Ontario Construction News staff writer
A new program launched by BuildForce Canada will connect job seekers and employers across Canada’s construction sector.
Construction Career Pathways provides 16-week, paid, entry-level work placements on construction sites across the country. No prior industry experience is needed for workers, and employers can take advantage of financial incentives to help offset costs.
“Construction is at nearly full employment in most regions across the country, and demands are growing as project owners continue to invest in new builds and retrofit their existing projects to respond to net-zero imperatives,” says Bill Ferreira, executive director of BuildForce Canada. “Many companies are finding it hard to hire to respond to those demands, however. Labour force constraints are cutting across many industries.
“Construction Career Pathways is a new tool employers can use to connect with workers who are seeking entry-level opportunities in our sector.”
The program was developed for people looking to explore careers in construction, but who have only entry-level skills and experience. The program is ideally suited to a wide diversity of workers, including women, members of Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, and those who identify as LGBTQ2+; people from equity-deserving groups who want to work in construction; young people seeking work experience; and individuals looking for employment or looking to change careers.
For employers, Construction Career Pathways connects small- and medium-sized companies – those with fewer than 500 employees – find entry-level workers who are looking to begin a career in Canada’s construction industry.
A wage subsidy of up to $2,400 per employee is available to businesses that complete their 16-week work placements, with funding provided by the Government of Canada.
Applications are being accepted and placements are available for up to 1,000 workers, with 50 percent of the program intake allocated to people from traditionally under-represented groups in the construction sector.
For more information, visit www.ccp-pcc.ca.