July 17, 2008

Civil Construction Careers Institute

Ontario coalition seeks director to promote careers in civil construction

PATRICIA WILLIAMS

staff writer

A coalition of Ontario associations has stepped up to the plate to promote careers in civil construction to high school students across the province, both in terms of skilled trades and professionals.

Operating under the umbrella of the Civil Construction Careers Institute (CCCI), the associations are in the process of recruiting a full-time director of careers promotion. The goal is to have this person on board by September.

“The impetus is ensuring sustainability of the labour force,” said Rob Bradford, executive director of the Ontario Road Builders’ Association, which has committed first-year funding of $30,000 and is providing initial secretariat support.

“I think there is a recognition that we already are in a situation where we are competing with other industries for a narrowing pool of labour and that skilled trades and professionals alike increasingly are going to be in short supply.

“As an industry, we have to be proactive. We have to present a good face to students and demonstrate that civil construction is a viable and attractive career choice.”

Creation of the institute comes in the wake of an informal meeting at the Canadian Construction Association’s conference in March.

In attendance were officials from ORBA, the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA) and the Ontario Hot Mix Producers Association (OHMPA).

There was “unanimous agreement” that shortages of skilled trades and engineering professionals is a priority concern for the civil construction industry, Bradford said.

Since then, the three organizations have gained the support of five other trade associations as well as the province’s Ministry of Transportation. To date, $120,000 has been raised to fund the initial year of operation. The target is $150,000.

Backers now are approaching individual firms for corporate sponsorship.

The director of careers promotion will identify, develop and implement strategies to introduce career opportunities to high-school students. Responsibilities will include attending high school and community job fairs.

The scope of operation will be province-wide.

“Our profile at high school career fairs and in the local guidance counselor’s office is virtually non-existent,” says ORBA president and institute chair Martin Gran. “Other industries are already courting students with professional displays, communications tools and programs.”

Also bullish about the initiative is the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association, which also has committed $30,000 to the cause and is providing office space.

“We consider this critical,” said association president and institute vice-chair Graeme Clark.

“We’re short of people at every level, whether it is labourers, pipelayers, equipment operators, foremen, technicians, technologists and engineers. And it only going to get worse.”

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