👷Talent Thursdays: Slow track

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SiteJobs

Good morning! 📺 Move over, Spongebob and Sesame Street—skilled trades are about to steal the spotlight. TVOkids’ new live-action series Trading Skills is sparking curiosity in the next generation, showing kids just how cool careers in construction, plumbing, and other trades can be.

📈LABOUR BY THE NUMBERS

According to Alberta’s latest employment forecast the industrial sector could produce highly stable and lucrative careers in the coming years. According to the province, construction project managers (average salary: $141,128) and heavy equipment mechanics (average salary: $78,000) will be in high demand and could generate high incomes.

👷‍♀️ PEOPLE MOVES

Harvie Buitelaar is now president of the BC Construction Roundtable. Buitelaar stated that after joining the board of directors in 2018, he has seen firsthand the meaningful role the group has in facilitating conversations that matter, bringing together contractors, owners, consultants and many other stakeholders for informative programming and valuable networking.

Octavio Flores has joined the major projects committee with the Alberta Roadbuilders and Heavy Construction Association. 

Don Wightman is now board chair for the BC Construction Association. Based in Coquitlam, B.C., Wightman is the president of PML Professional Mechanical Ltd., a company he founded in 1995. He has served on the BCCA board since 2018, most recently as treasurer.

Alain MacNair has joined ETRO Construction as its new field operations manager. In this role, MacNair will be supporting field operations and working closely with ETRO teams on the ground to ensure smooth execution on all projects

Glen Furtado has been elected to Concrete BC’s board of directors. Furtado is the senior director of engineering and stakeholder relations, western region, for the Cement Association of Canada. 

🗞 HEADLINES

⚒️ Slowed track: Quebec's fast-track construction training program, launched to address a labor shortage, is facing criticism after less than half of its graduates have been certified to work in the industry. The $300-million initiative aimed to train 4,000 to 5,000 new workers, offering students $750 a week for four- to six-month courses. However, only 1,251 graduates are currently employed in construction. The government says it’s too early to judge, and changes have been made to require applicants to prove their interest in construction.

🤝 Joining forces: Five Saskatchewan construction associations have merged to form the Construction Associations of Saskatchewan (CAS), following votes by each association from October 1 to 3. The merger, involving the Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Regina Construction Associations, aims to enhance member support through unified resources, advocacy, and strength. 

🛑 Tools down: For the first time in its 35-year history, the Professional Engineers Government of Ontario (PEGO), representing engineers and land surveyors in the Ontario Public Service (OPS), are striking. PEGO members began a work-to-rule campaign on October 8, with potential for further labor action. The dispute impacts the government's $185 billion infrastructure plans and $85 billion in existing public assets. 

🧑🏻‍🏭 Women of steel: The CWB Foundation has released a report showcasing the success of its Women of Steel initiative to empower women in welding and skilled trades. Launched in 2022, the program provided hands-on pre-employment welding training, soft skills development, and workplace inclusivity support to women. The program had 212 participants and  77% secured employment or continued education in welding.

🧠 LEADERSHIP

Resources for professional development

• 8-mile runs at 4 a.m:  A young CEO’s daily Routine

• 10 things construction professionals should know by 35

• Lead by example: How to stand up to exclusion

• Being busy is a form of laziness 

• The 40% rule and why it helps smash mental barriers

• Why every leader should keep a journal

🔥HOT JOBS

 Senior Estimator - Calgary, Alta. - Graham

Senior Technology Project Manager - Mississauga, Ont. - EllisDon

Construction Monitor/Manager - Surrey, B.C. - TI Corp.

Project Manager, Civil - Mississauga, Ont. - PNR Railworks

Project Coordinator, Civil/Infrastructure - Squamish, B.C. - Pomerleau

🔥 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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