b"FROM OUR CHAIRIgniting Excitement in the Construction IndustryAlthough I love working in the education sector, passing on tidbits of knowledge and trying to ignite a sense of industry enthusiasm in students, I still miss being on construction sites. I miss the buzz of activity. I miss the sense of accomplishment when you complete a concrete pour, a curtain wall installation or a major section of mod-bit roof. And I especially miss those building envelope tests that pass on the first try! Reminding yourself of what you love about the industry will help you pass on that appreciation to young and new employees on your sites and in your offices.In this issue of Build Manitoba, as we take a closer look at the labour supply outlook and the next generation, I want to encourage you to share your experiences and passion for the industry with your newest workers, whether they be co-op students, high school graduates, new apprentices or newcomers to Canada. While they may not have huge amounts of knowledge, they share an interest and have a curiosity for what you know.I talked to a very wise site superintendent at the WCA Chair's Reception in April, and he likened his job on site to coaching a hockey teameach player has different skill levels, but everyone can contribute. His job is to figure out how they can contribute, determine the right approach to bring out their best and instill excitement to come back for more the next day. Its a fantastic approach to mentoring and running a construction project that will help him keep youth and new recruits on staff.Engagement with the next generation is a growing trend across all industries, and it is important we all participate in promoting the industry to ensure a viable workforce in the future. We have been ahead of the curve with our YCLM and MWC initiatives; however, a renewed focus is needed to not only recruit new workers, but also retain them, both in the office and in the field. To continue the promotional work we have started, WCA will be resurrecting the Manitoba Construction Career Expo for high school students on September 28, 2022. On October 13, MWC will once again host their Unlocking the Toolkit event to promote skilled trades to girls in Grades 5 and 6. YCLM has also ramped up their site tours, and Apprenticeship Manitoba has restructured to better serve our industry, with a three-year social media campaign on the horizon. (For a full list of promotional strategies aimed at promoting skilled trades, turn to page 25.) All of these initiatives will help highlight everything exciting and satisfying about being in the construction industrycompleting a project, coming up with an innovative solution, working with a team of experts and moving a client into a new facility that exceeds their expectations. That is something we can sell to all of society, especially the upcoming generation of employees!Ellowyn Nadeau, ChairIssue 2 | Summer Edition | 2022 BUILD MANITOBA 7"