the young buIlders networK

The newly minted Young Builders Network (pre-COVID).

For the last seven years, VICA’s U40 Committee faced overwhelming feedback from VICA members regarding their committee name and what it represented.

“The committee has always been about supporting the younger generations in the construction industry and giving everyone an opportunity and platform to network, learn from experienced mentors, and give back to the community,” says A.J. Winters, chair and long-time member. “With this said, the hard cut off of 40 years old has been a challenge and obstacle that did not reflect the inclusiveness that this committee represents. The committee members wanted the name to identify the support for the young generation in the industry while also welcoming all ages to participate.”

The committee has always welcomed all ages to its popular events such as the Charity Casino Night and the Builders on the Barge music festival. These events have become very successful thanks to the support of all VICA members.

So, VICA’s U40 executive team worked together to rebrand and rename themselves. “The new name, Young Builders Network, better reflects that we are an inclusive committee, and that we welcome all demographics of the construction industry,” says Jayna Wiewiorowski, vice-chair. “It was so disheartening to hear VICA members say that they would not attend one of our events because they weren’t under 40.”

The committee has not only changed their name and logo, but they have welcomed some new members including a new addition to their leadership team. Jessica Sidhu, a project manager with Kinetic Construction has recently stepped into the committee’s secretary/treasurer role. “As a young professional, building and maintaining relationships is important. Construction is about collaboration and getting results, which wouldn’t be possible without solid relationships,” says Sidhu. “The Young Builders Network has been a great way to meet new people and stay connected with existing colleagues, and the events are diverse and engaging. Because construction is my world for the next 40 years, I want to make it enjoyable and successful. The encouragement and inspiration that comes out of this committee has personally made me a better leader. I’m excited to be taking on the secretary/ treasurer role this year to help the committee continue to grow and contribute to the shared goal of bettering the construction community through inclusion.”

Despite the circumstances of 2020, the Young Builders Network was still able to host their Charity Casino Night which raised $30,000 for Help Fill a Dream and a socially distant Charity Ghost Walk which raised $2,000 for Another Brick in Nepal. The committee continues to grow its network and executive members who continue to work hard behind the scenes (virtually these days). They recently launched a podcast available on Spotify, “The Builders and the Tools”, in which the hosts interview construction leaders around the Greater Victoria area and dive into personal stories with guests about their careers and what it took to get to where they are at today.

The committee has a variety of virtual events on the horizon and they look forward to welcoming all ages to join them.

To learn more about VICA’s committees, including U40 Central Island, visit vicabc.ca. n