Job Posting on ConstructionExchange.com

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Advertising Manager/Associate Publisher - $40,000.00 plus Location Across Canada and the United States

Enermodal Engineering

Employment Opportunities Want to make a difference in the world? Put your values to work with Enermodal!

- create greener buildings and communities
- commit to work that you are passionate about
- leave a smaller ecological footprint
- enjoy co-workers who support your values
- learn from peers who are industry leaders

Enermodal’s People
- a love for a fast-paced consulting engineering environment
- a background in engineering or architectural/construction technology
- understanding of project management and ability to read construction documents
- highly effective communication and social skills

Enermodal’s Culture
- green lifestyle incentives
- LEED AP exams covered by Enermodal
- profit-sharing and merit-based rewards
- office social and sports activities
- a flexible and innovative work environment
- opportunities to shape corporate culture and “green” our activities

Current Openings:

MANAGER of MECHANICAL DESIGN,GREEN BUILDINGS (Kitchener, Ontario)

MECHANICAL ENGINEERS ― GREEN BUILDINGS (Kitchener and Toronto, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta)

ENERGY ANALYST (Kitchener, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta)

COMMISSIONING PROJECT ENGINEER (Kitchener, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta)

Please send your resume, a cover letter detailing your professional aspirations and references to the email address shown below. Your application will be carefully considered with respect to the position for which you are applying and our current business needs. We thank all applicants for applying; only those individuals chosen for an interview will be contacted for further discussion.

Please send resumes and references to:
Enermodal Engineering Limited

650 Riverbend DriveKitchener, ON N2K 3S2

fax: 519 743 8778

email: jobs@enermodal.com

Half of working Canadians have trouble fitting in at work: Poll

New IPSOS Reid survey shows one in three feel dragged down by negative atmosphere

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - A new poll by IPSOS Reid suggests that half of working Canadians have trouble fitting in at work and one in three find it difficult to concentrate at work because they are dragged down by a negative atmosphere.

"Workers aged 18 to 34 are much more likely (37 per cent) than those aged 35 to 54 (30 per cent) or those aged 55 or more (20 per cent) to believe they're dragged down by a negative atmosphere at work," says Sean Simpson of IPSOS Reid.

The study also indicates that 50 per cent of working Canadians don't think they always fit in well at work. More than one in 10 (12 per cent) say they feel like an outsider, with 9 per cent saying they don't fit well 'within their workplace's culture,' and another 3 per cent think they are complete misfits, saying they 'hate' the culture and 'don't fit in at all.'

"Younger workers are also more likely to be disappointed with their work experience than those who are older," says Simpson. "Among those under 35, more than a quarter (28 per cent) say their experience is worse than they expected versus just 10 per cent of workers 55 and older."
Gail Rieschi, president and CEO of HR services firm vpi Inc., says employers should place a higher priority on hiring people who are a good match with the corporate culture, as well as having the technical qualifications for the job.

"While most people are hired for their hard skills, a bad fit with the corporate culture can often lead to dissatisfaction at work," says Rieschi. "It is critical that employers pay close attention to how well potential candidates will fit within the organization, not just their experience and
skills."

Rieschi offers some advice to help employers hire people who will fit within the organization.

1. Know your company's personality
When employers know their business personality and organizational values, they can better understand what kinds of people will work well within the company. "The most effective way to identify your organizational personality is to conduct an objective assessment, carried out by a third-party evaluator," says Rieschi. "Employers can also do self-assessments by developing a questionnaire that can be completed by employees at all levels aswell as by a sampling of clients." Questions should centre around decision making processes, work routines, organizational procedures and dress code among others. Once the questionnaires are completed, the responses can be used to develop a working document that defines the company personality.

2. Determine employee suitability
Once organizational values are clearly known, situational interview questions designed to measure fit can be developed that are unique to the organization. There are also many commercially available assessments that can help identify job candidates' work values and work personality and measure them against those of the organization. Work simulations and work trials designed to identify work values, rather than just technical competency, can
also help the selection process. Rieschi says employers should pay close attention to how young people are affected by a negative workplace given the large numbers of older workers retiring in the next 10 years. "The battle for talent has already started and it will only intensify in the coming years," says Rieschi. "Young people entering the labour market will increasingly have many work options. To attract and retain talent, employers must be attuned to their needs and understand if they fit well within the organization."

About vpi Inc.
vpi Inc. is a leader in employment facilitation services with a comprehensive range of results-focused solutions to maximize employee productivity, manage disability claims and assist individuals find employment. Founded in 1988, vpi is one of the fastest expanding companies of its kind with 32 offices, and more than 180 full-time skilled experienced professionals across Ontario. The company has a strong record of effectiveness including 98 percent client satisfaction with all employee selection services; 95 per cent of outplaced clients achieving new employment within 12 weeks and 90 percent of disabled workers successfully reinstated. For more information, visit http://www.vpi-inc.com/.

About the survey:
The online poll was conducted by IPSOS Reid from August 21 to August 26 among 1,013 Canadians, of which 540 were currently employed. An unweighted probability sample of this size, with a 100% response rate, would have an estimated margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, for the entire sample, and +/- 4.5%, 19 times out of 20, for the sample of workers.

Research and business leaders gather in Toronto - look to innovation and "jobs of the future"

TORONTO, Oct. 10 /CNW/ - Research and business leaders are gathering in Toronto early next month to explore the impact and potential of next-generation innovation and "jobs of the future" at the CANARIE and ORION National Summit.

Global innovation guru Dr. John Kao is among a prestigious roster of distinguished leaders coming together at "Powering Innovation - a National Summit" at the Metro Toronto Convention Center November 3 and 4.

Kao, dubbed "a serial innovator" by The Economist, is a leading authority on organizational transformation and digital media. Kao draws on his experience teaching at Harvard Business School and his appointments at the MIT Media Lab, Yale College, and the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.



Former University of Toronto President Robert Birgeneau, now Chancellor of the University of California at Berkeley, returns to Toronto as opening keynote to set the stage for the conference, and address the importance of innovation and cross-border collaboration in research.



The conference is hosted by ORION and CANARIE, Ontario's and Canada's advanced research network organizations which link scientists, researchers and innovators across the province, country and around the world. Cybera, Alberta's Cyberinfrastructure for Innovation organization, is contributing significantly to the planning and staging of the national Summit.



The conference is expected to bring up to 250 delegates from universities, colleges, research facilities, centres of excellence and other organizations - including government and industry.



"Developing innovative solutions for tomorrow's problems is an objective around which we all can rally," says CANARIE President and C.E.O. Guy Bujold.



"Our conference program is designed to inspire the development and encourage the use of network tools by Canada's researchers, educators and business leaders."

"We have invited some of the brightest minds in the country to come to the Summit and challenge them to take full advantage of new and emerging e-science technologies that are driving innovation, scientific discovery and jobs of the future, here and around the world," says ORION President/CEO Phil Baker.

Other keynotes include the President of Internet2 Doug Van Houweling, the President of the Ontario College of Art & Design Sara Diamond, host of CBC Radio's Spark Nora Young, Delvinia Interactive's Adam Froman, and Ron Dembo, President/CEO of Zerofootprint.

Delegates will also engage with experts from e-science, virtual organizations, network-enabled platforms, the greening of information technology, visualization technologies, teaching and learning in a web 2.0 universe, and commercialization of innovation.



The Summit also showcases advancements at the cutting edge of research, from high-definition holographic printing, to IP-based television platforms, to research collaborations using world-leading optical networks like CANARIE's and ORION's that quickly transmit massive amounts of data in seconds across Canada and around the world, allowing our researchers to participate fully in international collaborations.

The Summit will also give delegates a first look at national scientific research projects that help position Canada among the world's leaders in many fields, from global-scale high performance computing, to cancer research, to climate change simulation.

The summit is made possible by the generous contribution of our sponsors, including gold sponsor Juniper Networks; silver sponsor SHARCNET; bronze sponsors Bell, the Advanced Broadband Enabled Learning Program; Cogent Communications, Colleges Ontario and IBM; and partner sponsors Atria Networks, Auto 21, Cybera, the Ontario Centres of Excellence, the Ontario College of Art & Design, Polycom, Tech Media Reports and Ryerson University.

Learn more at www.orioncanariesummit.ca

Leading Employers Aren't Resting: Winners of the 2009 Canada's Top 100 Employers Competition are Announced

TORONTO, Oct. 2 /CNW/ - The authors of the annual list of Canada's Top 100 Employers have released their 2009 winners and this year's results are remarkable. "Even amid the market uncertainties we've seen over the past year," says Managing Editor Richard Yerema, "forward-thinking employers are redoubling their efforts to improve working conditions for employees who help them weather these economic storms." The result is an exceptional list (shown below) of employers that lead their industries in attracting and retaining top talent.

Now in its 9th year, the annual Canada's Top 100 Employers competition recognizes employers that are industry leaders at attracting and retaining employees. The competition is organized by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the nation's largest publisher of employment-related periodicals and online directories. To develop this year's Top 100 list, Mediacorp examined the recruitment
histories of over 75,000 employers across Canada that it tracks for its popular job search site, Eluta.ca. From this initial group, Mediacorp invited 10,000 of the fastest-growing employers, plus 6,000 other companies and organizations in industries that Mediacorp editors wanted to examine more closely, to apply for this year's competition. Employers were asked to complete an extensive application process that included a detailed review of their operations and HR practices. Over 2,000 employers started this year's application process.

In reviewing each employer's application, Yerema and his editorial team
reviewed eight key areas:
(1) Physical Workplace;
(2) Work Atmosphere & Social;
(3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits;
(4) Vacation & Time Off;
(5) Employee Communications;
(6) Performance Management;
(7) Training & Skills Development; and
(8) Community Involvement.

These criteria have remained consistent throughout the nine years of the Canada's Top 100 Employers project.

The editors' internal grades for each of these eight areas - with supporting reasons - are now published on Mediacorp's popular job search site, Eluta.ca. "Publishing detailed reasons for selection," says Publisher Anthony Meehan, "is a distinguishing feature of the Canada's Top 100 Employers competition. Besides providing transparency, it allows other employers to discover what these special organizations are doing - and to emulate these best practices."

In choosing the finalists, Yerema and the editorial team considered how each employer compared to others in its industry and region. This year's list includes large and small employers from a range of industries, offering varying benefits and working conditions. What is common to all winners is that each is an industry leader: from architectural firms to community housing
agencies, the employers chosen this year are leaders in their industry in attracting and retaining quality employees.

"This year was the most competitive since starting the Canada's Top 100 Employers project almost a decade ago," says Yerema. "We received a record number of applications from employers and our benchmarks for the areas we consider have increased in all industries and regions. These employers are leading the nation."

2009 WINNERS - CANADA'S TOP 100 EMPLOYERS (Below are the construction related companies)
Aecon Group Inc., Toronto ON
FSC Architects & Engineers, Yellowknife NT
HOK/Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum, Toronto ON
Jacques Whitford Ltd., Dartmouth NS
PCL Construction Group Inc., Edmonton AB

See complete list here: LINK

Sneaky 'daylighters' risk firing by working extra jobs

(LifeWire) -- Brian, a 30-something salesman from New York City, uses bathroom breaks to handle the demands of his second job. The bathroom stall becomes a secret cubicle for his other job as a mortgage broker. He sends e-mails, checks his voice mail and makes appointments.

"I have a certain lifestyle, and I need a certain amount of money coming in," he says.
Brian isn't alone. Many Americans are squeezing two jobs into one shift -- moonlighting by day, as it were -- as a hedge against a sagging economy or to maintain their style of living. While hard data on this below-the-radar economy is anecdotal at best, business coach John M. McKee, the author of "Career Wisdom: 101 Proven Strategies to Ensure Workplace Success," confirms that he has noticed an increase.

Shoehorning a second career into the same shift as your primary job is tricky -- and ethically questionable. Some workers do it with the approval of their superiors. But many do it in defiance of company policy (the main reason most "daylighters" interviewed preferred to remain anonymous) frustrating managers and human-resource executives.

"When you are employed for a firm, 100 percent of your focus should be spent working for that company during regular office hours," says Debbie McGrath, the founder of HR.com, a Web site for human-resources professionals.
Brian reasons that he's on top of his day job, so why not strive for more? Even at conventions with his workday boss, he says, "I'll be standing right next to him making a deal."

The work-work balance
Throughout a string of occupations, mortgage brokering has always been Brian's labor of love. "I feel like I own it," he says. But its unpredictability -- he says he can make anywhere from $1,000 to $20,000 a month from his alternative endeavor -- made him seek steadier employment.

His sales gig earns him about $80,000 a year. The combination of the two provides him with three or four nights a week of lavish dining (with a bar bill three times the food bill), several vacations abroad and an apartment in New York City. He's also blessed with a girlfriend, he says, who understands his workaholic ways.

But he doesn't think his boss would be so understanding. Nor does Nancy Ancowitz, a business communication coach in New York. "As an entrepreneur and former corporate manager, I think transparency is incredibly important between a manager and staff," she says. "And I think honesty is incredibly important."
Ancowitz recommends carving out time for another business on one's own time. "I wouldn't sneak around," she says. "Our reputations follow us."
As for the rationalization that once one's desk is clear, anything goes, she says, "My feeling is that there is always something helpful to do, even if you're a temp."
Getting the OK
If you're determined to squeeze out a second career on company time, McGrath, of HR.com, says it is acceptable to ask permission to perform other work during office hours, provided the time is made up. That can be tricky, though. Unless it's charitable or company-related work, Ancowitz cautions, the request might irk the people who sign your checks.

There are those who are upfront about their dual employment. One 23-year-old former cocktail waitress used her San Francisco job site as a base for pursuing her graphic design career. She says her supervisors didn't care as long as she sold a certain amount of alcohol.

"Towards the end it became like my little office," says the woman, who asked that her name not be used to avoid any full-disclosure Googling by prospective employers. "I wasn't sneaky at all. I blatantly worked on my laptop and talked on the phone with a client when my shift was slow."

Sandra Boston, a 44-year-old Brooklyn, New York, day-care worker, has been squeezing in two jobs for the past several months. As her preschool-aged charges nap with an assistant watching, she has the go-ahead to make phone calls to set up real estate appointments for later in the day, she says. She makes the calls in such a way that no further communication is needed -- the client either shows up or doesn't. Then she arrives at her real estate office around 5:30 p.m. "By the time I get to the office, I can show two or three apartments," she says.

McKee, the business adviser, believes the trend is being fueled by older workers not able to replace the income of an earlier single job and younger ones seeking to ease into a new vocation. He says "daylighting" can fill aspirations with the cooperation of a boss, but warns of the toll it could take. "A life with only work and sleep can become very unsatisfying," he says. "This can become demotivating and may result in an individual -- who had previously shown high energy and good future potential -- becoming flat."

No such concern yet for Brian, the hard-charging salesman who is so secretive that his mortgage broker associates have no idea he toils 9 to 5 at another job, he says.

It's a living -- twice over. But, sighs Brian, "It's really tough."

The vast majority of Canadians wish they could go back to school to improve their skills: Monster poll

MONTREAL, Sept. 29 /CNW/ - An overwhelming majority of Canadians responding to a new Monster.ca online survey say they would go back to schooland hit the books this fall if they could.

The new online survey involving 1,144 Canadians asked visitors toMonster.ca the following question: "Do you wish you could go back to school toupgrade your skills this fall?" A remarkable 87% gave a thumbs up to the idea of returning to theclassroom this fall - if only they could. Among the positive responses, 58% said going back to school would "helpme achieve my career goals." Another 29% who said yes to school also admittedthat they were not learning anything in their current job. The remaining 12% of respondents - or about one in 10 - said no to areturn to school, saying they are satisfied with their life and work.

"Learning, improving skills and expanding your horizons should be alifelong calling and it is interesting to see just how clearly people come torealize and understand that once they are in the workforce, earning a livingand trying to get ahead today," said Monster Canada vice-president of salesand general manager Peter Gilfillan.

"We like to say at Monster that it is never too late to aim higher, reachfarther and dream bigger. Creating a more fulfilling life can involve goingback to school full-time or part-time, or taking evening courses. Fortunately,there are plenty of options today for people to consider if they are ambitiousenough to go for it."

Putting yourself on a more fulfilling path is not as hard as you mightthink, says Monster life coach Robin Sharma, who offers these helpful hints onhow to keep growing both in life and on the job in his Monster.ca article TooBusy Making A Living:

Make the Time to Think. In this hectic day and age, we seem to be toobusy to think. Can you recall the last time you thought deeply about themeaning of life and the legacy you hope to leave. Saying you are too busy tostop and think about the way you are living is like saying you are too busydriving to stop for gas - eventually it will catch up with you.

Be a Person of Action. People who have built richly rewarding lives arepeople of action. Contrary to popular opinion, knowledge is not power. It isonly potential power. Knowledge has value only when it is acted upon. Trulyfulfilled people act on what they know. They act on their goals, doingsomething small each and every day to advance them. And they act on theirdreams rather than spending their lives waiting for something great to happen.

Simplify Your Life. Management guru Peter Drucker once noted that "Thereis nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done atall." The wisest and most dynamic people of our world have cultivated thehabit of spending their time only on those activities that are important. Toall others, they say "no". Take an inventory of what you do in your days andget rid of all the time wasting, life draining pursuits.

Live in the Moment. Life is a gift. Yet too many of us spend our liveschasing that pot of gold on the horizon rather than enjoying the rose gardenthat lies in our backyards. To jump start your life, begin to savor life'ssimpler pleasures. Watch the sun rise. Read a great piece of literature orrelax to a great piece of music. Dance barefoot in the rain or study theintricacy of a spider's web after it has rained. Every day offers up gifts ofnature to those who have the wisdom to notice them.

Visit Monster.ca to read the complete article Too Busy Making A Living,as well as Reinvent Your Life, by Lisa Epstein, and others that offer insightsand advice on life and career management.

Flynn Canada Ltd. Now Hiring entry level and experienced Estimators to work from our Ottawa office.

Flynn Canada Ltd., Canada’s leading building envelope trade contractor in the institutional, commercial and industrial construction market place requires entry level and experienced Estimators, to work from our Ottawa, Ontario location.

For over 30 years, Flynn Canada Ltd. has enjoyed steady growth and success by providing quality contracting services and design assistance to ensure long-term performance and customer satisfaction. As a contractor, Flynn Canada Ltd. plays a key role in blending architectural visions with practical detailing to ensure quality, functional, and high-performance Roof and Wall Systems.

Flynn Canada Ltd. is also extremely proud to have been awarded the title of “Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies” for nine consecutive years.

For more information on Flynn Canada Ltd. please visit us at, www.flynn.ca

Responsibilities:

- Attending pre-tender site meetings to prepare an accurate estimate
- Preparing takeoffs/estimates for assigned jobs
- Preparing and following-up on quotations and tenders
- Ordering Bid Bonds, Performance Bonds, Agreements to Bonds, Tender deposits, WSIB Certificates, Insurance Certificates, CAD 7s, Letters of Reference, CCDC Documents
- Reviewing all contracts and accepted quotations
- Writing up work orders
- Preparing material order sheets
- Assisting Production or Service with preparing prices for extras or credits
- Staying aware and informed of all new materials or techniques by attending material manufacturer’s seminars, trade shows, etc.

Skills Required:

- Architectural Technology Diploma, Estimating Certificate, or equivalent work experience
- Strong blueprint reading skills
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work in a fast pace environment
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to multitask



Flynn Canada Ltd. offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Interested candidates may forward their resume to, recruitment@flynn.ca or fax, 1-905-740-2041

Skills Canada

Canadian construction job market should remain somewhat tight into 2009

by John Clinkard

While the total value of building permits fell by 5.3% month over month in June 2008, they were actually up by 13.1% quarter over quarter for the second quarter of 2008 as a whole. This figure marks the second largest increase in more than 10 years, and follows an 8.2% drop in the first quarter.

Surprisingly, all four major construction sectors contributed to the quarterly increase in total building permits.

The commercial construction sector saw an increase of 31.2% in the value of commercial building permits, following a 4.3% drop in the first quarter.

The total value of residential building permits increased by 5.8% in the second quarter, its strongest quarterly increase since second-quarter 2007. This increase comes despite declines in sales of existing homes and rising numbers of completed and unabsorbed single and semi-detached dwelling units.

The value of institutional building permits increased by a very solid 19.9% in the second quarter, following an 11% drop in the first.

Finally, despite the strong dollar and eroding manufacturing profits, the value of industrial building permits was up by 10.8% in the second-quarter, due to healthy increases in Ontario, Quebec, all four Atlantic provinces, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

In view of this broad-based increase in the total value of residential and non-residential building permits, it is not really surprising that the construction sector added 10,000 jobs in July, while the rest of the economy lost 65,500. Although the majority of July’s new construction jobs were in British Columbia, year-to-date construction employment is up in every province except Nova Scotia.

Looking forward, the healthy increase in both residential and non-residential building intentions in the second quarter will probably ensure that the construction job market in general remains fairly tight into 2009.

Having said this, the recent pull-back in housing starts and the slowdown in the growth of new house prices indicate that single-family residential construction will steadily weaken over the next several quarters.

However, this pull-back should be offset in part by moderate growth of multi-unit residential, commercial, institutional and industrial building, growth that should extend into 2009.

Jobs boom went bust in July: Statistics Canada

OTTAWA — The job boom went bust in July, with the loss of 55,000 jobs, the worst single-month drop since the height of the recession of the early 1990s.

Statistics Canada said the unemployment rate actually slipped to 6.1 per cent in July from 6.2 per cent in June, but only because many people - especially the young - left the work force. The economy is clearly slowing, analysts said.

"The Canadian economy is clearly downshifting in response to the downturn in the U.S. and the past run up in the Canadian dollar," said Michael Gregory of BMO Capital Markets.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE

Ellis Don - Construction Manager

Construction Manager

Locations: Calgary, Fort McMurray, Edmonton and Halifax

EllisDon is a global construction services company that cares about only three things:

Maximizing the success of our clients, creating terrific opportunities for our employees, and demonstrating innovative leadership within our company. We have a fifty-seven year history of building and operate by a unique set of values: mutual trust, entrepreneurialism, and execution.

We believe it is through choice that people take advantage of the opportunities at EllisDon. We are a company focused on continually searching out opportunities to make a difference, to become stronger, to stay a leader.EllisDon is pursuing various projects in Calgary, Fort McMurray and Halifax and is looking for qualified candidates for each location.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:
· Oversee total construction effort to ensure project is constructed in accordance with design, budget and schedule. Includes interfacing with client
· representatives, architect representative, subcontractors, security, etc
· Plan, coordinate and/or supervise activities of all company personnel on assigned project(s)
· Authorize/approve all project personnel transactions, purchase requisitions, change requests, etc
· Ensure all company, client, and project policies, procedures, standards, etc., are adhered to. Interpret policies as required
· Provide direction to planning, scheduling, and engineering functions as required
· Perform additional assignments per supervisor's direction.

Skills, Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience:

High-rise commercial, heath care and retail construction background
Has completed projects in excess of $100 million
Must have 15 - 20 years construction related experience
Confident in abilities and proven track record.

To apply, please visit our Careers section on http://www.ellisdon.com/

Thank you for your interest in EllisDon but please note that only qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Canada Green Building Council - VP Market Development

Canada Green Building Council has an opening for VP of Market Development for Ottawa. Deadline to apply is August 18.

Job Purpose
As a member of the VP team, the VP Market Development plays a key role in strategically advancing the Council’s mission and goals in the marketplace. Emphasis is on industry engagement and partnership development, training and education to enable the industry to take action toward the 2015 goal. The VP Market Development reports directly to the President & CEO and advises the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.

For more details following this link:CAGBC JOB OPENING

Second career starts here

Ontario is helping recently laid-off unemployed workers get the training they need for a new career. The Second Career program helps people enter new occupations where there is high demand.

Who is it for?

Second Career is for recently laid-off, unemployed workers, whether eligible for Employment Insurance or not.

What type of help is provided?

Second Career can provide financial support to assist with skills training costs. A list of possible careers is available.

What types of skills training programs are covered?

Second Career can help with training for high-skills jobs that are in demand. For example, there are many high-skills occupations in the growing fields of:

Healthcare
Construction
Hospitality and tourism

Second Career can assist with the training needed for a new career, which might be offered by:

Community Colleges
Private training schools

When and how can people apply?

Recently laid-off, unemployed workers – whether eligible for Employment Insurance or not – can apply to participate in Second Career.

To apply, they need to visit an Employment Ontario assessment centre. At the centre, an employment counsellor will:

Help them identify their skills, experience and education
Ask them about their career goals and interests
Determine which programs and services best suit their needs.
If the assessment centre counsellor thinks Second Career is the right choice, he or she will help with the application process.

Getting started

There are nearly 150 Employment Ontario assessment centres providing Second Career. You can call the Employment Ontario hotline at 1-800-387-5656 to find the centre nearest you. Or call any Employment Ontario office. You can find Employment Ontario offices near you on this website.

Working Together
Ontario receives support for some skills training programs from the Government of Canada

Apprenticeships 101 - learn how to get into the trades

BY MARIA TZAVARAS

Each year, thousands of Ontario students embark on a post-secondary education. However, mainstream careers aren't for everyone and a career in a skilled trade is a great option for those who aren't keen on continuing their education in the classroom.

"If a student is very practically based than apprenticeship training may be the best opportunity for them," said Diane Gooch, manager of recruitment at Centennial College in Scarborough.
There are about 140 apprenticeship careers in Ontario in four sectors: construction; industrial manufacturing; motive power or transportation; and service. Gooch said the benefits of choosing an apprenticeship is that it's a paying job and classroom time is minimal.

"For a lot of people, the classroom may not be the best setting for them. To be working for four days a week and going to college for one maybe more motivating, they work better that way," she said.

Gooch said there are a few different ways to become part of a trade.
One option is that students must find an employer on their own and then register with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Apprenticeship adjustment branch (416-326-5800). From there, the ministry helps the student find a college placement.

"Students actually do on-the-job training before they come to college," Gooch said. "They have to work with an employer first and then the ministry will arrange for them to go to college to get more of the theory and some of the experience they won't get in the workplace."

However, the down side is that many students do not have enough experience to find an opportunity with an employer and, "for an employer to pay somebody they have to have some sort of skill to offer," she said.

To gain experience, Gooch suggests a co-op such as the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program (OYAP), which many high schools offer.

"So an employer knows they are fairly good because they have been doing it for the past year ... and they're willing to take them on as an apprentice," she said.

But for those who don't have experience, another option is taking a two-year college program to obtain the needed skills. However, doing it this way means students won't be paid.

A few years ago, the ministry introduced the co-op diploma apprenticeship program, which combines a college diploma program and apprenticeship training leading to a certificate of qualification.

"For example, at Centennial we offer automotive service, heavy-duty equipment ... so the students will do two semesters in the classroom, then spend eight months with an employer for which they get paid and then two semesters back in the classroom and end up with a diploma," she said.

Gooch said often employers hire students when they're finished. However, while being paid is guaranteed, the placement being nearby or being hired on is not.
"However, if you come and do our full-time, two-year program ... our employment centre will help you locate an opportunity," she said.

Like any career path, finding an apprenticeship isn't without its obstacles and Judith Andrews knows about many of them.

Andrews is the vice-president, Ontario, of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which provides a voice for its 105,000 members, 42,000 of whom live in Ontario. Andrews stays on top of the issues facing small- and medium-sized businesses through regular surveys. They also lobby at the federal, provincial and local levels of government.
Andrews said there are some issues surrounding Ontario trades that are affecting people who are trying to find apprenticeship training as well as employers who are seeking apprentices.

Associate Publisher for the Ottawa Construction News

We've received dozens of resumes for a career opportunity with high five-figure income potential (and within a few years, solid six figure earnings and an equity stake) but still are loooking for the right person to be the Associate Publisher for Ottawa Construction News. You would also work with the Ontario Construction Report and the GOHBA Impact!

Why the (careful) search?


It isn't that the pre-stated qualifications for this career opportunity are too high. You won't need to work weekends, and evening work is one or two nights a month (for some industry association events). We aren't imposing particular educational requirements, and you don't need any sales experience to start.

And we guarantee a fair salary

At least $40,000 per year, possibly more at the start if your experience or initiative shows you are right for the work -- realistic income potential (within your first year of employment) is $60,000 to $90,000 per year.

But we haven't hired any of the hundreds of people who have sent in resumes so far . . . Why?

Because we are looking for someone seeking more than a 'job'; someone who appreciates that a resume and interview cannot tell the story, and who understands that effective selling is NOT ripping through call lists, bugging people with blind and thoughtless cold calls, and mechanically behaving like the horrible salespeople you've seen countless times in your life.

Rewarding work

So we need to assess for comfort and skill in a selling occupation; then, if you have these abilities, we'll show you how to stop 'selling' and start sharing. It's a whole lot more fun and makes each day a pleasure.

Age, gender, race (any of the stereotypes) don't matter.

You need to be able to understand and speak English clearly (this after all is a communications service), be comfortable working without close supervision, and have access to your own vehicle -- our clients are not often on convenient bus routes! And you need solid, verifiable references -- if you have skeletons in your closet, let us know about them right away or you won't be hired, no matter how good you seem, otherwise. It helps to be computer literate -- we are rebuilding our website and Internet-related marketing will be an important part of the business in the years ahead.

How to apply

Send an email to me at buckshon@cnrgp.com. You can get some information about the work at our careers blog. I'll respond with instructions on where to send your resume. We'll follow up with a questionnaire, and if you qualify, the thorough evaluation begins (we'll pay you for your time for the parts that require serious effort.) You can also call me at 613-224-3460 ext 224 and I'll do my best to return your call within two business days.

Mark Buckshon
President, Construction News and Report Group of Companies
buckshon@cnrgp.com

Blog: http://www.constructionmarketingideas.blogspot.com/

888-432-3555 ext 224.

Construction Project Coordinator- BECC

Title: Construction Project Coordinator Classification: Salaried, Full Time


The role of a Project Coordinator reports to the Project Manager and Construction Manager. You will work to assist and support the project manager and site superintendent. You will be responsible to coordinate, expedite and distribute all project information and changes such that the project priorities with respect to schedule, performance and costs are achieved. This position may also include estimating and assisting in preparing budgets & closing tenders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Project administration including: pricing of change orders, tracking requests for information, review of shop drawings and coordination of information provided and required by sub-trades.
- Planning and budgeting, estimating, contract management, project administration.
- Ability to read and interpret drawings and coordinate shop drawing approvals.
- Coordinate information between site and head office.
- Preparing and updating schedule under the direction of the project manager.
- Updating project budget and costs during construction.
- Proactively identifying, addressing and resolving issues and problems as or before they occur.
- Providing assistance to ensure project health, safety and environmental standards meet legislated requirements and company policy.
- Developing and maintaining positive relationships with clients, consultants, sub-trades and suppliers.
- Coordination of trade contractors.
- Miscellaneous duties as required.
- Maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity

REQUIRED SKILLS:

- Bachelors degree or diploma in a construction related program.
- Decision making and creative problem solving skills
- Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills (Written and verbal).
- Leadership abilities along with a strong team orientation are essential.
- Excellent organization skills.
- Maintains the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity.
- Knowledge of computer, Excel, Word, outlook experience.
- Should have demonstrated as a project coordinator supplemented by other aspect of construction management including cost estimating.

To apply send resume to:
BECC Construction Group
28 Westwyn Court Unit #3
Brampton, ON L6T 4T5
Fax: 905-608-9929

hr@thebeccgroup.com.

Check out other BECC openings:

Construction Site Superintendant

Construction Project Manager

Construction Site Superintendant - BECC

Title: Construction Site Superintendant Classification: Salaried, Full Time


The role of a Site Superintendent is to ensure that all aspects of the construction are effectively coordinated and meet all project requirements. You will also play a key role in developing and maintaining positive relationships with clients, consultants and sub-trades with a focus on mutual trust and respect. You will report to the Project Manager and Construction Manager . The capacity to grow beyond this position is available.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Responsible for all on-site construction activities on a daily basis.
- Monitor and ensure project plans, schedules and budgets are followed.
- Ensure safety and quality standards are met.
- Supervise and coordinate field staff and sub-contractors.
- Work with and advise senior management to prevent or resolve potential problems regarding scheduling, quality or cost control and various other site matters.
- Work closely with the project manager, consultants, trade contractors, inspectors and regulatory agencies to prepare and execute project plans.
- Proactively identifying, addressing and resolving issues and problems as or before they occur.
- Implementing corrective action where necessary to catch up and meet key milestone dates.
- Coordination of trade contractors.
- Miscellaneous duties as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

- This position requires an experienced construction site superintendent possessing well developed people and supervisory skills and sound business judgment.
- Outstanding interpersonal and people management skills.
- Maintains the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity.
- Over 5 years hands on experience in the capacity of site superintendent.
- Self motivated ability to work proactively.
- Valid class G drivers license with clean drivers abstract.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with trades, labours, supervisors and clients.
- Knowledge of computer, Excel, Word, outlook experience.
- Relevant degree or diploma in Construction related Program or equivalent an asset.
- The capacity to grow beyond this position is available.
- Demonstrated experience as a site superintendant with thorough knowledge of scheduling, cost & quality control, blue prints, engineering drawings and building codes.

To apply send resume to:

BECC Construction Group

28 Westwyn Court Unit #3

Brampton, ON L6T 4T5

Fax: 905-608-9929

hr@thebeccgroup.com.

Construction Project Manager - BECC

Title: Construction Project Manager Classification: Salaried, Full Time


The role of a Construction Project Manger will assume total responsibility from receipt of the budget and signed contract through completion and final payment. The project manager works closely with the superintendant and clients to ensure that proper communications are maintained in order that economical, on-time and highest quality construction will be achieved at all times. A true team approach will be implemented for all construction projects, which will include both project and field personnel. You will report to the president.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop and strengthening client relations. Accurate project estimates from conception through construction.

- Work with the superintendents to ensure projects are kept within budget and scope of work.
- Development of initial schedule for estimating and contract.
- Coordination of various office departments’ support as projects require.
- Manage and document project all administration functions.
- Professional aptitude to attend job site meetings and interact with clients, trades, vendors and project team members.
- Ensure that safety and environmental standards are followed at all times.
- Provide leadership and direction to subordinates and sub trades on various sizes of construction projects.
- Maintain the highest standards of professional ethics and integrity.


REQUIRED SKILLS:

- Bachelors’ degree in a construction related field or equivalent.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize and complete numerous projects in a timely manner.
- Thorough understanding of corporate and industry practices, processes, standards etc. and their impact on project activities.
- Excellent communication (Written and verbal) and interpersonal skills with trades, labours, supervisors and clients.
- Knowledge of computer, Excel, Word, MS Project and Primavera.
- Demonstrated experience in the role of Project Manager in the construction industry.

To apply send resume to:
BECC Construction Group
28 Westwyn Court Unit #3
Brampton, ON L6T 4T5

Fax: 905-608-9929

hr@thebeccgroup.com.

Ontario is helping Niagara College grow

Ontario is helping Niagara College grow so more students can train for jobs in skilled trades.
The province will invest $15.4 million in a major expansion to skilled trades training classroom space at Niagara College's Welland campus. The college will soon be able to welcome 730 more students and apprentices. The expansion will cost $18.3 million, and create more than 180 construction jobs.
Many high-growth industries face shortages of people with the right skills. The government's three-year, $1.5-billion Skills to Jobs Action Plan is aimed at closing that gap. Niagara College will train more welders, carpenters, electricians and other tradespeople in the skills employers are looking for.

“A lot of employers are having a hard time finding workers with the right skills, so there are jobs going begging. Investing in Niagara College means giving our people the opportunities they need and improving our economic advantage,” said Premier Dalton McGuinty.“By investing in post secondary institutions like Niagara College and the skills and programs they offer, we are strengthening our
economy and helping to improve everyone's quality of life,” said St. Catharines MPP Jim Bradley.
“We have the right plan for the times, one that builds a stronger Ontario by investing in our greatest asset — our people,” said Kim Craitor, MPP Niagara Falls.

Niagara College offers programs as part of Ontario's Second Career Strategy.
More than 6,000 full time students and over 15,000 continuing education students attend Niagara College.
The college is ranked first overall in student satisfaction among all Ontario colleges.

Learn how you can become an apprentice in Ontario.
Find out more about Ontario's colleges and universities.

Skills Canada

A great resource for Skills Training is the Skills Canada website

Since its inception in 1989, S/CC has evolved into a pan-Canadian organization offering skilled trades and technology competitions at the regional, provincial/territorial, national and international levels as well as other awareness programs for thousands of young Canadians.
Skills/Compétences Canada is also a founding partner of the national awareness campaign, "Skilled Trades: A Career You Can Build On ".
Over the next two decades, employers in Canada will find it difficult to hire and retain skilled workers. We want to help Canada’s industries find well-trained, well-prepared young people to fill these positions. S/CC wants youth to understand the many opportunities, benefits and rewards of skilled trade and technology careers. Improving the expertise and confidence of individuals pursuing technical careers will benefit us all.

Associate Publisher Ottawa Construction News

This work is primarily about effective selling -- though the selling process in our business is unconventional in that the biggest sales often require the 'purchaser' to spend no money -- while achieving substantial value/results. You will spend much of your time 'connecting' in the community -- and much on the phone -- tracking down leads, arranging appointments, and selling advertising.
You should be based in the greater Ottawa area. You can work from your own home, as well as our modest offices in the Merivale Industrial Area (it is important to be in the office one or two days a week, for meetings and to connect with the other employees, and in the early months of employment, you should plan to work from the office most days of the week).
Most work is daytime business hours, but you should plan on a few evening events/meetings a month. There is little weekend work. You should have access to your own transportation.
Experience in sales work is useful, but not essential -- we can show you the ropes if you have the right attributes.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please email your resume to greatcareer@cnrgp.com We'll send you a questionnaire which you need to complete to receive further consideration.

Welcome to Construction Jobs and Careers

The one thing I have been noticing since I ventured into the world of Construction a year ago is the constant discussion around the shortage of skilled workers.

The purpose of this blog is to highlight industry trends from government initiatives, skills and educational training in our Universirties and Colleges to the demands of the companies looking for employers.

Over the next few weeks I will be sharing articles about new training initiatives and companies looking to fill current openings.

If you have a job you would like to post or share your experiences of finding work & training for today's construction industry please contact me chasemarketing@sympatico.ca