APPRENTICESHIP FUND THRIVES WITH $5 MILLION PAID TO B.C.’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

The BC Construction Association (BCCA) has sent out $5 million in its Red Seal apprenticeship drive to construction companies in B.C. BCCA says that this is one of the most far-reaching Red Seal apprenticeship drives yet in the province.

The Muchalat Group of Companies, a Vancouver Island construction company, has registered four first-year apprentices through the program and received a total of $40,000 in financial incentives as a result. The fourth payment reached the $5 million milestone for BCCA.

“This is an easy program for employers to take advantage of, and I encourage any contractors who are getting ready to register first-year Red Seal apprentices to contact BCCA first,” says Tania Formosa, owner of The Muchalat Group of Companies. “If you don’t, you’re leaving money on the table, plain and simple. I don’t know any contractors who can afford to do that these days.”

The BCCA will pay employers $5,000 for each first-year apprentice registered in any of 39 construction Red Seal trades, and an additional $5,000 if the apprentice self-identifies as part of an equity-deserving group, with funding received from the Government of Canada Apprenticeship Service. BCCA, which launched its program in October 2022, has already sent payments to 469 employers who have registered a total of 692 apprentices in B.C. so far.

“We’re thrilled to reach the $5 million milestone and ready to send millions more to B.C. construction employers before the program ends March 31, 2024,” says Chris Atchison, BCCA president. “There are no strings attached to how the funding should be spent once it’s received, and we’re hearing from employers that the extra cash is very welcome right now.”

So far, the BCCA program has registered apprentices in 33 trades. The apprentices are from across B.C. and range in age from 16 and up and are 47.8 percent equity deserving groups. Adding diversity to B.C.’s construction industry, which is 96 percent male, is one of the goals of the program, but the funding is available to support all new apprentices regardless of demographics.

This opportunity is funded by the Government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service, which has provided $21 million in funding to the BCCA to operate as an intermediary with employers.

THREE CANADIAN DEALERS AMONG DEVELON’S TOP NORTH AMERICAN PERFORMERS OF 2022

DEVELON has named three Canadian dealerships to its list of top-performing dealers of 2022. The three dealerships are GF Preston Sales and Service based in Sundridge, Ontario; Westerra Equipment based in Abbotsford, British Columbia; and Hartington Farm Services Limited based in Hartington, Ontario.

Each year DEVELON recognizes its top performing equipment dealerships. The manufacturer says that the named dealers have excelled in providing top-level performance in sales and parts and service to contractors in their respective markets.

Top-performing DEVELON dealers get to choose from a selection of several incentives that improve their profitability when selling and servicing DEVELON equipment.

“We are encouraged by our DEVELON dealers who are high performers year in and year out,” says Todd Roecker, vice president of growth initiatives at DEVELON. “We hope to carry this success onward as we continue to roll out our new brand through our dealer network in North America.”

Focus On Electric Equipment

Turn to page 16 for an overview of electric equipment for applications in earthmoving, cranes and lift, and roadbuilding.

DONATION FROM ALLU FINLAND AIDS HALO TRUST’S UKRAINE DEMINING EFFORTS

ALLU Finland Oy has donated a DN 3-17 TS16mm bucket to the HALO Trust NGO for Ukraine demining operations. Demining is the process of removing land mines and other explosive remnants of war from fields, roads, and communities. Land mines are typically buried in the ground and can remain active for decades after a conflict has ended. Demining can be complex and dangerous, requiring specialized equipment and personnel with extensive training. Many organizations, like the HALO Trust, specialize in demining activities around the world.

7,615 ATTEND CANADA NORTH RESOURCES EXPO 2023

The Canada North Resources Expo has concluded its 2023 edition. The event took place at the CN Centre in Prince George, B.C., where over 7,615 visitors attended to network, negotiate deals, and see new innovations.

“The expo surpassed all expectations, with an amazing turnout of industry professionals and enthusiastic visitors,” says Mark Cusack, national show manager of the Canada North Resources Expo.

The Honour House – Tour of Honour attended the show to raise awareness and support for Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans, emergency services personnel, and their families.

Yokohama Completes Acquisition Of Trelleborg Wheel Systems

The Yokohama Rubber Co. has completed its acquisition of Trelleborg Wheel Systems. As part of the acquisition, Trelleborg will officially be part of The Yokohama Rubber Co. and will operate under the name Yokohama TWS. As a new company, Yokohama TWS will operate with no change to its organizational structure.

Wacker Neuson Celebrates 175th Anniversary

acker Neuson has celebrated its 175th anniversary. Over 6,000 employees celebrated the anniversary, marking this milestone through a global call hosted from the company’s headquarters. Wacker Neuson was started by Johann Christian Wacker in 1848 when he set up a blacksmith shop in Dresden, Germany. In 1930, Hermann Wacker created the original electric rammer. This invention was followed by the development of the internal vibrator and then the first reversible plate. Since 1930, Wacker Neuson has updated its compaction products while also introducing new equipment lines like SSLs, CTLs, mini excavators, wheel loaders, dumpers, and telehandlers.