Party Prohibition: Construction Leaders give back to the community through virtual tasting fundraiser
Victoria, B.C. – Even in the face of a global pandemic, the Young Builders Network (YBN) still found a way to support one of their favourite local charities, the Help Fill A Dream Foundation.
Now in its eighth year, and their fifth year partnering with the foundation, the network was able to raise $15,000 — an impressive amount given the circumstance.
“We in the construction industry have been fortunate to have avoided many of the financial hardships which other industries are still grappling with, so naturally we felt compelled to give back to the community”, said YBN Chair A.J. Winters. “So many of us have children of our own, and our hearts go out to parents struggling with children who have life-threatening illnesses. We’re proud to contribute what we can.”
Limited by pandemic restrictions, this year’s event looked a bit different than times past. In-lieu of a charity casino, the network opted for a virtual whiskey tasting with samples from Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery, as well as a mixology class from Scott Van Wyck of Swans Pub. On top of that, toss in a silent auction, musical bingo and a dance party and you’ve got a recipe for a good time.
“We are so grateful to YBN and VICA for their continued support”, said Help Fill A Dream Executive Director Craig Smith. “We are humbled by the collective passion, enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and innovation of this group. It is a true pleasure to work with everyone at YBN, their energy is infectious. Help Fill A Dream has been making Dreams come true for 35 years and it is thanks to the continuous commitment of groups like YBN and VICA that we have never had to say no to a child that qualifies for support.”
“We’re proud of our networks for taking on initiatives to support local families through community partners like Help Fill A Dream,” said VICA CEO Rory Kulmala. “In a year where it was difficult for our members to get together, I commend the YBN group for their creative thinking resulting in a great event.”
Party Prohibition: A Virtual Tasting Event By YBN was held on March 26th, with the $15,000 cheque being delivered this past August.
R-L; Jayna Wiewiorowski (YBN Vice Chair/Communications), Craig Smith (Help Fill a Dream Executive Director), A.J. Winters (YBN Chair)
The Young Builder’s Network mandate is to develop a young executive’s network to provide an atmosphere of networking to build relationships within the construction community; to present information, professional development and leadership or mentorship opportunities that will benefit the individual YBN members and their respective companies; to participate in community engagement initiatives; and to support and promote career paths in the construction industry.
ABOUT VICA
The Vancouver Island Construction Association is a member-based, industry led association that serves the institutional, commercial, industrial, civil, and multi-family residential construction sectors across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and other coastal areas of British Columbia. www.vicabc.ca
July 12, 2021
“You can’t invent more minutes in the day.”
MazumaGo saves Dave 5+ hours of admin work and helps him collect receivables 10 days faster than with cheques.
This article is brought you by Mazuma-Go. For more information, please visit Mazumago.com
High value payments for construction.
NZ Builder specializes in building high-performance, energy-efficient homes and Dave is the man in charge of sending and receiving high-value payments to keep everyone happy. In the construction industry, most businesses rely on using cheques to move large amounts of money, but the process is painfully inefficient.
Growing up in New Zealand where online payments are far more advanced, Dave didn’t even know how to use a cheque until he moved to Canada and was asked to write one. To this day, he still Googles how to write one to double-check that everything is written on the right line. They’re not intuitive and they take forever.
HIDDEN COSTS OF A CHEQUE
“Cheques in my head cost a minimum of $25 each.”
Blanket across the board, Dave always sees $25 as the minimum cost for a cheque. Sometimes they can cost up to $50-$55 depending on how annoying it is or if it’s convenient to get to the post office. If it requires a special trip, that’s time he can’t get back.
Some suppliers in the construction industry also require same day payments and that requires a courier to get involved. There are a lot of nuances to be concerned about with cheques and he loves that MazumaGo handles all of that for him.
Online Payments
Flat Fee
REMOVE HUMAN ERROR
“I like eliminating the chance for me to make mistakes.”
Wire transfers aren’t any better. Dave still sees ample opportunity to make mistakes with routing numbers there too. He always double checks the numbers and asks himself, “Did I send this to the right person? Did I write this on the right line?”
Other solutions he’s used will keep banking information on file but if the client changes their banking without telling him then he’s entirely in the dark and the payment won’t go through.
With MazumaGo he appreciates how he simply has to send an email to a client and they can authorize online directly to their own bank. It’s just like accepting an etransfer, but without the limits. The client chooses which bank account they want to accept the funds into, and all they need is a custom code from me to connect our accounts.
Invite via email
Real-Time Tracking
SIMPLE AND SECURE
“Being backed by BMO should be enough to make people feel comfortable.”
Dave believes that if you boil it down, MazumaGo is the ability to do a massive etransfer without the limits. And like etransfers, Dave appreciates the inherent security around that. The knowledge that the payments run through the BMO security platform also gives him confidence that the payments he sends and receives through MazumaGo will go through smoothly.
When he has to send or receive a payment he knows he can send the automated email through the platform, but always prefers to copy and paste the payment links into his own personal emails. He believes that sending an email reminds his end customer that he supports this platform and that they can trust it to deliver.
Copy Payment Link
Bank-grade security
MazumaGo is a Canadian-based payment provider that enables businesses to send and receive no-limit payments for a flat fee – regulated and trusted by FINTRAC Canada.
Learn more at mazumago.com. Sign up free and cancel anytime, or book a free demo today.
Mention your VICA membership to receive a $100 starting credit upon sign up.
June 25, 2021
It’s Jab Time!
In partnership with the BC Public Health Office, the BCCA and its partners have made available construction fast lanes at select vaccination centers around the province on specified dates between and times through June and July.
No registration or appointment needed, just show up at one of the locations listed below on any one of the dates identified. Government ID and Personal Health Number is not essential but recommended to get you through even faster.
*First dose only, wear your hard hat or bring your site access card or other construction ID.
Vancouver Island Clinics & Dates
We are excited to offer SIX different locations across the island!
Fast Lane available July 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 from 1:00 PM – 4:00PM
Campbell River – Campbell River Community Centre (401 11 Ave) Courtenay/Comox – Glacier Gardens Arena (1399 Military Row) Nanaimo – Woodgrove Centre (6631 Island Hwy) Nanaimo – Beban Park (2300 Bowen Rd) Langford – Eagle Ridge Community Centre (1089 Langford Pkwy) Victoria – Archie Browning Sports Centre (1151 Esquimalt Rd)
Report Examines Lived Experiences of Substances Users Through Three Month Interview Initiative
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Victoria, BC (June 01, 2021) – The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) and its harm reduction team have completed the stakeholder engagement phase of their four-phase Tailgate Toolkit harm reduction initiative.
Phase 1 consisted of in-depth qualitative interviews with members of the Vancouver Island construction industry who had past or present experience of drug use or were in supervisory positions and responsible for implementing harm reduction measures within their company or organization.
Findings of the report highlighted the stigmatization of opioid use within the construction/trades industry, while also describing the paths which led individuals towards substance use, such as self-medication for emotion or physical pain, and the culture of traditional masculinity and the barriers it creates when asking for help.
“The testimony within this report underscores the reality that not all substance users fit into a single category,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association. “This report only reinforces the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the overdose crisis on Vancouver Island. We believe that these stories will resonate with folks in the industry, leading to those critical conversations allowing someone to seek help if they’re in need.”
The stakeholder engagement report will inform VICA’s harm reduction team as they work with Island Health’s overdose response team to implement the next three phases of the Tailgate Toolkit.
“We welcome this report from VICA, which offers valuable insights into the impact of the drug-poisoning crisis on people working in the construction industry,” says Dr. Richard Stanwick, Island Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer. “We’re grateful to everyone who shared their experiences – their stories are an invaluable contribution to the development of the Tailgate Toolkit, and to our understanding of this complex issue.”
Phase two of the Toolkit will be a training course for those in direct supervisory or front-line response positions which would cover recognizing substance use/impairment, mental health first aid, mental health, and substance use literacy with a focus on having effective and supportive conversations, a more thorough summary of services available, and naloxone trainer training.
To view and download the Phase 1 report, click here.
Rory Kulmala Chief Executive Officer Vancouver Island Construction Association
MEDIA CONTACT Owen O’Rourke, Communications, VICA owen@vicabc.ca | 250-800-1722
Andrew Leyne, Media relations, Island Health Andrew.leyne@viha.ca | 250-370-8908
ABOUT VICA The Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) has served the construction community since 1912 and is one of Canada’s oldest not-for-profit, industry associations. With offices in Victoria and Nanaimo, VICA connects the Island’s institutional, commercial, and multi-family residential sectors with skilled labour, education, and networking opportunities.
About Island Health
Island Health provides health care and support services to more than 850,000 people on Vancouver Island, the islands in the Salish Sea and the Johnstone Strait, and mainland communities north of Powell River. With more than 23,000 staff and over 2,500 physician partners, 4,000 volunteers, and the dedicated support of foundations and auxiliaries, Island Health delivers a broad range of health services, including: public health services, primary health care, home and community care, mental health and addictions services, acute care in hospitals, and much more across a huge, geographically diverse region.
May 5, 2021
Local Construction Leaders Celebrated at 2021 VICA Awards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Victoria, BC (May 5, 2021) – The Vancouver Island Construction Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2nd Annual 2021 VICA Awards, which recognize the work its members do to build and regenerate our local communities: the universities, hospitals, historic sites, airports, and condominiums.
“While we could have postponed our awards for the second year in a row, we could not have done it in good conscious.” says Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA). “Having witnessed the resilience of the construction industry on Vancouver Island, the adoption of new health and safety regulations, and being one of the lone driving forces of the Island’s economy, we had to reimage what our awards could look like in pandemic times.”
Taking inspiration from other industry associations, the 2nd Annual VICA Awards were pivoted to a pre-recorded online broadcast, in-lieu of a live event and featured over 40 submissions and 14 category winners.
Among the categories was the VICA Member of the Year, won by Durwest Construction Management (DCM). DCM’s support of VICA through continuous membership, utilizing the association’s training and education offerings as well as their strong support of VICA’s Construct Your Future work employment program made them a stand-out nominee for the award.
“Durwest Construction Management strongly believes in the power of networking and community” says Devon Kray, vice president of DMC. “We have also always believed in promoting construction in general through our involvement with VICA and we are humbled and very proud to be the recipients of this year’s VICA Member of The Year award.”
The Prime Contractor Over $10 Million was awarded to Knappett Projects for their Alex & Jo Campbell Centre for Health & Wellness project at Camosun College in Victoria while the Subcontractor Over $5 Million was awarded to United Engineering ltd. for their Neptune Stacker/Reclaimer project.
“The Alex & Jo Campbell Building not only represents a significant project for Knappett Projects, but also represents a significant investment for the future of healthcare on Vancouver Island”, said Roger Yager, P. Eng., Vice President of Knappett Projects Inc. “When we get the opportunity to help create a building that will be producing the backbone of the Island’s healthcare industry, provides an open, bright, inviting and collaborative learning and teaching environment, and is aesthetically pleasing, it is a further reward for us and it’s wonderful when it’s recognized by your peers and the community”.
MEDIA INQUIRIES & INTERVIEW REQUESTS
Owen O’Rourke, Marketing & Communications Vancouver Island Construction Association 250.800.1722| owen@vicabc.ca
A recording of the broadcast is now available on VICA’s website, www.vicabc.ca/awards
For high-resolution photos and project descriptions, please contact Owen at owen@vicabc.ca
February 25, 2021
Q4 Building Permit Report: Residential Rebounds
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Residential building permits rebound
Victoria, BC – February 23, 2021 – The total value of building permits issued on Vancouver Island slipped four per cent to $652.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 from $681.6 million the third quarter. Residential building permits jumped 26 per cent over the third quarter to $538.2 million but were four per cent lower compared to the same quarter in 2019.
Non-residential permits dropped 55 per cent in the quarter to $114.1 million from $254.5 million following a large surge in commercial permits in the third quarter. Commercial permits plunged 73 per cent to $56.3 million while institutional-government permits posted a 32 per cent increase to $50.3 million to partially offset that drop.
“Overall, building permit activity in Vancouver Island communities continues at a strong level, despite the coronavirus pandemic,” said Rory Kulmala, CEO of the Vancouver Island Construction Association.
Notable performances during the fourth quarter of 2020 included a 60 per cent jump in residential permits issued in the Capital Regional District (RD) over the third quarter, a 20 per cent increase in total permits in the Strathcona RD, and a 14 per cent rise in the Alberni-Clayoquot RD.
The Nanaimo investment spending on non-residential building construction in the Victoria metropolitan area rose for the fourth consecutive month ending in November to $37.2 million as a result of a rebound in commercial and public permits that occurred in the third quarter of 2020.
Victoria’s residential building construction investment spending increased 8.1 per cent ending in November to $157 million on the strength of multi-unit dwellings, particularly apartments which increased 22.3 per cent to $88.08 million.
Construction industry employment in Vancouver Island-Coast region dropped 14.4 per cent during the fourth quarter in Vancouver Island (excluding Victoria) and 1.4 per cent in the Victoria metro area. This result was not consistent with other indicators of construction activity at that time.
“While total building permits issued in 2020 came in one per cent below 2019’s level, the 2021 outlook is somewhat uncertain as a result of the pandemic,” said Kulmala.
“Overall, I expect total building permits issued in 2021 will increase about five per cent over 2020, led by residential construction activity as demand for housing increases due to low interest rates, affordable home prices and provincial in-migration.
On Wednesday, Februray 24, VICA Members and staff wore their best and brightest pink shirts in support of Pink Shirt Day, an anti-bullying campaign celebrated nationwide. Although the campaign started on a schoolground we should not forget that bullying isn’t acceptable anywhere, including the workplace.
We were thrilled to see so many VICA Members donning “safety pink” in the office and on site for Pink Shirt Day this year. A special thanks to those members who took part in VICA’s Pink Shirt Day initiative.
AllTerra Construction
BCCA Employee Benefits Trust
Banyan Group of Companies
Benson Manufacturing
Camosun Women in Trades
Campbell Construction
ClearLite Glass
Durwest Construction Management
Farmer Construction
Flynn Canada
HeroWork Radical Renovations
Knappett Projects
MT Construction Advisory Services
Method Engineering
MKM Projects
Playsted Sheet Metal (PSM)
RC Roofing Ltd
Rob Tournour Masonry
Sawyer Construction
Securco
Slegg Building Materials
Trades Labour Corp. (TLC)
Viking Reinforcing
Wilson M Beck Insurance Services (Victoria)
Young Builders Network
VICA U40
VICA Women in Construction
Click the photo to the side to see photos of VICA Members in their loud and proud garb. You can also check out our Instagram feed @viconstruction or the soon-to-be-posted album on our Facebook page and LinkedIn.
Your VICA Membership means we’re working on issues on your behalf. Whether it be tendering issues, procurement practices, or supporting provincial and national issues through our partners at BCCA and CCA, VICA continues to be your voice for issues impacting our industry.
Each election cycle our partners at the BC Construction Assoicaiton create a directory of our local MLAs and with this directory you’re able to view their voting records, topics they’ve raised in the legisature as well as their contact.
The benefits of strategic planning for your business
A common misconception is that strategic planning is only for large companies. But the reality is that most businesses can greatly benefit from the exercise.
Whether it’s buying a competitor, increasing your capital or aiming for higher growth, you need the right strategies, structure, plans and controls in place to optimize the return on your investment.
“Strategic planning involves looking at where you want your company to be in the next 3 to 5 years and determining what you need to do to get there,” says Nyron Drepaul, Business Consultant at BDC.
“If you’re always busy putting out fires, you may feel you have no time for planning,” Drepaul says. “But by developing big-picture strategies to guide your day-to-day operations and setting goals, you’re no longer flying blind. A long-term plan simply increases your chances of success.”
Minimizing risk
Another reason for entrepreneurs to make strategic planning a priority is that it reduces risk, particularly in periods of economic uncertainty. “As part of the process, you’ll be assessing your current situation, resources, strengths and weaknesses, competitors and the business environment. This way, you will be better equipped to make decisions and therefore to minimize risk.”
For Drepaul, strategic planning also helps entrepreneurs to shake things up a little. “It’s a way to rekindle the entrepreneurial drive that got you started in the first place. For example, you may have started out with a dream of a $10-million business with stores all over the world. But along the way, you got distracted by daily challenges, lost sight of that dream and settled for less than your true potential.”
“Strategic planning reignites that passion for what you’re doing. If you have a real plan with goals, it’s very rewarding to achieve each milestone. That sense of satisfaction builds the momentum you need to push even further.”
Involve your employees
Drepaul recommends entrepreneurs involve their employees in the strategic planning exercise, particularly in smaller companies. When employees contribute, they take ownership of the plan and help you reach your goals.
“This builds enthusiasm in your company and gets everybody on the same page.” For example, entrepreneurs can ask employees to brainstorm about a company’s strengths and weaknesses. After all, your staff knows your company inside out.
Get outside advice
A crucial part of successful strategic planning is to ensure you seek an external, objective point of view. Most small businesses don’t have the resources and expertise in-house to guide them through the strategic planning process.
“A consultant can give you a fresh perspective on your business, help you envision the future you want and define your long-term goals,” Drepaul says. “An expert can also ensure you follow a rigorous plan with clear timelines and assigned responsibilities.
“It’s about getting you thinking differently about your company and bringing you closer to achieving your dreams.”
At a glance
Strategic planning enables you to:
Envision your company’s future over the next 3 to 5 years
Define your long-term goals
Assess your current environment, as well as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats
Develop strategies and tactics to address any identified problems
Assign timelines and responsibilities to turn your plan into reality
VICA Members donate over $25,500 in toys and groceries to Vancouver Island Families
Giving back to the community is something that the construction industry has always prided itself on, so in a year where a helping hand is needed most VICA Members answered the call. Through our inaugural Virtual Christmas Luncheon and our annual Toy Drive, VICA Members from across the Island donated $25,625 to help support of communities were we work and live.
“While we weren’t able to gather and celebrate like in year’s past, that did not stop our members from expressing their generosity”, said VICA CEO Rory Kulmala. “We in the construction industry have been fortunate throughout this pandemic having not experienced the historic downturn which other sectors have endured, and I believe we are seeing a result of that with this record donation.”
$13,000 will benefit our Kids in Need initiative, where we purchase grocery gift cards and give them to principals of local elementary schools, who then distribute the cards year-round to families needing help alleviating the burden of keeping food on the table while living paycheque to paycheque.
Recipient schools include George Jay and Oaklands in Victoria, Tillicum in Saanich, Ruth King in Langford, and Georgia Avenue Community School in Nanaimo. Each elementary school principal received $2,500 worth of grocery gift cards to give to families in their communities that need it the most.
In addition to the funds raised through our Virtual Luncheon, $12,625 was donated in cash and toys for our annual Toy Drive. This amount almost doubles last year’s total with thirty-four member companies participating, with donations going to CFAX Santa’s Anonymous, the Ladysmith Resource Centre, Nanaimo Toy Drive and Holiday Hamper Drive in Courtenay. For a full list of those who donated, visit www.vicabc.ca/toydrive.
Media Contact
Owen O’Rourke, Communications Specialist Vancouver Island Construction Association 250.800.1722 | owen@vicabc.ca *Photo’s included below. High-resolution photos available on request
VICA Victoria Office
VICA Nanaimo Office
December 14, 2020
HeroWork & CCSPI Named Top 100 Recovery Projects
The holiday buzz has begun. But meanwhile, across the country and under the radar, Canadians are working hard to help their communities respond and recover from the pandemic.
The HeroWork Society was selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Recovery Projects by Future of Good, a Canadian digital publication covering social impact. HeroWork was selected from among hundreds of nominations across the country. The pan-Canadian exercise, led by Future of Good was to find, celebrate, and showcase 100 of the most ambitious and innovative projects doing essential work, as determined by an expert selection committee.
We’re less than a decade away from the deadline to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the pandemic has set Canada and the rest of the world back. Rates of poverty, food insecurity, unemployment, gender-based violence, and more are skyrocketing. The SDGs’ rallying cry — ”leave no one behind” — is more important than ever.
From volunteer-based to professionally run organizations, short-term to long-term projects, local to national in scope, projects such as HeroWork are stepping up to help one another. They’re building mutual aid networks from scratch, creating technology that supports at-home learning, developing re-skilling programs for those who’ve lost their jobs, and more.
“All kinds of people in places all across Canada are coming up with projects that are helping communities get back on their feet. This is an extraordinary local and civil society response. As a digital publication focused on social impact, we are excited to celebrate and amplify these projects by telling their stories and sharing their projects with a pan-Canadian audience,” says Future of Good Publisher and CEO Vinod Rajasekaran.
“It’s an honour to be chosen for this award,” says Paul Latour, founder and CEO of HeroWork. “Providing purposed-designed infrastructure for charities is a huge asset to the Victoria community. Even during the pandemic, we were able to complete a transitional housing project for young moms and their children, in partnership with the YMCA and Kiwanis Victoria. Coming this spring, the Salvation Army ARC building in downtown Victoria gets a new kitchen to help them provide 15,000 meals a month to the vulnerable. These kinds of collaborative partnerships are what will help us build back better!”
As part of recognizing the top 100, Future of Good has created an interactive digital map of the 100 most impactful community recovery projects, so people across Canada can learn about and engage with them. The top 100 projects were revealed at the Future of Good digital summit on November 25-26, 2020, where more than a thousand charities, non-profits, philanthropic organizations, impact investors, co-operatives, CSR teams, and social enterprises gathered to discuss how communities can build back better post-pandemic. In 2021, Future of Good will be telling digital stories of how the projects evolve and support local communities.
About HeroWork
HeroWork is a charity that renovates other charities because many non-profit buildings are run down and in need of repairs or upgrades. With renewed buildings charities have bigger impact, are more sustainable, and better serve vulnerable populations.To date HeroWork has completed over 5 million worth of non-profit renovations in the greater Victoria region. In a typical year HeroWork engages over 150 companies and 900 volunteers. Together they participate in huge community events through which comprehensive renovations are completed in a fraction of normal time and costs. HeroWork describes these events as modern-day barn raisings, calling them “Radical Renovations.” HeroWork Canada launches in 2021, where they will replicate their model in cities across the country, building a movement of charity and community renewal.
For more information on HeroWork, please visit herowork.com
For further information: Marlena Salvador, Philanthropy & Communications Manager. marlena.salvador@herowork.com (250) 588-0148
We are excited to share that the Coastal Communities Social Procurement Initiative (CCSPI) has been selected as one of Canada’s Top 100 Recovery Projects by Future of Good. Future of Good selected CCSPI as a program helping communities not just return to normal, but build back better for a thriving decade.
“We’re thrilled that CCSPI has been selected as a top recovery project,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps, CCSPI Co-Chair. “We began this initiative in 2016 to improve the health of our communities and the strength of our economies by changing the culture of public sector procurement. This work is now more important than ever.”
CCSPI is a member-led initiative that provides local governments across the region with the training, expertise and support they need to integrate social procurement practices and community benefits into their existing purchasing. Participating governments access a full suite of professional development and training, templates, case studies, impact measurement tools and expert consultation support to implement social procurement practices in their community.
“It’s exciting to see the community benefits and impact that local governments across Vancouver Island and coastal regions are experiencing as they embrace and implement social procurement. Their opportunity to be recognized is a reflection on the real value that local government and staff are receiving,” stated City of Campbell River Councillor Colleen Evans, CCSPI Co-Chair.
In just two years, the CCSPI membership has grown from 6 to 20 local governments on Vancouver Island and the Coast. Collectively, members have realized over $25 million in procurement spend with added community benefit. That means local employment and community benefits are generated from existing procurement dollars at a time when local economies need it most.
Social procurement is a key economic recovery opportunity for local governments by adding social value to their existing procurement in order to help economies and communities weather the storm of COVID-19.
About Future of Good
Future of Good is a fast-growing digital publication covering Canada’s social impact sector. Thousands of Canadians look to Future of Good each month for its comprehensive coverage of the world of impact so they can stay current and improve their ability to do good in the world.
Future of Good’s readers and members include professionals working in charities, non-profits, philanthropic foundations, social enterprises, co-operatives, public policy, corporate social responsibility departments and more.
For more information on Future of Good, visit futureofgood.co. For more information on Canada’s Top 100 Recovery projects, visit https://100recoveryprojects.futureofgood.co/.
For further information: Thi Dao, Account Manager / Content Partnerships Lead thi@futureofgood.co
November 30, 2020
B.C. government provides financial assistance for construction training
If a construction association, labour union or First Nation is looking for funding to train people for work in the construction industry, the B.C. government is here to help.
For example, the Community Workforce Response Grant program (CWRG) provides up to $10 million a year to support skills training leading to employment for unemployed and precariously employed (part-time, seasonal or casual) British Columbians.
CWRG has something for almost everyone. Four of its six funding streams have the most relevance to construction:
The Emerging Priorities Stream supports communities that require skills training because of a shift in their labour market.
Eligible applicants include unions and local governments.
The Indigenous Communities Stream funds skills training to meet local labour market needs.
Indigenous governments and organizations serving First Nations, Métis or Inuit people are eligible.
The Workforce Shortages Stream helps address immediate workforce shortages.
It provides funding for skills training and employment services for unemployed or precariously employed British Columbians.
Eligible applicants are industry, sector and employer associations.
The Skills Training for Economic Recovery Stream provides short-term skills training for people who lose their job because of COVID-19.
Eligible applicants are industry, sector and employer associations with a mandate for training; union halls and training boards; Industry Training Authority-designated trade schools; B.C. private training institutions; Aboriginal-controlled institutes; B.C. post-secondary institutions; and trade and industry-recognized personal safety trainers.
A number of union training schools are applying, or considering applying, for CWRG funding.
“The Piping Industry College of BC is applying to offer programming to deliver essential skills, trade awareness and piping and welding foundation courses,” said BC Building Trades Council spokesperson Corry Anderson-Fennell. “These programs typically have successful outcomes. The college’s last welding foundations course saw all eight students in the program go directly to work in their field.”
In addition to the welders, The Ironworkers Local 97 training centre and the Construction and Specialized Workers’ Union Local 1611 training centre are both considering applying for funding in advance of the February 2021 deadline.
A recipient of CWRG funding is Jobs North (JN), a training initiative of the Kitsumkalum Band in Terrace, B.C.
JN is a six-week, hands-on program whereby participants complete 10 industry certifications that enable them to apply for construction work.
The program includes work site job training, in which each participant works for one month on a construction site under the direction of a licensed journeyman.
“CWRG funded six cohorts of 12 people each in the last year and a half,” said Tom Harrow, Jobs North manager of employment and training.
Two-thirds of the participants got jobs in construction, almost all of them at the LNG Canada facility under construction in Kitimat.
Also funded by the B.C. government is Construct Your Future (CYF), a program of the Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) thatenables young people to learn about careers in construction.
After eight weeks of free training – which pays up to $1,400/month – in virtual classrooms and on job sites, CYF helps participants find paid employment with a local construction company.
“Construct Your Future is probably unique in Canada,” says VICA CEO Rory Kulmala. “It’s a gentle introduction to the industry, not specific to any particular trade.”
Kulmala says CYF is four years old, and in that time it has put through more than 100 young people, about 80 per cent of whom have found employment in construction.
“We’ve created a way for young people to find out about construction and ease them into the industry safely and at the same time enable them to contribute in a way that works for everyone involved,” said Kulmala.
One of the CYF graduates is Melissa Lacharity, who drives tandem dump trucks in the Victoria region.
“I used to work in retail, but I was always fascinated by trucks,” said Lacharity. “In 2019 I did 10 weeks of training with CYF and then a month of dump truck training afterward. Today I haul gravel and fill from excavations to dump sites and I love the work.”
Kinetic Construction Limited has employed several CYF graduates.
“They come to Kinetic after some actual construction work experience,” said Randy Delisle, Kinetic’s talent and development manager. “They start with us as labourers and if they show promise and interest we encourage them and support them as apprentices.”
Delisle says they’re “great workers.”
“We have one young man working on the new dormitory project at the University of Victoria and another working on some concrete replacement near the Legislature,” he said.
The next CYF program begins Feb. 8, 2021. For more information, click here.
