New skilled trades training targets marginalized groups in Simcoe County

Ontario Construction News staff writer

Simcoe Countyโ€™s Community Builders has launched a new employment training program aimed at marginalized individuals interested in skilled trades careers.

The Trades & Diversity Training Program will run three months at a time and participants will be provided with paid training to learn everything from demolition to framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, tiling.ย  After graduation, graduates will receive support obtaining full-time employment in the trades.

Intake is happening now. Anyone interested in learning more can visitย bit.ly/ConstructionTraineeProgramย to fill out an application.

โ€œThis program is so exciting because it is specifically for marginalized groups that are underrepresented in the trades,โ€ย said Shawna Bailey, director of programming at Community Builders.ย โ€œFor the first time ever, we will be running a program specifically for women, newcomers to Canada, and those who are Black, Indigenous, and people of colour.

โ€œThe Government of Canada has seen that these groups are completely underrepresented in the trades, and they have developed this amazing initiative to change that narrative.โ€

The program focuses on creating training and tools to marginalized groups that are underrepresented in the trades.

โ€œWith this significant funding grant from the federal government, I am confident this program will expand on the incredible work of Community Buildersโ€™ to date,โ€ Bailey said.

The next cohort starts in January 2023.

โ€œI am continuously impressed with the positive impact this not-for-profit enterprise has on our community and beyond,โ€ said local MP Doug Shipley โ€œThrough creating affordable housing, providing trades training, and supporting individuals facing barriers to employment, Community Builders demonstrates the very best of our community.”

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