The Path to Employment

The Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) Path to Employment in Construction Program will provide job seekers with an enriching five-week hands-on training series, followed by a four-week paid work placement in the construction industry. Program participants will acquire multiple certifications that directly support their employability within the construction sector in addition to the invaluable hands-on experience they will be able to apply.

TRAINING

This progressive and building training series will include the following topics:

Essential Employment Skills

Communication
Resilience
Professionalism
Mental Wellness
Math and Measurement
Employability Skills (Resume Writing / Interview Preparation)
Customer Service
Accessibility for Ontarian with Disabilities Act (AODA)

Health & Safety

Worker Awareness Training
WHMIS 2015
Personal Protective Equipment Training
Fire Extinguisher Training
Workplace Violence and Harassment Awareness Training
Lock Out Tag Out Training
Working at Heights Training
Standard First Aid, CPR and AED Training
Mobile Elevated Work Platform Training
Confined Space Entrant and Attendant Training
Boom Lift, Scissor Lift, Forklift Training
Reversing vehicles and hand signaling
Naloxone and Opioid Awareness Training
Ergonomics Awareness

Practical Hand Tools & Power Tools Training

Using hand tools (hand saws, table saws, drills, etc.)
Drywalling skills (cutting, mudding, taping, etc.)
Painting
Hanging trim
Laying flooring
Site safety and clean-up

The training will be located at: GVCA Office, 25 Sheldon Drive, Cambridge

This will consist of 8 days of hands-on training working with tools commonly used in construction.

WORK PLACEMENT

During the program, participants will have opportunities to network with employers.

After the training, successful participants may have the opportunity to take part in a four-week paid experiential work placement with a local construction firm from Grand Valley Construction Association’s membership. Employers providing placement opportunities will be within Waterloo Region, Brant County or Wellington County.

https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/gvca-path-to-employment.aspx

ELIGIBILITY

The program is available for residents primarily from Waterloo region, Wellington County, and Brant County. Participants must be at ESL level 5/CBL level 6 or higher and must have a valid work permit of 18 months or longer.

In addition, participants should be part of one or more of the following groups:

women
youth
persons with disabilities
black and racialized groups
justice-involved individuals
indigenous peoples
newcomers including Ukrainians under the Emergency Act

Please note that spaces for the program are limited. Participants will be selected based on both eligibility and fit for the program.

APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM

If you would like to participate in the program, please use the online application form below. Due to the high volume of applications, only applicants chosen to move forward will be contacted for next steps.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have any questions or would like more information, please speak with your Employment Ontario provider or email Region of Waterloo Employment at pathtoemployment@regionofwaterloo.ca.

Please do not go to the GVCA office to inquire about the program.