By Chase
What do you like about Ontario’s construction industry? How did you choose your career and how does working here compared to other markets you have worked in? Lastly what advice would you give to someone looking to join the industry?
Over the years, we have talked to our children about exploring the construction industry and skilled trades as an option or secondary plan for the future. I have brought them to events, golf tournaments and more hoping to spark interest in a field of potential employment opportunities that I was discouraged from exploring as a teenager, with a huge push for college and university from school counsellors. Almost 30 years later that has begun to change, with more promotion for the industry in schools for all children.
One son has experienced roofing and landscaping sectors while he attended college. Our second oldest has been working for a flooring company learning installation, equipment operation and truck driving. My youngest son has been exploring becoming a mechanic and completed all the available courses through high school and is currently working at a garage on co-op assignment. With the surprise arrival of our daughter in December of 2020 I am hoping to steer her into the industry as she grows.
I notice free training programs or other incentives offered by unions and other institutions but have not seen much promotion of these programs in the Niagara Region. If you are located in the Niagara region, please send me details on the programs and opportunities you have for youth and others looking at the construction sector for a career and I will gladly have it promoted not to my own family but in our news sections of the daily newspaper, monthly magazines and weekly newsletters.
If you have a child who is exploring the construction industry share their story and we can feature them in a news story and share their experiences with others. Contact me by email chase@ontarioconstructionnews.com or call direct 905-341-8686.
Chase is the director of marketing and client relations for the Construction News and Report Group as well as the associate publisher for the Ontario Construction Report, our daily digital newspaper the Ontario Construction News as well as several US markets in Chicago, Florida, New York, North Carolina and California.