July 16, 2012

BCCA STEPs it up with community involvement

ASSOCIATION GUIDE

SUBMITTED BY THE BCCA

VICTORIA, B.C.

The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) recognizes that to build a stronger community, people within it must be given the opportunity to succeed.

Whether these are employers and organizations which keep our economy going, or the workers which support them, the BCCA Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP) supports these people in working to meet their goals across the province.

STEP places Canadian residents from all walks of life into careers in the skilled trades.

Created in 2006, this no-fee service has placed more than 5,000 individuals into successful employment around the province since its inception.

It continues to expand.

Program participants are workers with distinct goals, who need assistance to transition into a new job or career.

Each goes through an assessment process with a STEP trades employment specialist to determine their career goals and identify the best way past the obstacles they have encountered.

Among those 5,000 individuals are entry level workers aspiring to become apprentice carpenters.

Others are experienced supervisors trying to make the transition as newcomers to Canada.

There are also young electricians seeking apprenticeships, mothers hoping to find a better way to make ends meet, as well as experienced, foreign trained workers who simply don’t have professional connections.

They may need equipment or further certifications, or help with the hiring process.

Others simply need some guidance on the best fit for them.

STEP is based on the premise that the employer is vital to the equation. B.C.’s construction organizations need skilled workers, but may not be aware of the resources and funding available that will allow their organization to develop alongside the young workers.

STEP continues to connect workers and employers with key training, funding, guidance and opportunities. They need the means to move on, to provide for their family, develop their skills and build their future here in BC.

BCCA is proud of the contribution that STEP and its connections and resources make to building communities.

STEP reinforces the vital role skilled workers play in strengthening our region by helping to supply the very first thing we all need on our way to a successful career – a foot in the door.

Print | Comment