The VRCA school outreach program recently visited Kwantlen Park Secondary School in Surrey and explored a fresh new way to engage with the students there.
The school had planned a Career Speed Chat event, where volunteers from various industries could meet with smaller groups of students and have more in-depth chats, a different scenario from the usual school presentation, in which volunteers talk to larger groups of students about their education and career paths.
Ben Marti, a volunteer from Bird Construction stated, “The Career Speed Chats were a well-executed concept that allowed for a more conversational approach to discussing a future in the construction industry. The one-on-one talks provided us with a better understanding of the students’ goals and allowed us to listen to their needs.”
Aware of the current labour shortage in the skilled trades area, Kyle Paquette from Drystar Wall & Ceiling noted, “If we helped encourage even a small portion of the students to join the construction industry, I would consider that a victory.”
The VRCA school outreach program has presented to almost 6000 students since its inception, with the intent of encouraging students to consider the construction industry as a career option. We’re always looking for enthusiastic new volunteers to join us and help show youth how amazing a career in our industry can be! If you’d like to participate or learn more about the program, please email Luke Bruce at [email protected].