The CODC: Investing in Saskatchewan’s workforce to service the potash industry

Lyle Daniels is the Inclusion Manager for the Construction Opportunities Development Council Inc. (CODC). The first step makes it tough for many to join the construction industry. this is why we need to reach out further and establish a common place for these groups to develop a plan for their future in construction.

With the ongoing partnership with the saskatchewan building trades Council and the Construction opportunities Development Council Inc. (CoDC), they have worked to establish a new focus on recruiting under-represented peoples in the province.

the construction industry has an aging workforce and will lose almost a quarter of it to retirement over the next decade. forecasts also indicate that in the medium to long term, the industry will continue to grow. this means that the industry will need to recruit and train new workers from non-traditional populations. these groups of people include women, Indigenous people, new Canadians, and all youth in the province. all of these groups have unique needs and, with the right focus, can be the next generation of tradespeople supporting themselves, their families, and our province.

the first step makes it tough for many to join the construction industry. this is why we need to reach out further and establish a common place for these groups to develop a plan for their future in construction. It’s more than starting at a construction site. Many new people in the trades need to start with a researched career plan, which helps them to understand how they can become a journeyperson through the apprenticeship system. a solid career plan also helps the individual to understand the expectations of a career in the skilled trades, so they are well prepared for the life and opportunities of a construction worker.

the CoDC’s build together program partners with a variety of industry stakeholders to develop and deliver such career plans. We are not just offering a job; we are offering lifetime career opportunities for the people of saskatchewan. s