Boosting B.C.’s Economy
Through Skilled Trades
2011/2012 Canada -British Columbia Labour Market Agreement
Industry Training Authority Success Report
Table of Contents
Supporting People
and Prosperity 2 – 4
Aboriginal Initiatives 5 – 10
Women in Trades Training 11 – 16
Immigrants in Trades Training 17 – 22
Essential Skills 23 – 24
Building a Skilled
Workforce for B.C. 25
About the Report
This report has been prepared by the Industry Training Authority and reports on programs
delivered to British Columbians with funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia
Labour Market Agreement during the 2011/2012 fiscal year.
On the cover: Aboriginal Initiatives participant and Level 3 Apprentice Carpenter Thomas Bermel (R),
with his manager, Bob Munro (L) of Vando Construction
Industry Training Authority initiatives
funded through the Canada-British
Columbia Labour Market Agreement
are helping develop a skilled work
force to fuel B.C.’s economy. Carpenter
apprentice Jun Sung Moon (R) and his
employer, Ardalan Fard (L), are among
the thousands of British Columbians
benefitting from this investment.
Supporting People and Prosperity
Aboriginal people, women and immigrants have much to offer the labour market,
but are significantly under-represented in the trades. By providing the unemployed or
underemployed people in these groups with viable skills and access to the workforce,
ITA, through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement, is supporting people
while building the skilled workforce necessary to drive economic prosperity in B.C.
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2011/2012 Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement ITA Success Report
With increased training and apprenticeship opportunities,
B.C. has the potential to grow into a centre of excellence for
skilled labour in Canada.
B
ritish Columbia is on the cusp of a
development boom. Investments in a variety
of industries, from shipbuilding to oil, gas and
mining, show clear evidence of economic activity
across the province.
With increased training and apprenticeship
opportunities, B.C. stands to grow into a centre of
excellence for skilled labour in Canada. Without a
properly trained workforce, the province risks missing
the opportunity to fulfill its potential prosperity.
An important way to address the projected
shortages in skilled trades in B.C. is to ensure
that individuals and groups under-represented
in the trades—Aboriginal people, women and
immigrants—are supported in pursuing the
training they need.
The Industry Training Authority (ITA) is a provincial
Crown agency created in 2004 to manage B.C.’s
trades training. Working collaboratively with
industry, training providers, career counselors,
labour unions, governments and others, one of the
ITA’s key responsibilities is delivering labour market
programming to these groups facing barriers to
employment in the trades.
Since 2008, ITA has been delivering this initiative
to Aboriginal, women and immigrant groups with
funding through the Canada-British Columbia
Labour Market Agreement (LMA). The LMA
provides funding for investment in labour market
programming to improve the employment
outcomes of groups who face barriers affecting their
ability to participate in the workforce. Specifically,
LMA focuses on individuals who are unemployed
and ineligible to receive assistance through
Employment Insurance or who are employed
and low-skilled.
Under the LMA, the Government of Canada is
providing B.C. with funding to invest in labour
market programs. Between 2008 and 2014, the
ITA is overseeing $24 million in funding for service
providers who offer training to Aboriginal people,
women and immigrants through a number of
specific initiatives, including:
Aboriginal Initiatives partners with Aboriginal
organizations and training providers to fund preapprenticeship and apprenticeship programs across
the province
Women in Trades Training initiative connects
women to trades opportunities across B.C. through
partnerships with training providers, unions and
industry associations
Immigrants in Trades Training initiative partners
with service providers to offer participants financial
support, as well as other assistance including English
classes, free tools and equipment and introductions
to potential employers
Essential Skills offers LMA participants a flexible,
online tool to help assess and develop the
foundational skills they need to succeed at training
and work
3
B.C.’s Labour Market
• With growing investment in industry,
and more skilled workers retiring each
year, B.C. is expected to experience
a skilled-labour shortage of at least
160,000 by 2015
• By the end of the decade, more than
one million jobs will be available in
B.C., at least three quarters of which will
require some post-secondary education
or training
B.C.’s Skilled Trades
• There are currently 34,000 apprentices
and youth training participants in the
apprenticeship system
• It pays to hire an apprentice. For every
$1.00 spent on apprenticeship training,
an employer receives an average return on
investment of $1.47
• Under the B.C. Government’s Training Tax
Credit program, apprentices may qualify
for up to $9,000 in tax credits as they
progress through training, while employers
may qualify for up to $16,500 in tax
credits as their apprentice progresses through
training. Enhanced tax credits are available for
Aboriginal apprentices and employers who
sponsor Aboriginal apprentices
• More than 60 per cent of Canadian
employers believe journeypeople who they
trained as apprentices are more productive
4
Aboriginal Initiatives
The skilled trades are a source of
sustained, high paying employment,
often in areas close to First Nations
communities. Welder C apprentice
Eddie Debucy (L), pictured with his
manager, Patrick Ferguson (R), is one
of an increasing number of Aboriginals
whose involvement in the trades is
playing an important role in helping
industry meet the workforce demands
of B.C.’s growing economy.
NAME: Eddie Debucy (Tsimishian Nation), Welder C Apprentice
EMPLOYER: Fab-All Manufacturing
Program Provider: Aboriginal Community Career Employment Services Society
LOCATION: Port Coquitlam, B.C.
Growing up in Skidegate on Haida Gwaii, Eddie
Debucy always dreamed of moving to the city, to get
an education and escape the high unemployment so
many faced at home. But when he finally made the
move to Vancouver at the age of 19, Eddie couldn’t
find a decent job and quickly felt lost and alone.
Eddie Debucy (L) and Patrick Ferguson (R)
While he was working as a temporary labourer at a
downtown warehouse, one of Eddie’s co-workers
suggested he visit the Aboriginal Community Career
Employment Services Society (ACCESS) to see if they
could help him. ACCESS offers employment and
training services to members of the Lower Mainland
urban Aboriginal community, including trades
training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Working with one of ACCESS’s apprenticeship counselors, Eddie, who is a member of the Tsimishian Nation,
explored his options and decided to enroll in the Welder C Apprentice program at British Columbia Institute
of Technology. The program, funded by ITA Aboriginal Initiatives, is an eight-month program including one
month of Essential Skills upgrading and seven months of welding training.
Eddie immediately felt comfortable in the all-Aboriginal program and thrived under the guidance and support
of the program coordinators.
“ACCESS really went out of their way to help me make a smooth transition in the program,” says Eddie.
“I was given a monthly income and tuition funding. We even had a coach to help when we needed it.”
Eddie is now a Welder C apprentice and is working as a Precision TIG Welder at Fab-All Manufacturing.
TIG welding is a special welding method requiring significant operator skill. Welders with this expertise
are in high demand.
Eddie didn’t have TIG experience when he started, but Fab-All was badly in need of someone with that skill set,
so they provided him with the training. “He’s doing exceptionally well,” says Patrick Ferguson, a Production
Manager at Fab-All. “His foundation as a Welder C apprentice is a big part of the reason he’s picked things up
so quickly. He’s really become an essential member of our team.”
“His foundation as a Welder C apprentice is a big part of the reason he’s picked
things up so quickly. He’s really become an essential member of our team.”
When Eddie first visited ACCESS he was hoping for a little help getting a job to support himself. Instead, he
received an education and a career with enough opportunity to support himself and a family. The timing
couldn’t have been better. In January, Eddie and his partner welcomed a new baby boy into their family.
“We didn’t want to start a family until I got some training under my belt,” he says. “We waited until I finished the
program. Now, whatever job opportunity I get, we’ll all go.”
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2011/2012 Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement ITA Success Report
NAME: Thomas Bermel (Mohawk Nation), Level 3 Apprentice Carpenter
EMPLOYER: Vando Construction
Program Provider: Squamish Nation Trades Centre
LOCATION: Vancouver, B.C.
As a fourth-generation Carpenter, Thomas Bermel has
building in his blood. Like his grandfather and greatgrandfather before him, Thomas started in carpentry
early in life, working as an untrained Carpenter from the
age of 18. But unlike his elders who remained self-taught
throughout their lives, Thomas went back to school at
26 to become a fully qualified Carpenter.
Bob Munro (L) and Thomas Bermel (R)
“I realized that if I wanted to increase my opportunities,
I needed to get the formal training,” says Thomas, who
is a member of the Mohawk Nation. So he worked to
receive his Carpentry Foundation, Level 1 and Level 2
training from the Squamish Nations Trades Centre,
through a program funded by ITA Aboriginal Initiatives.
“Before, I could send out 50 resumes and not hear a thing
back. Now I have job offers coming in from everywhere.”
In addition to financial support, Thomas credits ITA Aboriginal Initiatives with providing additional skills and
certification that enabled him to get through his training much faster. “I had a really good teacher who helped
me get through math. I also came out with tool safety and first aid skills that allowed me to work faster and safer.”
Thomas’ boss, Bob Munro, agrees that the ability of certified tradespeople to hit the ground running is a huge
asset. “Back when I started working, there wasn’t really a system set up, so you just learned on the job,” he says.
“Apprentice Carpenters have the best of both worlds — hands on training and theoretical knowledge like trades
math and how to read blueprints.”
“Apprentice Carpenters have the best of both worlds — hands on training and theoretical
knowledge like trades math and how to read blueprints.”
With an expected skilled-labour shortage of at least 160,000 by 2015, training and apprenticeship programs
are key ways for employers to ensure they have skilled, prepared workers to meet their labour demands.
“We really need younger people coming into the trades. These programs are producing a skilled workforce
for our company, and opening doors for the workers,” says Bob.
Now a Level 3 Apprentice Carpenter, Thomas hopes to continue his training and eventually earn his Red Seal
Certification, which is an interprovincial standard of excellence recognizable everywhere in Canada. His goal
is to take his carpentry skills across the country, helping build on underdeveloped First Nations reserves.
“I want to fly into remote areas where they need a lot of help, and help them build,” he says. “I want to use my
skills to help other people.”
7
NAME: Lori Houle (Metis Nation), Welder’s helper
EMPLOYER: Flint Energy Services
Program Provider: Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
LOCATION: Fort St. John, B.C.
When Lori Houle’s son was born, she made the
decision to be a stay-at-home mom. She wanted to
focus on raising her son and make sure he received a
good education. When her son was grown and almost
ready to leave home, Lori turned her attention to her
own education.
Al Lewis (L) and Lori Houle (R)
At first, Lori had a hard time deciding what she wanted to
do. She’d always been the kind of person who was
interested in a lot of different things and didn’t like having
to commit to one specific path. While living near Chetwynd,
B.C., Lori, who is Metis, visited the nearby Saulteau First
Nations’ Muskoti Learning Centre. When they told her about
a program being offered that trains participants in four
different trades over an eight-week period, Lori knew it was
an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.
The program, Bridging to Trades, is funded through ITA Aboriginal Initiatives and run by the Nicola Valley
Institute of Technology (NVIT). It was designed to give students exposure to a variety of high-demand trades,
allowing them to explore careers in welding, millwright, electrical and piping trades. In addition to receiving
support for tuition, participants are supported in meeting and connecting with a number of employers in need
of skilled labour.
“It’s changed my life, big time. Now I know that whatever
I set my mind to, I can do it.”
Lori graduated from the program with a plan to pursue a career in pipe fitting. But after starting a job at Flint
Energy Services in Fort St. John, she began working as a Welder’s helper. Lori knows having the freedom to try
her hand at a variety of trades has been the opportunity of a lifetime and is determined to continue her
pathway in the trades.
“It’s changed my life, big time,” she says. “Now I know that whatever I set my mind to, I can do it.”
Lori’s employer, Flint Energy, couldn’t agree more.
According to Al Lewis, a project supervisor at Flint, Bridging to Trades has a track record of producing welltrained workers like Lori.
“Lori is a good worker, very personable and very helpful. People coming out of these programs are a huge asset
to us because they are exposed to the kind of work we do. In the end, we’re provided with knowledgeable,
well-prepared workers who contribute to our success as a company.”
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2011/2012 Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement ITA Success Report
Partnering for Success: Nicola Valley Institute of Technology
and Northeast Aboriginal Skills and Employment Project
John Chenoweth and his team at Nicola
Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) were
looking for ways to increase Aboriginal
engagement in the trades. When they
learned of the opportunity to use the ITA’s
Mobile Trades Training Unit to deliver their
Bridging to Trades program in remote
communities, they jumped at the chance.
“Mobility is a huge factor in helping us
break down the barriers to getting more
Aboriginals in trades training programs,”
says John. “Half of our training is done in
the community.”
Bridging to Trades is a 10-week program
funded through ITA Aboriginal Initiatives.
The program exposes participants to four
different trades, providing the basic
training and essential skills needed to
pursue accredited trades training. Using
the mobile training unit, NVIT has
delivered training in a number of remote
Aboriginal communities across B.C.
ITA Aboriginal Initiatives is
helping build long-term
partnerships to invest
resources most strategically
and efficiently.
works for us because we can engage
people in an environment they are
comfortable with. If we can get them
in, help them upgrade their math and
English and get some basic skills training,
we can often bridge the gap to postsecondary training.”
Although the numbers of Aboriginal
students attending post-secondary
schools in B.C. is growing, many never
make it out of their small communities
because they lack the education, skills
and confidence to explore further
education. Community-based training
brings learning opportunities to them.
Another benefit of bringing trades training
in to communities is the relationships NVIT
creates with other stakeholders. One
example is NVIT’s collaboration with
Saulteau First Nations and the North East
Aboriginal Skills & Employment Partnership
(NEASEP). As one of a number of five-year
Aboriginal Skills & Employment Partnership
programs allocated across the country by
the Federal Government, NEASEP’s
approach of forming partnerships with
industry, communities and educational
service providers was a perfect fit for the
Bridging to Trades program.
“Almost 50 per cent of our young people
still aren’t graduating from high school,”
says John. “The community-based model
“As part of the community, we have preexisting relationships with local participants
and can help them prepare and get through
the program,” says Audrey Sam, Executive
Director of NEASEP and of the North East
Native Advancing Society, which will
continue NEASEP’s work delivering services
to clients in Northeast B.C. when the
program ends. “We also have the benefit
of established industry partnerships with
companies such as Shell and Flint Energy
Services, so there’s opportunity for students
to be placed in local jobs or apprenticeship
training when they are done.”
By working together based upon their
expertise, the partnership between NVIT
and NEASEP is an example of the ITA’s
efforts to build relationships that will
have sustained effects on Aboriginal
tradespeople long after funding is
complete. Through its network of key
stakeholders with industry, training
providers and Aboriginal employment
service agencies, ITA Aboriginal Initiatives
is helping build long-term partnerships
to invest resources most strategically
and efficiently.
11
9
Aboriginal Initiatives Training Programs
Helping Aboriginals
Break Through Barriers
B
ritish Columbia’s Aboriginal
population is younger and
growing faster than the general
population and has significant
potential to help address the
growing skilled-labour shortage.
In order to increase Aboriginal
people’s representation in the
skilled work force, it is necessary
to remove barriers to participation.
Through Canada-British Columbia
Labour Market Agreement
funding, ITA is helping Aboriginal
people break through barriers to
employment in the trades.
Key factors driving this
success include:
In 2011/12, ITA Aboriginal Initiatives
received $3 million through the CanadaBritish Columbia Labour Market Agreement
to fund trades training programs for more
than 485 Aboriginal participants. Since
2008, Aboriginal Initiatives has funded
pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship
training for 1,190 Aboriginal people,
helping them gain entry to the trades
and contributing to a skilled workforce
for industry and companies in B.C.
Carpentry Level 1 at the Squamish
Nation Trades Centre (North Vancouver)
Programs funded by Aboriginal
Initiatives include:
Heavy Equipment Operator with
VanAsep Training Society (Lower
Mainland)
Welding and Tile Setter Foundation
with the Aboriginal Community
Career Employment Services Society
(Lower Mainland)
Pre-Trades Training with the Prince
George Nechako Aboriginal Education
and Training Association (Prince George)
Pre-Trades Training with the Piping
Industry Apprenticeship Board (Lower
Mainland and Fort St. John)
Northwest Community College (Terrace)
• Financial support, including:
tuition support, funding for
childcare and transportation
costs, work gear, tools
and equipment
• Essential skills and Grade
11/12 equivalency training
• Foundation training and
pre-apprenticeship exposure
to the trades
• Mobile training in First Nations
communities
• Exposure to role models
and peer support
For more information about ITA and
Aboriginal Initiatives, contact:
[email protected]
Skills Training Employment Program
(STEP) with the BC Construction
Association (province-wide)
aboriginal initiatives
www.itabc.ca
Bridging to Trades with Nicola Valley
Institute of Technology offers a Mobile
Trades Training Unit, with stops in Moberly
Lake, Tofino, Blueberry River and Port Alberni
aboriginal initiatives
10
your journey starts here
www.itabc.ca
Women in Trades Training
As demand for skilled tradespeople
grows, an increasing number of women
are pursuing careers in the skilled trades,
as they realize that skilled trades jobs
offer increased independence, job
satisfaction and high pay. With more
and more women joining the trades,
employers are discovering a talented
pool of skilled labourers who are helping
fuel economic success. One of these
talented people is Apprentice Plumber
Cathy Minty (R), seen here with her
manager, Stacey Kent (L).
NAME: Nicole Martini, Level 1 Apprentice Plumber
EMPLOYER: Leask & Company
Program Provider: Okanagan College
LOCATION: Kelowna, B.C.
As someone who loves working with her hands,
Nicole Martini, 24, always knew a career in retail
wasn’t for her. She was looking for something to
challenge her mentally and physically. When Nicole
learned about the Gateway to the Trades program
offered at Okanagan College through ITA Women in
Trades Training initiative, she immediately signed up.
Through the program, Nicole received the career
guidance she had been looking for, and funding for
a transportation allowance, tuition, books, tools and
work clothes.
Nicole went on to receive her Level 1 technical
training through the Plumber Pre-Apprenticeship
program also offered at Okanagan College.
Nicole Martini (L) and Bruce Leask (R)
Bruce Leask, owner of Leask & Company, identifies
with Nicole’s attraction to plumbing. “I started my plumbing apprenticeship right out of high school and knew
there was nothing else I wanted to do,” he says. “When we had a job opening at Leask & Co., Nicole had the
right attitude, work-ready skills and level of commitment we were looking for.”
“Most of all, I appreciate the financial opportunity my apprenticeship has given me.
I’ve already bought a house after working as a Plumber apprentice for one year.”
Bruce believes sponsoring an apprentice is a valuable company investment. “Sponsoring an apprentice
through Women in Trades Training initiative ensures we’ve got a trained, reliable employee ready to keep
our company successful,” he says.
Nicole is now working for Leask & Co., and every day presents a new, exciting challenge. “It’s a great feeling
to know what I’m capable of,” she says. “Now, I can fix my own sink; it doesn’t scare me like it used to.”
“Most of all, I appreciate the financial opportunity my apprenticeship has given me. I’ve already bought
a house after working as a Plumber apprentice for one year—I never thought this was possible.”
Nicole plans to one day become a Red Seal certified Plumber. For now, she mentors other young women
in the Gateway to the Trades program. Her one piece of advice is this: “Don’t let people tell you what you
can and can’t do. You can do whatever you want if you put your mind to it.”
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2011/2012 Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement ITA Success Report
NAME: Mila Puharich, Level 1 Apprentice Metal Fabricator
EMPLOYER: Victoria Shipyards
Program Provider: Camosun College and BC Construction Association
LOCATION: Victoria, B.C.
After nine months spent volunteering across Canada,
Mila Puharich returned home convinced that a career
in the trades was for her. She was determined to take
advantage of the welding skills she picked up along
the way, but needed help.
Mila found out about the Women in Trades
Exploration course offered at Camosun College
through ITA Women in Trades Training initiative.
Mila received financial assistance to pay for her
tools, transportation and tuition for the Welder C
Apprentice program offered as part of the course.
Mila Puharich (L) and Sandra Hogan (R)
“I am very grateful for the support I received from
the Women in Trades Training initiative,” says Mila.
“Before I started the program, I didn’t know how to
pursue a career in the trades, but through my training
I gained the skills and knowledge I needed.”
With the help of the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP), managed by the BC Construction Association
(BCCA), Mila secured an apprenticeship at Victoria Shipyards. Using the skills she learned in the Welder C
Apprentice program, Mila became a Metal Fabricator at Victoria Shipyards.
Sandra Hogan, Apprenticeship Coordinator at Victoria Shipyards, remembers meeting Mila for the first time
and being impressed with her drive and passion. “Mila was very open about her desire to work with us and
learn as much as she could,” says Sandra. “We knew she’d be a great fit for our team.”
Victoria Shipyards currently employ 30 apprentices in the electrical, machinist, painting, pipefitting, sheet
metal, steel fabrication and welding trades.
“The best part of my trade is that I’m never bored and I love to see what
I accomplish at the end of the day.”
“Sponsoring an apprentice through the Women in Trades Training initiative gives us a work-ready, qualified
tradesperson who is committed to us,” says Sandra. “Their success is our success.”
And success is certainly on the horizon for Mila, who is working towards becoming a Red Seal certified Metal Fabricator.
“The best part of my trade is that I’m never bored and I love to see what I accomplish at the end of the day,” says Mila.
“Working in a trade is hard but rewarding—you never know what you’re capable of until you face the job
hands-on.”
13
NAME: Cathy Minty, Level 1 Apprentice Plumber
EMPLOYER: Black & McDonald
Program Provider: Piping Industry Apprenticeship Board
LOCATION: Vancouver, B.C.
Before becoming a Plumber apprentice, Cathy ran a
home daycare to support her family. However, when
she became her family’s sole breadwinner, she
needed to find something else—and fast.
Cathy’s initial job search was troubling: most
careers required years of expensive schooling,
with little opportunity for income during that time.
She was surprised to learn a career in the trades
offered the perfect solution with on-the-job
training and good wages.
Cathy learned about the Piping Opportunities
for Women (POW) program offered by the Piping
Industry Apprenticeship Board (PIAB) through ITA
Women in Trades Training initiative. She was worried
about paying tuition and providing childcare for
Cathy Minty (L) and Stacey Kent (R)
her youngest kids. To Cathy’s relief, the program
provided her with a childcare subsidy and transportation allowance, and paid for her tuition, tools and work
boots. Most importantly, the supportive instructors at PIAB gave Cathy the confidence boost she needed.
After completing the six-week exploratory POW program, Cathy accelerated into her Level 1 technical training
and finished top of her class.
Stacey Kent, Project Administrator for B.C. with Black & McDonald, was hiring for a large project when she met
Cathy. “PIAB recommended Cathy as a potential employee,” remembers Stacey. “When we met her, we knew
right away she had the work-ready skills, positive attitude and tenacity we needed.”
“By hiring an apprentice through Women in Trades Training, we know we are getting a
hardworking employee who is eager to learn and invest in our business success.”
“At Black & McDonald, we absolutely value our women apprentices,” says Stacey. “By hiring an apprentice
through Women in Trades Training, we know we are getting a hardworking employee who is eager to learn
and invested in our business success.”
Cathy, now a Level 1 apprentice and Black & McDonald employee, hopes to one day become a Red Seal
certified Plumber.
“I now have so much more confidence,” says Cathy. “I’m a different person — I laugh more, I smile more,
and I’m conquering new challenges.”
“When I come home with my clothes covered in dirt and dust, I tell my kids what I did at work that day and
they think it’s pretty awesome. When one of my daughters recently said ‘maybe I’ll be a Plumber, too’, I thought
that was pretty great.”
Cathy’s one piece of advice for any woman considering a career in the trades? “Yes you can!”
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2011/2012 Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement ITA Success Report
Changing the Face of Trades:
Piping Opportunities for Women Program
Kelly Sinclair has been around a long time.
Long enough to remember when a
journeyperson was only ever a journeyMAN,
and the idea of a female Plumber or
Pipefitter would have seemed strange.
Over the years, Kelly has seen huge
changes in the skilled trades, as more
and more women have pursued trades
careers. As the Special Projects
Coordinator for the Piping Industry
Apprenticeship Board (PIAB), responsible
for the Piping Opportunities for Women
(POW) program, Kelly is playing a big role
in breaking down the barriers to women
entering the trades in B.C.
Piping Opportunities for Women (POW),
run by the Piping Industry Apprenticeship
Board through ITA Women in Trades
Training initiative is helping women
explore and pursue careers in the piping
trades. The program begins with the
Exploratory Course, which includes a
combination of schoolwork and practical,
hands-on training. From there, women
can move on to the Foundation Program,
which provides the basic skills and
knowledge required to enter a program
for either plumbing or welding.
In addition to actual trades training,
POW offers a variety of skills training
and support that Kelly says are equally
important to women’s success in the
program. “A lot of these women are single
parents with very little resources. We make
sure they are well fed and that daycare is
taken care of, so that they can focus on
learning new skills. We also teach them
Kelly Sinclair (Centre) with participants of the Piping Opportunities for Women program
time management skills and help them
learn how to study. Once all these things
are taken care of, they can really settle
down to learn.”
“We make sure to base our
training on labour market
demands, so companies
can get the talent they need
and we can match women
with apprenticeships.”
to build three liquefied natural gas (LNG)
plants up north, and money being put
into new mines and harbour upgrades,
we are literally bursting at the seams.”
As the province braces for a skilled-labour
shortage of at least 160,000 by 2015,
programs like Piping Opportunities for
Women are a key way for employers to
ensure they have skilled, prepared workers
to meet labour demands.
“There are 225 companies associated
with PIAB and we work closely with them
on their needs for apprentices,” says Kelly.
“We make sure to base our training on
Empowering women to become confident, labour market demands, so companies
skilled workers is highly important but
can get the talent they need and we can
as Kelly points out, it is also a necessity.
match women with apprenticeships.”
“The demand for skilled labour in B.C.
is unprecedented,” says Kelly. “With plans
15
Women in Trades Training Programs
Helping Women Break
Through Barriers
A
growing number of
women are becoming skilled
tradespeople, but there are still
significant barriers keeping some
women from careers in the trades.
Lack of awareness of skilled trades
training and career opportunities,
inability to access childcare, low
essential skills and lack of role
models are all factors keeping
women out of the skilled workforce.
In 2011/12, ITA Women in Trades Training
initiative received $4 million from the
Canada-British Columbia Labour Market
Agreement to fund programs that helped
445 B.C. women become fully employable
in the trade sector. By providing trades
training, apprenticeship opportunities and
financial support including support for
tuition, tools and books and childcare
subsidies, Women in Trades Training is part
of a long-term strategy to match women’s
skills to the needs of B.C.’s workplace.
Heavy Equipment Operators Program
with Vancouver Island University (Vancouver
Island University, Nanaimo campus and the
HEO training site at Timberlands)
Since 2008, a total of $13 million has been
invested in Women in Trades Training
programs helping women discover
rewarding careers in the trades; at the
same time fueling the economy and
providing hundreds of B.C. companies
with skilled employees, committed to
long-term skills development.
Women in Trades Training with
Camosun College and Bridges for
Women Society (Victoria)
Piping Opportunities for Women with
the Piping Industry Apprenticeship Board
(Lower Mainland, Fort St. John)
STEP Skilled Trades Employment
Program with the BC Construction
Association (province-wide)
Women in Trades Training with the
United Food and Commercial Workers
Union (Lower Mainland)
Current training partners include:
Tradesworks Women’s Workshop
(Lower Mainland)
Gateway to the Trades for Women
with Okanagan College (Vernon, Kelowna
and Penticton)
For more information about
Women in Trades Training, contact:
[email protected]
16
2
Through Canada-British Columbia
Labour Market Agreement
funding, ITA Women in Trades
Training initiative is helping
women break through barriers
to employment in the trades.
Key factors driving this success
include:
• Financial support, including:
tuition support, funding for
childcare and transportation
costs, work gear, tools
and equipment
• Essential skills training
• Foundation training and
pre-apprenticeship exposure
to the trades
• On-the-job training
and mentorship
• Connection with women
who work in the trades as
certified tradespeople
Immigrants in Trades Training
British Columbia’s immigrant population
is the fastest growing population in the
province. With the majority between the
ages of 25 and 64, B.C.’s immigrants are
well equipped to provide much needed
skilled labour. As industry searches
for the best and the brightest to drive
innovation and productivity, many B.C.
employers are finding talent among the
province’s immigrant groups. Among the
immigrants bringing much needed skill
to B.C. companies is BC Hydro Electrician
Abinder Sharma (L), pictured with team
leader, Bill Hanson (R).
NAME: Vasile Covoza, Level 2 Apprentice Plumber
EMPLOYER: Systems Mechanical
Program Provider: DIVERSEcity Community Resource Society
LOCATION: Burnaby, B.C.
In Romania, Vasile Covoza worked in plumbing on
commercial and residential construction projects.
After moving to Canada and living in Montreal for a
year, Vasile was not excelling in his career. Frustrated
by his lack of success and watching his savings run
low, Vasile moved to B.C. for a fresh start.
When he arrived in British Columbia, Vasile enrolled in
an English Language Services for Adults (ELSA) course.
In his search for an English language course, Vasile
learned about the Immigrants in Trades Training
program offered through DIVERSEcity Community
Resources Society. During his first meeting with a
DIVERSEcity career counsellor, Vasile was deemed to
be an excellent candidate for the Immigrants in
Dave Cummings (L) and Vasile Covoza (R)
Trades Training program. He immediately attended an
employment skills workshop and received assistance developing his resume, cover letter and a comprehensive
employment action plan.
“From day one, the program provided me with the support, information and training I needed to pursue a
career in plumbing,” says Vasile.
Vasile also worked closely with his DIVERSEcity career counselor to find a job in the plumbing industry. His
determination soon paid off when he was hired as a Plumber’s assistant at Systems Mechanical in Surrey.
Vasile also completed his Level 1 technical training through the Plumbing Apprenticeship Program at British
Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).
Dave Cummings, Vasile’s Foreman at Systems Mechanical, remembers first meeting Vasile and being
impressed by his determination. “Vasile is driven, has initiative, and is trust-worthy. This is exactly what we are
looking for in an apprentice,” says Dave.
“With so many skilled tradespeople retiring, hiring a skilled immigrant through the
Immigrants in Trades Training initiative makes sense. It’s our future.”
From Dave’s perspective, hiring a skilled immigrant as an apprentice makes perfect business sense.
“With so many skilled tradespeople retiring, hiring a skilled immigrant through Immigrants in Trades
Training initiative makes sense. It’s our future,” he says. “Without apprentices, we’ll have no one to help
our business carry on and succeed.”
Now a registered apprentice sponsored by Systems Mechanical, Vasile is currently completing his Level 2
Plumbing at BCIT and is well on his way to achieving his goal of becoming a Red Seal certified Plumber. He looks
forward to one day becoming a Foreman himself and helping Systems Mechanical continue to succeed.
Vasile’s advice for other new Canadians interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades is this: “Use a
resource like Immigrants in Trades Training to find a program that is right for you. Don’t give up and don’t be
afraid to give it your all.”
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2011/2012 Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement ITA Success Report
NAME: Abinder Sharma, Electrician Journeyperson and Construction Manager
EMPLOYER: BC Hydro
Program Provider: DIVERSEcity Community Resource Society
LOCATION: Revelstoke, B.C.
At age 48, Abinder Sharma is working on projects
he never thought possible. Abinder had spent the
majority of his life working as an Electrician and
Electrical Engineer in India. In 2010, he moved to
British Columbia with his wife and two daughters
to pursue better opportunities for his family.
However, Abinder was concerned that differences in
his certification, his culture, and his age would stop
him from doing the type of skilled work in Canada
he had done as an Electrical Engineer in India.
Determined to succeed in his field, Abinder
connected with DIVERSEcity Community Resources
Society and learned about the Immigrants in Trades
Training program. After enrolling in the program,
Abinder’s DIVERSEcity career counsellor encouraged
Bill Hanson (L) and Abinder Sharma (R)
him to challenge the Red Seal Electrician’s exam
based on his work and learning experience and become certified in Canada. With the help of ITA Immigrants in
Trades Training initiative, Abinder received personalized support, mentorship and financial assistance to pay
for the courses he needed in order to learn about the Canadian Electrical Code and challenge the Red Seal.
“We are already seeing the effects of a skilled-labour shortage in B.C., so it makes
sense to hire a skilled immigrant who already has work experience, and just
needs Canadian certification.”
In early 2011, Abinder challenged the Red Seal exam and passed. As a Red Seal certified Electrician, he was
able to secure a full-time position as a construction manager with BC Hydro at their Mica Generating Station.
Bill Hanson, Engineering Team Lead with BC Hydro, is happy Abinder challenged the Red Seal. “When we met
Abinder, it was obvious he was the most qualified person for the job,” says Bill. “He had an excellent
background and with his certification, brought all the technical skills we needed.”
For Bill, it’s a looming shortage of skilled employees that both worries him and reinforces the value of hiring
a skilled immigrant.
“We are already seeing the effects of a skilled-labour shortage in B.C.,” he says. “So it makes sense to hire a
skilled immigrant who already has work experience, and just needs Canadian certification. The Immigrants in
Trades Training initiative ensures we have the work-ready tradespeople we need.”
Abinder believes that within five years, his career in Canada will be comparable to where it had been in India.
His advice for anyone thinking of entering the skilled trades is to always continue honing your skills. “Once an
employer recognizes your skills, they recognize your value. Be focused, make goals and work towards them.
That’s the only way to succeed.”
19
NAME: Jun Sung (Joe) Moon, Level 1 Apprentice Carpenter
EMPLOYER: Archway Construction
Program Provider: BC Construction Association
LOCATION: Chilliwack, B.C.
At age 34, Jun Sung Moon is on his way to reaching
his career goals. Living in South Korea, Jun worked
full-time in interior design. After moving to British
Columbia, he tried to find a steady career in the same
field, but struggled to have his previous work
experience recognized. Jun worked odd jobs as a
general labourer and Carpenter’s helper, but the lack
of steady work prompted him to make a change.
Ardalan Fard (L) and Jun Sung Moon (R)
Jun discovered the Skilled Trades Employment
Program (STEP), managed by the BC Construction
Association (BCCA) and funded by ITA Immigrants in
Trades Training initiative. After attending a local
information session, Jun worked with a STEP
employment counsellor to develop a resume and
refine his interview skills. Jun also assessed his skills
and found he had a natural aptitude for carpentry.
STEP sent Jun’s resume to Archway Construction, a mid-size construction firm in B.C. that employs more than
27 tradespeople and seven apprentices. Jun immediately secured an interview and trial shift. “Before
discovering STEP, I didn’t have the skills to pursue a career in construction,” says Jun. “The program supported
me through the entire process and put me on the right path to finding work.”
“The program supported me through the entire process and put me on the
right path to finding work.”
Ardalan Fard, General Manager at Archway Construction, knows the difficulties new immigrants can encounter
in Canada.
“I came to Canada 15 years ago and struggled to develop my career,” Ardalan remembers. “Today, I run my own
business and make it a point to hire or sponsor skilled immigrants because I know they work hard and are
eager to accomplish great things.”
When Ardalan is looking for an apprentice, he immediately turns to Immigrants in Trades Training initiative.
“If somebody comes to me through an Immigrants in Trades Training program, the interview is pretty short,
because I know they have the work-ready skills I need and are committed to my business goals,” he says.
Now a registered Carpenter apprentice, Jun is working full-time with Archway Construction and is finishing
his Level 1 training through the Carpentry Apprentice Program at BCIT. His goal is to become a Red Seal
certified Carpenter.
Jun’s advice for other immigrants interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades is simple: “Work hard,
and don’t be afraid to ask for help: it is there if you need it.”
20
2011/2012 Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement ITA Success Report
Connecting Immigrants with Employment Opportunities:
Skilled Trades Employment Program
The Skilled Trades Employment Program
(STEP) is a program run by the BC
Construction Association (BCCA) and
funded by ITA Immigrants in Trades
Training initiative. The program was
designed to assist immigrants in gaining
the necessary skills and training to have a
successful career in B.C.’s skilled trades.
STEP offers support to clients at each
stage on the road to employment. Many
new immigrants have trouble connecting
with the labour market because they lack
basic English skills, so STEP offers access to
English language training. Trades
Employment Specialists then help to
assess each person’s skills and suitability
to various trades, and assist them in
identifying and eliminating barriers to
employment. Foreign-trained skilled
workers also receive assistance navigating
the ‘red tape’ involved in having existing
skills recognized and certified.
The secret to STEP’s success is
an unfailing focus on the needs
of the construction industry
and constant engagement
with construction employers.
Once a client’s foundational skills are in
place, STEP helps with the most important
stage—finding a job.
In the past year, STEP has helped more
than 100 immigrants find employment
Randy Garon, STEP Provincial Manager with Mario Menta (L), Level 1 Wall and Ceiling
Installer apprentice and Mario’s employer, Phil Turnball (R) of Tri T Wall and Ceiling
as skilled tradespeople. According to BCCA
STEP Provincial Manager Randy Garon, the
secret to STEP’s success is an unfailing
focus on the needs of the construction
industry and constant engagement with
construction employers.
“We are a demand based group that comes
at things from the employers’ perspective,”
says Randy. “Our Trades Employment
Specialists are qualified tradespeople
who understand the market and get each
company’s unique needs. This is a benefit
for the many companies we work with
that either don’t have HR expertise or
don’t have time to sift through the
thousands of resumes they receive.”
STEP is continually cultivating relationships
with potential employers to connect them
with new employees. Once the connection
between an employer and employee
has been made, STEP continues to work
as a liaison between both parties to ensure
a successful match and to address any
potential issues along the way.
“We’re successful because we’ve become a
trusted source for employers,” Randy says.
“The companies we work with know that if
they need to hire someone, they can just
pick up the phone and call us and we’ll
help them find someone that is the right fit.”
21
Immigrants in Trades Training Programs
Helping Immigrants
Break Through Barriers
I
mmigrants can face a number of
barriers when they try to secure
employment in B.C. First and
foremost are the challenges of
obtaining accreditation for their
skills and education. Low
proficiency in English, lack of
essential skills and inability to find
sponsors to complete training
requirements are all factors
impacting immigrants’ ability to
connect with the workforce.
Through Canada-British Columbia
Labour Market Agreement
funding, ITA is helping immigrants
break through barriers to
employment in the trades.
In 2011/12, ITA Immigrants in Trades
Training initiative received $1.4 million
from the Canada-British Columbia
Labour Market Agreement to fund
programs that helped more than
250 immigrants find rewarding careers
in the trades. The majority of immigrants
who have settled in B.C. are of working
age and are well positioned to help
address labour shortages in the
province. Whether helping to upgrade
skills learned in their home country, or
teach valuable new skills, Immigrants in
Trades Training programs have helped
immigrants overcome specific financial,
cultural and other challenges they may
experience in establishing a trades
career in British Columbia.
22
Current training partners include:
DIVERSEcity Immigrants in Trades
Training with the DIVERSEcity
Community Resource Society (Surrey)
Key factors driving this
success include:
Skilled Trades Employment Program
(STEP) with the BC Construction
Association (province-wide)
• Financial support, including:
tuition support, funding for
childcare and transportation
costs, work gear, tools
and equipment
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Immigrants in Trades
Training (New Westminster)
• General and technical Englishlanguage training
For more information about
Immigrants in Trades Training, contact:
[email protected]
• Skills recognition and retraining
• Introductions to employers
willing to sponsor apprentice
training
• Assistance pursuing credential
recognition from licensing bodies
Essential Skills
ITA Essential Skills is a free online tool
to help LMA participants develop the
foundational skills needed to succeed in
the trades. The tool provides learners with
essential skills requirements for numerous
trades, allowing them to compare their
existing skills against those required. Using
personalized learning plans, students, such
as Mila Puharich — now an Apprentice
Metal Fabricator — can work at their own
pace to develop the skills necessary to
succeed in a trades training program.
ITA Essential Skills is available
at ita.essentialskillsgroup.com
Essential Skills: A Foundation for Success
There’s an old myth that the trades are for
people who can’t make it in school, but
Nancy Darling knows how far this is from
the truth.
As Program Administrator of the Gateway
to the Trades for Women program at
Okanagan College, Nancy has watched
hundreds of women go through the
process of becoming skilled tradespeople.
When they enter, many women lack
strong essential skills such as literacy and
math. These can be key to success in the
trades, however, so it’s important that the
women build up their skills. This can be
accomplished using ITA’s Essential Skills
online tool.
“With ITA Essential Skills, we
can help students identify
areas for improvement and
get them comfortable with
self-study, so they can build
up the skills at their own pace.”
“We are very high-touch with our students
so we quickly help them identify areas
where their essential skills need
improvement,” says Nancy. “But because
they are already in full time classes, they
need to work on developing these skills
on their own time. With ITA’s Essential
Skills online tool, they can do the skills
training on their own schedule and can
target their learning to the skills specific
to their trade.”
24
The online model allows flexible learning,
and puts students in control of their own
learning. “When these women take
ownership for their learning and begin
to see their skills develop, it’s a huge
confidence boost,” says Nancy.
Attempting to pass the entrance exams
required for Okanagan College trades
foundation programs can be a big barrier
for some people wanting to pursue further
trades training. According to Nancy, the
assessment tools and personalized learning
plans available through ITA Essential Skills
are a big help in alleviating anxiety, as
students can approach learning on their
own timeline and use the self-assessment
tools to gauge their own preparedness for
the exams.
“With ITA Essential Skills, we can help
students identify areas for improvement
and get them comfortable with self-study,
so they can build up the skills at their
own pace.”
Building a Skilled Workforce for B.C.
The Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement is helping meet upcoming labour demands by developing skilled
workers through training and apprenticeship programs. Since 2008, the Industry Training Authority initiatives have helped
almost 4,000 unemployed or low-skilled individuals gain the skills and training necessary to pursue a career in the trades.
The success of the programs funded by ITA initiatives are based on a number of primary factors, including:
• Comprehensive assessment to help identify participants’ aptitude and interest in the trades
• Clear alignment of training programming with B.C. labour market demands
• Appropriate and individualized support to help participants overcome barriers to entering the trades
• Employment placement and coaching services
For 2012/13, ITA will continue to leverage LMA funds to support programs targeted to groups who are underrepresented in
the trades—Aboriginal people, women and immigrants—and to ensure that B.C. companies have the skilled labour they
need to remain productive and prosperous.
2011/12 LMA Funding Plan
ITA LMA Initiative
Total Approved
Funding
Target Number of
Participants*
Aboriginal Initiatives
$3,198,631
485
Women in Trades Training
$4,007,002
445
Immigrants in Trades Training
$1,379,902
250
Total
$8,585,535
1,180
*At the time of publication the exact number of participants for each initiative has not been confirmed.
For more information about ITA, visit www.itabc.ca
Report Produced March 2012