(647) 723-6930 Mon - Fri 09:00 - 17:00 116 Industry St, Unit 208, Toronto, ON

For Trainees

Paid Program

Earn while you learn. $14 per hour for 12 of the 16 week program.

Hands On

Hands on experience working directly with trades employers.

Start Career

80% of graduates are working successfully in trades careers.

About the Program

Building Up’s pre-apprenticeship program is a 16 week paid training program that uses construction contracts and in-class training to prepare individuals facing barriers to employment for successful careers in the trades. Participants are paid $14 per hour for 12 of the 16 weeks and are required to be available from Monday to Friday between 7:30 AM to 4:00PM for the duration of the program. Our 16 week program is divided into 2 sections: 8 weeks of in-class training and 8 weeks of in the field work experience. 

NOTE – Due to COVID classes will most likely be conducted online and work experience will likely be replaced with professional development classes online (blueprint reading, construction management, etc). 

8 weeks of in-class training – working directly with unions and trades employers

  • Essential skills: Trades math, reading comprehension and soft skills training.
  • Trades skills: Power tools, drywall, painting, carpentry, plumbing, etc.
  • Health and safety: Every trainee is provided with the health and safety certificates and Personal Protective Equipment required by employers:  WHIMS, Working At Heights, Elevated Work Platforms, PPE, etc.
  • Tools: Every trainee is provided with a core set of tools to help them in their trades careers. 

8 weeks of work placement

  • Water retrofits: Participants replace old inefficient water fixtures  (toilets, showerheads and aerators) with highly efficient upgrades that save affordable housing buildings millions of dollars annually on utility bills. 
  • General labour: Participants are placed on a variety of social enterprise contracts that provide a basis for punctuality, professionalism and work ethic. 
  • General contracting: Participants work under experienced tradespeople to undertake renovations that benefit community.

To Apply for any of the programs listed below – Please click on the apply button below. If you are having difficulties filling out the online application you can send your resume to our outreach manager, Brittney, (Brittney@buildingup.ca) to apply. 

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Paid Training Hours

How To Apply

Program 1 – Mandatory Info Session TBD for Ontario Works Recipients

  • Eligibility: Must be a recipient of Ontario Works
  • Program Start: TBD
  • Program Details: 8 Weeks in Class

Program 2 – Mandatory Info Session March 1 @ 8:45am for Youth

  • Eligibility: Must be between 18 and 29 years of age and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Program Start: March 15 2021
  • Program Details: 16 week program (8 weeks in class & 8 weeks on site).

Program 3 – Mandatory Info Session April 26 @ 8:45am for All Ages (18+)

  • Eligibility: Must be 18 and older have grade 10 education;  *Note: We can accept convention refugees with a valid work permit. We can not accept refugee claimants for this program.
  • Program Start: May 10 2021
  • Program Details: 16 week program (8 weeks in class & 8 weeks on site).

For all individuals who are interested in our program, it is important to note that after the MANDATORY information session there will be several interviews.  We have a 1 week interview process:

  • Day 1 – Monday: – Online Information Session (Mandatory for all applicants) 
    • Zoom link will be emailed to you once you have applied.
  • Day 2 & 3 – Tues & Wed: First Round Interviews (zoom invites will be sent to successful applicants) 
  • Day 4 & 5 – Thurs & Fri: Final interviews (zoom invites will be sent to successful applicants)

If you don’t have zoom, please download at zoom.us/download so you can attend. Please ensure you do this well in advance of the session.

Applicants will need to provide the following documents during their interviews:

  • Resume
  • High school transcript
  • Government issued photo ID (except Health card)
  • SIN card

If you have any questions, please connect with Brittney Wilson, our Outreach Liaison (Brittney@buildingup.ca)

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