👷‍♀️ Talent Thursdays: Back to school

Together with

Good morning! Vancouver musician Aki Nair has created chart-topping hits and toured the world with artists like Tiesto, Martin Garrix, Afrojack, The Chainsmokers, and more. What his adoring fans might not know is his other gig: business development and creative strategist at CN Architectural Millwork and Construction.

📈LABOUR BY THE NUMBERS

A study projecting the evolution of Canada's labor force from 2023 to 2041 highlights that, despite the retirement of baby boomers, the labor force is expected to grow due to immigration. However, the study finds that the overall participation rate of the labor force, rather than just immigration levels, is crucial for sustained growth. If Canadian participation rates matched those of Japan, the labor force would expand similarly to admitting 750,000 immigrants annually. 

👷‍♀️ PEOPLE MOVES

Greg Weimhol has been named PCL’s national Director of Data Centers and Mission Critical. With over 30 years of design and construction experience spanning all phases of project development, including colocation, hyperscale campuses, enterprise and telecom facilities, Weimholt brings a wealth of expertise to the role.

Past Canadian Construction Association President Don Chutter recently celebrated his 100th birthday. The association stated that Chutter’s visionary leadership and 22 years (1950 to 1973) of dedicated service have significantly shaped the industry and paved the way for future generations.

Scot Paterson has Pretium Construction West as its new vice president, operations and project execution. Paterson brings 15 years of extensive experience in the construction industry having held senior leadership positions as both a general contractor and owner advocate consultant.

Damien Stoneham is now managing principal of RJC Engineers’ Vancouver office. Over the past five years, he has been mentored by Jeff Corbett, the former managing principal, who held the position for 22 years.

🗞 HEADLINES

🍎 The Calgary Construction Association is tackling the skilled trades labor shortage head-on by launching a new educational initiative in partnership with not-for-profit group Honour the Work. The program will introduce a skilled-trades themed curriculum supplement to 850 Calgary classrooms, reaching over 30,000 students this fall. Aimed at grades 1-6, the curriculum includes STEAMS Kits that offer hands-on activities connecting classroom learning to real-world trades. 

💵 The Government of Ontario has committed nearly $17 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to train over 36,000 workers in Northern Ontario for high-demand careers in mining, construction, energy, and forestry, as well as to develop new training facilities. By collaborating with partners in the North, including First Nations, labor unions, and the private sector, the province aims to strengthen key sectors that drive Ontario's growth.

🛑Alberta has placed an "indefinite hold" on the Canada-Alberta Job Grant program for the rest of the fiscal year due to a $70.8 million funding cut from the federal government, which impacts essential workforce development initiatives. The cut is expected to reduce skills and training funding by approximately $10 million for 2024-25, affecting around 1,000 businesses and the training of up to 4,000 Albertan employees.

TOGETHER WITH AON

The guest list is growing …

Leaders from these companies are attending the Construction Leaders Forum set for this September in Toronto. Are you? In addition to hearing from panels of past 40 Under 40 in Canadian Construction winners, the event will feature rare networking opportunities. Book your tickets now. As a SiteNews subscriber, get 50% off using the code SITENEWS-SUBSCRIBER before August 26th. And don’t forget to reserve your room at the Royal York, also before August 26th, to get a special rate.

🧠 LEADERSHIP

Resources for professional development

Diamond Schmitt principal on his design process

How to setup an innovation program

Why and when to buy cheap tools

Gen Z isn't lazy — it just needs training

Manage feedback like an Olympic athlete

🔥HOT JOBS

Senior Account Executive - Markham, Ont.

Project Manager - North Vancouver, B.C.

Senior Multi-Family Estimator - Calgary, Alta.

Senior Estimator (Townhomes) - Calgary, Alta.

Junior Mechanical Estimator - Markham, Ont.

Senior Project Manager - Newmarket, Ont.

Senior Mechanical Estimator - Markham, Ont.

🔥 Check out all roles up for grabs right now at SiteNews Jobs or put your job post in front of tens of thousands of construction professionals here.

Struggling to fill a role? send us an email at [email protected] to connect with one of our specialized recruitment experts.

ADVERTISE WITH SITENEWS

Get your message and brand in front of Canada’s construction leaders and decision-makers by advertising in our newsletter. Learn how to partner with us here.

Here’s to a great rest of the week!

Adjust preferences and which newsletters you see here.