Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA)

Building Strong Leaders: The Future of Trades Depends on Foreperson Development A great foreperson isn’t just skilled in their trade—they’re a leader, problem-solver, and mentor on the jobsite. But stepping into a leadership role comes with challenges. Many skilled trades professionals move up the ranks without formal training in management, communication, or planning, which can create inefficiencies, delays, and frustrations on site. As our industry evolves, the role of the foreperson is more critical than ever. They bridge the gap between crews and management, ensuring projects stay on schedule, safety remains a priority, and teams work efficiently. Yet too often, leadership development in trades is overlooked. Are we equipping our forepersons with the right tools to succeed? At VICA, we believe strong leadership builds strong worksites. That’s why we’re offering trade-specific Foreperson Foundational Skills courses, designed to empower the next generation of construction leaders. Whether you're in framing, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, or a general foreperson role, these courses provide essential skills to manage teams, communicate effectively, and drive project success. Investing in leadership at the foreperson level isn’t just beneficial—it’s necessary for the future of our industry. If you're ready to take the next step in your career or want to ensure your team leads with confidence, explore our upcoming courses. #ForepersonTraining #LeadershipDevelopment #SkilledTrades #ConstructionIndustry #VICA #VICAConstruction 📅 Learn more and register here: Foreperson Foundational Skills: https://lnkd.in/gAVCwPTu HVAC & Plumbing Foreperson Foundational Skills: https://lnkd.in/gV5HASys Electrical Foreperson Foundational Skills: https://lnkd.in/g-7piyj3 Framing Foreperson Foundational Skills: https://lnkd.in/gAxgkWQN

The Cost of a Fall: Why Fall Protection Training is Essential Falls remain one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities in construction. In British Columbia alone, nearly 41,000 workers suffered injuries from slips, trips, and falls over a recent six-year period. In 2021, WorkSafeBC accepted 4,050 claims related to falls from elevation, with 497 serious injuries and six fatalities in construction. Nationally, over 40,000 workers are injured annually due to falls, making it one of the most critical safety concerns in our industry. For construction professionals and leaders, these numbers highlight a harsh reality: fall protection is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s a life-saving necessity. Ensuring workers understand the risks and have the right training can mean the difference between life and death on the jobsite. Yet, fall protection isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different worksites require different systems, and knowing how to properly select, inspect, and use fall protection equipment is key to preventing tragedies. Falls remain one of the most serious hazards in construction. In British Columbia, nearly 41,000 workers suffered injuries from slips, trips, and falls over a six-year period. In 2021 alone, WorkSafeBC accepted 4,050 claims for falls from elevation, resulting in 497 serious injuries and six fatalities in construction. Nationally, over 40,000 workers are injured due to falls each year. These numbers represent real people—workers who left for a shift and never came home or who suffered life-altering injuries because of a fall. Too often, these incidents are preventable with the right training, equipment, and workplace culture. Despite advances in fall protection systems, gaps in knowledge and improper use remain common across jobsites. Understanding the risks, selecting the right equipment, and ensuring every worker is prepared can make the difference between a safe return home and a tragedy. As an industry, we need to ask ourselves: Are we doing enough to protect our workers at height? Whether you're a site supervisor, project manager, or tradesperson, fall protection should be at the forefront of every job. Investing in training, enforcing proper protocols, and creating a culture of safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s about saving lives. At VICA, we are committed to fostering safer worksites. That’s why we’re offering the 3M Fall Protection - Authorized Person Comprehensive Course, providing hands-on training to help workers and supervisors make the right decisions when working at height. #FallProtection #ConstructionSafety #SafetyTraining #WorkplaceSafety #VICA #VICAConstruction https://lnkd.in/ejzeP9wd

Blueprint for Success: Why Strong Planning Defines Construction Success Winning the bid is just the beginning. Without a well-structured plan, even the best projects can face costly delays, budget overruns, and unexpected roadblocks. Yet, too often, teams rush to break ground without a clear roadmap. The result? Miscommunication, scope changes, and inefficiencies that could have been avoided. A Construction Execution Plan (CEP) isn’t just a document—it’s the foundation for a seamless project. It aligns teams, clarifies objectives, and ensures that everyone is working toward the same goal. Thoughtful planning reduces financial surprises, keeps schedules on track, and allows teams to anticipate challenges before they become costly problems. At the heart of every successful construction project is a team that understands the big picture. From defining scope and budget to sequencing work and managing risks, every decision made at the planning stage impacts the final outcome. Without clear communication and a structured approach, even the most skilled crews can find themselves working against shifting expectations and unforeseen obstacles. Strong leadership and proactive planning ensure that teams are set up for success before the first shovel hits the ground. Successful construction isn’t just about managing what happens on-site; it’s about making smart decisions before work begins. A strong CEP helps teams stay ahead by identifying risks early, coordinating resources effectively, and maintaining quality from start to finish. Are your projects built for success from day one? We encourage you to learn more through our course, Blueprint for Success: Construction Project Planning. You can understand the complexities of mastering project planning, reducing costly mistakes, and setting your team up for a smoother build. #ProjectManagement #ConstructionLeadership #ProjectPlanning #ConstructionIndustry #VICA #VICAConstruction https://lnkd.in/grurYn4x

The Future is Here: How AI is Changing the Construction Site The construction industry has long been built on experience, precision, and hands-on expertise. But in an era where technology is advancing at an unprecedented rate, the industry is facing a new reality—artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept. It’s here, and it’s already transforming how projects are planned, executed, and managed. But what does that mean for industry professionals today? AI on the Job Site: Beyond the Buzzword AI is already making an impact in the following key areas: 🔹 Predictive Analytics & Risk Mitigation 🔹 Enhanced Safety Monitoring 🔹 Automated Project Management & Scheduling 🔹 AI-Enhanced Design & Planning 🔹 Smart Equipment & Drones AI in Construction: A Tool, Not a Replacement One of the biggest misconceptions about AI is that it will replace jobs. In reality, AI is designed to enhance the skills of construction professionals, not replace them. It’s a tool that can help skilled workers automate repetitive tasks, improve accuracy, and free up time for higher-value work. However, the key to leveraging AI effectively is understanding how to use it. Many professionals are still unsure where to begin or how AI fits into their daily workflows. Bringing AI to Your Job Site AI adoption in construction is no longer optional—it’s becoming a necessity for companies looking to remain competitive. Understanding how AI can support daily operations is the first step to staying ahead of the curve. If you're curious about how AI can make your job easier, boost productivity, and help you make better decisions, now is the time to explore its potential. Want to learn more? Join our upcoming session on AI in Construction and see how you can integrate AI tools into your work. #ConstructionIndustry #AIDriven #ProjectManagement #ConstructionInnovation #VICA #VICAConstruction https://lnkd.in/gTbpDudE

🛠 Hammer Time: A Support Group for Trades & Construction Workers 🛠 Thursdays | 7–8 PM | via Zoom Working in construction, trades, forestry, or transportation comes with its challenges—long hours, physical demands, and high stress. Sometimes, substance use becomes a way to cope. You’re not alone. What is Hammer Time? ✅ A confidential, peer-led support group ✅ Open to anyone in the trades—no sobriety required ✅ Not a 12-step program and no religious component ✅ Run by people who’ve been in your boots—facilitators with lived experience in the industry Join us every Thursday at 7 PM via Zoom—no sign-up needed, just drop in (virtually). Whether you're looking for support, connection, or just a place to talk, we’re here. Visit the link in the bio for more information about Hammer Time. #HammerTime #TailgateToolkit #ConstructionCares #MentalHealthSupport #HarmReduction #TradesSupport

Our Victoria and Nanaimo offices will be closed on Monday, February 17, for Family Day. We hope you take this time to relax and enjoy the day with your loved ones. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, February 18. Happy Family Day from all of us at VICA! 👷♂️🏗️ #FamilyDay #VICA #ConstructionCommunity #WorkLifeBalance

April is BC Construction Month! 🏗️ A time to celebrate the incredible contributions of the construction industry in shaping our communities, driving economic growth, and innovating for a sustainable future. From homes and schools to hospitals and highways, construction professionals are the backbone of progress. Let’s recognize the hard work, craftsmanship, and dedication of everyone in the industry as we gear up for another season of building stronger communities together. 💪 #ConstructionMonth #Building #BuiltRight #HardHatHeroes #VICA #VIConstruction

The sun is setting on a construction site, but for many workers, the challenges don’t end when the day is done. Men in the trades industry are at the highest risk of substance-related harm in Canada. Here’s what we know: 🔸 3 out of 4 opioid-related deaths in Canada are men. 🔸 30–50% of employed individuals who died from substance poisoning worked in trades. Why are trades workers more impacted? 🛠 Physically demanding work often leads to injuries, and substances like opioids are commonly used for pain relief. 🛠 The stress of long hours and tough conditions makes it easy to turn to substances to celebrate or unwind. 🛠 Stigma around mental health and substance use keeps many men silent when they need help the most. At Tailgate Toolkit, we’re here to change that. We provide: ✅ Resource Guides ✅ Leadership Training ✅ Support Groups Together, we can create safer, healthier workplaces for everyone. #TailgateToolkit #HarmReduction #MentalHealthMatters #VICA #TradesSupport

As an employer in construction, trades, forestry, or transportation, you play a key role in shaping the health and safety of your team—both on and off the job site. Here’s why it matters: 🔸 Workers in these industries are at a higher risk of substance-related harms, injuries, and mental health challenges. 🔸 A supportive workplace culture can save lives. At Tailgate Toolkit, we provide tools to help employers like you: ✅ Recognize signs of substance use and mental health struggles. ✅ Start conversations that make a difference. ✅ Connect workers to harm reduction and recovery resources. When you invest in the well-being of your workers, you’re building stronger teams, safer job sites, and a healthier industry. Let’s work together to create a workplace where everyone feels supported. Visit the link in bio to learn more about how Tailgate Toolkit can support you and your team. #VICA #TailgateToolkit #HarmReduction #WorkplaceWellness #ConstructionCares #MentalHealthMatters

Exciting to see the progress at the new Cowichan District Hospital - if you're interested in touring please save the date and sign up through our Women In Construction Vancouver Island Construction Association (VICA) hosted by EllisDon #VancouverIsland #WomenInConstruction https://lnkd.in/gZvBRHp9