b'FROM OUR CHAIRLabour ConcernsThis year, it appears the shortage of skilled labour is a considerably higher priority than previous years.As an instructor, seeing my graduating students receive full-time employment offers early in their final term is heart-warming and satisfying. Knowing that even my first-year students have full-time co-op terms is exciting. There are numerous opportunities for students in this current market, but the unfortunate truth is that there are some employers that go understaffed. This year, the number of students was lower than the number of positions available. This effects employers ability to execute work, which has economic consequences to their businesses as well as their clients. This has and will continue to impact the provincial economy.As noted on page 40, the successful Manitoba Construction Industry Job Fair put on by MHCA, MCSC, WCA and MHBA saw more than 600 employment seekers connect with some of our members. Although successful, the event highlighted a need within our community to organize an ongoing system that matches the available labour we have in our province with the employers that need that labour. As this affects all areas of our industry, we will have to collaborate and find the right solutions.Another regrettable reason for our lack of labour pool is the negative stigma that construction has in our society. This stigma is hindering efforts to attract people, including those seeking a change of career, to the skilled trades. Between MWCs Unlocking the Toolkit event and YCLMs proposed outreach to schools, we are looking to better engage younger generations, encouraging them with the positive aspects of the construction sector, which include high wages, good benefits, job satisfaction and collaborative teams! Seeing the engagement coming from the Grades 5 and 6 girls attending Unlocking the Toolkit was truly inspiring. Girls walked away from that day knowing that there is another career path available to them. Now thats powerful! But the message must be continually reinforced throughout middle and high school, or else the momentum from any early initiatives dies. Read more about Unlocking the Toolkit on page 42.I was pleased to be involved in an applied research project on the labour shortage in construction with a few current fourth-year Red River College Polytech Construction Management students. They took it upon themselves to present information to two different Winnipeg high schools. The majority of the students knew little to nothing about construction and never considered any kind of career in construction. All were considerably impressed with the information, and some even indicated that they may consider something within the industry because of the presentation. To me, this highlights the lack of direct information people are receiving about the options available and what credentials are needed. For a society addicted to social media, the lack of reliable information about meaningful careers and futures is rather shocking!As we navigate our way through a busy summer, our industry has never been in a better position to advertise and sell an advantageous career to anyone interested. Construction boasts available positions, career growth, educational opportunities and, of course, wages that allow one to help support a family!Ellowyn NadeauIssue 2 | Summer Edition | 2023 BUILD MANITOBA 7'