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We're passionate about equipping Tech Ed teachers with the latest resources and insights to empower the next generation. From exciting workshop updates to cutting-edge resources, we're dedicated to bridging the gap between education and real-world skills. Join us on this journey as we explore the limitless possibilities of fostering innovation and preparing our youth for a world that's always evolving. Together, we'll make sure that the future remains "Skills Ready."

Simple yet effective, Skills Ready copper bracelet workshops a hit in middle school classrooms

May 15, 2023 (Campbell River, BC) – Skills Ready, the Construction Foundation of BC’s (CFBC) longest-running initiative, continues to make an impact on British Columbia classrooms and students participating in its workshops. The most recent example of Skills Ready’s impact comes through Vancouver Island’s Campbell River community, where a copper bracelet-making workshop that was introduced

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Local employers go above and beyond during Byrne Creek career fair

March 2, 2023 (Burnaby, BC) – A recent career fair held at Byrne Creek Community School had the typical feel associated with that of a well-attended and productive networking event, yet it was a genuine display of community engagement that resonated most with Construction Foundation of BC’s Rene Ragetli at day’s end. Ragetli, CFBC’s Director

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Train the Trainer workshops introduce ADST and Design Thinking to student-educators

The Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC) was on-site at the University of Victoria in late June to work with student-teachers on a day-long, Train the Trainer workshop that introduced Applied Design, Skills and Technology (ADST) and Design Thinking. Participants, all of which are secondary school educators, were introduced to dice, smartphone holder and nerve tester

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‘Empower Makers’ grant playing pivotal role with CFBC’s outreach efforts in BC

May 8, 2023 (Langford, BC) – Awarded to the Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC) in 2022, Black and Decker’s Empower Makers Global Impact Challenge tool grant has allowed the Foundation to provide support and education for schools and communities throughout the province of BC. Career Catalyst Randy Grey and his grant material and tool distribution

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Quesnel’s Young Women, Indigenous Youth Receive Trades Exposure through Red Seal Electrician Lisa Scott

March 8, 2023 (Quesnel, BC) – Later this month, Quesnel youth will have the opportunity to participate in two Spring Break Trades camps, developed to introduce the next generation of workers to potential career paths. Led by Red Seal electrician, Lisa Scott, the free-of-charge Young Women in Trades and Indigenous Youth in Trades camps are open

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Women In Trades Students Get Their Motors Running at Konquer Custom Rods

November 7, 2022 (Kelowna, BC) – Women in Trades students from School District 23 and Okanagan College received a behind-the-scenes tour with Konquer Custom Rods and Motorcycles. The Women in Trades programs, funded through Skilled Trades BC, offer women a supportive training environment where they can explore a variety of trades while also learning valuable construction

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Trades work experience opportunity leads to career moves for father and son duo

A recent work experience visit to Viaduct Sheet Metal by high school student Mason has opened the door for a potential career pathway for not only him, but his father Ricky, as well. The pair’s Viaduct experience is not only a great example of a feel good story, but a testament to the opportunities available

CFBC VISITS CHEMAINUS SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR AUTOMOTIVE WORKSHOP

The Construction Foundation of BC and students from Chemainus Secondary School’s ‘Intro to Trades’ class participated in a two-day workshop this month. Students were introduced to the automotive industry through a presentation and multiple, hands-on activities to get a small taste of what working in the Automotive industry would look like and require. With safety

SKILLS READY HOSTS PAIR OF EDUCATOR WORKSHOPS

The Construction Foundation of BC’s Skills Ready initiative held Professional Day workshops this past week with School District No. 78 (Fraser Cascades). Director of Project Operations René Ragetli introduced small groups of educators to trades-related activities that can benefit their classrooms. Two sessions were developed to encourage teachers to try additional hands-on activities in their

‘IT TRULY IS A JOURNEY’: JOHANNA EXCELLING IN CAREER AS CARPENTER

Johanna has found a stable career as a carpenter with Greyback Construction, allowing her to accomplish both her life and career goals, all while preparing for her future. Her journey as a tradeswoman began after her curiosity was peaked from viewing a poster advertising trades at her son’s school. Johanna had experience in a number

INDUSTRY INTERVIEWS: DRAKE HAS CONSTRUCTED A DREAM CAREER IN CARPENTRY

Carpenter Drake Sylvestre recently received his carpenter Red Seal certificate, married his wife and welcomed his first child all within the last year. The enthusiastic young carpenter has made major leaps in his career in an increasingly challenging environment brought on by a global pandemic.  Construction Foundation of BC Career Catalyst Dave Lovisa chatted with

INDUSTRY INTERVIEWS: ELECTRICIAN DUSTIN HANCE

Maintenance Electrician Dustin Hance sat down with Skills Ready Career Catalyst Dave Lovisa for an ‘Industry Interview’. Hance began his electrical career in 2012 and has since progressed to earn his Red Seal certification He shared his career journey, the barriers he has faced, plans for the future and advice for aspiring tradespeople in his

INDUSTRY INTERVIEWS: PROJECT MANAGER CHUCK CULLEN

Team Construction Management’s Chuck Cullen has found a rewarding career as a Senior Project Manager with the Kelowna-based construction outfit. Since moving to British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Cullen has progressed from an entry-level labourer to a Gold Seal certified Project Manager over the course of his career. Cullen quickly realized that ‘digging holes’ and ‘carrying

SKILLS READY KICKS OFF FALL SEASON WITH FLURRY OF YOUTH WORKSHOPS

Skills Ready has kicked off the Fall Season with a total of six workshops in late September, providing participants with an intro to metalwork and the trades careers in both Vancouver and Prince George areas. Skills Ready Director of Project Operations, Rene Ragetli is joined by sheet metal worker Sheila Sadler for the Lower Mainland workshops, while the

INDUSTRY INTERVIEWS: CARPENTER JULIE PATTERSON

Julie Patterson is the owner-operator of Julie Patterson Finishing Carpentry, located in Kelowna. Twelve and a half years after starting her career as a labourer, she is operating her own successful business. SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL Following in her mother’s footsteps of running her own business and a desire to work in an industry

CAREER PROFILE: SHEET METAL WORKER SHEILA

Sheila is a ticketed Sheet Metal worker at Viaduct Sheet Metal Ltd. in Surrey with 17 years of experience. She came into her career through a desire to provide for her family, curiosity and good luck and shared her experience of becoming a sheet metal worker with Skills Ready. Sheila struggled as a youth in

CAREER Q & A: YONI

We spoke with Mott Electric third year apprentice Yoni about his time as an electrician and some of the experiences he’s had in his electrical career to date. What’s your name and where are you from?My name is Yoni, I’m from the Lower mainland in Richmond and I work for Mott Electric as an electrician.

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