b'LABOUR FORCE FEATUREFILLING THE GAPFirst-ever Manitoba Construction Industry Job Fair connects job seekers with companies in need of staffBy Twila DriedgerWhen Nadiya Duma fled Ukraine for Canada last year, sheThe couple were just two of the more than 600 job seekers at left her husband, friends and her own successful architecturalthe first-ever Manitoba Construction Industry Job Fair on April design firm behind. 18. The one-day event took place at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Six months after she arrived, Dumas husband reunited withConvention Centre, connecting WCA members with skilled her and their newborn baby girl, who Duma delivered inworkers looking for construction industry jobs in Manitoba.Canada. Now safe on Canadian soil, the architect-designer andPresented by the Manitoba Construction Sector Council her husband, a civil engineer by trade, are looking for work to(MCSC), Manitoba Home Builders Association (MHBA), support their family. Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) and Winnipeg Construction Association (WCA), the event was held in response to skilled trades shortages and the need to fill various positions for the upcoming construction season.Contempora Steel Builders, a pre-engineered steel systems supplier and installer, was one of 24 exhibitors on hand looking to hire skilled construction labourers, steel installers and superintendents. Despite the looming recession, Director of Business Development Matt Strength said that the company has been securing projects and is fully booked up until February 2024, giving hope and available work to many job seekers visiting their booth.Right now, we have a lot of work, and not nearly enough workers to be able to meet that demand, said Strength, whose team jumped at the chance to participate in the job fair. Its been an absolutely amazing event. We have a stack of resumes and a wealth of individuals that are looking for all sorts of positionssome well-qualified individuals, as well as people who are looking for their first job.The positive response to the job fair was something that presenters and exhibitors were prepared for, but not 40 BUILD MANITOBAwinnipegconstruction.ca'