7 February, 2024
A Rallying Call for Advocacy in Construction: Speaking out on much-needed industry changes
Kevin here from Twin Lions. As an industry, there’s something we really need to address – the urgent need for advocacy in our field. In the wide world of construction, advocacy might not be the first thing we talk about, but its role is as crucial as the foundations we lay.
Advocacy: The Key to Our Industry’s Future
We’re at a critical juncture. The reality is, without a grassroots push for the trades as a primary career choice, we risk stagnation and a future where our industry doesn’t meet its potential. With immigration and the need for new homes in British Columbia at an all time high, communities are counting on us, but if we don’t act soon, there won’t be enough skilled tradespeople to meet this demand. It’s up to us to offer equitable pay, establish strong company cultures, and build businesses that thrive.
Combating High Turnover with Culture and Camaraderie
It’s no secret that there’s high turnover in our industry. Many women entering the trades leave within a year. Why? Because most construction companies haven’t created an environment where people feel valued and are excited to come to work. There’s a lack of camaraderie, insufficient focus on DEI, and not enough career path visibility for employees, especially those from underrepresented groups. We need to push for proper skills training, work/life balance, and a fun, healthy culture, but most importantly: DEI. Let’s face it: there are misconceptions and underrepresentation in our field. We need to keep pushing to break down these barriers, ensuring the voices and stories of our fellow tradespeople are heard loud and clear.
Elevating Trades as a Primary Career Choice
At Twin Lions, we’re committed to elevating trades, which is often misrepresented as a “backup option” instead of being viewed as a primary career choice. Our team attends career fairs, engages with students, and showcases the real opportunities in our industry. But this effort needs to be industry-wide. We all need to emphasize the value of vocational education and the diverse, rewarding career paths available in construction.
Your Role in Shaping the Industry
To my fellow construction companies, let’s join forces. Let’s encourage open discussions about mental health and make our sites places where everyone feels they belong. With our collective efforts, we can make construction a first-choice career and foster an environment where diverse talents see a future for themselves. We have the power to reshape our industry for the better, but it starts with each of us committing to these changes.
Together, we can build an industry that thrives – not just in profits and projects, but in people and passion.
