Chatham-Kent Home Builders Association presented Careers in Construction for the first time at Chatham Christian School recently.
Led by Past President Dan Vanmoorsel of Dresden Ready Mix and Executive Officer Kevin Owen of Owen Flooring, the first Chatham-Kent Careers in Construction presentation was a success.
The presentation is something that members of CKHBA have been designing and working on for a little over a year, driven by Vanmoorsel.
The idea, according to Owen, is to go into high schools and talk about the different career opportunities in the construction industry.
“Our program is designed to engage youth and get them talking and thinking about a career in construction,” Owen said.
He said more high school Careers in Construction presentations are currently being booked for Vanmoorsel, himself and the CKHBA.
“CKHBA had a great experience with the presentations at Chatham Christian School and are very excited to present at Ursuline College ‘The Pines,’ along with the other high
schools in the area,” Owen added.
Vanmoorsel said the intent of the program is to create more awareness in high school students about different career paths related to construction, and answer questions.
“The purpose for Careers in Construction is to educate youth on the possible career opportunities available in construction, as well as the advantages that come with them,” Vanmoorsel noted.
There is a need for more skilled labour, Owen said.
“One of the biggest challenges of running a residential construction or renovation company is finding skilled employees and hopefully speaking to youth about their future will help change that.”
Vice-Principal Tom Deelstra of Chatham Christian School had positive feedback about the presentation to his students.
“The CKHBA presentation on Careers in Construction was excellent. Dan and Kevin were informative and engaging. They were able to show our students specific examples of
how there are many viable career options in the trades, including right here in Chatham Kent,” Deelstra said. “Their presentation style drew our students in and they were able to get great dialogue going about the trades industry during the presentation and afterwards in the halls. I appreciated that the association made the effort to connect with our students in a meaningful way and I am excited about the possibilities moving forward.”
