b'INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLEAcceptable Worksite Pledge to help foster a positive worksiteWHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO ATTRACT NEW culture where all workers know that they will be treated fairlyWORKERS TO THE TRADES?and with respect.CA:To attract and (just as importantly) retain workers BS:The way we as a company stand out is that we offer full- in the trades, we need to keep improving worksite time work with benefits, an RSP matching program, weeklyculture, show potential workers how rewarding a career pay and no layoffs due to a shortage of work. The way wein construction can be, and show how that career will accomplish this is by not having our work rely on one or twoprovide them with numerous opportunities to expand projects or clients; we have hundreds of clients to move ourtheir skillset and fulfill their potential.guys around to, so they never have to worry about benefitsBS:If we want to attract new workers to the trades, we ending or having to look for work.need to offer competitive pay, benefits and long-term KW:With the rise in the minimum wage, employees nowsecurity. We can also benefit by enhancing the perception want more compensation. In fact, they are not getting out ofof being a tradesperson. bed for less than $18-20/hr on the labour side. So if a truckKW:Employers need to advertise employment driver is only compensating for $23.65/hr, its hard to secureopportunities all over the web on all social media someone at those rates. In many respects, the North haschannels, even if doing so is outside of their comfort spoiled so many for local jobs. zone. The schools should also make it easy to get in, and A strong, flexible job description that goes outside the boxall employers should allow apprentices. There are many in selling their company and position will also make a bigthat do, but some dont, because you need a journeyman difference. For example, you can promote a career in the tradeson site to monitor the apprentices. by saying something like, Are you looking to move to the sunny Okanagan where you can boat in the summer, ski inIts a hard road, but advertising in secondary schools the winter or enjoy the wine country?, for example. To standfrom Grade 6 on up helps construction companies stay out, employers can try jazzing up their job descriptions, sellingin front of the newbies that will eventually come into their culture and communicating what sets their employmentthe industry. Weve seen successes among employers who opportunities apart. engage with them at this level in their education.SICA CONSTRUCTION REVIEWSpring 202037'