Volume 4

Issue 3 eNews Spring 2013 WHAT ’S HAPPENING IN INDUSTRY TRAINING

CEO MESSAGE Awakening interest in the skilled trades Congratulations to all the BC competitors at the recent Skills Canada national competition at BC Place. You did us proud. Your creative talent, commitment, focus and pride provided a showcase that dismissed the myths and stereotypes of the trades and undoubtedly opened thousands of young minds to the possibilities of a career in the trades. It was a joy to see the look in the eyes of the young spectators, who had been bussed from their schools to the event, as it dawned that perhaps this could be something for them too. Skills Canada is the volunteer-driven organization sponsoring this Olympic-modelled national com- petition which provides young Canadians studying a skilled trade or technology an opportunity to be tested against the highest standards and against their peers from across the country. …continued /6

SPOTLIGHT From tackles to trades: son of BC Lions VP and GM leaves the field for the kitchen A common misconception that youth have when considering career paths is that a university education is the best option for a successful future. This is a myth and Mike Buono, a successful Professional Cook, can attest to the fact that a skilled trade is also a ticket to success. IN THIS ISSUE The son of , General Skills Canada national Manager of the BC Lions, was competition recruited to play football for the Mike Buono, Executive Sous Chef at Hart House Restaurant, and his father Wally Buono, BC Lions VP Football Operations and General Manager Queen’s Jubilee Medal University of recipient Gary McDermott (UBC). Mike spent three years and love of cooking led him to Wally Buono has been a strong achieve a 4.0 GPA and become supporter of Mike’s career choice Employer recognition at UBC but left to follow his true passion — cooking. his class valedictorian. and can relate to his son’s jour- Employer profile “Growing up in an Italian family, Since then, he has been an ney through his own experiences Question of the Quarter food and eating together was apprentice Chef at Mission Hill as the former head coach of the BC Lions. Just as Mike has learned Red Seal success always a big part of our daily Winery’s restaurant, Sodexo, and lives. I knew I loved cooking but Cru in . These experi- from mentors in his career, Wally’s Culinary Arts at Vancouver I didn’t always think of it as a ences shaped Mike’s technical team also relies on mentorship Island University potential profession,” says Mike. skills, work ethic, and ability to to grow and improve. “Coaches With the encouragement of work both independently and and veterans pass down knowl- friends and family, he traveled with a team; leading to his cur- edge that can take years of trial to to take the two-year rent job as the Executive Sous and error to learn,” says Wally. Professional Cooking Program Chef at Hart House Restaurant Sharing knowledge is all part of at SAIT Polytechnic. His skills in Burnaby. being a team and …continued /6

I TA e N e w s SPRING 2013 1 6 YOUTH INITIATIVES Okanagan College student takes home bronze at national trades competition 24-year-old Brandon Scott is celebrating after taking home the bronze medal for Autobody Repair at the Skills Canada national competition that took place June 5–June 8 in Vancouver. Brandon competed for a total of 12 hours over two days against Canada’s best Autobody Repair apprentices. To prepare for this intense competition, Brandon trained with former provincial competition winner, Tyler Selzler, who’s now an instructor at Okanagan College. Coming off a gold medal placing in the Skills BC provincial competition, Brandon felt positive about his chances on the national stage. While he was nervous to compete in front of 10,000 people, Brandon enjoyed this once in a lifetime experience. “Competition was tough but I just took my time and thanks to my instructors, employer and Brandon Scott with his Skills BC gold medal and his instructor from Okanagan College, Jeff Francis family support, I was prepared,” says Brandon. Brandon’s interest in the trades started when he was a high-school I was in school for 16 weeks over a four-year apprenticeship, and half student, working after school at Den’s Ladysmith Collision Center in of that was spent learning in the shop,” said Brandon. For the rest of Ladysmith. It didn’t take long for Brandon to realize that he wanted the time Brandon apprenticed at Den’s Ladysmith Collision Centre. to follow in the footsteps of his employer, and turn his part-time job Brandon also has some advice for those considering a career in the into a life-long career. trades: “Know what path you want to go in, go talk to your local “I liked the challenge,” said Brandon. “When you get a car in a stall shop — most will be willing to have you job shadow for a day and that’s been in a severe collision, most people don’t believe you can fix you can see what the industry is really like. There's always going to it, but we can. It's enjoyable strategizing on the best repair method.” be a high demand for tradespeople, so you'll never be out of work… Brandon attended the Industry Training Authority’s Motor Vehicle plus it's a lot of fun!” Body Repairer course provided by Okanagan College. Brandon loved • For more information about the Automotive Collision Repair the hands-on learning that came with being an apprentice: “In total programs at Okanagan College, CLICK HERE Skills Canada sparks interest in trades in Vancouver This month (June 5–8) Vancouver hosted the 2013 Skills Canada national competition at BC Place Stadium. Over 500 youth from across Canada competed in over 40 trade and technology areas. The Olympic-style event provided an opportunity for students studying a skilled trade or technology to be tested against their peers. The competition was also an opportunity to showcase trades and Seen through a welding shield, P.J. Deslauriers, 19, of , MB., competes in Welding the hard work and talent of Canada’s young skilled tradespeople.

Greenall High School student Amber Shivak, of Regina, SK, competes in Cooking Grade 12 student Rachelle Garcia, 18, of Pitt Meadows, BC, competes in Hairstyling

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY WWW.ITABC.CA I TA e N e w s SPRING 2013 2 6 IN THE NEWS Gary McDermott receives Queen’s Jubilee Medal ITA’s Director of Aboriginal joined the BC Ministry of Child understands the benefits that Initiatives, Gary McDermott, was and Family Development. Prior trades provided him in preparing awarded the Queen Elizabeth II to that, he studied as a Profes- for his career, and how they Diamond Jubilee Medal. This sional Cook and worked in food can teach strong work ethics, award was created in 2012 as services while earning a degree precision and responsibility. In a way to honour significant con- in Social Work. “It's a very grati- addition, the trades also help tributions and achievements by fying experience after working First Nations build communities Canadians. Fellow ITA Aboriginal for so long" said McDermott and become an integral part of Advisory Council members Jerry about his recent achievement. the economy. Asp (Tahltan Nation) and John Gary also noted the Aboriginal • For more information about Harper are also recipients of the community is a place where the Queen’s Jubilee Medal Queen’s Jubilee Medal. he feels comfortable, accepted Program, CLICK HERE Gary's career in public service and lets him give back. With a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. recipient Gary McDermott with Kevin Evans began 20 years ago, when he trades background, McDermott BC Employers’commitment to apprenticeship recognized The Industry Training Authority recently hosted regional employer sponsor recognition events in Terrace, Fort St. John, and Victoria. Over 250 employers, industry representatives and apprentices attended the events. Certificates were presented to employers for their investment in appren- ticeship and their contribution Whitecaps President Bob Lenarduzzi and ITA’s to building BC’s future skilled An apprentice tests out the welding simulator at the Kelowna event Kevin Evans at the Kelowna event trades workforce. Over 9,500 certificates have also been mailed out across BC to those employer sponsors who could not attend a recognition event. Each event included a dinner, a discussion on trades training and the region’s future prosperity, and a special presentation on mentorship by the President of the Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club, Bob Lenarduzzi. Local trades training providers also had a presence at the events, providing training simulators to entertain the crowd. • If you want to learn more about how to sponsor an apprentice, CLICK HERE

Proud employers with their Certificates of Recognition at the Victoria event

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY WWW.ITABC.CA I TA e N e w s SPRING 2013 3 6 Timber Peak Construction: ITO news briefs Building a piece of mind Here’s what’s happening with some of ITA’s Industry Training Organizations (ITOs). Resource Training Organization (RTO) On April 23, the Resource Training Organization hosted ‘Trades in Action Day’ at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). Grade seven students from across the Langley school district attended the event and were introduced to a variety of trades. The children were given the opportunity to try five different trades by participating in some hands- on learning activities. The interactive event also brought in current KPU trades students to engage with the children and share their knowledge. • To learn more about the apprenticeship training options in the resource sector, CLICK HERE go2 “T.E.A.M.— Together, everybody achieves more.” This is the philosophy Since go2 implemented the new Professional Cook program in 2009, that Rob Trampuh, owner and founder of Timber Peak Construction, used the of Cook (Professional Cook 3) apprentices in BC passing to build his business. Over the past eight years, Timber Peak Construction the Interprovincial (IP) Red Seal exam has increased to 91% from 74% has grown and prospered in Smithers thanks to its diverse team of skilled while the national average has remained stable at between 81% workers, including apprentices. and 82%. The increase of over 15% can be attributed to a number of factors, including the introduction of standardized written and Everyone benefits from sponsoring an apprentice. Apprentices with practical assessments at the of each level of certification leading Timber Peak learn everything from foundations to finish by doing all up to the Red Seal (PC3). Instructors have noted that since students types of work including design build, commercial, new homes, and have written Provincial certification exams at each level that are simi- large renovations. In return, “apprentices offer everything from new lar in style and structure to Red Seal exams, they are better prepared ideas to new tools. They benefit me, as an employer, by keeping the to write their IP at the end of PC3. company on the leading edge of innovation and competitive pricing” • To learn more about the apprenticeship training options in the says Rob. He can also rest assured that the legacy and integrity of his resource sector, CLICK HERE company will continue by training his apprentices to be consistent with the high standard of skill and attitude that the company has established. Construction Industry Training Organization (CITO) When asked what advice he had for future apprentices, Rob suggested CITO has continued to work on program standards development and following Timber Peak’s business motto, “don’t wish for it, work for it.” maintenance for the thirty-three assigned construction trades. This year, CITO worked with apprentices and employers and hired new staff • To learn more about Timber Peak Construction and Rob’s team, to take on more grassroots initiatives including support and direction check out this video or to find out how you can sponsor an apprentice, to apprentices who had not been able to pass the Interprovincial CLICK HERE examination. CITO worked with 69 carpentry and plumbing appren- tices who had failed the exam at least once and collaborated with training providers to help these apprentices fill the gaps in their LMA Report training. All the apprentices had improved results and 57% of them The Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement (LMA) were able to pass the exam and become certified through these efforts. aims to enhance the quality of skills development and training in • To learn more about CITO or construction trades opportunities, order to increase the participation of Canadians and immigrants CLICK HERE in the workforce, meet current and future labour requirements, facilitate workforce mobility, and provide information in order to make informed labour market decisions. Program updates ITA recently issued these Official Program Standards Notifications A report on the programs is delivered to British Columbians each (OPSNs) covering BC trades training. Changes specified in OPSNs should fiscal year through funding provided by the Canada-British Columbia be read in conjunction with individual program profiles. CLICK HERE Labour Market Agreement. The 2012/2013 report is available for Program Updates Changes were made to the following program: the first time in an interactive and media-rich online format. To view this year’s report, CLICK HERE • Roofer — Standardized Level Examinations for Roofer Level 1 & 2 CLICK HERE New Programs ITA completed two pilot Occupational Certification projects: Parks and Public Works Operations Worker and Shipyard Labourer. READ MORE

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY WWW.ITABC.CA I TA e N e w s SPRING 2013 4 6 Question of the Quarter ITA celebrates Red Seal eNews poses a question to readers each quarter, and publishes responses in subsequent issues of eNews. The Question of the Quarter success The 2012 BC Interprovincial Red Seal exam results revealed that will now also be posted on the ITA Facebook page wall, and responses out of the 49 designated Red Seal Programs offered in BC: will also be accepted there. • 13 programs had an exam success rate of 90% or higher for The Winter 2012 issue of eNews asked the question: “What can we do apprentices to encourage more of our province’s high school students to consider trades as a career?” • 20 programs had an exam success rate of 80% or higher for apprentices Here are some highlights of what you had to say: “These results prove that the Red Seal Programs offered here in BC • “hold an open house to show what the trades have to offer” are providing tradespeople with the training and knowledge they • “introduce trades opportunities earlier — talk to second grade kids need to succeed” said Kevin Evans, CEO, Industry Training Authority. and tell them how cool it is” “Our Red Seal Programs are producing quality tradespeople with • “involve and educate the parents as well” the skills and ability to work in BC and across Canada.” • “treat the trades as if it’s not something only the trouble makers • 3,748 BC apprentices wrote Interprovincial Red Seal exams in and less intelligent kids take interest in” 44 designated Red Seal Programs in 2012 achieving an average • “make the option more obvious! Have intro shop classes in more exam pass rate of 77%, the national average pass rate was 68%. schools and offer it earlier on. Showcase the benefits of a career • Also in BC, 1,066 challengers wrote exams in 42 designated in the trades, such as wages, benefits, and the opportunity to do Red Seal Programs achieving an average pass rate of 55%, something rewarding that takes just as much skill and knowledge the national average pass rate was 49%. as any other career” For more than 50 years, the Red Seal has helped to harmonize • “show high school students the lifestyle that successful trades training and certification to a common standard that is developed people are able? to live” and recognized by industry across Canada. This quarter we want to ask: • To get more information about Red Seal Programs, CLICK HERE What steps did you take to help start your path to a successful career in the trades? Email your answers and comments to [email protected] or respond directly to the post on the Facebook wall, CLICK HERE The Farm Table at Vancouver Island University The Culinary Arts Program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) has formed a new partnership with Providence Farm. The program started February 6, 2013, and a new dining room, The Farm Table, opened April 25, 2013. The Farm Table presents an innovative menu that features fresh ingredients and locally grown produce. The VIU Culinary Arts program has been offered in the Cowichan Valley for the past 15 years. Interest in the Program, from students and customers alike is continually growing, to the point that it has become one of Canada’s most sought after Culinary Arts Program. Culinary students begin the program as Cook apprentices. They gain work experience hours and technical training hours. Students must complete 400 work experience hours by the end of the program to receive credit for Professional Cook 1. Once the students graduate, they are opened up to a world of opportunities: while some become head chefs, restaurateurs, and cookbook authors, all complement the growing and impressive food industry in Canada and beyond. • To learn more about the VIU Culinary Arts Program, CLICK HERE

INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY WWW.ITABC.CA I TA e N e w s SPRING 2013 5 6 Meet ITA’s faces of trades Meet Quang Dang, Executive Meet Gary Regan, Red Seal Chef at West Restaurant + Bar. Carpenter and Carpentry Check out this blog post on Teacher. Check out Gary’s Quang on Follow Me Foodie inspirational story featured on and watch this video to see Vancity Buzz and learn how why a career in the Trades was a career in the Trades was Quang’s ticket to happiness. Gary’s ticket to opportunity. Hear about Gary’s journey in this video.

Awakening interest from /1 Skilled trades special report The best ofthe best will go on to represent Canada at the World Skills Championship in July in Leipzig, Germany. On June 1, 2013, the Vancouver Sun released a special report “Skills Gap Mismatch," outlining the current state of the skilled trades Engaging youth in the skilled trades is one of the biggest challenges industry in BC. If you missed it, here are some links to some of the facing our economy with skills shortages approaching. However, key articles. negative perceptions of the trades stubbornly persist despite good career opportunities and wages while, paradoxically, we live in times Awakening interest in the trades by Kevin Evans. of high youth unemployment. To read the article, CLICK HERE After 15 years, Skills Canada and its annual competition find them- Recruiting: Getting people to move north for jobs is a challenge selves at the forefront of a movement whose agenda is to inspire by Shawn Conner. To read the article, CLICK HERE more young Canadians than ever to the personal growth and range Modern Trades: Women urged to sign up by Shawn Conner of life possibilities that a career in the skilled trades and technology To read the article, CLICK HERE can provide. Skills mismatch: Demand is often not where workers live Well done! by Shawn Conner. To read the article, CLICK HERE

From tackles to trades: from /1 “teamwork is universal — it to youth searching for the right Kevin Evans, Chief Executive Officer applies to cooks in the kitchen career is to “find the one thing and to players on the field,” that gets you excited and go for argues Wally. it. It means so much to be able Both Mike and Wally agree that to go into work every day and HAVE it is a passion and a love for love what you do.” YOUR SAY what you do that will make your • To learn more about becoming career successful. Mike’s advice a Professional Cook, CLICK HERE eNews strives to report on the issues and challenges Join Our that matter to you. We want Mailing List to hear your solutions, best Your ticket to the game practices and success stories. The Industry Training Authority will be giving away tickets to six We would also appreciate Forward to of the BC Lions home games this season. Check out our Facebook your feedback on eNews and a Friend any suggestions you have. page for more information and for your chance to win tickets! Email your comments to [email protected].

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