Foods program are chosen to compete in the Skills Alberta competitions for Baking and Culinary Arts.

Digital Arts - Students in Digital Arts have the ability to work with industry standard software and equipment, which includes a full digital photography studio, laser engraver and highend vinyl plotter/cutter. Modules in the Digital Arts program include:animation, digital photography, video and audio editing, 3D modelling, graphic design (print & web), sign printing, and vector and raster applications.

Registered Apprenticeship Program - RAP is a partnership between a student, the high school and their employer with real-world rewards and opportunities. ƬRAP opens the door for high school students to gain work experience, and develop skills and abilities in a career of interest to them. ƬThis program offers a great start towards first year apprenticeship hours in one of Alberta’s in demand trades.

For further inquiries concerning any of these programs please contact the HHHS Curriculum Leader:Ƭ403-342-6655

BUILDING FUTURES

BELOW ARE A LIST OF TRADES TRAINING PROGRAMS AVAILABLE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL FOR LOCAL STUDENTS

This course gives students a taste for the CAD drafting skills needed in industry. Design Engineering give students’ additional training in engineering and problem solving.

Electro Technologies Students enrolled in this course this will learn what makes the world of electricity and electronics work. Level 30 courses will prepare students for electrical, electronic and/ or instrumentation apprenticeships, or entering into technical colleges for electronic applications such as robotics and logic control.

Esthetics Notre Dame offers all 33 credits available in Esthetics.

Pedicuring, artificial nails, waxing and skin care are all covered in the intermediate level.

Cabinet Making Students in cabinet making work on wood projects constructing furniture and cabinets. Students study properties of wood, joinery, tool use and safety.

Cosmetology Notre Dame offers a full Cosmetology accreditation program.

Students have an opportunity to earn between 5 and 50 credits in Cosmetology. Students start with basic hair care and styling techniques and advance to current trend haircutting and coloring.

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TRADES TRAINING CAN START AS EARLY AS HIGH SCHOOL

Design Studies/Design Engineering

Students interested in pursuing a career in the trades should consider this course. This course is intended for Grade 10 to 12 students. The main project will be the construction of a house from start to finish in partnership with Laebon Homes

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Fabrication Studies Students interested in metal work, welding and manufacturing.

Foods The Food Studies program at Notre Dame offers students a chance to develop lifelong skills or possibly the start of a career in the food industry. The program offers a wide variety of culinary courses beginning with an introduction to cooking and baking ranging to more advanced topics including meat cookery, soups and sauces, entertaining with food, creative baking and international cuisine. ƬStudents also have the opportunity to practice their skills working in the cafeteria, catering for various school events and competing in Skills Alberta competitions in Culinary Arts and Baking.

Health Care Aid Notre Dame High School and Red Deer College are partnering

to deliver the Alberta Health Care Aide provincial curriculum, which provides graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the rewarding field of health care. The program is delivered through a combination of instructor-led classroom study, instructor-facilitated labs and 200 hours of clinical practicum experience. Students will learn to put theory into practice by attending scheduled labs and workshops held at Red Deer College and practicums done throughout facilities in Red Deer. Students will receive both high school CTS credits and College level credits while they are enrolled and working through the program. Students who begin the program in grade 10, will convocate from Red Deer College while they are still are in high school.Ƭ

Mechanics Students in Mechanics work on various sub-systems found on modern vehicles. Students study engines, cooling and lubrication systems, fuel and exhaust systems as they work on vehicles in the lab. Mechanics is offered for students in grades 10 to 12.

Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) The RAP program is an apprenticeship program for senior high students. RAP students are both full-time students and registered apprentices, and must be actively working toward the completion of senior high school. The amount of time a RAP student spends at school and on the worksite can be quite flexible, allowing the student to divide their time between an approved worksite and their senior high school.

Paul Couillard CTS Department Head Notre Dame High School

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RED DEER ADVOCATE SPECIAL FEATURE

ALBERTA’S CHANGING JOB MARKET

THE FUTURE IS COMING and it looks remarkably different

By Brian McLoughlin

W

hile Alberta has been experiencing unprecedented economic growth over the last two decades, changes taking place within the work force, the economy and society as a whole will significantly affect both the country’s and the province’s economy and the work environment in the coming years.

Life is made up of a series of continuing changes. Over 2,500 years ago Heraclitus of Ephesus, a Greek philosopher uttered an eternal truth in saying that “The only thing that is constant in life is change itself.” Over the centuries that simple notion has been born out countless times in countless societies. The only difference today is that the pace of that change has accelerated exponentially. In years past one would finish school, where graduation from high school wasn’t always a given and university training was often limited to a privileged few. An individual would then move into the job market, establish a career based on what happened to be available and work in that career usually for the remainder of their working years. The pace of life and career advancement was often slow and the main stress point involved getting paid enough at the end of the month to support your family and what was usually a modest but satisfying lifestyle.

Alberta’s tremendous economic growth since the 1980’s and the frantic pace of technological advancement and change have altered the work force, the makeup

of the economy and the expectations of both consumers and workers.

As individuals, we have had greater opportunities in choosing our educational and career paths than ever before. However, with great opportunities come equally great challenges.

Among the many influences that will challenge our province, our economy and by extension our work force over the next few years, are the coming demographic shift in our population, the shortage of skilled workers, especially in the trades, the evolution of the educational system that trains and prepares those workers and our overall attitudes about work and what constitutes a fulfilling career.

We are not only experiencing an overall aging in our work force as the “Baby Boomer” generation approaches retirement, the overall nature of work is undergoing a fundamental change as Canada and much of the developed world transitions to what economists refer to as a “knowledge based economy”.

An economy that will utilize a highly educated and well trained workforce to create the value added products and services so valued by that economy.

As we continue to adapt to those new economic realities, three major issues affecting the work force will combine to create a major roadblock in the continuing development of our economy. A large number of “underskilled” workers and a precarious “skills mismatch” causing workers to be less employable and of less effect in the economy, and a marked decrease in experienced senior workers due to “Boomer’ retirements.

An under-skilled worker is someone who’s training is in an area where employment prospects are poor and who has to accept a less skilled, lower paying position in an area not related to their training, for instance someone with a university degree in fine arts working as a barista or bartender. When this

Too many individuals in the work force are trained in professions with low employment prospects and not enough are trained in areas of high demand. happens it reduces the opportunity for individuals with less training to be able to secure those jobs, again negatively impacting the unemployment rate. Occurrences of skills mismatch occur when too many individuals in the work force are trained in professions with low employment prospects and not enough are trained in areas of high demand, thereby creating a mismatch between the segment of the work force with lower valued skills and fewer employment prospects and the areas in the

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economy where there aren’t enough skilled workers to fill the demand.

In this new economy, those workers who lack the skills needed to effectively contribute could find themselves unemployable. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce estimates by 2016 there will be 500,000 unskilled or under-skilled workers who won’t be able to find work. By 2021, the estimated number could be well over a million. At the same time, by 2016 the Chamber estimates there will be 1.5 million skilled job vacancies in categories such as trades, engineering post secondary instructors and certain administrative positions. This means that the unemployment rate in certain categories will remain high even though the performance and growth of the economy might remain strong.

The overall solution to the problem is relatively simple; however achieving that solution is extremely complex. It’s a matter of having more of the right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time. But how can this be achieved?

While the Federal and Provincial governments are taking steps to address this, including changes in work regulations, post secondary education and training support programs, immigration policy and employment insurance, industry is also addressing these issues through a variety of initiatives.

According to Gary Gies, Red Deer Construction Association Executive Director, “the construction industry has realized for some time that we are facing an ongoing shortage of qualified trades, especially here in Alberta and we need to do a

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better job both attracting people to those trades and changing people’s perception of the trades as a substitute career choice for those who don’t have the marks or abilities to go to university, says Gies.

Contrary to opinion, the trades are a profession and can be as academically and intellectually challenging as many university trained professions.

The high level of knowledge required and the potential earning power of a journeyman trades person can be on a par with many white collar professions.

“The construction industry is proactively working with both government and education to create pathways in both apprenticeship training and follow-up certification training for both those interested in and those currently part of the trades, to learn and succeed in the profession”, he adds. The Professional Home Builders Institute is the industry’s post apprenticeship provider of education for the residential construction industry and teaches certificate courses in such areas as Residential Construction Site Manager and Master Home Builder and Master Home Renovator.

“Alberta’s future will demand a skilled and secure work force, especially but not limited to the trades”, he says. “The construction industry also depends on managers of all types, accountants, administrators and designers to support those in the field.”

So if you’re looking for a solid future that will provide you with a challenge as well as a satisfying lifestyle, take a hard look at the trades and invest in Alberta’s future.

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WHY CONSIDER A CAREER IN

SKILLED TRADES? The data is in! Canadian Apprenticeship Forum research shows that apprenticeship completers fare better than their counterparts it comes to wages, job security and employment satisfaction. When compared to noncompleters and graduates of other technical programs, those who complete an apprenticeship have: • Better employment outcomes, both immediately and several years after being certified • Better earning potential – in the short and longer term • Higher levels of job satisfaction and job security Apprentices also get: RESPECT Skilled trades play an important role in our economy and our society. Think about it ... skilled trades workers touch almost every aspect of our lives. They build and maintain the homes we live

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RED DEER ADVOCATE SPECIAL FEATURE

in and the cars we drive. They work in manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, hospitality and tourism. They build and maintain the electrical systems that power our computers and heat our houses. Canada depends on the work of skilled tradespeople working in the designated trades to keep our country working.

OPPORTUNITY With hundreds of skilled trades careers to choose from, there are opportunities available to suit almost any interest. As an apprentice, you participate in a postsecondary education like no other. By combining on-the-job training and inschool learning, apprentices get the best of both worlds – certification that comes with real world experience, providing the skills to work virtually anywhere.

Skilled tradespeople are in demand and, as the baby-boom generation retires, that demand is only going to increase.

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Shortages of skilled trades workers are being reported across sectors and across Canada, and the competition to attract talent is growing.

GOOD PAY People in skilled trades are rewarded for their efforts with good pay. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, the wage gap between workers with bachelor degrees and trade certificates is declining. Between 2000 and 2011, the average weekly wages of full-time workers aged 25 to 34 with trades certificates grew by 14%, while bachelor degree holders saw their wage growth slow to 1%. And, apprentices begin to make money right away, earning a wage from their first day at work.

An apprenticeship is a great way to enter the trades. Learn more about apprenticeship and check out how to become an apprentice.

Source: Canadian Apprenticeship Forum – Forum canadien sur l’apprentissage (CAFFCA) and Skills/CompÊtences Canada (SCC)

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Blackfalds, AB T0M 0J0 PHONE:

403.342.9950 FAX:

888.214.4337 EMAIL:

sales@goservicesinc.ca

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BUILDING FUTURES 9

CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE

SHARING YOUR VISION. BUILDING SUCCESS.

BUILDINGS

SPECIAL PROJECTS

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Together we build success.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

BREAKING BARRIERS

WOMEN IN THE TRADES Women Building Futures, an Edmonton-based non-profit organization, has worked for over fifteen years to match well-trained, work ready women with employers in Alberta’s booming construction industry

By Kathleen Raines t’s a man’s world, nowhere more so than in the tradesreally? While the statistics confirm the initial assertionwomen represent roughly 5% of all skilled trades workers in Canada and only 4% in Alberta according to Statistics Canada, 2011- the number of women working in the construction trades is slowly and steadily growing and the opportunities for meaningful, high paying work are limitless.

Women Building Futures, an Edmonton-based non-profit organization, has worked for over fifteen years to match welltrained, work ready women with employers in Alberta’s booming construction industry in keeping with their mission to generate “economic prosperity for women through assessment, training, job placement and job retention support”. CEO JudyLynn Archer is passionate about creating opportunities for women in industry, and is continually motivated by what WBF graduates describe as the “transformative experience” that working in the trades brings to their lives. In fact, Archer says, despite the significant wage gains realized by WBF graduates, money is not the first thing the tradeswomen list as important; rather it is the tremendous confidence they build, and the positive life changes they have

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Photo courtesy of Women Building Futures

been able to make as a result of trading up to a career in construction.

So why has the number of women in skilled trades changed so little over the last two decades?

Archer admits that there is still a societal perception that trades are a fall back option for those not academically inclined, and that young women are not encouraged to explore the industry’s potential.

The reality is that construction is a tough industry, one that WBF understands well, and the ability for women to succeed in what many acknowledge is seen as “a man’s job” is tremendously empowering. Archer says that over the last five to six years Women Building Futures has seen a huge turnaround in Alberta as employers increasingly seek the organization out, recognizing their success in providing skilled, safety certified employees with a strong work ethic and a positive attitude.

In fact WBF has established partnerships with over two hundred employers across Alberta who hire their graduates, and that number is growing every year.

Although WBF students range in age from their twenties through to fifty years old, the typical WBF student is in her midtwenties, often stalled in a low paying job with few prospects of advancement. Step one at WBF is enrolment in a Career Decision Making Workshop to

ensure that each woman has the aptitude, skills and work ethic to succeed in the trades. Students then select from a variety of trades-specific pre-apprenticeship programs or the comprehensive seventeen week Journeywoman Start program which offers hands on skill training in six tradescarpentry, electrical, plumbing, steamfitting/pipefitting, welding and sheet metal- followed by a two week work experience placement.

Sure-Hire Pre-Employment testing, Worksite Safety Certification, WBF’s signature Workplace Culture Awareness training, blueprint reading and drawing and academics (trades math, science and English) are integral to all training paths at the centre.

Part of their (WBF’s) ambitious goal is to increase the number of women in the construction trades by 300% over the next five years.

Lenelle Davis counts her mother as a major role model for her career in the trades. Davis fits the “typical WBF student” profile, working as a hair stylist for five years before enrolling in the four week Electrical Basics course. She loves her work as a first year apprentice with Mission Electrical Systems Ltd. in Red Deer. “There’s thinking behind the work- using math and physics to figure out where the energy comes from,” she enthuses.

Being an electrician offers Davis many opportunities- to shift from her current work on commercial buildings to residential or industrial construction or instrumentationand has significantly improved her financial prospects. Davis usually works on the road and the hours are often long but her co-workers and supervisors are unfailingly supportive. In fact Davis says she was prepared to encounter some negative reactions in the workplace

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but has instead found a positive job site culture which she partially attributes to her willingness to work hard and earn the respect of her fellow tradespeople.

Les Hick is Davis’ boss and the co-owner of Mission Electric. He says the tradeswomen he employs, who make up 30-35% of the company’s workers at any given time, bring enthusiasm, initiative and attention to detail to their work that more than compensates for their smaller physical stature. He has also observed that women are often better able to handle the financial challenges of building a trade career, budgeting for time in school and setting long term goals.

While Davis found her own job match at Mission Electric, Women Building Futures matches graduates with employers in a process Archer describes as the “e-harmony of job matching”, and provides ongoing coaching and mentorship to students. That follow up support is a key contributor to the impressive 90% employment rate experienced by WBF graduates.

Tracking those graduates through their apprenticeship training is an important objective for WBF as part of their ambitious goal is to increase the number of women in the construction trades by 300% over the next five years. Development of an online platform to deliver WBF’s trademark safety and workplace culture training is in the works, along with a plan to partner with post-secondary institutions across Alberta to deliver the core skills training.

Archer sees the need to engage girls much earlier in their career search process- as young as grade four- as essential to achieving that 300% target, and to meeting the needs of the construction industry over the next decade. With more experienced tradeswomen like Lenelle Davis serving as role models and mentors to young women considering a career in trades, and employers eager to give those young women a start on the job site, trading up to a career in the construction industry has never been a better option.

Feeding the World Olymel is proud to be an employer of certiÀed trades people in central Alberta.

Our many certiÀed trades people include:

Journeymen Welders Journeymen Electricians Journeymen Plumbers Journeymen Millwrights Industrial Refrigeration Mechanics Our Red Deer plant is one of the largest and most modern of its kind in Canada. We have a very dynamic human resources department and are one Red Deer’s largest employers.

Since 2011 Olymel has been recognized and rewarded several times for their human resource programs. In 2013 Olymel was crowned as the Large Corporation of the Year at the 33rd Mercuriades Gala in recognition of their various employee programs.

For more information about our company and to view our job postings please visit us online at

www.olymel.ca 7550 40th Avenue, Red Deer AB, T4P 2H8 7550 40th Ave.Fax: Red 403-309-7547 Deer AB. T4P 2H8 Ph: 403-343-8700 Phone: (403) 343-8700 Fax: (403) 309-754 Email: apply@olymel.com Feeding the world together 78806C27

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RED DEER ADVOCATE SPECIAL FEATURE

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

TEST DRIVE A CAREER

A TRADE MAY BE THE CAREER FOR YOU Traditionally, apprenticeships in Alberta start after high school graduation. However, some students are able to identify their career interests at an earlier age and are ready to learn and practice their future trade while in high school.

By Brian McLoughlin As a young adult graduating from school, establishing a career can be one of the most challenging and most puzzling experiences in life.

Childhood dreams of being a cowboy, an astronaut or a lion tamer are long gone and we are faced with making decisions, often with insufficient knowledge and experience that will affect us throughout our adult lives.

Not everyone is destined to become a brain surgeon, rocket scientist or master tradesman, but being able to use our own knowledge, interests and experiences as well as advice from parents, family friends and trusted mentors is critical to making an informed decision.

In the past making a career in the trades was deemed by many to be a “fall back” position for those who don’t have the marks or abilities to go to university and into a “respectable” profession. This attitude has been proven to be very much a misconception and a myth, especially in the face of the reality that trades can be as academically and intellectually demanding as many university trained professions.

Whether you decide to become an electrician, a plumber or an automobile mechanic, the level of knowledge required as an apprentice and at the journeyman level can be as great as many university trained profession and the benefits and income can provide for a rich and enjoyable lifestyle. .

There are over 50 recognized trades in Alberta and they cover wide variety of career options; from automotive service, to welding. Apprenticeships and training in these trades are open to everyone. and a complete list of Alberta trades and occupations along

with more information on trades training is available through Alberta Enterprise and Advanced Education at tradesecrets.alberta.ca.

On entering any of these trades there are a number of different paths that can be taken to become an apprentice, depending on when in life and what individual interest leads a person to that trade. The earliest opportunity can actually take place while a student is attending high school, coming through Alberta Education’s Registered Apprenticeship (RAP) Program.

Traditionally, apprenticeships in Alberta start after high school graduation. However, some students are able to identify their career interests at an earlier age and are ready to learn and practice their future trade while in high school. RAP is a program set up to assist these students. RAP students are both full-time students and registered apprentices, dividing their time between an approved work site and their high school studies. They take regular courses toward earning their high school diploma while also working on the job site as a RAP apprentice in the trade of their choice. The RAP apprenticeship ends when the student finishes high school.

The graduate is then automatically registered as a regular apprentice and the credit earned while in the RAP program is applied to his or her apprenticeship through the Alberta Apprenticeship Program.

RAP students can be placed in an apprenticeship through the RAP coordinator at their high school or through CAREERS - The Next Generation, an Alberta nonprofit public/private partnership of industry, government and education working to assist young people in finding

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

RED DEER ADVOCATE SPECIAL FEATURE

careers, help build a vibrant work force and build stronger Alberta communities. Further information on the RAP Program and CAREERS -The Next Generation is available at tradesecrets.alberta.ca and nextgen.org.

Red Deer is also the home of one of Alberta’s most unique industry/education learning collaborations. A joint project between Laebon Homes and Red Deer Catholic Schools, the Building Opportunities Program gives building trade students of Mike VanLanduyt,

Graduates of the Building Opportunities Program have found success in the construction industry and about 40 alumni have moved through various apprenticeship programs in the industry to become journeymen.

Carpentry Instructor at Notre Dame High School the opportunity to experience the building trades first hand . For over 10 years VanLanduyt and students at the school have worked with Laebon Homes in constructing a new house for the company, which will then be sold on completion.

Building Opportunities is a unique program intended for students interested in gaining experience in construction related trades”, says VanLanduyt”. “The course requires students to accumulate 250 hours of work experience on construction projects that are mostly away from school. These hours are gathered in two ways including our main project which will be to build a complete house in a Leabon community.

The other way to accrue hours will be to work in conjunction with all of the sub-trades involved with the project and to travel to other worksites and gain work experience with skilled tradesmen”

The intention of Building Opportunities Program is not to promote any one trade but rather to expose students to the many opportunities that the construction industry has to offer. The students strive to gain experience in as may construction projects as they can in the course of the semester. They can travel to other sites if the trade partner is willing to take some time to train students in the construction tasks and allow them the time and space to complete that work.

Graduates of the Building Opportunities Program have found success in the construction industry and about 40 alumni have moved through various apprenticeship programs in the industry to become journeymen.

Students work framing the home, doing the roofing, siding and decks as well as helping with the insulation and cribbing. “We’re extremely grateful to Laebon Homes and company President Gord Bontje for the opportunity our students get to experience the challenges and accomplishments the building trades encounter every day”, adds VanLanduyt. “Working on site with Laebon’s supervisors and trades people provides our students with invaluable experience and really reinforces their belief in their ability to get the job done”.

According to Troy Walker, Construction Manager for Laebon Homes, the program has been very successful. “We’ve been working with Mike and the Building Opportunities Program for over ten years and we’re very proud to be engaged in a program that gives young people the opportunity to experience what’s involved in actually working in the various trades and to be able to determine whether a trade would be a good career option for them. We’re big believers in the program and the overall RAP Program in general because we’ve seen the students accomplish great things working with all the trades we use.”

“Each year brings new experiences and challenges” says VanLanduyt, “and we would love to be able to expand and improve the program by adding to the pool of trades working with us and our students. We think our students bring unique qualities to the job and working with them is an investment in all our futures.”

If you are considering a trade as a career make sure to use this exceptional opportunity to test drive a career before committing to a choice.

BUILDING FUTURES 13

What is a RAP Scholarship?

Created in 2001, the RAP scholarships were designed to recognize the accomplishments of Alberta high school students in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), and to encourage students to continue in and complete their apprenticeship training. In 2012, the RAP scholarships were expanded to include students who have completed a Career and Technology Studies (CTS) apprenticeship pathway. The funds for the scholarships are provided by a joint investment of donations from the private sector and the Alberta Heritage Scholarship fund.

Up to 500 RAP/CTS scholarships are available each year. Each scholarship is $1,000. RAP/CTS scholarship recipients receive their funds when they attend their next period of technical training.

ELIGIBILITY To determine your eligibility and download a RAP/CTS scholarship application, visit tradesecrets.alberta. ca. Anyone who was a RAP student in high school or who has completed a CTS apprenticeship pathway and has not previously been awarded a RAP scholarship is eligible to apply for this scholarship. You must have at least one period of technical training left to apply. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2015.

Safe. Skilled. Certified.

CLAC provides the safety and skills training that workers need to enter the trades, excel on the job, and advance their careers.

Our courses are open to everyone. We offer:

• •

Health and safety courses Welding testing, training, and practice in our 60 bay-welding shop in Edmonton Online and computer-based courses On-site, company-specific training

Learn more at clac.ca/training or contact abtraining@clac.ca

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• •

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14 BUILDING FUTURES

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RDCA SCHOLARSHIP For 10 years, the RDCA has been honoured to present scholarship awards to local apprentices.

Our association is encouraged over the increased number of applicants each year and the quality of the applications continues to mirror the high standards that our industry strives towards. The intent of the scholarship process is to recognize excellence and encourage participants to complete their apprenticeship training programs. There is no better long-term investment in the future education and growth of our apprentices within our industry. The application process opens

each year in May and closes in August.

This year we had 17 entries submitted, with 14 individuals being awarded scholarships to help towards their ongoing schooling. The scholarship committee of the RDCA is awarding three $1,000 awards and 11 $500 awards based on the applications received for 2014. Since its inception in 2004, the

RDCA has awarded a total of 109 scholarships, spanning a wide range of various trades. Out of these 14 winners, we had representation from seven different trades (electrical, refrigeration & air conditioning, cabinet maker, sheet metal, plumbing, heavyequipment technician and welding), with all attending one of four schools: Red Deer

College, Portage College, NAIT or SAIT. The scholarship awards would not exist without the strong dedication from the members of the Red Deer Construction Association. We raise funds for these awards through various social events, including our annual golf classic, annual BBQ, annual Christmas breakfast, as well as donations. We would like to again take this opportunity to thank our members for their support. Please join us in congratulating these individuals, and we encourage more of your apprentices to apply and continue their education in their respective trades.

2014 RDCA SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS:

RED DEER ADVOCATE SPECIAL FEATURE

$1,000 WINNERS Kevin Erickson Michael King Eric Phillips

$500 WINNERS Mark McIntosh Gordon Hall Anthony Filamor Graham Hopfe Adam Slomp Travis Friedt Lowell Toews Bryce Walls Derek Bodnar Shaylena Hammond Theodore McComb

“Serving Central Alberta for over 50 years” Proudly employing and training the best apprentices in:

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Red Deer 403-346-2002 www.kochfuel.com Sundre Three Hills Carstairs

403.638.4930 403.443.5770 403.337.0009

Drumheller Hanna Linden

• HEATING SHEET METAL • AIR CONDITIONING

Call Bruin’s and together we’ll start building your future!

7026 JOHNSTONE DRIVE RED DEER, ALBERTA T4P 3Y6

8009 Edgar Industrial Place Stettler 403.742.5300 Rocky Mtn House403.845.3369 Olds 403.556.8009

• PLUMBING

403.823.4833 403.854.4338 403.546.9171

TEL: 403-343-6060 FAX: 403-346-5240 www.bruinsplumbing.com

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Advanced Lubricants for construction.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

BUILDING FUTURES 15

RED DEER ADVOCATE SPECIAL FEATURE

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Registered Alberta apprentices and occupational trainees may be eligible for financial assistance when attending the technical training portion of their program. The Federal Government will provide apprentices registered in Red Seal trades with interest-free loans to assist with the cost of technical training. See www.tradesecrets.ab.ca for more information

Alberta Heritage Scholarship Fund Starting in the fall of 2015, approximately $9 million will be available for a portfolio of financial supports to encourage more Albertans to enter and complete apprenticeship programs. This could include new scholarships and bursaries.

In addition, funding will also be available to enhance innovative training delivery by the postsecondary institutions. Discussions with key stakeholders will take place in the coming months to determine specific program details.

Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)/Career and Technology Studies (CTS) Scholarships These scholarships recognize the accomplishments of Alberta high school students participating in RAP and CTS, and encourage them to continue their apprenticeship training after completing high school. 500 RAP/CTS Scholarships of $1,000 each are available annually.

Pre-Apprentice Scholarships Pre-Apprentice Scholarships encourage those completing preapprenticeship training programs to

continue in the trades and complete their apprenticeship training. There are 11 annual scholarships of $1,000 each.

Apprentice and Occupational Trainee Scholarships These scholarships recognize the excellence of Alberta apprentices in a trade and trainees in a designated occupation, and encourage recipients to complete their apprenticeship or occupational training programs.

More than 370 annual scholarships of $1,000 each are available.

World Skills Legacy Scholarship As a legacy to WorldSkills Calgary 2009, The Government of Alberta developed these scholarships to help Alberta students and apprentices participating in provincial, national and international skills competitions to further their post-secondary education and support their skills training. Three scholarships are awarded: two valued at $500 and one valued at $9,000 over a period of two years.

You can also download the Annual Scholarship Information Booklet at http://goo.gl/8f9nDM to learn more about the scholarships available or to find out about becoming a scholarship donor.

GRANTS, LOANS & TAX BENEFITS

Canada Apprentice Loan The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada to help you complete your apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. you can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training. The money will be available to you to help pay for tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses, to cover forgone wages or to help support your family.

Canada Apprenticeship Incentive Grant The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) Is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year, up to a maximum of $2,000. This Grant helps registered apprentices in designated Red Seal trades get started.

Canada Apprenticeship Completion Grant The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a taxable cash grant of $2,000. This Grant helps registered apprentices who have completed their training to become certified journeypersons

in designated Red Seal trades.

Canada Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit – Information for Employers The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC) is a nonrefundable tax credit for an employer that is equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices in respect of employment after May 1, 2006. The maximum credit an employer can claim is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice.

Canada Tradesperson’s Tool Deduction Canada Revenue offers a tax benefit in the form of the Tradespersons’ Tools Deduction Apprentices may be able to deduct the cost of eligible tools bought to earn employment income as a tradesperson.

Information courtesy of tradesecrets.ab.ca

ONLINE RESOURCES

MEMBER

look online for more information on the trades industry and how to get started. these websites are a valuable resource for anyone looking to start a career with the trades industry.

WWW.TRADESECRETS.ALBERTA.CA WWW.CAREERSINTRADES.CA WWW.BUILDFORCE.CA/EN WWW.WOMENBUILDINGFUTURES.COM

WORLD CLASS CONTRACTING LTD. Gas Fitting - Heating - Plumbing

Mechanical Contractors 403-346-9699 www.worldclasscontracting.ca

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APPRENTICE SCHOLARSHIPS

16 BUILDING FUTURES

RED DEER ADVOCATE SPECIAL FEATURE

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

The jobs are there, your education is here.

Explore RDC’s Apprenticeship Programs

Explore your Engineering Technology career at Red Deer College In just two years, you will have a career in an industry

CONSTRUCTION Carpenter Locksmith Millwright Plumber Sprinkler System Installer

TRANSPORTATION Automotive Service Technician Heavy Equipment Technician Parts Technician Rig Technician Water Well Driller

FABRICATION Steam Fitter/Pipe Fitter Welding

AUTOMATION & CONTROL & CULINARY Cook Electrician Instrument Technician

with a high demand for qualified professionals.

APPLY NOW! • Mechanical Engineering Technology • Electrical Engineering Technology

INQUIRE NOW to get your career started e | tradesandtechnology@rdc.ab.ca p | 403.357.3671 w | rdc.ab.ca/apprenticeships

www.rdc.ab.ca/engineeringtechnology

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tradesandtechnology@rdc.ab.ca I 403.357.3671