​How many skilled people does it take to construct a building?

The answer is many!
 
This article is a slight step away from those I have written lately. I was inspired to compose it having read this column by Nigel Latta.
 
Perhaps the paragraph within the editorial that most resonated with me, is this one…
 
“Too often people think if they learn a trade they'll just be swinging a hammer their whole life. If they got some experience in the industry they'd see there are opportunities for management roles that come far sooner than if they studied management at varsity. They could operate complex, multi-million dollar machines - and get well paid for it.”
 
Over thirty years ago, one would often hear it said, “if you want to be successful, go to university and get a degree.” And this sentiment hasn’t much changed over the following decades.
 
As it happens, I did follow that path, and it worked for me; but there were folk I went to school with who were street smart and practical, who have since created successful businesses, many within the building sector.
 
It causes me concern when I see more law and accounting graduates than there are jobs for. It would seem the universities have no accountability to those who have taken on a huge student loan to ensure they get a job with which they can repay it! I believe it is irresponsible of all of us to allow this to continue.
 
Too frequently, people think the only job available within the building industry, is that of a builder! But there are so many more on offer, and BCITO do not cover the entire breadth of building and construction industry apprenticeships.
 
Many people have been doing great work to promote the trades, but unless parents, the public, school career’s counsellors and teachers understand how diverse the opportunities are within the building industry, we will be left having to import the expertise we need; which is exactly what we are doing right now!
 
Sadly, the forecast continuation of the building boom has not generated new training and recruitment strategies!
 
I urge you to help spread the word, however and wherever you can, of the vast variety of opportunities available within our industry. 

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