Volume 3 • Issue 1

SUMMER 2012

CEO MESSAGE My first summer job With summer now underway, students shift their focus from studies to summer jobs. Gaining experience in ’s trades industry is both rewarding and chal - lenging and lays the groundwork for an accomplished career. My first summer job working construction was in Leaf Rapids, Manitoba digging a foundation for a building. “Do any of you guys know how to drive a Cat?” The foreman leaned into the ditch where six of us were perched on shovels, dripping sweat and grateful for the brief break to swat away the no-see-ums with both hands. “The Cat operator hurt his back riding on the bedrock over there,” the foreman said. “Unless one of you guys knows how to run this machine, we’re going to have to fly in a replacement and we’re already behind schedule.” In that instant, time decelerated into slow motion. Six guys in a ditch squinted at each other looking for a sign that one of them had some experience driving a Cat. My desire to get out of that ditch was much stronger than my concern that I didn’t have the first clue about operating a Cat. …continued /2 SPOTLIGHT My first job in the trades In every issue of eNews we will he can be found at numerous spotlight someone who has found public appearances at home shows, success in British Columbia’s seminars and charity events. trades industry. We kick off this new But, what began Shell’s long series with a profile on Shell Busey – career in the trades? a name synonymous with home “Over 50 years ago I left senior improvements in Canada. high school for a position of man - Aboriginal Initiatives funding Shell has hosted and appeared on agement training with Beaver Chef prepares for numerous radio and television Lumber in ,” recounts Culinary Olympics shows over the years, and is the Shell. “My interest in this field Apprenticeship program creator of the HouseSmart Home wins award was due to my father who was Home improvement expert Shell Busey Services Referral Network. This knows the value of trades training. LMA funding update a tool and die maker, and a well- conglomerate of more than 170 known carpenter in the town of From the influence of his father to Measuring results different trades, home services Owen Sound, Ontario where I the experience he gained working Trades training resources and home products across lived. To work for Beaver Lumber at Beaver Lumber, Shell has Canada has the goal of providing was a great opportunity for me turned his appreciation for the homeowners with the assurance to learn the retail and wholesale trades industry into a successful of quality workmanship and eth - lumber trade, but what was more career. British Columbia is facing ical work practices. These days, important was the knowledge a growing skilled-labour shortage when he is not answering home - in building and repairing homes and pursuing a career in the trades owner questions from across the that came along with my training will help the province meet this country on his “Ask Shell” webcast, at ‘Beaver University .’ ” demand.

ITA E-NEWS SUMMER 201 2 1 7 ABORIGINAL INITIATIVES New funding and programs announced on National Aboriginal Day ITA announced $3 million grams help empower people to in new funding to support better reach their full potential increased participation of and demonstrate the govern - Aboriginal people in the skilled ment’s focus on skills training trades at a National Aboriginal and job creation as part of the Day celebration on June 21 BC Jobs Plan.” hosted by ITA and the Aborig - The findings from a report inal Tourism Association of BC commissioned by the ITA were (ATBC) at Klahowya Village also released that explores in Stanley Park. the barriers facing Aboriginal “In partnership with Aboriginal people in the skilled trades and people, through research and best-practice approaches that funding innovation, we are are effectively overcoming gradually bringing down barriers them. The report found that Mike Retasket performs at Klahowya Village in Stanley Park on National Aboriginal Day. and opening pathways for success of Aboriginal people Aboriginal people to take full in the trades is dependent on • For more information on ITA Aboriginal Initiatives, CLICK HERE advantage of the current and essential skills assessment and coming opportunities in the upgrading, and recruitment trades,” said Kevin Evans, CEO My first summer job from /1 and retention. of ITA. “I can do it,” a voice claimed that sounded just like mine – only choked. More than 200 people represent - The funding will be provided “OK, Evans. Move that pile of gravel over there.” ing Aboriginal employment and to ITA Aboriginal Initiatives In a blinding flash of inspiration I said, “The first thing they teach through the Canada-British training organizations, industry, you in Cat school is to ensure the mechanical integrity of your Columbia Labour Market labour, government and local machine before you start a job.” Agreement for trades training First Nations attended the projects offered to Aboriginal National Aboriginal Day cele - The foreman blinked. “Tool kit’s over there.” people. The projects will provide bration. It featured speeches by Naively, I played with bolts and a wrench until quitting time, and a range of services including ITA CEO Kevin Evans, ATBC then snuck back into the jobsite after dinner to self-teach me some essential skills upgrading, pre- CEO Keith Henry and MLA ‘Cat basics.’ (What – no steering wheel?) apprentice technical training Harry Bloy. Cultural perform - The rest of that summer was spent luxuriating in the shaded seat and on-the-job work experience ances were given by Ayas Men of that machine earning a dollar an hour more. in the trades. An estimated Men Youth Dancers, Children That job may have been the seed for my still-strong passion for 450 Aboriginal people will of Takaya Tsleil- Waututh and the value of trades training. If it hadn’t been for my fictional ‘Cat participate in community-based Sts'ailes Sasquatch Dancers. school,’ I could still be in that sweaty ditch smacking no-see-ums. training partnerships across ITA’s Aboriginal Initiatives A summer job should be considered more than that – it can spark the province. works collaboratively with the a passion and lead to a career. Encouraging that interest can help “With the anticipated labour First Nations and Aboriginal us to grow our province’s skilled workforce and this will result in a shortage over the next decade, community, as well as industry, strengthened economy. improved access and availability training providers, unions, of skills training for Aboriginal government and other stake - people is critical,” says Jobs, holders to increase the number Tourism and Innovation of Aboriginal people choosing Minister Pat Bell. “ITA’s pro - careers in the skilled trades. Kevin Evans, Chief Executive Officer

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORIT Y WWW.ITABC.CA ITA E-NEWS SUMMER 201 2 2 7 IN THE NEWS BC Team competes in World Culinary Olympics Held every four years, this recently represented Canada compete in the competition is challenge will see regional at what is known as the most $75,000. All of the money is teams from across the world rigorous international culinary raised through volunteering compete for points in the Cold competition in the world, the and fundraising, with a Display Table category. Teams Bocuse d’Or World Cuisine fundraiser scheduled for the will then be awarded gold, contest. Whitecaps FC silver and bronze based on the “I’m excited to take on this game at BC Place on July 18. number of points they receive, challenge at the World Culinary “The World Culinary Olympics and the team with the highest Olympics,” says Ryan. “We’re are unique in that many culinary number of points will be named anticipating tough competition competitions are individual best overall and will receive from many of the teams includ - but this one requires absolute world champion distinction. ing those from the US, Switzer - teamwork,” says Dr. Jane Red Seal chef, Ryan Stone, land and the other Canadian Ruddick, Culinary Team BC is a member of Culinary Team teams, but I’ve gained a lot of manager. “In order to achieve BC and is looking forward to valuable experience that will be success, you have to have com - Red Seal chef, Ryan Stone, is a member of Culinary Team BC. bringing his culinary talents of benefit and I’m confident in petitive spirit, culinary expert - This October, Culinary Team to Germany. Now the Executive the talents of our team.” ise and be a team player.” BC will travel to Erfurt, Chef of BC Place, Ryan began Joining Ryan will be three other • For more information on Germany to compete in the his career in the industry as chefs, one pastry chef and eight the competition, CLICK HERE regional competition at the an apprentice at ’s support staff. The overall esti - 23rd World Culinary Olympics. Peartree Restaurant. He also mated cost for the trip and to

JobFest tours the province showcasing trades careers JobFest is coming to a community near you, extolling the virtues JobFest is helping to educate young British Columbians about of careers in the skilled trades. Funded by the provincial govern - opportunities in the trades. It’s taking a new approach to reach ment, JobFest is a highly interactive rock concert-themed mobile youth in a way that’s engaging and informative. event that’s touring the province to raise awareness among youth • For more information on JobFest, CLICK HERE about their future career opportunities. Every JobFest stop aims to be big and loud. The current tour of Northern B.C. features a rock band and a temporary tattoo parlour where you can get a tattoo of an image that illustrates your favourite career. But this lively event is also highly educational. JobFest includes interactive tools to educate youth about labour trend forecasts in the province and what types of careers they may want to consider based on their interests and skills. On June 15, Kevin Evans, CEO of ITA, attended a JobFest tour o t date in Smithers. “This is an exciting and innovative approach to o h p

showcasing career opportunities in B.C.’s trades industry,” says C B

f o

Kevin. “I enjoyed my time in Smithers and with forestry and mining e c n being so integral to this town, the need to support the development i v o r of skilled workers is all the more urgent.” P

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORIT Y WWW.ITABC.CA ITA E-NEWS SUMMER 2012 3 7 YOUTH INITIATIVES Camosun College ’s innovative E-PPRENTICE program receives national award Camosun College was recently “We are very proud to be recog - honoured by the Association of nized for this innovative pro - Canadian Community Colleges gram,” says Jennifer Stein, for its E-PPRENTICE Flexible principle instructional designer Learning for Professional Cook for the E-PPRENTICE project at Training program. The college was Camosun College. “We see this presented with the 2012 Gold as the future of appren ticeship Program Excellence Award on programs, and we realize this May 29 at a national conference could not have happened without in Halifax. E-PPRENTICE was support from the Industry recognized for its innovative Training Authority and the delivery of flexible apprentice - Camosun College was recently recognized with the 2012 Gold Program Excellence Award Canada-British Columbia by the Association of Canadian Community Colleges. From left to right: Nick Versteeg, ship training. Jennifer Stein, Gilbert Noussitou and Meghan Moore. Labour Market Agreement.” The program uses modern distance learning techniques combined In May 2009, Camosun College was awarded a provincial contract with videos that students can watch as many times as they require to develop and pilot an E-PPRENTICE for professional cooks in order to master challenging skills. It provides an alternative to training program. This was in response to the findings of a report “block release” training which some employers and learners say is commissioned by ITA titled A Strategy for the Expansion of Flexible an obstacle to participating in apprenticeship. The training takes Learning in the Trades in British Columbia. Development funding for place over several months instead of in a classroom for an intensive the program was also provided by ITA. The program has proven effec - six-week period, which is the norm for traditional trades training. tive with a 100 per cent success rate for apprentices who completed The program also enables apprentices to live and work in their the technical training, practical assessment and the Certificate of home community throughout their apprenticeship. Qualification written exams. • For more information, CLICK HERE Our national winners After winning gold at Skills Canada BC, 16 British Columbians earned Electronics (Sec): Hudson Schier of Clarence Fulton Secondary medals in May at the 18th Canadian Skills Competition in Edmonton. School, Vernon Students from secondary (Sec) and post-secondary (PS) institutions had TV/Video Production (Sec): Layne Richardson and Alex Greba, both a chance to compete at the national level. Here are B.C.’s medallists: of Penticton Secondary School Gold Medals Bronze Medals 3D Character Computer Animation (Sec): Josiah Stefani and Automation and Control (PS): Jesse Carlson of Thompson Rivers Jamie Ruddick, both of Dover Bay Secondary School, Nanaimo University, Kamloops Carpentry (PS): Morgan Brown of Vancouver Island University, Baking (PS): Sharla Potire of Vancouver Community College Nanaimo Baking (Sec): Luis Aguilar of Templeton Secondary School, Vancouver Fashion Technology (Sec): Donna Lu of Eric Hamber Secondary Electronics (PS): Zander Erasmus of Okanagan College, Kelowna School, Vancouver Web Site Development (Sec): Anthony Smith of Clayton Heights Welding (PS): Ryan Marsh of the British Columbia Institute of Secondary School, Surrey Technology, Burnaby Welding (Sec): Tyler Hireen of Clayton Heights Secondary School, Silver Medals Surrey Carpentry (Sec): Benjamin Perrault of Brooks Secondary School, Congratulations to all participants in the 2012 Canadian Skills Powell River Competition. Vancouver will play host to the 2013 Canadian Skills Electrical Installations (PS): Gordon Kearns of the University of the Competition at BC Place next June. Fraser Valley, Abbotsford

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORIT Y WWW.ITABC.CA ITA E-NEWS SUMMER 201 2 4 7 LABOUR MARKET AGREEMENT LMA funding to support more than 1,000 from under-represented workforce groups ITA’s 2012 –13 Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement Employment Insurance, or for people who are employed and low- (LMA) activities remain focused on funding Aboriginal, Women in skilled. Trades Training (WITT) and Immigrant in Trades Training (IITT) The following 2012 –13 LMA Service Providers successfully competed programs. These programs are targeted to support 1,175 participants in a call for proposals: engage in programs that will lead to apprenticeship or challenging • ACCESS an ITA credential. • Aboriginal Skills Group “ITA ensures there is a direct link between the LMA programs and • British Columbia Construction Association labour market needs so that the participants go on to secure ITA • Camosun College certification and employment in the trades,” says Erin Johnston, ITA’s Labour Supply Initiatives Manager. “The LMA-funded initiatives • College of New Caledonia are an important part of ITA’s strategy to ensure that B.C. employers • DiverseCity have the skilled labour to meet their needs.” • Nicola Valley Institute of Technology Since 2008, ITA has helped more than 4,200 British Columbians • North East Native Advancing Society gain the skills and training necessary to pursue their career in the • Okanagan College trades through LMA programs targeted at groups that are under- • Piping Industry Apprenticeship Board represented in the trades – Aboriginal participants, women, and • SUCCESS immigrants. The 2011 –12 fiscal year was another successful year for ITA’s LMA-funded programs, exceeding the participation targets • Thompson Rivers University by 130 per cent. • Tradeworks The LMA is a five-year agreement between the federal and provincial • Vancouver Island University governments. It provides investment in labour market programming For more information on the success of ITA’s 2011 –12 LMA focused on people who are unemployed and ineligible to receive activities, CLICK HERE

TRU Foundation students gain work experience in Mexico In March 2012, nine Thomp - During their time in the state “I discovered that I really with funding to cover expenses son Rivers University (TRU) of Oaxaca, they wired and enjoyed the work I did as an for their trip to Mexico. students including Tawny installed solar panels, bringing electrician and decided to pursue Both women are continuing Fortier and Chandra Basal- electricity to an indigenous that as a career. Getting to put with their passion for a career Dugas travelled to Mexico for community with no previous what I’ve learned into practice in the trades industry. Chandra work experience as part of access to utilities. The students in Mexico was an amazing is an apprentice and Tawny is the Electrician-Construc tion/ also ensured that villagers were opportunity and I’m proud returning to BC Hydro for the Industrial Instrumentation educated on how to maintain and of the work I completed.” summer as a youth trades hire Mechanic program. Both operate the new solar systems. The WITT initiative is funded where she will work closely with women received funding to “Earlier this year I completed through the British Columbia- the electricians. allow them to complete the the Women in Trades Training Canada Labour Market Agree - • For more information, on the Electrical Foundation program Exploratory program where I ment. TRU Aboriginal Women in Trades Training through the ITA’s Women gained practical experience Education, BC Hydro and the initiative, CLICK HERE in Trades Training (WITT) in six different trades over the Shalath and Bonaparte Bands initiative. course of 14 weeks,” says Tawny. provided Chandra and Tawny

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORIT Y WWW.ITABC.CA ITA E-NEWS SUMMER 201 2 5 7 RESULTS DRIVEN

2011 APPSO survey key findings Update on OPSNs B.C. apprentices continue to in-school training, including The 2011 APPSO Survey was ITA has recently issued these report high levels of satisfaction the development of skills such completed by 3,599 former Official Program Standards in their in-school and on-the-job as the abilities to analyze and students from 38 post-secondary Notifications (OPSNs) covering training. think critically, read and or training institutions. The B.C. trades training. Changes specified in these OPSNs Key findings from the 2011 comprehend material appro - survey focuses on former should be read in conjunction Apprenticeship Student priate to their field, and work apprenticeship students who with individual program profiles Outcomes survey (APPSO) effectively with others have finished the final level of CLICK HERE include: • 92 per cent of respondents their technical training. Fund - Program Updates: Certificate • 93 per cent of respondents said they were very satisfied ing for the APPSO Survey is of Qualification changes were said they were very satisfied or satisfied with their overall provided by the Province of made to the following programs: or satisfied with their in-school workplace training experience British Columbia, ITA, and • training they received as part of • For most program areas, participating British Columbia Diesel Engine Mechanic their apprenticeship program respondents were almost post-secondary institutions. CLICK HERE • • Production Horticulturalist • Respondents gave positive unanimous in saying their For more information on ratings to many aspects of their in-school training was related the 2011 APPSO Survey, CLICK HERE to their workplace experience CLICK HERE • Utility Arborist CLICK HERE Key ITA benchmarks Since its inception in 2004, the Industry Training Authority has been relentlessly focused on outcomes. Measuring results is integral to understanding how successful the programs are. Without that knowledge, ITA cannot determine the best way to move forward to ensure that British Columbia has the skilled workers it needs to meet the forecasted demands of the province’s growing economy. Again this year, the numbers tell the story: ITA’s programs are working to increase the number of certified skilled tradespersons contributing to the prosperity of British Columbia. This past spring, ITA CEO Kevin Evans joined Jobs, Tourism and ITA CEO Kevin Evans joined Jobs, Tourism and Innovation Minister Pat Bell to announce the record-breaking 8,760 Certificates of Qualification awarded by ITA in 2011 –12. Innovation Minister Pat Bell to announce that a record-breaking 8,760 Certificates of Qualification were awarded by ITA in 2011 –12, 4,832 B.C. apprentices wrote Red Seal exams with a success rate of a 20 per cent increase over the previous year. The Certificate of 85 per cent – seven per cent higher than the national average. High - Qualification, or “ticket,” recognizes that a person has met industry- lights included five programs with a 100 per cent success rate and developed standards for knowledge and proficiency and enables 16 with a 90 per cent success rate. them to command a journeyperson’s wage. “We are moving into a critical time in our province’s history,” says StudentAid BC applications 2012 –13 Kevin. “With a million new job openings expected by 2020, most The 2012-13 StudentAid BC online and print applications for full- requiring skilled workers, ITA’s training programs are laying the time studies and print applications for part-time studies are now groundwork for the future of British Columbia.” available. StudentAid BC helps eligible students with the cost of To view media coverage from the Certificates of Qualification their post-secondary education through loans, grants, scholarships, announcement, CLICK HERE and CLICK HERE and additional programs. 2011 was also a banner year for apprentices in B.C.’s 51 designated The 2012-13 StudentAid BC applications are for those classes Red Seal programs. The standardized inter-provincial exams require starting between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013. 70 per cent or higher to receive the Red Seal endorsement. Last year, • For more information, CLICK HERE

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORIT Y WWW.ITABC.CA ITA E-NEWS SUMMER 201 2 6 7 ITO news briefs Here’s a quick glance at what’s happening with two of ITA’s Industry Training Organizations (ITOs). Resource Training Organization British Columbia’s shipbuilding and repair industry is experiencing an exciting period of growth and the establishment of the Workforce Table will further this development. The primary mandate of the Workforce Table is to develop a strategy that makes sure the industry has the right number of workers, with the right skills, in the right places, and at the right time. A series of communiqués are being issued to keep industry stakeholders, the general public and support - ing communities informed of the progress of the Workforce Table. • To learn more about the Workforce Table, CLICK HERE go2 The Tourism Labour Market Strategy has recently been updated to address the projected creation of 101,000 new job openings in British Columbia by 2020. This strategy seeks to recruit, retain and o t train the workers needed to meet this growth. According to go2, o h p

nearly half of the new job openings will be created by the tourism e g e l l industry across the province. The strategy also identifies several ways o C

n that industry and the provincial government can align workforce, u s o m

training and education strategies in order for tourism businesses to a C find the skilled workers they require. These include career awareness There are numerous resources available that provide information about working as a and recruitment campaigns in B.C. and abroad, and providing skilled tradesperson in BC. in dustry-specific training programs in rural and remote areas. • To find out more about the Tourism Labour Market Strategy, CLICK HERE Trades training online resources British Columbians looking to find online information about trades training in the province have two very good resources in EducationPlanner.ca and TradesTrainingBC.ca. EducationPlanner.ca is a free service managed by the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer with funding from the provincial government. The site includes a powerful tool that can search nearly 1,700 undergraduate programs offered at B.C. post-secondary institutions. Users can find programs by institution, field of study, subject area, program length and credential granted and can com - pare program details such as admission requirements, tuition fees, eNews strives to report on deadlines and more. For more information, CLICK HERE the issues and challenges Join Our that matter to you. We want Mailing List TradesTrainingBC.ca provides schedules for apprenticeship, to hear your solutions, best foundation, vocational and youth training programs from its 14 practices and success stories. member institutions. The website also includes a searchable map of We would also appreciate Forward to your feedback on eNews and a Friend British Columbia that shows where and when the chosen program/ any suggestions you have. level combination is offered. For more information, CLICK HERE Email your comments to ITA’s own website is undergoing a major renovation to make it [email protected]. more user-friendly and effective in providing information and interactive services to support apprentices and employers throughout their training journey. Stay tuned for news of a launch in the fall .

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORIT Y WWW.ITABC.CA ITA E-NEWS SUMMER 201 2 7 7