NEWS
Dec. 21, 2011
Despite the tough start to 2011, the Council saw its signatory commercial and industrial contractors continue to land major jobs within the province, and grow in its training capabilities at the Finishing Trades Institute of BC.
"From about the end of the 2010 Winter Games to the first few months of 2011, we went through a slow stretch," said Patrick Byrne, DC38 Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer. "But as the year progressed, we saw our members working on some of the biggest and most important jobs in the province."
While the commercial painting sector endured a challenging marketplace, the industrial painting, outside glazing, and hazardous materials sectors fared remarkably well in an overall construction sector that is still recovering from a slow post-recession economy.
The year also marked some major developments in The Finishing Trades Institute of BC’s ability to provide trades training in painting and decorating, drywall finishing, wall and ceiling installer, glazing, and hazardous materials abatement.
More apprentices than ever before trained at the FTI BC facility in Surrey, as well as more training was provided off location and in special interest classes, such as Ace It, a program that connects high school students with trades.
At the beginning of the year, the school teamed up with Seabird Island College to train apprentices in Wall and Ceiling Installer right in their community.
Providing training to high school students and in locations where training is difficult to access is one of the ways the FTI BC is educating the public on the importance of the skilled trades sector.
Besides the FTI BC's commitment to training and skilled trades, it is also developing a new resource for DC38 members called TradesPeopleDirect.ca.
"TradesPeopleDirect.ca is a home renovation website that connects residential homeowners with DC38 qualified journeypersons," Byrne said. "It's in the works right now, but we're looking forward to a spring launch."
TradesPeopleDirect.ca is another way the FTI BC is championing the importance of Red Seal skilled tradespeople. Keep your eyes on www.dc38.ca in the new year for more information about this new DC38 member benefit.
The new year has much in store for DC38 and its members. A new Members Login section of the DC38 website will enable members to login online to access important information about their hours, health and welfare benefits, and Working Cards
"It is also our intention to post more information about important issues for our member on the Members Login page," Byrne said. "We want to keep our members as informed as possible."
The Members Login will eventually replace the hardcopy Working Cards in the future.
DC38 is continuing to monitor the Health and Welfare plan and the pension plan to protect those assets for our members as well.
"I'm looking forward to a more prosperous New Year for all of our members and contractors associated with DC38," Byrne said. "I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."
|
