– Future Skills Centre Announces Support for Project to Attract Underrepresented Groups to Unionized Construction –
Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) announced the launch of the Virtual Recruitment and Assessment Project to enhance recruitment efforts for the Building Trades. The Virtual Recruitment and Assessment for the Unionized Construction Industry project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre. Canada’s Building Trades Unions is pleased to partner with SkillPlan and SRDC to bring the project to life.
This two-year project will include the development of an online assessment and matching portal for people interested in a career in the skilled trades. Through the portal, prospective candidates will be able to explore all of the unique opportunities and career paths that exist in the unionized construction trades; assess their skills and suitability for a particular trade as a career; get matched with a local building trades union; and identify any gaps or supports they may need to get started.
“Canada’s Building Trades Unions are committed to making a career in the skilled trades open for everyone, and the Virtual Recruitment and Assessment Project will create an opportunity for more Canadians, including underrepresented groups, to not only learn about the skilled trades but receive additional supports bettering their chance for success,” said Robert Kucheran, Chairperson, Canada’s Building Trades Unions. “The unionized construction sector, with our over 175 training centres, have a proven track record for apprenticeship completion rates. This Project will be another tool in our toolbox, to make Canadians more aware of the rewarding career opportunities that exist in the skilled trades.”
Pedro Barata, Executive Director of the Future Skills Centre, says creating virtual centres to assess and recruit underrepresented populations into the construction trades is a perfect example of the programs FSC is investing in traditional industries can find pathways to address chronic skills shortages. “Reaching groups that face challenges entering the construction trades due to a lack of awareness, knowledge, skills, and connection to the industry is key to tackling its growing and unmet labour demands,” says Barata.
The Project Advisory Group is comprised of representatives from provincial building trades councils; working collaboratively with them and through consultations with outside organizations that recruit and retain underrepresented groups including tradeswomen and Indigenous programs will help to ensure the Project’s success.
Kucheran went on to say, “The skilled trades are facing a shortage of workers, one that has been discussed at length over the last several years. One way we address this is to provide assistance and support for greater access to our industry. This Project, combined with the work we are doing through Build Together, Office to Advance Women Apprentices and mentorship, will go a long way to helping Canadians build a lifelong career in the unionized skilled trades.”
The Virtual Recruitment & Assessment for the Unionized Construction Industry project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Centre.
