Who We Are | Why Train? | How We Can Help 
MANITOBA CONSTRUCTION CAREER EXPO BUILDS FUTURE WORKFORCE
Build it and they will come.
Since Winnipeg Construction Association first spearheaded the inaugural Expo in 2009, the event has continued to grow in popularity. WCA partnered with the Manitoba Construction Sector Council and Merit Contractors Association of Manitoba, as Presenting Sponsors, to make 2011 the best yet.301011
The annual event, held at Red River Exhibition Place, focuses on attracting young people into the construction industry.
With recent projections from the Construction Sector Council (CSC) predicting employment demands to increase by more than 20 per cent between 2011 and 2014 in Manitoba, and remain high until at least 2019, the need to attract local residents into the sector is an ongoing focus, and the annual Expo is a big part of that process.
Ron Hambley, Executive Vice-President of Winnipeg Construction Association, says there's no better time than now for students to consider a future in construction trades. "A busy construction market and the need to replace baby boomers entering retirement is creating the perfect storm for those looking to break into the industry," Hambley says.
"My favourite exhibit would be the pipe insulating," says Robert Shannacappo of R.B. Russell Vocational High School. "Before I came here I was primarily interested in carpentry, but now that I've been here and seen all this, I'm going to be keeping my options open."
Crystal Lachance of Sisler High School brought a new group of students from her school and felt the third edition was the best yet. "Fabulous event. Even better than last year," Lachance praised. "Well organized, excellent experience for staff and students. The kids loved the hands on."
Safety professionals from the Construction Association of Manitoba provided students with safety briefings upon their arrival, and safety glasses were given to students to wear in the interactive area.
Many of the province's construction associations and contractors have thrown their support behind the Expo and understand the role it plays regionally.
"It was the third straight year of participation for 23 exhibitors and their experience showed," show manager, Ron Mark, said. "The construction sector can be very proud of its efforts to promote their industry to high school students in a very creative and interactive format."
Thank you to the following participating sponsor organizations and associations that helped make the 2011 Manitoba Construction Career Expo a success:
CANADIAN APPRENTICESHIP FORUM
Provides a number of web-based resources that promote and support careers in skilled trades.
Skilled Trades: A Career You can Build On
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR COUNCIL
The Construction Sector Council has the following web-based resources under its Careers in Construction initiative.
www.careersinconstruction.ca
This website was created by the Construction Sector Council to provide young people with information to help them make career-related decisions. The website promotes the benefits of working in the construction industry including the demand for skilled workers in a large industry, the variety of career opportunities, and high levels of compensation.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT CANADA / SERVICE CANADA
HRSDC provides funding for the Youth Awareness initiative that provides financial assistance for projects intended to increase youth awareness of shortages of skilled trades and labour market opportunities in these trades. Projects are funded based on an application process. Sponsors, which can include businesses, organizations, and municipal governments, are encouraged to contact local Service Canada Centres if they are interested in submitting a proposal.
www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/programs/info.shtml
MANITOBA 4 YOUTH DIVISION
CareerFocus is a program designed to provide support to high school and post-secondary instructors who help students access career-related work experience. This program operates on a year-round basis and has been successfully used by employers who participate in the Senior Years Apprenticeship Option. Employers receive a wage incentive per position to assist in the creation of new career-related positions for students.
Website: www.mb4youth.ca
SKILLS CANADA MANITOBA
Skills Canada Manitoba is a not-for-profit, charitable, organization that works with employers, educators, and governments to educate Manitoba youth on the benefits of working in the skilled trades and technology sectors. This is accomplished through various programs, such as the Skilled Trades and Technology Showcase, Young Women's Conferences, Youth in Manufacturing, Cardboard Boat Race, Model Wind Turbine Competition, Extreme Sledding, Provincial and Canadian Skills Competitions. One of the centerpieces of the organization is the very popular Provincial Skills Competition which hosts over 500 competitors in an Olympic style competition. Gold Medalists have an opportunity to go on to the Canadian Skills Competition and the World Skills Competition.
|
|
|||
More than 1,300 high school students from across southern Manitoba got some hands on experience in the skilled construction trades on May 11, 2011 at the third-annual Manitoba Construction Career Expo.
This year's Expo featured more than 30 interactive exhibits, allowing students the chance to try their hand at a wide range of skilled trade career options, from welding, masonry, insulating, and electrical to pipefitting, shingling and roofing, just to name a few. Other exhibits gave attendees a bird's eye view from the top of a zoom boom, the chance to operate a mini excavator, and mix and finish concrete with guidance from industry experts.
Ana Grabovac, a Grade 9 student at Arthur A. Leach Junior High School, says her particular highlight was getting a keepsake to bring home.
"I liked the one where I got to use a router to carve my name into a block of wood to bring home," Grabovac says. "It was really fun. You had to work hard to follow the stenciling, but a fun challenge."