3rd Annual BUILDERS CODE champion awARDS celebrate construction leadership in BC
Industry Dedicated to Culture Change During a Turbulent Year
Watch the Announcement by BCCA President Chris Atchison
Victoria, B.C. (December 14, 2021) – The Builders Code is honouring four employers with five Builders Code Champion Awards for leading the way in advancing the workforce culture of BC’s industrial, commercial, and institutional construction sector. BC’s construction industry is 94% male and 66% of workers are over 45. Employers are striving to increase diversity in order to fill the 27,000 job openings expected by 2030 due to retirements and industry expansion. In the past two years, the industry has been proclaimed “essential” by the Province and is a mainstay in economic recovery due to pandemic, fire, and flood.
The Builders Code Champion Awards were launched in 2019 by the BC Construction Association (BCCA) to recognize employers that are taking positive, proactive measures to successfully eliminate discrimination, hazing, bullying and harassment on worksites. The Builders Code baseline code of conduct standard assists employers by promoting the importance of psychological as well as physical safety for all workers, making sites safer and more productive.
The nomination period closed October 31st. Nineteen nominations were reviewed by Minerva BC, the BC Construction Association (BCCA), and the Builders Code Employer Advisors. While a celebration event will not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, videos showcasing the award winners’ approach to culture change, and the role Builders Code plays in that change, will be available in the new year. The winner videos from last year are available on the Builders Code website.
The 2021 Builders Code Champion Award categories and winners are:
- Community Champion (Large Employer Category): RAM Engineering
- Community Champion (Small and Medium Employer Category): Lacey Construction
- Contractor of the Year: Westcana Electric
- Loyalty Champion: Houle Electric
- Workplace Culture Champion: Westcana Electric
Of this year’s winners, only Lacey Construction is a first-time honoree. Westcana Electric from Prince George is receiving its 5th Builders Code Award and has become an inspiration for others in the construction industry as an example of positive growth through workforce diversification. RAM is receiving its 3rd, and Houle its 2nd award.
Launched in March 2018, the Builders Code is a non-regulated, optional program where most resources are provided at no cost to employers.
“On behalf of everyone at BCCA, Minerva BC and all our Builders Code partners, sincere congratulations to all the winners and nominees for their leadership in shaping a new workplace culture for construction,” said Chris Atchison, President, BCCA. “Across BC, hundreds of employers have adopted the Builders Code and are using its valuable resources to achieve great things. As a result, they’re also gaining an important operational advantage with tradespeople increasingly seeking out Builders Code employers that are demonstrating their commitment to safe and inclusive workplaces.”
2021 Builders Code Exemplary Employer Award Recipients
Community Champion (Large Employer Category): RAM Construction (Vancouver)
Community Champion (Small and Medium Employer Category): Lacey Construction (Vancouver)
This award category recognizes companies that promote career opportunities for women in the skilled trades; support their tradespeople to mentor others; and promote education, awareness and training that positively impacts their community, company and employees.
Contractor of the Year: Westcana Electric (Prince George)
This award category recognizes companies that are fully committed to achieving an Acceptable Worksite and building a diverse workforce where all employees are able to perform at their best and reach their full potential.
Loyalty Champion: Houle Electric (Vancouver)
This award category recognizes companies that value their employees and hire with retention top of mind. Their managers and supervisors work hard to create a safe, positive, and productive worksite and are invested in the development and success of all employees. The employer offers progressive benefits such as flexible schedule, family leave, access to childcare, and other competitive advantages that keep your workers loyal.
Workplace Culture Champion: Westcana Electric (Prince George)
This award category recognizes companies that commit to a respectful, safe and inclusive workplace culture; encourage employees to recognize their role in that culture; and hold employees and sub-contractors accountable, ensuring a work environment free from harassment, hazing, and bullying.
ABOUT THE BUILDERS CODE
The Builders Code is managed as a service to industry by the BC Construction Association. Originally, during the pilot stage (2017-2020), the program was co-funded by the Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, with financial contributions from the BC Construction Association, WorkSafe BC, the Industry Training Authority, LNG Canada, the BCCA Employee Benefits Trust, and the BC Construction Safety Alliance. The Builders Code is also supported by the BC’s four Regional Construction Associations and the Minerva Foundation of BC. For more information about the Builders Code, including virtual training and access to free HR policies and advisory services, please visit: www.builderscode.ca
ABOUT BRITISH COLUMBIA CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION
The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) works with four Regional Construction Associations (NRCA, SICA, VICA, and VRCA) to serve more than 10,000 employers in the provinces industrial, commercial, institutional (ICI) construction industry. For more information, visit us at www.bccassn.com (website), @ThisisBCCA (Facebook) and @thisisBCCA (Twitter).
CONTACT:
Greg Descantes
604-646-3564
gdescantes@pacegroup.com
