On June 1st, the Construction Ready team collaborated with the South Island Partnership and Camosun College to host a Summer Opportunities Event for secondary students interested in careers in the trades.
In total, seventy students from across Victoria and surrounding areas, had the opportunity to participate in practice interview sessions to gain experience responding to the types of questions they would be asked when being interviewed for a position in the construction industry.
We met with Mark Bernhardt, President of Bernhardt Contracting Ltd., who participated in the event, to discuss why he is committed to providing guidance and opportunity to young people exploring careers in construction.
Why do you feel it is important to attend events such as the Summer Opportunities event?
To recruit talented people to our team and to help a younger generation enter the construction work force. With labour shortages, I think its important to start people young and help them to realize the potential that the trades have.
Why do you feel it is important to support young workers as they ready themselves for life after high school?
In my experience trades were not presented as a good option in high school. Presenting them as a good option at that age can save them a trip through other post secondary education that may not be the best fit for the student.
We couldn’t agree more Mark, a job in the trades is a viable option that offers many great career options for young people.
