IUPAT DC38 Local 163 Rep Kevin Weston and President & Director of Training Paddy Byrne presented the Be More Than A Bystander training to the Level 1 and 2 Painting & Decorating class at the FTI BC on Friday, January 31.
This training is essential to creating an inclusive workspace free from gender-based violence and harassment and our team are proud to be a part of moving forward together.
President & Director of Training Paddy Byrne
Local 163 Rep Kevin Weston (second from the left) with the class
JOY TV’s Fraser Focus was at Trades Expo 2019 at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds in Surrey, BC on October 23/24 and spoke with FTI BC about the finishing trades and our hands-on activities.
Fraser Focus stated that the BC Construction Association have reported a large shortage of skilled tradespeople entering into the industry. 2/3 of the current workforce are over 45 and looking to retire. When they do, they will take all of their knowledge and skills with them. Seeing the need to foster and build a new workforce, Trades Expo was created.
Trades Expo features highly skilled tradespeople who want to train youth, pass on their knowledge, and encourage trades as a career path. The youth love the practical, hands-on demonstrations and the opportunity to try-out several trades options in one space. Our Virtual Reality Painting Simulator, Virtual Reality Boom Lift Simulator, and Glazing Crane were popular and are featured in the video. Please take a minute to watch our FTI BC educators and reps in action!
IUPAT District Council 38 heard about the theft of Teen gifts and gift cards from the Surrey Christmas Bureau and wanted to help.
On behalf of DC38 and FTI BC, Local 163 Rep Kevin Weston dropped off a cheque this morning for $500 to help make Christmas merry and bright for local families. The Surrey Christmas Bureau was very happy to accept the donation and said that Unions are always supportive of them and the community.
Local 163 Rep Kevin Weston presenting a cheque to Lisa Werring, Executive Director of the Surrey Christmas Bureau
FTI BC had the opportunity to participate in the Squamish
Nation Trade Fair last week, along with Grant Morison from Ross Rex Industrial
Painting.
We brought along our Virtual Reality Paint simulator and
information about FTI apprenticeship programs, but were there primarily to
assist Ross Rex Painting in their search for new workers for their company.
They are very busy right now, as are all of our Industrial contractors.
The simulator was a big hit with everyone who tried it. Even some experienced gamers couldn’t believe
how realistic the visuals were!
We were thanked by the Squamish Nation for our attendance, and are looking forward to continuing working with them in partnership to deliver 3 Aboriginal Women in Trades programs in the New Year.
Last week we attended the 2-day Trades Expo held at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds, in Surrey BC. Several hundred high school students from around Surrey attended our display as we introduced them to the Finishing Trades.
Our booth was always busy with students wanting to try out our Virtual Reality Spray Painter, Virtual Reality Boom and Scissor Lift, and Glazing Crane.
The organizers of the Trades Expo expressed their thanks for our participation in this years event. We were proud to show students the Finishing Trades using our innovative and engaging training tools, as well as the expertise of our trainers and reps.
