Jump Start -- by Mark Sproxton

Cranes are challenging the Rockies as the most dominant feature of the city's skyline. Away from downtown, houses are being built at a break-neck pace. In a nutshell, the construction industry is thriving, and so are the opportunities for anyone considering work in this diverse industry.

An eight-month old Calgary-based construction training program takes those considering work in the industry to the heat of the action. The Calgary Construction Association's Youth Employment Program, in conjunction with Human Resources Development Canada, offers the opportunity of three-weeks paid work in any of 43 different occupations.

Mark Coombs, 21, earned his entry into the program in mid February. He's now in the process of completing his apprenticeship application as a sheet metal worker with West Air Sheet Metal Ltd. "It gave me a good idea of exactly what's involved in the trade," he said, adding that he doubts he could have landed an apprenticeship as quickly without the program. "It was a good experience. It really helped me figure out if I would take a job or not."

Since workers began being placed last October, most of the program workers have come away with job offers, said Judy Sprigings, program co-ordinator. "I'm not looking for jobs for people, I'm setting them up so they have the tools to build with," she explained. "If you're retained, it's because of what you put into it."

To qualify for the program, interested candidates phone Sprigings to set up an interview. At that time, she helps with resumes and assesses each person for skills, career interests and program qualifications. Those who qualify must be between 18 and 29 years old, be unemployed or underemployed (part-time work for example), and must show a true interest in building a career in the construction industry. Once a potential candidate has chosen one of the 43 occupation possibilities, Sprigings then conveys more information about what that occupation is all about.

If the candidate is interested in continuing with the program, his/her resume is put in a bank. "It may take one to five weeks to get a placement," Sprigings added. "I'm not just a temp agency." Once in a placement, participants are paid a $5.40 per hour training allowance and will work between 30 to 40 hours a week for three weeks. On the job, the participant will gain practical experience and learn directly from experienced mentors through job shadowing. While in the placement, participants must keep in contact with Sprigings ensuring the participant and the employer are happy.

"I've been impressed with the quality of candidates I've been getting," she said. "I'm pleased with the feedback from the employers." Sprigings can be reached by phone at 262-4898.

With some predicting as many as 30,000 construction jobs being created in the next 10 years in Alberta, now may be the time to consider this industry further. Although there are positions for those with little training or experience, workers with a definite skill set are more easily employed. A few ways to get involved in the industry include:

Those in high school can complete their schooling while enrolling in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP). This program allows participants to earn credit toward an apprenticeship in approximately 30 construction-related trades, and credits toward a high school diploma. For more information about RAP contact your high school counsellor, the nearest Advanced Education and Career Development Centre, call The Career Information Hotline at 1-800 661-3753, or visit www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca.

B>Merit Contractors Association, a group of about 400 non-union construction industry employers, offers a wide range of youth employment initiatives including scholarships and safety training. For more information call 291-9247 or visit the 'net site at www.meritca.com.

The YWCA's Women's Trade Centre offers women 19 and over an opportunity to ease into a still male-dominated industry. After going through a screening and skill assessment process, applicants can register for courses in carpentry, painting, electrical and building mechanics. The program, run in conjunction with SAIT, includes sessions on work culture, orientation to tools and equipment, first aid along with work placements and help with job searches if required. Call 294-7345 for more information.

SAIT's continuing education department offers pre-employment apprenticeship programs in construction-related trades such as plumbing, refrigeration and air conditioning, sheet metal, and welding. Other courses to further develop skills are also available. Visit www.sait.ab.ca for more details.

The Mennonite Central Committee offers trades training programs to help anyone become a welder, carpenter, plumber, and electrician. Those interested in one of the trades sign up for training, go through a skill assessment, interview, then begin upgrading math and science abilities, for example, before moving to SAIT for technical training. Once the training is complete MCC will help arrange a work experience placement. For more information call 272-9323.