Vancouver, BC, Canada – Once again, Concert Properties extends heartfelt thanks to its construction industry partners for their ongoing generous support in helping introduce young people to a rewarding career in the trades.
This year, $60,400 - of which Concert provides 50 percent - was contributed to the Trades Discovery Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) – bringing total dollars raised for the program to more than $315,000 in the past four years.
“By agreeing to be a financial supporter and partner in this program, we are taking direct action to help address the BC construction industry’s critical skills shortage,” said David Podmore, President & CEO, Concert Properties Ltd. “Investing in a skilled workforce for the future is more than ‘doing good’ in the community – it’s a smart business decision for all of us who have a stake in the future of BC’s construction industry”.
Established in 2002, the Trades Discovery Program at BCIT provides financial support to help young people explore their options and train for a career in one of 18 different construction trades.
Since its inception, 253 students – 115 women and 138 men – have received Graduation Grants of $200 each towards recovering the cost of enrolment. In addition, 86 have earned either $1,000 or $2,000 Trades Discovery Graduates Entrance Grants, also funded by Concert and its industry partners, as they pursue a full time trades program at BCIT. These grants are made available each year and the funds are administered by BCIT.
Growing this fund to ensure that young people can pursue their chosen trade is important to Concert. Founded on the principle of building high-quality affordable rental and for-sale homes, Concert continues to play a key role as a community builder and sees this role as extremely important. Concert Properties – a developer with a difference.
2005/2006 Sponsorship Partners
- Architectural Windows & Doors
- BelPacific Excavating & Shoring Limited Partnership
- Bosa Construction Inc.
- Campbell Construction Ltd.
- Canem Systems Ltd.
- Dryco Systems Inc.
- Fraser River Pile & Dredge Ltd.
- Harris Rebar
- The Ledcor Group of Companies
- T. Moscone & Bros. Landscaping Ltd.
- Mott Electric Limited
- National Hydronics Ltd.
- PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc.
- Scott Construction Ltd.
- Templeton Mechanical Ltd.
About Trades Discovery
BCIT offers two programs – Trades Discovery General (open to men and women) and Trades Discovery Women – to help young people evaluate their suitability for working in the trades and to determine which ones to pursue. The programs provide students with 20 weeks of hands-on experience in 18 different trades.
About Concert Properties
Concert is an award-winning diversified real estate enterprise involved in developing and acquiring commercial and industrial properties, rental housing, multi-family condominium housing, seniors living communities, and resort developments in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. www.ConcertProperties.com
For media inquiries contact:
Heather Harley
Telephone: 604.602.3713
Email: HHarley@ConcertProperties.com