GVCA President’s Message September

CONSTRUCTING CAREERS, CONNECTING TALENT 

Over a year ago, with the support of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), the GVCA embarked on a mission to connect community members seeking careers in construction with employers looking for future talent. What began as a simple idea has evolved into a comprehensive program designed to identify, train, and provide hands-on experience—ultimately helping many individuals secure full-time careers in the skilled trades.

From June 2024 through March 2026, we will have successfully trained and prepared 225 individuals who are eager and ready to work.

Here's how the program works:

• The Region of Waterloo Employment Services helps identify local residents interested in construction careers. Candidates undergo an application and interview process to ensure a good fit. All participants have English proficiency at Level 6 (reading, writing, and speaking).
• Over four weeks, participants receive training and obtain all necessary certifications to work safely on a construction site.
• They then gain two weeks of hands-on experience, during which they’re building a wooden shed.
• Participants are provided with full, properly fitting PPE to ensure safety and professionalism.
• We offer a 50% wage subsidy to employers who hire these individuals for up to 160 hours. There is no obligation to offer full-time employment afterward.

Alongside placement, employers are invited to interview candidates, and we provide an attendance sheet to track performance over the month.

This program has been highly successful, with most participants securing full-time employment following their placement. It’s designed to reduce common hiring uncertainties by providing a well-prepared, vetted talent pool.

To learn more about the program, schedule an interview with some of our candidates, or speak with employers who have already hired through this initiative, please reach out to me at jeff@gvca.org.

Jeff MacIntyre, President