July 2022 - ICBA

TRAINING THURSDAY (ON TUESDAY): Progressive Discipline (Live Online Training)

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on July 5, 2022

Kerry and Jordan talk about ICBA’s latest featured course.

Progressive Discipline (Live Online Training)
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 | 11AM to 1PM
https://icba.simplesignup.ca/en/10818/index.php?m=eventSummary
Missed this one? Check out icba.ca/courses

The majority of employees conform to rules and regulations and have a genuine desire to do a good job. On occasion though, even good employees make mistakes, and need to be given direction before those mistakes repeat and the behaviour gets to the dismissal stage.

Progressive discipline allows supervisors and managers to build on the skills of their workers and to make clear what their job expectations are by holding them accountable- and providing them the opportunity to improve. This includes setting expectations of the job and the consequences of what will happen if those expectations are not met.

In this 2 hour live instructor-led workshop, we will introduce participants to these basic progressive discipline concepts:

What is “Performance Management”
What is “Progressive Discipline”
Management’s “People” Responsibilities
Sample Policy
Incompetence vs. Misconduct
The Steps to Progressive Discipline
Putting it into Practice

Presenter: Pamela Bragg is the owner of Sarkany Management Inc., a Human Resources Consulting firm, which offers a broad range of HR services. Pamela has a comprehensive background in executive level human resources and holds a Masters Certificate in Strategic Human Resources & Organizational Change.

Progressive Discipline (Live Online Training)
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 | 11AM to 1PM
https://icba.simplesignup.ca/en/10818/index.php?m=eventSummary
Missed this one? Check out icba.ca/courses

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY #56: Anxiety and Depression

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on July 6, 2022

Each week, ICBA’s Jordan Bateman reflects on what we’ve learned as we participate in ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program. This program is free for all ICBA members – check out icba.ca/wellness for details.

A new month, a new theme: We’re taking a look at anxiety and depression this month.

Anxiety is an obnoxious beast that I wrestle with from time-to-time. Laying awake at night, pondering worst-case scenarios, that heart-pounding sense of impending doom: I hate it. And with the increased stress from two years of a global pandemic, I know I’m not the only one dealing with anxiety.

Those of us who struggle with anxiety cope in different ways; I’m looking forward to this month’s programs to learn new tools. There are short-term and long-term fixes; things that get me through the moment and things that I can do to change my lifestyle for the better.

I have a friend who is big into the idea that when our minds race, we should chase down those thoughts. Psychologists call this “questioning your thought pattern,” and it has been a helpful discipline for me. As Healthline puts it: “Negative thoughts can take root in your mind and distort the severity of the situation. One way is to challenge your fears, ask if they’re true, and see where you can take back control.”

When that doesn’t work in the middle of the night (and sometimes it doesn’t), a little distraction helps: I watch a show about British archaeology, and something about the history and teamwork and gentle British banter helps soothe me.

It’s a start!

ICBA’s Workplace Wellness Program is helping more than 75 companies and 7,000+ construction professionals better understand mental health. The program is free for ICBA members — see icba.ca/wellness.

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY #57: What Does an Anxiety Disorder Feel Like?

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on July 13, 2022

As kids, we learn that too much of a good thing can become overwhelming and even harmful.

Anxiety is like that; it’s a normal part of life that alerts us to potentially dangerous events. But for people with an anxiety condition, this can quickly spiral out of control. Normal feelings can escalate and interfere with so many of the things and relationships we enjoy.

As we discuss in this week’s ICBA Wellness Toolbox Talk, an anxiety disorder comes with irrational and excessive fear, apprehension, tense feelings, and a difficulty managing daily tasks and/or distress connected with those tasks.

Anxiety disorders can become so strong that it will actually cause physical symptoms, and can even be mistaken for a heart attack. The heart races, you lose your breath, you begin to sweat, and your mind quickly adds on even more anxiety to what you’re feeling. It’s an awful thing to have to deal with.

But there is help, both through counselling and, if necessary, medication. If you’re feeling this, talk to your doctor, a mental health professional, or your benefits’ Employee Assistance Program. Don’t just try and suffer through it – get help. You deserve to feel free!

TRAINING THURSDAY: Vancouver’s Municipal Heat Pump Certification Session

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on July 13, 2022

Kerry and Jordan talk about ICBA’s latest featured training course — which is free to everyone!

Contractors’ Updates Series: The City of Vancouver’s New Mechanical Permit and Municipal Heat Pump Certification Requirement
Thursday, Aug. 4, 9-10AM
FREE!
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/7516571211556/WN_z8XcPiczRVuCswENIiKJ7A
Missed this one? Check out icba.ca/courses

Did you know that there have been some changes to the City of Vancouver permitting process?

As of July 1, 2022, a mechanical permit is now required for the installation and replacement of heating and cooling systems for new construction and existing buildings. Municipal Heat Pump Certification (MHPC) is mandatory for the installation of heat pumps by licensed contractors under the mechanical permit.

Join us on August 4th for our free 1 hour info session with the City of Vancouver to learn more about what these changes mean for your company and clients.

Facilitator: Brandon Clevenger, Climate and Emissions Inspector, City of Vancouver

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY #58: PTSD

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on July 20, 2022

As more research and understanding is built around mental health, it’s clear that Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a growing issue in our communities.

While we often think of PTSD as something that our armed forces, police officers, or firefighters face, trauma can affect anyone—and anyone can experience PTSD. A serious accident, an assault, a natural disaster, or witnessing a traumatic event can all trigger PTSD.

Nearly one in ten Canadians will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. And it’s not always immediately following the event – PTSD can crop up months after the traumatic event happened.

This week, our ICBA Wellness program shared a few of the most common symptoms of PTSD:

Distressing or frightening thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares about the event
Anxiety and fear, especially when confronted with events or situations that remind you of the trauma
Avoiding things that remind you of the traumatic event
Blaming yourself for the event or believing that everything must be very dangerous
Low mood, despair, or hopelessness

There’s more, but the key is to reach out for help if you’re at risk of PTSD.

CONSTRUCTIVE CONVERSATIONS: Shane Stirling of ICBA BC’s Epscan Industries

by ICBA Blog | Posted on July 20, 2022

When Shane Stirling was a high school student working for his dad’s company in the late 1990s, he never thought that one day he would be running the whole business with his brother. But then, when opportunity knocks and you love what you do, you don’t say no.

Shane’s father, Don Stirling, founded Epscan Industries in Fort St John in 1978. Epscan is an electrical instrumentation contractor company, focusing on natural gas production.

“I remember my father talked to me when I was thinking about what to do after high school, and he said to me: ‘You might as well take a trade. You’re working here in the summers anyways.’ Shane said.

So what was Shane’s response to his dad?

“I said “no way!” I wasn’t doing what dad was doing at all,” Shane says. “But a few years out of high school, I realized that, oh, there’s a career here. There’s a career in trades.”

And so, Shane jumped in and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I basically got into the business, got into the trades, and my brother followed me soon after. And now, he and I; we run the family business,” Shane says.

Now fully in charge of operations, Shane and his brother oversee Epscan with offices in Fort St John, Dawson Creek, and Grande Prairie, where they offer a wide range of services that work in part with natural gas. Epscan offers construction, maintenance, electrical, and instrumentation work. Each of these services coincides with one another, which allows Shane’s company to stand out.

The diversity of the work they do – from construction to maintenance – provides Epscan with a solid foundation and keeps them going consistently despite the ups and downs of the oil and gas industry.

That said, Shane knows running a business is not always easy. “Like any entrepreneur, I already signed up for stress and chaos,” he says. “Let’s be honest. It’s not an easy path to choose. You just learn to adapt and improvise, right? And review and say, “Okay well, all right, we can’t do this anymore. What are we going to do? All right, we’re going to go over here. Are we going to do this, this, this, this?” And then you get it done, right?”

Like so many industries across Canada, finding talent becomes a big challenge. Shane is involved in trade development with the Industry Training Authority federally. He believes there’s lots of work to be done. Smaller cities like Fort St John are perfect for someone new to Canada with trade experience.

One thing, Shane has a great deal of hope for the future of the natural gas industry and argues that it is a green fuel. “Having the opportunity to help the fight against climate change and make a difference in the world’s gas emissions is something people may not know that Epscan is a part of. But we are,” he says.

Shane also explains how important community is to him and Epscan. He’s most proud of their community involvement, engagement, and ability to support families in the area. And over the last couple of years, they expanded their support, and Shane loves it when people come up and recognize him and his team and thank them. Making a difference in the community is good for everyone.

TRAINING THURSDAY: Microsoft Office Basics

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on July 21, 2022

Microsoft Office Basics (Live Online Training)
Gold Seal: 2 Credit
August 10-11, 2022; 9AM – 4PM
https://icba.simplesignup.ca/en/11513/index.php?m=eventSummary
Missed this one? Check out icba.ca/courses

The objective of this course is to train participants in Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office which includes Word, Excel and Outlook. This course will familiarize users with the Windows environment and features of Microsoft Office. It is designed for computer users who are new to these programs and need the kick to start working in a business environment.

Windows:

Understand how to manage and manipulate multiple windows
Get familiar with computer terminology
Use and customize Windows screen
Set up filing system
Navigate in Internet using basic browsing tools
Learn security tips
Download and install programs

Word:

Create, edit, save, open and close documents
Learn more efficient ways to select text
Apply character and paragraph formatting options
Create multi-level lists
Use the format painter
Set tabs and indents
Change the margins, paper size or page orientation
Use headers and footers
Proof documents with spelling and grammar checks
Prepare documents for printing

Excel:

Understand the screen, Screen Tips and Ribbon
Create, edit, save, open and close workbooks
Select cells for further action such as formatting, deleting, copying, and pasting
Using Autofill to copy or fill data or set up a series of data
Insert or delete rows, columns, or cells
Rename, insert, delete, copy, or move worksheets
Create and edit simple formulas using math operators and cell references
Use common functions
Apply text and numeric formatting
Enhance the worksheet using fonts, alignment, lines, borders, colors, or patterns
Preview and print worksheets and workbooks
Set headers and footers for a worksheet
Change margins, orientation, or layouts

Outlook:

Understand how Outlook is setup and the different types of information that can be tracked
Create, edit, send, open, and manage messages
Learn to use the to Do bar to manage and organize all daily activities
Use different types of options for managing messages such as voting buttons, flags or level of importance
Include and manage attachments being sent or received with messages
File and manage messages using folders
Create or modify a signature for email
Create and edit appointments or events in the Calendar
Create and modify contacts using the Contacts module
Create and manage Tasks
Set up and manage out of office messages

This hands-on course is taught by a certified Microsoft Master Instructor.

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY #59: We’re In This Together

by Jordan Bateman | Posted on July 27, 2022

When one’s mental health falters, it’s easy to believe the lies that bounce around your brain. There’s often a shame that one feels, and a despair that you’re the only person experiencing this challenge. Our minds can isolate us right when we need help the most.

But guess what? You’re not alone. Look at these stats:

This year, 1 in 5 Canadians will experience a mental illness
At any given time, 1 in 10 Canadians have a mental illness
By the time Canadians turn 40, 1 in 2 have – or had – a mental illness
1 in 10 Canadians will be affected by depression sometime in their lives
1 in 3 Canadians will be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder sometime in their lives

You’re not alone at all! Many of us have been right where you’re at, fighting through the stigma and shame we bring on ourselves. Talking about it and opening up is a vital step toward working your way back to mental wellness.

We’re in this together!