The Construction Sector Council (CSC) is committed to developing a highly-skilled construction workforce. From trade occupations to management and supervisory positions, our role is to ensure that the industry has the people it needs to get the job done, both now and in the future. Because careers in construction are not always well understood especially by young people seeking a career, CSC's career awareness programs offer a fresh perspective on trades within the industry.

There are career awareness programs currently underway or under development, as described below.

Boilermaker Career Awareness Campaign
Ironworker Aboriginal Awareness Project

Boilermaker Career Awareness Campaign

A national labour-market study made it clear: the boilermaker industry faces potential shortages over the next five to ten years unless something is done to attract new workers to the trade. Working with the Boilermakers National Training Trust Fund, the CSC is developing a national campaign to increase the number of high school students entering the boilermaker trade.

This initiative will look at how young people make career decisions and what influences these decisions. It will develop tools to improve the image of the boilermaker trade and of apprenticeship in general, and ensure that young people who are making career choices realize boilermakers are highly paid, can learn on the job, have a flexible workplace and often work in an entrepreneurial environment with significant opportunities for career advancement.

The results of this initiative will be shared through the CSC so that it can be applied to other trades.

Ironworker Aboriginal Awareness Project

Historically, there has been a strong Aboriginal presence within the ironworker trade. Not only do ironworkers earn a good wage, but the pride they show in their work has been obvious since the first major project – the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) bridge across the St. Lawrence Seaway – got underway in 1886.

As with other trades, due to anticipated retirements over the next ten years, Canada may experience a shortage of skilled ironworkers. At the same time, the Aboriginal population is growing faster than any other segment of Canadian society – more than 50% are under 15 years of age.

Working with the Aboriginal Human Resource Development Council of Canada and the International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental, & Reinforcing Ironworkers, the CSC is launching a two-year initiative to motivate Aboriginal youth to become ironworkers by giving them a clear picture of the opportunities within the trade and providing mentors and role models.

If you would like information on these or any other CSC programs or initiatives, please contact us at info@csc-ca.org.

News Release: Construction Sector Council recruits Aboriginals to fill ironworker shortage

Download PDF: Ironworker Aboriginal Career Awareness Program

www.aboriginalconstructioncareers.ca

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