Construct Your Future: Helping students build on their dreams

Walking across a job site balancing a wood beam on his shoulder, Woody Morrison stops briefly to wipe the film of dust from his sunglasses. On site since the early hours of the morning, he is covered in dirt, his body is tired, but he is still smiling.

Morrison, a second-year carpentry apprentice at Knappett Projects Inc. credits the Construct Your Future program he completed two years ago for helping him get where he is today.

Construct Your Future is a free program that allows young adults to explore the world of construction in a condensed amount of time. The program, created by the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA), includes eight weeks of training followed by a paid work placement with an employer in the construction industry. Training includes in-class sessions, site tours, hands-on tool training, plus an additional three months of follow-up support once the program is completed.

“Connecting with VICA staff and members in the community gave me an idea of how employers see me as a potential candidate in their company,” says Morrison. “It also showed me how to develop good relationships with employers from the interview stage to my growth as an apprentice.”

Participants also receive a stipend or training wage, depending on the program, along with transportation allowance, steel-toed boots and other PPE, meals on classroom days, and a direct connection to local construction employers. During the program, students have the opportunity to earn industry certificates such as Fall Protection Training, Construction Safety Training System, Confined Space Entry Training, WHMIS 2015, OFA First Aid Level 1, and Ladder Safety.

“Connecting with VICA staff and members in the community gave me an idea of how employers see me as a potential candidate in their company,”

CYF graduate Woody Morrison.

Morrison says those who have never been introduced to the trades but are curious about them should consider the Construct Your Future program. “The trades are a great industry to work in,” he says. “This program really helped me get my foot in the door and prepare me for employment.”

Morrison graduated from the program in January 2017 and began his apprenticeship with Knappett the following month.

“The Construct Your Future program gives students a glimpse into what to expect before entering the construction industry,” says Cori Coutts, health and safety manager and human resources coordinator for Knappett. “They can get an idea of all the possibilities that are available to them.”

Knappett, a Victoria-based general contractor, is one of many local companies that offer site tours to program participants in an effort to educate them about the different trades. They have also hired several individuals who completed the program.

Construct Your Future is offered several times a year through VICA’s Victoria office with industry professionals volunteering their time and resources for classroom sessions and site work.

“Thanks to VICA, I’m happily doing my apprenticeship in carpentry with a local company where I’ve been given more opportunities to grow and succeed,” says Morrison, still smiling.

The Construct Your Future program changes slightly year to year. For up-to-date program information, visit vicabc.ca/jobs-&-careers/construct-your-future/

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