For Trainees

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 – 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. 

We are excited to announce that Building Up is now accepting applications for our October & January cohorts. We will be hiring for 24-30 new positions. We are inviting all candidates interested in joining the the Building Up team and pursuing a trades career to please apply before October 12th. To apply you must be 18+ years old and legal to work in Canada. 

For individuals who are interested in our program, we have a 1 week interview process:

• October 12th – Online Information Session (Mandatory for all applicants) 
  • Zoom link will be emailed to you once you have applied.
• October 13 & 14 – First Round Interviews (zoom invites will be sent to successful applicants) 
• October 15 & 16 – 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.

If successful, 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)