12 SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2023
A SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS
Developing tomorrow’s HEAVY CONSTRUCTION WORKFORCE
ago. We’re looking for workers who want to start immediately and get into a long- lasting career.” What is great about the heavy construction industry is a new hire can start as a labourer, without prior experience. While gaining valuable work experience and a pay cheque, a new worker gets in- house industry training, including necessary education on health and safety. With some effort and dedication, most workers find there is a natural progression to more senior and lucrative roles within the company or the industry. Don Hurst, Director of WORKSAFELY® Education and Training, uses the expression “you can earn while you learn,” which literally describes the industry. You can maintain a good-paying job while you are learning the skills to be able to advance within. In order to recruit more workers, the industry is attending a variety of career fairs to spread the word that heavy construction is actively hiring. In July 2022, MHCA attended Manitoba Start’s open job fair, speaking to Ukrainian refugees. A number of job fairs are popping up at the school-aged level to demonstrate the many opportunities that heavy construction can offer after high school. MHCA also attended a job fair hosted by Construction Association of Rural Manitoba and Assiniboine Community College in March to show students at various levels what our industry has to offer. In response to the skilled labour shortage, MHCA established the Workforce Development Committee in March 2022 to develop a strategy to address the recruitment challenges and assist industry companies in attracting, developing and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce. Highmoor, who is especially passionate on this initiative, stepped into this role in January 2023, succeeding JC Paving Vice- President Tony Teixeira, who moved to lead the Board’s Winnipeg Committee. MHCA will build on the work begun in 2022 to continue to address critical skills shortages and meet emerging industry needs.
Jessie Weir is THE MHCA WORKSAFELY® Education Programs Coordinator
S killed labour shortages and recruitment challenges are hitting the heavy construction industry like many other sectors, something underscored by a survey of our aging workforce the MHCA conducted last fall. The survey, taken last August, found the average age of workers among responding companies was well into the 40s at a time when companies are looking at aggressively hiring to meet industry needs in the next five years. John Highmoor, President of Tri-Core Projects Ltd., knows the challenges companies in the industry are up against when it comes to recruiting. “Our workers typically work long days and, in all elements, and that work is not for everyone,” says Highmoor, who also serves as Chair of MHCA’s WORKFORCE Development Committee. “However, there are great opportunities for those who join our industry. The job sites and types of work are fast paced and always changing, keeping the work interesting. The wages are very competitive, there are lots of opportunities to work overtime and great opportunities to advance your career.” The industry workforce is aging, so companies are always looking for new talent. These opportunities range from entry-level to senior management positions. “Our long-standing employees are aging out,” explains Highmoor. “The workload for them isn’t as easy as it was 30 years
Colin Corneau photos
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