The Builders' Bench

Craig Larkins
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The Builders' Bench – Take a seat on the bench – where construction conversations happen is VRCA's official podcast – a powerful platform that gives voice to the people and policies shaping construction. Hosted by Craig Larkins, VRCA's Director of Advocacy, The Builders' Bench takes inspiration from the front bench in parliament – where ideas are debated, issues are challenged, and real change begins. Each episode brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to cut through the noise and talk about what really matters — from workforce and permitting challenges to procurement, policy, and the future of nation building.

  1. 4d ago

    EP40: Construction Caught in the Trade War - Update from Ottawa

    Tariffs are rising, counter-tariffs are coming and construction is caught in the middle. Host Craig Larkins sits down with Canadian Construction Association President Rod Gilbert for an update from Ottawa on what the escalating Canada-U.S. trade dispute means for contractors, projects and the cost of building. They break down what CCA is hearing from government, whether federal relief will be enough and what contractors should be doing now to protect their businesses. With billions in housing, infrastructure and major projects on the line, how hard will these tariffs hit construction, and what happens next?

  2. Aug 26

    EP39: Why Municipal Elections Matter to Construction

    Municipal elections may not receive the same attention as federal or provincial campaigns, but the decisions made at city hall directly affect what gets built, how long it takes and what it costs. Host Craig Larkins sits down with UBC political science lecturer Stewart Prest to explore what's at stake in the upcoming municipal election, why local politics matters to construction and how voters can cut through campaign promises and funding announcements. With Election Day approaching, this conversation looks at the power of municipal government and why construction needs to be part of the conversation. Take a seat on the bench with us!

  3. Aug 20

    EP38: Construction Meets Festival: Welcome to BUILDFest

    What happens when you combine the best parts of a construction tradeshow with the energy of a festival? You get BUILDFest. Host Craig Larkins sits down with VRCA Member Experience Manager Erin Wormald for a preview of this brand-new event for B.C.'s construction community. They unpack where the idea came from, what members can expect from the exhibitors, speakers and sponsors, and how the day will wrap up with a block party. Take a seat on the bench with us.

  4. Aug 19

    EP37: The origin story of the Tradeswomen calendar

    On this episode of the Builders' Bench, Craig Larkins catches up with Carly Steiman, founder of the Tradeswomen Calendar and Tradeswomen Exhibit, to look back at the impact so far and, more importantly, look ahead to 2027. They talk about the stories behind the calendar, why representation matters, what Carly has learned along the way, and how the construction industry can help inspire the next generation to see the trades as a place for them. The 2027 calendar is coming. Here's what's next.

  5. Aug 12

    EP36: What Happens When AI Joins the Project Team?

    What will a day on a construction project look like in 2030? In Episode 2 of our Construction AI Reality Check series, we fast-forward to 2030 and imagine what happens when AI becomes part of the everyday project team. What tasks could disappear from a project manager's day? Will teams communicate differently? What skills will matter most? And as more of the administrative work becomes automated, what parts of construction will remain fundamentally human? This isn't science fiction. It's a practical look at where construction could be heading, what might change faster than we think, and what project teams can start doing today to get ready. Take a seat on the bench with us.

  6. Jul 29

    EP35: Construction's AI Reality Check

    AI is everywhere. Every conference. Every LinkedIn post. Every software demo. But beyond the headlines and hype, what does AI actually mean for construction? We're sitting down with industry experts to have honest, practical conversations about AI in construction. No buzzwords. No sales pitches. Just real conversations about what's changing, what's not, and what construction leaders should actually be paying attention to. Our first guest is Nimrat Pahwa, Enterprise Solutions Specialist, AI at Procore, and we're diving straight into the questions everyone is asking: Is AI coming for construction jobs? Where can AI actually save project teams time today? And what should leaders be paying attention to before they get left behind? Whether you're a project manager, estimator, superintendent, executive, or simply curious about where AI is taking our industry, this series is for you. Take a seat on the bench with us!

  7. Jun 2

    EP34: Pain Support in the Trades: Help is Here

    In this episode of The Builders' Bench, Craig Larkins sits down to discuss new supports now available for tradespeople living with chronic pain, including the new confidential text support line and Pain BC's Trades and Pain Program. From peer support and coaching to workplace culture and prevention, this conversation explores how the industry is starting to better support the people who build our communities. Because supporting worker wellbeing is not just good for people, it's good for the future of construction. Take a seat on the bench.

  8. May 6

    EP33: Tailgate Toolkit: Leadership Training for the Jobsite

    May is Mental Health Awareness Month and in construction, this conversation is shifting from awareness to action. On this episode of The Builders' Bench, Craig Larkins sits down with Rose Olsen from the Tailgate Toolkit to talk about practical, jobsite-ready leadership training. Designed for construction supervisors, this training equips leaders with the tools to confidently talk about substance use, mental health, and pain management on the jobsite.  Take a seat on the bench. 🎙️

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About

The Builders' Bench – Take a seat on the bench – where construction conversations happen is VRCA's official podcast – a powerful platform that gives voice to the people and policies shaping construction. Hosted by Craig Larkins, VRCA's Director of Advocacy, The Builders' Bench takes inspiration from the front bench in parliament – where ideas are debated, issues are challenged, and real change begins. Each episode brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to cut through the noise and talk about what really matters — from workforce and permitting challenges to procurement, policy, and the future of nation building.

Information

  • Creator
    Craig Larkins
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    The Builders' Bench

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