b'INCLUSIVITYhaving an inclusive company culture and registering new hires as apprentices to support their growth in the industry.2.Matching employer and job seeker expectations: STEP encourages participants to speak up and advocate for themselves if they are unsure of what is expected of them. Asking employers what an average day looks like for someone starting in the trades can help clarify expectations from the start.3. The company culture: STEP hasOver the same period, BuildForcewell, more companies than ever before also ran its own Construction Careerare manufacturing personal protective established strong relationshipsPathways program, Ferreira continues.equipment that is designed to fit female with employers across the province.Where programs like CAFs targetedbody types. These connections allow theemployment opportunities for workers program to place job-seekingin apprentice rich trades, our programThat sounds like a small change, but participants with employers withfocused exclusively on entry-levelit has huge implications, says Ferreira. a reputation for having a positiveemployment opportunities. We wereYou cant just shrink a vest or a pair company culture. pleased to report that 65 per cent ofof coveralls that were designed for In addition to STEP, employers canworkers hired under our program self- mens body proportions and claim also take advantage of the BCCAsidentified as belonging to an equity- theyre suitable for women. Theyre not. Builders Code program, Bitzdeserving group. Equipment that doesnt fit properly is adds. Builders Code provides freeless effective, but it can also become its downloadable HR policies and offersThe industry has a long way to go inown safety hazard.training designed to help employersits efforts to become truly diverse and foster a more inclusive and supportiveinclusive. That said, its making progress.Ferreira concludes, Yes, we have work environment. For example, the B.C. government hasa long way to go, but these are all mandated that flushing toilets will soondemonstrable signs that construction CONCLUSION be required on large construction sites. Inrecognizes its limitations and is working a similar vein, Ontario is now requiringto address them to make our sector a Over the past two years, BuildForcewomen-only toilets on some sites. Asviable career option for all workers.was a participant in a number of programs funded by the federal governments Canadian Apprenticeship Service (CAS) that aimed to increase employment among youth in construction and among peopleDISCOVER THEfrom equity-deserving groups inFREESTANDING BATHTUBSparticular, concludes Bill Ferreira, Freestanding Bathtubs are the crown jewel executive director for BuildForce.in any bathroom! Our rich and sophisticated We were a contributing partnercollection of freestanding bathtubs serve as the ultimate centerpiece that guarantees unmatched to the program that was run by thecomfort and relaxation.Canadian Apprenticeship ForumWhether modern, classic or minimalist, our extensive range offers a plethora of options in (CAF). That program provided grantsterms of styles, sizes and finishes. With this to 2,470 employers for hiring first- variety, you can offer the perfect bathtub to elevate your customers bathroom aesthetics year apprentice workers, and providedand cater to their unique preferences!mentorship support to more thanVilli Freestanding Bathtub4,450 individuals. Just as importantly,Chilliwack Maple Ridge Port Coquitlam Surrey West Kelowna44653 Yale Rd West 23652 Dewdney Trunk Rd 1391 Kebet Way 7815 King George Blvd 1115 Stevens Rd56 per cent of the grants provided604.792.0866 604.467.1535 604.941.7318 604.502.9122 250.769.3101through the program were in support of individuals who identified asWestern Canadas premier plumbing, heating, and electrical wholesaler bartlegibson.combelonging to equity-deserving groups.SICA CONSTRUCTION REVIEWFall 202429'