The Barrie Construction Association (BCA) and the Simcoe County Heavy Construction Association in conjunction with the Ontario Construction Careers Alliance are co-ordinating Student Construction Day for Oct. 11. “This event will give our youth the opportunity to see, feel, and touch a small part of what working in the construction industry is like,” says BCA membership services co-ordinator Byrony Buchanan.
“We have all read the reports about the decline in youth choosing the trades as a career choice,” she writes in a note to BCA members. “Now is the time to do everything we can to reverse this trend and show the next generation the opportunities available to them in construction.”
Organizers will take 50 students from two area high schools will tour the Georgian College Advanced Technology, Innovation & Research Centre and the Tiffin & Dunlop Intersection Upgrade. “Once the tour is over, they will come back to the BCA office where we will have equipment and simulators set up so the students can get a hands-on experience with the tools of the trade,” she writes.
The BCA and SCHCA have invited members to participate in by being at the BCA offices when the students return from their tour “to give them a chance to talk to you and learn more about your particular trade and the industry in general.”
“We are happy to accommodate you if you want to set up a booth, or a demonstration or bring tools and equipment. This day is open to everyone in the industry; from architects and engineers to suppliers and “boots on the ground”. Students will be on site from 1 p.m. to 2. pm.
If you are interested in participating, contact Buchanan or Alison Smith.
