CALGARY’S CONSTRUCTION TRADE DILEMMA // TRADES
“WE KNOW THERE IS A CHALLENGE WITH GETTING SKILLED TRADES, AND WE ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO PROMOTE CAREERS IN CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING A CAREER IN THE TRADES.” ~ CHRIS BARDELL
value of careers in construction through our learners and graduates. The construction industry is evolving with the introduction of new technologies, a focus on becoming more efficient, a dedication to safety, and a dedication to providing a more inclusive workforce. “With the changes in the industry, the role of a tradesperson has also evolved. Our graduates are required to be more technically trained, to adhere to safety practices and we’re seeing a more diverse group of students in our trades. There is a higher level of engagement in the classroom when they’re challenged with the opportunity to build something.” “We know there is a challenge with getting skilled trades, and we are working together to promote careers in construction and building a career in the trades,” explains Chris Bardell, chair of the Calgary Construction Association (CCA). “We have a very good relationship with SAIT to bring new students into the apprenticeship program and CCA’s Education Fund partners with SAIT to provide scholarships to help promote student interest about getting into trades.” He points out a practical and real stereotyping problem. “A major challenge is perception, often by parents, that trades are a lesser career path for their kids. The CCA is currently
looking at targeting parents about their kids considering a career in construction. The reality is that parents push their kids in the professional career direction to become doctors, lawyers and engineers.” “It’s often overlooked that trades are an entry point into an industry,” says Bill Black, VP of business development with CCA. “The growth path over a 40-year career can literally take you from the broom to the boardroom, from working as a labourer to being the CEO of the company.” “As the construction industry continues to age,” Ferreira points out, “industry stakeholders will need to find alternative sources of labour to fill the gap of retiring workers, better promote career opportunities to underrepresented groups and find ways to engage millennials into a meaningful career in construction.” “SAIT has been a leader in applied learning for a hundred years; we’ve seen the ebbs and flows,” MacPherson emphasizes. “We strongly value the relationships with our industry stakeholders and they continue to step up in numerous ways, such as providing student awards, offering field trips to construction sites, offering internships, coming on campus for lunch-and-learns, networking events and more.
ABOVE: CHRIS BARDELL, CHAIR OF THE CALGARY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION.
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NOVEMBER 2017 // BUSINESS IN CALGARY // BUSINESSINCALGARY.COM