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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 British Columbia’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 Ontario,” 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. Vancouver 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 Burnaby’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.

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