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Career Starter

Construction Bootcamp Training Offered in Ontario

by Shield Wall Media Staff

CLAC Training is offering a new construction Bootcamp training program in Ontario to help individuals with limited or no experience in the skilled trades gain the skills they need to start a fulfilling, well-paying construction career. 

Bootcamp includes a free, three-week entry-level training program, with an eight-week paid job placement with a local construction employer. It is currently offered in Cambridge and Grimsby and will soon expand to other areas of the province. 

The program was developed with the aid of a $1.5 million grant from the Ontario government’s Skill Development Fund (SDF). The Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development is investing $200 million dollars through partnerships with training groups, community organizations, and unions that develop fresh ideas for training that upskill workers and connect them to lucrative careers close to home.

“Over the next decade, Ontario is projected to need 100,000 more workers in construction and the skilled trades,” says Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “These jobs often offer six-figure salaries with pensions and benefits and are paycheques waiting to be collected. That is why our government is supporting programs like the CLAC Training Bootcamp, which will get more young people into these life-changing careers.”

“CLAC’s construction Bootcamp is a partnership between CLAC, signatory employers, and community partners to provide over 100 local individuals with the essential skills to start their construction careers,” says Colin de Raaf, CLAC Training Ontario Director. “It is one small step to addressing the skilled trades shortage in the construction sector.” 

“This program is a fantastic introduction to the dynamic construction industry and an essential broad range of skill sets,” says Karen Renkema, Vice-President, Ontario, at the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA). “Providing hands-on experience in one of the fastest growing fields is a great way to launch a construction career and help ease the critical shortage of skilled trades workers.”

During the three weeks of in-class, online, and hands-on training, participants will learn about construction health and safety, how to safely use hand and power tools, communication skills and conflict management, construction-oriented math, and more. Participants will also earn mandatory safety certificates.

During the eight-week paid work placement, participants will apply their new skills and experience on the job, while receiving support from CLAC staff, workplace mentors, and their employer. 

Additional program supports include up to 26 weeks of one-on-one career-based support from CLAC staff and community partners, which includes needs-based financial assistance toward childcare, accommodation, and transportation. Participants will also receive a tool kit valued at $450 and full personal protective equipment and clothing. 

Employers will also receive wage subsidies of 50 percent to support a successful 8-week paid work placement.

Build Your Future Launches Construction Career Tool

by Shield Wall Media Staff

NCCER has announced the expansion of its Build Your Future (BYF) initiative by launching CareerStarter. This new national program leads individuals beyond career exploration to direct connections with local training programs and entry-level jobs. This will get them started on a construction career pathway that fits their interests.

NCCER worked with Futures, Inc. to bring their Pipeline™ technology platform to the construction industry. By utilizing their experience in building talent pipelines for the U.S. military and state-wide organizations, CareerStarter is the first comprehensive program specifically designed to take individuals from curiosity to career in the industry.

Many of those considering a career in construction are unsure of where to start. BYF’s CareerStarter provides the solution and guides them through the entire process from understanding their options, to finding training and ultimately obtaining their first job in the industry.

“Individuals know how to get into college and where to go to apply for jobs online, but they don’t know how to get into construction, where to get the necessary training and how to get their first job in the industry,” said Jennifer Wilkerson, NCCER Vice President of Innovation and Advancement. “We are proud to provide a program that guides and supports individuals through each step of the process while also helping to build our industry and ultimately our country.”

This program is completely free of charge to individuals, schools, training programs and employers thanks to the generosity and commitment to the construction industry by forward-thinking companies like Stanley Black & Decker, a trusted distributor of high-quality industry tools, and Procore Technologies, a leading global provider of construction management software. CareerStarter has launched in Texas and North Carolina and will be available nationwide in the coming months.