👷Talent Thursdays: Full metal training

Together with

Good morning! 🍄 Mushrooms are good for more than just putting on pizza. Research is showing they could be used to control robots by harnessing electrical signals made by the fungus. So far, the machines they can control are very simple, but researchers believe the technology could be applied to many industries in the future.

📈LABOUR BY THE NUMBERS

The SiteNews team was in Toronto this week for the Construction Leaders Forum so it’s only fitting we dive into some Toronto data. Ontario's construction industry is concentrated in the Toronto economic region (ER), which accounts for 41.3% of total provincial construction employment. The industry is over-represented in the Muskoka-Kawarthas and Stratford-Bruce Peninsula ERs – where the construction industry makes up 12.1% and 13.6% of all employment; compared to 7.6% for Ontario as a whole.

👷‍♀️ PEOPLE MOVES

Michael Wheaton, a bridge engineer and project Manager, has joined the COWI team in Vancouver. Wheaton has extensive experience in leading and managing design teams and will play a vital role in spearheading numerous projects in the region. 🏗️🌉

Yan Guimond is starting a new position as vice president of construction at Maître Carré.

Mike Kozakewich is starting a new position as vice president, national accounts and major projects at Ledcor. His focus will be on growing partnerships and ensuring projects deliver value to clients.

Amanda Bourgouin, is the Edmonton Construction Association’s new director of finance & corporate services! She has a background in accounting and came to the organization after working at Dogs with Wings as their executive director.

🗞 HEADLINES

⚒️ Full metal training: The Ontario government is investing over $4 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to expand the SMART Local 47 training centre for sheet metal workers, including the creation of Ontario's first French-language sheet metal training program.

👩🏻‍🔧Hometown hero: Amy Carr, a member of SMART Local 276 in B.C. was recognized by North America’s Building Trades Unions as one of four Tradeswomen Heroes in September for her leadership and mentorship in the skilled trades. As one of the first women in commercial HVAC and welding systems at Local 276, Carr now leads the metal fabrication department at Lewis Sheet Metal and teaches part-time at Camosun College.

💰Scholarship money: Ten Mohawk College students have been awarded the Schulich Builders Scholarships, which cover tuition, tools, and living expenses for students pursuing skilled trades education. The Schulich Builders Program, launched by The Schulich Foundation, provides financial support, leadership training, and mentorship to prepare students for successful careers in high-demand trades.

🧠 LEADERSHIP

Resources for professional development

• Real leaders know the limit of their expertise

• Why new recruits are ghosting their employers 

• The ideal length of time for focused work

• 6 key strategies for growing your construction firm

• How to learn from failure

🔥HOT JOBS

 Construction Project Manager - Ottawa, Ont. - Asco Construction

Development Manager - Vancouver, B.C. - Chard Development

Senior Construction Manager - Vancouver, B.C. - Areva Living

Senior Planning Engineer - Calgary, Alta. - City of Calgary

Project Manager, Wood Frame - Victoria, B.C. - Axiom Builders

🔥 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.

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Here’s to a great rest of the week!

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