Innovation in Youth Engagement

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1 2018 National Apprenticeship Conference Management and Labour working together to develop industry led human resource solutions that support industry growth and viable/sustainable employment for skilled trades.

2 Who We Are The Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council Industrial-Commercial-Institutional (NSCSC-ICI) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2000 (formerly a Regional Industry Training Council RITC ). Located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. NSCSC s Board of Directors oversees and directs the Council s activities and is made up of both management and labour representatives from across the province. NSCSC management and labour organizations work closely with partner and stakeholder associations and organizations to find solutions to issues in the ICI construction industry.

3 Vision Mission Labour and management working together to support the development, responsiveness, and sustainability of the ICI construction sector in Nova Scotia. To change how we see construction in Nova Scotia. Member Organizations

4 What We Do Research & Development Projects Liaise with Industry & Government Industry Initiatives Industry Services Training Youth Engagement / Career Awareness / Industry Showcases

5 Career Awareness Industry showcases Career fairs Community groups / centres Conferences Youth at risk Junior high schools High schools Adult learners Job seekers / transitioners

6 Origin Story We were travelling to Career Fairs across Nova Scotia. We realized we needed a better and more engaging way to get youth interested in construction Office relocation in 2012 Empty warehouse combined with a big idea, and support from industry and government Construction commenced fall of 2012

7 Construction

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9 Original Goals / Concept Provide hands-on experiential learning opportunities for occupations in construction Present a gallery of construction related materials, tools, images, etc. Promote career opportunities in the ICI construction sector Clarify paths for pursuing careers in the sector Link to LMI (Career Path Brochures) Combine efforts to promote training programs specific to ICI construction sector (public and private) Build industry and stakeholder partnerships Accommodate 1 visit per month

10 TRADES EXHIBITION HALL One-of-a-kind career awareness facility, built in partnership with unionized contractors, construction trade unions, industry training providers, and the Nova Scotia Government

11 Grand Opening April 2014

12 Booths Management Pipe Trades Finishing Trades Carpenter and Millwright Bricklayer Operating Engineers

13 Booths Electrician Insulator Ironworker Sheet Metal Worker Non-Destructive Testing Boilermaker Labourer

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20 Video

21 Features of a Visit Safety Orientation Personal Protective Equipment (hard hats, safety glasses, toe protection) Experienced industry professionals Approx. 2-6 hours of interactive learning

22 Visitors Students - Grades 7 12 Special interest groups (Aboriginal Youth Skilled Trades Fair, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, Women Unlimited, YMCA/Nova Scotia Works Clients, etc.) Over 5,500 visitors to-date 2-3 visits per week 62 schools, from all school regions across the province 1-2 Open Houses per year

23 Feedback

24 Media CBC Maclean s Magazine Atlantic Business Journal Halifax Chamber of Commerce Canadian Automatic Sprinkler Association (CASA) National Electrical Trade Council (NETCO) Global CTV

25 Lessons Learned The right fit where it lives, who will run it, fund it, etc. Industry buy-in multiple trades, employers, training providers, booth operators, etc. Government buy-in (departments and agencies representing education, apprenticeship, etc.) Find champions to get involved (teachers, employers, labour leaders, apprenticeship body / agency) Size of facility scale to accommodate Funding and cost (to build and operate) sponsorships, donations, branding, etc. Be prepared for the unexpected No one size fits all and it will be hard (if not impossible) to keep everyone happy

26 Advice to Operate Plan ahead: Schedule visits ahead of time. Communicate to teachers/stakeholders that it s better to book their visit early. This will help ensure all visit requests are met, as well as work out any scheduling issues. On average, we book our visits 2-3 months ahead of time. Expect the unexpected: Remember the day will rarely go as planned! Schools/groups may be late arriving, have to leave early, trades professionals may not show up, etc. It is important to be able to improvise and have a plan B in case things don t go according to plan. High interaction = high engagement: Through written and verbal feedback, we have learned hands-on activities/interactive booths are the highlight of our visitors day. The students are the most engaged when they are able to use their hands and try things out, instead of just talking. Make everything as hands on as possible.

27 Advice to Operate Have snacks on hand in case a student experiences low blood sugar, or forgets to bring a lunch (Granola bars, bananas, etc.). Take photos!: Take as many photos as possible - from the construction process to the operations. These photos will help show the value of the facility, and are great for promotional purposes. Resourcing: Hire somebody to be responsible for the Hall - coordinating visits with teachers and trades professionals to ensure the day runs smoothly. Adapt quickly, learn and grow: safety/first aid, different cultures, terminology, instructor-student interaction - adjust to audience, accommodate where you can, but don t sacrifice the core needs of the sector to facilitate visitors (keep it real) and constantly check-in with industry stakeholders.

28 Mobile Trades Hall!!! (Pilot)

29 Like Us on Follow Us on : Nova Scotia Construction Sector Council