Q&A with VICA CHAIR KATE ULMER

As the new Chair of VICA, what VICA initiatives are the most important to you? What initiatives would you like to promote or continue this year?

I feel that that the most important programs we should focus on should be those aimed at attracting and retaining people to the construction industry. We currently have a shortage of participants due to our older demographic retiring. This follows a period of fewer people entering the industry, so the shortage is even more acute. Examples of programs that support these initiatives include VICA’s Construct your Future program and the BCCA’s Building Builders. Both of these programs address the need to build capacity in the workforce.

From your perspective as the principal at Herald Engineering, what do you see as the biggest challenges facing the construction industry on the Island?

I believe that there are currently three main challenges facing us. The first is capacity – finding skilled people to fill construction roles, especially considering the high cost of living and the housing shortage here. It’s a lot harder to attract people to the island today, specifically because of these two factors.

Second is the escalating costs and volatile pricing of construction materials is another significant challenge in that it makes budgeting very difficult, especially if there are project delays.

And third, the Island’s new municipal government has resulted in changes to the permit process and building regulations. This has created some uncertainty and confusion for construction companies.

As an active, long-serving member of the VICA Board – instrumental in creating the Women in Construction Victoria network – what are some important strategies a board can do to effectively serve its members and community?

I believe that the key is to create member opportunities for engagement and connection. Members understand the issues that are important to them. You need to ensure that you have the relevant committees available to them and then encourage them to participate in those committees. In order to be effective, you also need to strive for diversity in the make-up of those committees. Diversity will strengthen both the committees and VICA.

Why is it important to encourage people in equityseeking groups to consider construction as a viable career path?

The challenge to address industry capacity issues only increases if we limit participation. We need to understand what the barriers are to attracting and retaining non-traditional construction workers, and then we need to overcome those barriers. This may involve disrupting some long-standing conventions and rules of the construction environment, but the industry will ultimately benefit from this. We need to include a diversity of opinions and experiences to continue to evolve.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering joining an association such as VICA? Or becoming involved with a VICA committee?

Joining is a great way to connect with people in the industry. VICA offers special education and networking events that are exclusive to members. The best way to take advantage of your membership is to participate. VICA also offers sector-specific committees and general networking/mentorship committees so members can pursue issues of particular interest to them.

The mentorship and people I have met over my years with VICA have proven invaluable. Mentorship alone is significant. Some people may not have those fits naturally in their day-to-day workplaces so accessing them through VICA can be extremely beneficial. n