PRINCE GEORGE BC (April 17, 2019) – A new province-wide construction training program launched in Prince George today as part of the new Builders Code will look to improve worksite culture and tackle harassment, hazing and bullying by providing training for construction company owners, executives and HR managers. The training program was announced by Northern Regional Construction Association (NRCA) CEO Scott Bone at one of the many Contractor Breakfasts taking place around the province as part of Construction and Skilled Trades Month in BC.

In B.C., most of the province’s 25,000 construction employers operate without all the policies, skills or resources to define and promote an acceptable workplace culture, and many do not recognize the direct link between a diverse, inclusive, and equitable worksite and improved retention, safety, and productivity outcomes. Leaders can underestimate the financial impacts from turnover, lost time to accidents, injury related health care costs, legal actions, rehiring costs, and workforce productivity issues that result from culture challenges on the worksite.

The new Builders Code training program is a one-day workshop where participants explore issues such as: the nature and impact of unacceptable worksite conduct; how to enable and encourage an acceptable worksite culture; the tools that can be used to build that culture; and the benefits of doing so. The workshop sessions will also focus on the role and responsibility of corporate leaders and HR managers. Companies whose management complete the training will benefit from an increased capacity to address behaviour issues that affect safety and productivity, and can use their training certification to promote their company and culture to potential employees, as well as clients.  The training has been developed by experienced training providers in partnership with project partners including BCCA, the Industry Training Authority (ITA), WorkSafeBC, and the Minerva Foundation of BC.

Registration for the workshops will be available through BC’s four Regional Construction Associations.The NRCA is the first construction association to offer the training workshop, which will take place at the Sandman Signature in Prince George on May 30^th. The course is free during the pilot phase, and will be made available in each economic region (North Coast/Nechako, Northeast, Cariboo), as well as Mainland/Southwest (VRCA), Vancouver Island (VICA), the Kootenays and Thompson-Okanagan (SICA) over the coming weeks. Dates for all regions will be available at www.builderscode.ca

“On behalf of the Northern Regional Construction Association, we’re pleased to be the first to offer this powerful Builders Code training to employers in the northern region,” said Bone. “Our association recognizes the labour challenges our industry faces and understands that improving the culture on jobsites could play an important role in helping our employers retain the skilled tradespeople they need. The turnout for today’s celebration of Construction Month is a reflection of the strength of our growing industry and the pride we take in helping build a better B.C. Today’s event also demonstrates how our members are committed to professional development and best practices through innovative programs like the Builders Code.”

At today’s breakfast, 6 employers stepped forward to become among the first in B.C. to sign up for the Builders Code workshops for owners and executives, including Viking Construction, ARMTEC, WestCana, Houle Electric and RF Klien & Sons.

“The fact is, there is no place for harassment, hazing or bullying in society these days, especially on a jobsite,” said Cory Klien, CEO at RF Klein & Sons. “For us, progressive leadership means taking advantage of the latest training on these issues to make sure they don’t become a problem on our jobsites.”

The event also saw 31 employers sign the Builders Code Acceptable Worksite Pledge, publicly affirming their commitment to providing a worksite free of harassment, hazing or bullying.

“We encourage all construction employers across B.C. to visit the Builders Code website to learn more about these informative workshops,” said Chris Atchison, President of the BC Construction Association. “This training emphasizes that we all play a role in creating a productive, safe environment, whether we’re on the worksite, in the office or in the boardroom.”

The HR and executive training workshops are part of the comprehensive Builders Code initiative that seeks to set a baseline code of conduct for BC construction worksites. The Builders Code provides employers with a wide range of resources, including downloadable policies and posters, online and onsite training for personnel, HR/dispute resolution advisors, employer scorecards and awards, and a worksite “Don’t be a Tool” ad campaign. Additional tools coming soon include: training for union business managers, site supervisors and foremen, and a crew training app.

ABOUT BC CONSTRUCTION MONTH

BC Construction Month (April 2019) celebrates the many contributions that B.C.’s construction industry makes across our province, in every community, every day. More than 240,000 people rely directly on B.C’s Construction industry for a paycheque. That’s 10 per cent of the workforce, and more than any other sector, and bigger than forestry, mining, agriculture and fishing combined. BC Construction Month is supported by the BC Construction Association, LNG Canada, BCIT, WorkSafe BC, Coastal GasLink, and the BCCA Employee Benefits Trust, and other sponsors. For more information, visit http://www.constructionmonth.ca

About THE BUILDERS CODE

The Builders Code is an initiative of the Construction Workforce Equity Project. Co-funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, with financial contributions from the BC Construction Association, WorkSafe BC, the Industry Training Authority, LNG Canada, the BCCA Employee Benefits Trust, and the BC Construction Safety Alliance, the Builders Code is also supported by the BC’s four Regional Construction Associations and the Minerva Foundation of BC. For more information, visit: https://www.builderscode.ca

About British Columbia Construction Association

The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) works with four Regional Construction Associations (NRCA, SICA, VICA and VRCA) to serve more than 10,000 employers in the provinces industrial, commercial, institutional (ICI) construction industry. BCCA’s programs and services include employee benefits (BCCA Employee Benefits), technology tools for bid and project management (BidCentral), Employer services through the Builders Code, which strives to improve workplace culture, and employment programs (Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP), Integrating Newcomers, LNG Canada Trades Training Fund, LNG Canada Connect). BCCA advocates on behalf of all employers to ensure British Columbia’s construction sector remains productive and resilient. For more information, visit: http://bccassn.com/

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CONTACTS:

BC Construction Association
Greg Descantes
604-646-3564
gdescantes@pacegroup.com