March 19, 2024 (Langford, BC) – Construction Foundation of BC (CFBC) career catalyst Kate Markham-Zantvoort has worked in landscape design and construction for over 35 years and has led a number of volunteer groups and participated in comprehensive renovation projects in the construction charity sector. Late last year, she joined the Foundation, bringing a careers worth of experience and knowledge to her new position.
A love of the outdoors, gardening, landscape architecture and anthropology developed into an eventual career path for Markham-Zantvoort, who began her construction journey in a production nursery before expanding to work in landscape architecture offices, landscape construction, and for charity construction organizations, prior to her arrival at CFBC.
“It became clear early on that to be my happiest I would be designing and then building the projects,” said Markham-Zantvoort. “I love the process of bringing an idea to life.”
Decades of experience has translated into the mentorship of women in the construction industry and involvement with several women in trades and construction networking groups, which has also carried over into her latest move to CFBC—introducing people to trades skills and inspiring people to consider careers in the skilled trades.
“Some of the people who I work with have never had a job or tried building anything before,” explained Markham-Zantvoort. “It is incredibly rewarding to watch someone overcome a fear, try something new and do a great job at it.”
As a CFBC catalyst, Markham-Zantvoort’s role has brought a welcome shift from the day-to-day grind on the job site in favour of mentorship and facilitation. The shift in priorities has also opened the door to the passing on of experiences to the next generation of skilled workers.
“I do feel like the role I am in now is much more of a mentorship role,” added Markham-Zantvoort. “I find it exciting and immensely rewarding. I’m in the later years of my career and have been thinking about legacy and about the passing on of knowledge.”
That transfer of knowledge has occurred with members of the Stz’uminus community on Vancouver Island, where Markham-Zantvoort has been helping to facilitate a collaborative trades exploration program alongside Stz’uminus First Nations. The program largely focuses on the introduction of carpentry, machine operation, and horticulture to participants.
Upon completion, certifications in Skid-Steer and Excavator operation, Fall Protection and Chainsaw Safety are presented to participants, who also receive hours of hands-on training through the construction of raised planter boxes, a garden, work benches and a heated propagation bed. Despite launching just earlier this year, the program has been already been met with success.
“Three participants to date have secured employment opportunities, which is fantastic,” concluded Markham-Zantvoort. “This position with CFBC has allowed me to help the next generation of tradespeople get a solid start. It feels good to make a difference.”
For more information on the work being done by the Construction Foundation of BC and to donate, please visit www.constructionfoundation.ca.
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