The demand for skilled labour in the trades continues, especially in construction, where B.C. is facing a looming shortage as older workers prepare for retirement.
Current trends suggest the province will face a shortage of 160,000 skilled workers this year.
“With more than $80 billion in construction projects already underway across the province and another $195 billion on the way, this is an important time for B.C.’s construction sector,”said Manley McLachlan, president of the British Columbia Construction Association, in the 2014 B.C. Construction Industry Survey.
To fill this need for construction workers, a 16-week Construction Trades training program is being offered through the Southern Interior Construction Association’s Construction Training Centre, based out of Kelowna.
The program content includes construction safety, trade math, carpentry, hand and power tool use, concrete form work, material handling and rigging, wood frame construction, electrical and plumbing. It also includes certificate courses for First-Aid Level I, Construction Safety Training System, and WHMIS.
The courses will be offered in Penticton starting in early March. Applications are available now, and because space is limited, applicants are encouraged to apply soon. Funding may be available to those who meet the criteria. For more information contact Tony Hetman, CTT Coordinator in Penticton at 250-486-7330 or email cttpen@gmail.com.