b'BUILDING BUILDERSMORALE BUILDERS BY JAMES PETERSBUILDING BUILDERS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM HELPS FORGE LIFE-LONG SKILLSunded by the Government of Canadas Canadianthroughout the provinceall thats required is an interest in F Apprenticeship Strategy and administered bymentorship and being mentored. Once we have the names the British Columbia Construction Associationregistered, we look at the characteristics of those two cohorts (BCCA), Building Builders is a free mentorship programand make the best match possible. Were pleased to report filled with valuable benefits for mentors and mentees alike.well over 300 matches, and were only into our third year. At the programs launch in September 2022, BCCAs newsPlus, weve had more than 25 mentors do another round and release clarified: Building Builders is the only province-widetake a second mentee.mentorship program serving B.C.s construction industry, filling an important gap in an academic-leaning culture thatPromoting the program is multi-faceted. BCCA works often does not adequately encourage the skilled trades as awith its member and partner organizations and provides career path. constant input. The mentorship aspect is open to anyone in the industry with experience, Atchison says. The The Building Builders program represents one of thosebasic requirements are that you need to commit to some assets within our workforce development realm that reallymentorship training, that you have 10 years or more speaks to the needs of the industryas all of our workforceexperience in the industry, and youre willing to commit to a development programs do, says Chris Atchison, BCCAminimum of six hours throughout a six-month period.president. This pillar of workforce development fits into our efforts to help address and alleviate labour shortagesa majorBuilding Builders is only one of the many ways BCCA concern in the industry. is paying attention to ongoing issues in the construction workforce. Naturally, were very proud of workforce Whats so special about Building Builders is that wevedevelopment, but were also very dialled into what we do reached out to experienced leaders in the industry toon the advocacy front as wellto protect and retain the give back, and theyre mentoring apprentices that dontbusiness continuity of the construction industry, Atchison have to be [employed] within the mentors companies,adds. For example, we assist with making sure contracts and Atchison continues. People can be matched from anywheresupplementary conditions are manageable and that prompt payment and payment certainty are delivered. Building Builders is a concept that fits nicely into many of our other programs, such as the attraction and placement of individuals to work. We have other initiatives for businesses to helpthem work on changing and adapting their workplaceculture to enhance retention, such as the Integrating Newcomers program.Building Builders is completely volunteer-based, and mentors come from all areas of the industrythey could be board members of the BCCA or from one of the many member companies that form a part of the organization overall. Its open to anyone wanting to give back and wanting to build the next generation of capacity and leadership in the industry, Atchison explains. Through our regional construction networks, we also recognize specific people that we know and approach them with the mentorship concept. Its not a surprise that when approached to mentor, most people are honoured.There are, of course, many mentees who want to participate in the program to enhance future opportunities downstream from what they may be involved with currently. The training 26 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'