Finding tomorrow’s workers today – Alberta Construction Magazine

24 June 2015

Someone once told Saud Siddiqui he would make a great car salesman. He considered the advice, but it was already too late. He was sold on a career in construction.

Hired by PCL as a labourer last July, he recently began a three-year apprenticeship as a concrete finisher. When asked about his job, he speaks of the satisfaction he takes in working on projects like Rogers Place (Edmonton’s downtown arena) and the neighbouring City Tower. As he notes, anyone can do a bit of household handiwork after watching a quick YouTube tutorial. It takes an entirely different level of skill and commitment to work on a massive commercial project like the arena district.

“I could have started an apprenticeship after three months, but I stayed my ground as a labourer just to get a hang of it—just to get an idea of everything,” he says.

PCL might never have found him if not for the Water Wings program at the Boyle Street Community Services in downtown Edmonton. Encouraged by a friend to check out the program, Siddiqui took advantage of its free employment readiness services, which range from resume advice to safety ticket training. For someone like himself, new to Edmonton and looking for work, the program was invaluable preparation for entering the construction field.

Read More: http://www.albertaconstructionmagazine.com/~albertac/index.php/issues/57-summer-2015/759-breaking-down-barriers