PROJECT DESCRIPTION/DESCRIPTION DU PROJET:

The need for new tradespeople in the Okanagan is at a tipping point. Between a lack of promotion over the last several decades, a social focus on the importance of a STEM career, and the oncoming 'grey tsunami' of retiring baby boomers, our region does not have enough carpenters, plumbers, or heating and cooling experts to help build the homes of tomorrow. This lack of talent has several effects: housing becomes more expensive, which pushes more young people and aspiring home owners of British Columbia in search of somewhere more affordable to live. The lack of access to skilled trades workers also means less local small businesses, which generally contribute to our economy at a much greater rate.

Despite this, a trades career can be highly rewarding! Not only does a career in the skilled trades pay more money in the early stages of a career, it also provides better opportunities for entrepreneurship and the creation of more small local businesses. A career in the skilled trades is great for those that are good with their hands, have keen attention to detail, and, most importantly, don't want to sit at a desk all day.

This project is aimed at encouraging high school students and second career students (with a particular focus on women and girls) to consider a trades career by highlighting the problems and opportunities above. During this project you will connect with local businesses to hear about their pain points and the opportunities available. You will also connect with local schools to learn what a typical path can look like for someone interested in the trades. Finally, you'll pull all of this together and transform this information into a go to market strategy that encourages the trades as a viable long-term career.

KEY PROJECT ACTIVITIES:

• Market research - Businesses + Young tradespeople: Work with residential builders and renovators to understand what trades are needed, who we should be prioritizing, current wages for skilled trades, career growth path, other questions as discovered
• Market research - Schools + Students: Work with Okanagan College to understand capacity capabilities, are courses full? Who is this a good path for? What opportunities lie ahead, earning potential, other questions as discovered.
• Marketing strategy - Increasing interest in the trades: Provide a strategic marketing plan outlining opportunities to educate high school students or second career adults on the benefits of getting into the trades and the skills required for success
• Asset Creation: Based on the marketing strategy mentioned above, create supporting assets (blog, infographics, social media posts, radio ads, etc.) to help encourage British Columbians to consider a career in the trades.
• Where possible - encouraging accessibility to the trades with a focus on women in trades

IDEAL ROLES/RESPONSIBILITIES/RÔLES/RESPONSABILITÉS:*

Please note appropriate projects can accommodate most students, regardless of field of study or experience. We may not be able to fill these roles exactly.

• Market Researcher x2 - Conduct interviews and focus groups to collect
• Marketing Strategist - Pull together survey and focus group results, work with the team to create a comprehensive marketing strategy
• Designer / Social Media Marketer - Assist with creative component asset Creation
• Content Writer / SEO Marketer - Assist with written component of asset creation

FINAL PROJECT DELIVERABLES/LIVRABLES DU PROJET:

• Focus Group and Survey Summary document capturing the feedback received during investigation
• Marketing Strategy document: research summary, SWOT analysis, overall marketing plan with recommendations and timelines for implementation
• Supporting marketing assets as dictated by the strategic document

• Weekly Zoom check-ins with the team
• One-on-one meetings as needed to clarify objectives and provide feedback
• Electronic communication as needed to support the project