Dubai to Build World’s First 3D Printed Office

The United Arab Emirates National Innovation Committee has revealed a project to create the world’s first ever 3-D printed office building. Read more.

Safety: It’s Also Good for Business

As an industry, our discussion on health and safety issues focusses mainly on the impact of the wellbeing of people on our jobsites. But there’s a business case to be made for health and safety as well.  Here are ten reasons why you need to buy into health and safety. Read more.
Safety Apps
It’s becoming more common for project teams to investigate software and app options that will allow them to make use of smart devices on site. Read more.

Alcohol Testing in the Construction Industry

Everyone, including employees, stand to gain from safety in the workplace. So what can you do to protect worker and public safety if you are concerned about alcohol use or abuse in the workplace? Read more.

 

Workers Encouraged to Stay Hydrated

B.C. is in the midst of a record-breaking heat wave and while many are hitting the beaches and camping, construction crews are on the jobsite. Hard work in the hot sun can be more than unpleasant – it can be dangerous. Read more.

Financial Issues Thwart Apprentices

Financial issues are among the biggest challenges apprentices must overcome to successfully complete their training, says a labour market analyst. Read more.

 

Tapping into Kids’ Passion for Minecraft in the Classroom

Even young children can quickly progress from building a simple survival hut to creating impressive structures. For instance, the year three girls in a research project called Serious Play rebuilt their school in Minecraft. To achieve this they had to use a range of design, maths, art and geography skills. Read more.

Key Developments in the Canadian Construction Market

Despite the negative impact of low oil prices in the economy of oil producing provinces, Alberta and British Columbia registered the highest gains in investment on non-residential construction in 1Q15; 4% and 2% growth respectively. Read more.

Ottawa Relaxes Integrity Rules for Firms Doing Business with Government

The federal government has softened tough anti-corruption rules for companies that want to do business with Ottawa. Read more.

 

Save the Date: Apprenticeship Symposium

Join CAF-FCA for a two-day symposium on October 22 & 23 at the Delta Ottawa City Centre in Ottawa.  CAF-FCA will host roundtable sessions and face-to-face networking opportunities as we share new research findings on the hottest topics in apprenticeship: demand for skilled tradespeople and the mobility of apprentices. To receive event updates, contact info@caf-fca.org.
The symposium will include opportunities to:
– Learn more about recent research to define the qualifications employers want
– Provide input on labour market intelligence related specifically to apprenticeship
– Share labour market planning strategies related to recruitment and training
– Learn about challenges identified by apprentices and employers when an apprentice moves prior to certification
– Hear how recent harmonization efforts are progressing
– Brainstorm supports and solutions to facilitate apprentice mobility

 

Regional Roundtable Report: Youth Apprenticeship Across Canada

Promoting skilled trades careers to youth, parents and educators remains an important priority among apprenticeship stakeholders.  CAF-FCA convened a roundtable on May 28, 2015 in Saskatoon to provide insight into the objectives, approaches and design of youth apprenticeship programs in different parts of the country.  Discussion encouraged participants to identify ways they can support youth apprenticeship programs, maximizing the impact of these programs as a pathway into the trades. A report on the event is now available, along with a host of related resources. Read more.