For Trainees

Construct offers you a valuable opportunity to learn new skills and begin a career in the trades and construction industry in York, Peel, and Durham Region. Construct is a solution at the intersection of two challenges; growing demand for skilled employees in the construction industry and vulnerable low-income individuals need low barrier jobs and a higher income to achieve housing stability.

Eligibility

To be eligible to join the Construct program, an applicant must meet all of the requirements listed below.

Currently be residing in York, Peel, or Durham Region.
Over the age of 18.
Have their own and active bank account
Have an English level proficiency of Level 5 or higher, as per the Canadian Language Benchmark
Be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident Status, or have an Open Work Permit.

Please note, Construct operates in York Region, Durham Region, and Peel Region, and participants are only eligible for the region in which they reside.

Application Process

To apply to the Construct program, please submit an application online. Applications are opened and closed periodically, and we do not accept applications or waitlist inquiries when applications are closed.

Once applied, Construct will contact you when we are recruiting for a cohort you are eligible for. Please note, due to program demand, the wait time can be 3-6 months. Due to the number of applications we receive, we cannot provide status of applicants spot on the waitlist.

Once you are contacted, you will be invited for an interview. After the interview, you will receive an invitation or deferral to join the program, or if the program is not a fit, you will be declined.

Please ensure you complete your application with relevant, up to date information, to ensure we can assess your application appropriately upon receiving it

Our program is designed to help breakdown barriers to employment and provide direct connections to employment opportunities and careers.

We will train and mentor you every step of the way equipping you with the necessary skills to succeed in both your personal and professional lives.

With one fifth of the province’s current construction workforce retiring over the next 10 years, sustaining industry capacity through more aggressive recruitment …and training efforts will remain a high priority for industry leaders.

– Buildforce Canada

8-Week Skilled Trades Training

Construct’s cohort consists of 8-10 participants who will complete an 8-week full time training program.

The program includes in-class training, on-the-job work experience, various wraparound supports, and direct connections to employment to help vulnerable job seekers secure long-term, well-paying jobs in the trades. The program operates Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, for 8-weeks.

York Region

Partnering with LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre located in Richmond Hill, participants spend 2 weeks with LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre and 6 weeks with Construct during the 8-week training program. At LiUNA Local 506 Training Centre, you will receive in-class skills training in trades math, reading comprehension, social skills & work etiquette, trades skills, and health and safety certifications.

Peel Region

Partnering with Humber College in Etobicoke, participants spend 2 days a week with Humber College and 3 days with Construct during the 8-week training program. At Humber College you will receive in-class skills training in trades math, reading comprehension, work etiquette, trades skills, and health and safety certifications.

Durham Region

Partnering with Durham College in Whitby, participants spend 3 weeks with Durham College and 5 weeks with Construct during the 8-week training program. At Durham College, participants gain skills-based and experiential training in the field of carpentry. Additionally, you will receive in-class skills training in trades math, reading comprehension, work etiquette and trade skills.

Construct Training

At Construct, your 8-week training will consist of virtual and in-person classroom training, hands-on training at Construct’s Training Centre and with our training partners, and experimental learning opportunities with trade union and employer partners. In-class and virtual classroom training consists of learning focused on introduction to trade pathways, employability skills, mental health and well-being, financial literacy, planning for the future, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and more! Hands-on training introduces you to construction math, safe tool handling and tool identification, and becoming skilled on a variety of carpentry and construction projects. Experimental learning opportunities consist of tours and workshops to learn about different trade pathways, hear from guest speakers and Construct Alumni on their experience in the trades, and gain an understanding which trade is the best fit for you. You will also receive key certifications, including W.H.M.I.S, Working at Heights, Procore, and Standard First Aid.

Wraparound Supports

To support participants in accessing and succeeding through the program, Construct provides various supports, including:

Participants receive a living wage equivalent to minimum wage, at 40 hours a week while in the Construct program
Weekly food and transportation stipends are provided to participants.
One time support is available to address immediate, crisis and emergency needs.
Participants are equipped with Personal Protective Equipment to be worksite ready.
Access to psychotherapy
1:1 employment coaching and support is provided during the 8-week program and up to 12 months post program completion.
Additional personal and professional supports are generously provided by the YMCA, ACCES Employment, and other employment partners