INDUSTRY NETWORKING SESSION with
Graeme Proudfoot, Special Projects Coordinator
Merit Contractors Association

Date: Thursday, October 14, 2004
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mr. Graeme Proudfoot presented on the role and mandate of Merit within the construction industry and provided information on employment trends and opportunities in the sector.

Merit Contractors Association is a non-profit organization with over 900 member construction companies. They are a referral service for people who want to work in the construction and trades industry. They currently refer over 3000 individuals to their member companies.

. There is no cost to you, the contracted employee, but there are also no guarantees that you will be placed with a company.
. This may be an opportunity to gain some relevant Canadian work experience within the industry.
. Merit will not find a job for you directly, but will put your resume into the hands of employers who are looking to hire, possibly, someone with your experience and qualifications.
. There are over 35,000 registered construction companies in Alberta (all legitimate construction companies must register with the Worker�s Compensation Board).
. In 2003, there were approximately 40,000 registered apprentices in Alberta.
. There is currently a serious shortage of trades and skilled apprentices in Alberta.
. Working directly when new building projects could provide newcomers with a transitional job opportunity that is directly related to the construction industry in Calgary.
. SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology) is currently offering the following courses in response to the skills and knowledge demands of the industry:

. Process Pipe Drafting
. Geographic Information Systems
. Robotics � Microtronics
. Environmental Engineering

For further information, contact MERIT�s Calgary office:
#205, 2725-12 Street NE T2E 7J2
Telephone: 403.291-9247
Fax: 403.291-4028
E-Mail: meritcal@meritalberta.com
Toll-free: 1.877.637.2254