The VRCA Education Committee is a dedicated group of volunteers who feel passionate about advocating for careers in the construction trades.<\/p>\n
The current committee is made up of the following members:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Kristi Seddon, Ledcor (Chair)
\n\u2022 Niko De Mare, Graham (Co-Chair)
\n\u2022 Ronan Deane, Graham (Past Chair)
\n\u2022 Faith Dempster, Skilled Trades Employment Program
\n\u2022 Alec Dumerton, M&L Painting
\n\u2022 Dave Bauder, Stuart Olson
\n\u2022 Brittany Bailey, Western Pacific Enterprises
\n\u2022 Kyle Davis, Matchbox Consulting Group
\n\u2022 Ian Kerr, Ellis Don<\/p>\n
The committee is primarily responsible for the school outreach program. This program visits high schools and talks to students, typically in Grade 10, about considering careers in the construction industry.<\/p>\n
For each school visit, several volunteers from within the industry co-host a presentation, and then discuss their own career paths in the construction industry. Busting myths about the industry is one key aspect of these session, as many students (and their parents) have incorrect ideas about careers in the industry.<\/p>\n
VRCA has presented to 4,500 students since the program began!<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I meet a new contact in our industry, it doesn\u2019t take long before I begin to gush about the VRCA Education Committee and the opportunities they have provided us with by interacting with future generations of construction, says current Committee Chair, Kristi Seddon. \u201cThe collaborative environment the VRCA has created is an invaluable resource to all involved. You may have thought you were competitors with contacts elsewhere, but through the VRCA, you present and support one another in expressing your shared passion for construction.\u201d<\/p>\n
VRCA is always looking for new volunteers to join in on these fun and interactive sessions with the students. A call for volunteers goes out whenever a school confirms a date. Each visit takes about three hours, and typically includes an experienced leader to walk you through the initial session.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving volunteered and presented at a variety of schools under the Education Committee\u2019s school outreach program, I can say without hesitation that it is a very worthwhile experience,\u201d says Ronan Deane, Past Chair and frequent volunteer for the program. \u201cWe are lucky to be able to influence our industry so tangibly. Only a volunteer knows how much fun and how rewarding it is to engage with young people, and see first-hand a student\u2019s realization that construction ticks so many boxes as they consider their future careers.\u201d<\/p>\n