MCABC is taking a proactive approach to industry challenges
British Columbia’s strong and continuously expanding construction industry combined with labour market challenges is putting significant pressure on the Mechanical Contracting industry’s labour force. This shortage will be exacerbated with changing demographics and the
retirement of older skilled workers.
MCABC’s Board of Directors recognized this as a key issue and prioritized it, deciding that specific and dedicated consideration on the matter was essential. In late spring, the MCABC Board of Directors and nominees for the
2023 Board of Directors met for a day-long strategy session. With the guidance of a facilitator, they explored how
MCABC can be a leader for change for
the industry and strategize around the current labour market.
The takeaway was clear: more proactive and creative strategies are required to get in front of the needs.
Mechanical Contractors have an opportunity to work together and lead the development of bold and innovative approaches to meet today and tomorrow’s workforce requirements.
Key focus areas
From the session, five key areas of focus and initiative-building emerged:
- Attracting new people to the industry.
- Making our industry an attractive lifestyle choice.
- Modernizing the way people are trained to enter the industry.
- Making it easier to grow careers once in the industry.
- Partnering with policy and influence makers to streamline and align regulation, education, and processes.
MCABC is the uniting voice of the industry
MCABC believes that industry challenges are best addressed through
collaborative and aligned approaches. Our advocacy for prompt payment
legislation and our engagement with government on climate action and trades
training are additional examples of our focus in action. MCABC is ready
to strategize around these causes and represent the industry, and the Board of
Directors is regularly prioritizing around the top barriers and pivoting in response
to the ever-changing industry. Support from the wider industry will only
strengthen our reach and influence.
We represent the largest segment of trades in construction in the
province, an industry which accounts for nearly 10% of GDP. This includes
Plumbers, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanics, Boilermakers,
Gasfitters, Steamfittters/Pipefitters, Sprinkler Fitters, Instrumentation &
Control Technicians, Welders, Sheet Metal Workers, and Insulators.
We share this with you, our members, stakeholders, and changemakers because we know we are stronger together. With your input, expertise, and support MCABC can continue to be instrumental in proactively shaping this industry.
If any of the above key areas of focus resonate with you and you want to help MCABC lead change in these areas, we want to hear from you. Our Membership Committee and Service Committee are two priority areas for member involvement. Your voice can help shape the future of our industry.
Signed,
