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The FlipSide
May 2012
Can British Columbia meet the demand for skilled workers?
TV Trivia
New projects in transportation, construction and natural resources are expected to create more than one million jobs over the next 10 years. At the same time, B.C. faces the challenge of a looming shortage of skilled tradespeople as veteran workers prepare for retirement. Current trends suggest the province will face a shortage of at least 160,000 skilled workers by 2015. One way employers can prepare for this labour shortage is by hiring more skilled immigrants and apprentices, says Dave Cummings, the foreman at Systems Mechanical, a local construction company that employs more than 35 tradespeople and apprentices, some of whom are skilled immigrants. “With more skilled workers retiring, apprentices and skilled immigrants are invaluable to our company’s future,” he says. “Many skilled immigrants already have the right work experience and training, and just need Canadian certification – we know they can get the job done.” As foreman, Cummings recently started working with Vasile Covaza, a plumber apprentice from Romania. Covaza, 45, had construction experience before moving to Canada, but struggled to find work in B.C. His search for an English course led him to the Immigrants in Trades Training program offered through Diversecity Community Resources Society.
Do you remember this weekly sitcom? If you’re stumped on this we’ll tell you in the next issue!
Immigrants in Trades Training connects skilled immigrants to training opportunities across the province. It is overseen by the Industry Training Authority, the provincial crown agency responsible for managing B.C.’s trades training and apprenticeship system, and funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. The program helped Covaza develop a resume and find a job in the plumbing industry. Now a registered apprentice in his third year of training, Covaza plans to become a Red Seal certified plumber. While Cummings is relieved to have a skilled employee he can count on, Covaza says he is happy to finally work at a job he loves. He offers this piece of advice for other people in his situation: “The trades are a rewarding career choice. Find a resource to help you and don’t give up.” More information is available at www.IITTapprentices.ca. www.newscanada.com
Another Blast from the Past! Anyone remember what this is?
Trailblazing mom lands plumb new career Don’t tell Cathy Minty plumbing is a man’s job. Two years ago, the B.C.-based mother of five ran a home daycare and never used a drill. But after becoming a single mom and her family’s sole breadwinner, she knew she needed a new career—and fast. “I needed to go back to school, but it was too expensive and I wouldn’t have time to work or support my family,” remembers Minty, 34. “That’s when I remembered my father’s words, that someone always needs a plumber.” She decided to enter the Piping Opportunities for Women program offered by the Piping Industry Association Board through the Women in Trades Training initiative. The program paid for Cathy’s tuition and work boots, and helped with childcare and transportation costs. Women in Trades Training connects unemployed or low-skilled women to funded training opportunities across British Columbia. It is overseen by the Industry Training Authority, the provincial crown agency responsible for managing B.C.’s trades training and apprenticeship system, and funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. After completing the piping program and her first year of technical training, Minty was hired for a large project with the construction company Black & McDonald. “When we hired Cathy, she was confident, prepared and able to hit the ground running—exactly what we needed,” says Stacey Kent, project administrator.
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Now a first year plumber apprentice, Minty hopes to one day become Red Seal certified. “When I come home covered in dirt and dust, I’m brimming with confidence,” she says. “I can’t wait to tell my kids what I did at work that day. “One of my daughters recently told me she might become a plumber when she grows up—what mom wouldn’t be proud of that?” More information is available at www.WITTapprentices.ca.
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