Posts

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.

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.

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.

 

 

GDP by Industry – April 2015

Nova Scotia Daily Stats – Canada’s real GDP was down 0.1 per cent in April, the fourth consecutive monthly decline. Goods production fell the fourth month in a row with a decline of 0.8 per cent while service-producing industries were up 0.3 per cent. Compared to April 2014, real GDP was up 1.2 per cent. Read more.

Pieridae gets green light to export natural gas

Pieridae Energy Canada has received approval from the United States Department of Energy to export American natural gas to countries with which the U.S. has free trade agreements. While the proponent for a proposed $8.3-billion liquefied natural gas export terminal in Guysborough County hailed the approval as a “significant milestone,” the important permit is yet to come. Read more.

Video: Making Nova Scotia the Safest Place to Work in Canada

At the Safety Services Nova Scotia conference on March 23, 2015, the following video was unveiled. We’re seeing real progress – workers, employers, and safety leaders, are all stepping up to help make Nova Scotia the safest place to work in Canada. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EneG7-sBU20&feature=youtu.be

Apprenticeship Agency Industry Briefing – February 26th

Industry representatives are invited to attend an update on the changes underway to Nova Scotia’s Apprenticeship system, and participate in identifying the priorities for the new agency. This event will take place on Wednesday, February 26, 2014, from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Westin Halifax Hotel. (Download invitation.)

Visit  http://nsapprenticeship.ca/agency/ to find the discussion paper and to register.