With 17K jobs to fill in the industry, the Quebec Construction Association is hosting a series of weekend workshops to encourage people to give the trades a try.

It’s called “Construction Boot Camp,” and it’s free to anyone curious about vocations like carpentry or plumbing.

If they enjoy the day, people can sign up for a 5-month program, earn a diploma and be ready to apprentice.

“The industry is in demand. We’re in a shortage of labour, more than usual,” said Roberto Panichella, who teaches adhesive, grout and ceramics at Construction Boot Camp.

Mercedes Rey, a structural engineer, brought her family to spend the day mixing and finishing concrete.

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