b'INDUSTRY ROUNDTABLEINDUSTRY ROUNDTABLEW O R K F O R C E D E V E L O P M E N T BY KELLY PARKEReep up, or be left behind. The ongoing skilled K labour shortage makes that truism a more present concern in the construction industryeven more so in a world where the pace of change seems to be accelerating. Skills training and development is more critical than ever for construction firms who wish to survive and thrive. SICA Construction Review spoke with STAN MALUK (SM) three industry leaders about their approach to employee Operations Manager skills training and development.Emil Anderson ConstructionAnswers have been edited for length and clarity.HOW CAN BUSINESSES ENCOURAGE FURTHER SKILLS TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AMONG THEIR STAFF?SM:Generally, I think that would be [by] offering access to in-house resources, if we have training available through our facilities, or even external resources. Another thing we can do is create development plans for these young professionals. We offer both in-house and external training to our young leadership.JP:I think it needs to just be a part of their overall JEANNE PENNINGA (JP) culture. Were always encouraging our team to grow and Administration Managerlearn in their craft and skills in their chosen career, and we CorWest Builders celebrate them when they do reach goals or completea course.PS:Having a defined career path with individuals, which we do as part of our biannual performance reviews, [helps us] have clear goals and expectations. With a shortage of individuals in the industry, investing in our staff is very key for us, so there will be ongoing training development both internally and externally. We do it through training partners like SICA, or outside organizations we work with for professional development, like the Canadian Construction Association (CCA). For example, [for] a PHILLIP STAGG-TANNER (PS) foreman thats looking to get to a superintendent role, Senior VP, Operations well outline exactly whats required to get there, and well Acres Enterprises Ltd. help support them.32 SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION'