Fanshawe College launches construction skills development program

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Fanshawe College’s Corporate Training Solutions is launching a new skills development program for the construction industry.

Geared toward underemployed and unemployed individuals, the Skills2Build – General Construction program will generate employment opportunities with local employers and fill employment gaps within the industry.

Employers in the construction industry in Southwestern Ontario may be eligible for supports for lost productivity of workplace mentors and/or paid release time for participants in a formal job placement (up to $1,000 per placement).

Employers interested in hosting a work placement should contact cts@fanshawec.ca and reference the Skills2Build General Construction program.

The Skills2Build project has three distinct phases:

  • Pre-Employment Services and Training – the training portion of the program consists of 6 weeks of online and in-person training covering both soft and technical skills.
  • Employment Services – upon completion of pre-employment training, participants are then paired with a local employer to complete a 6-week (full-time) paid work placement. Placement positions could include general labour, swimming pool installation, carpentry, roofing, etc. Participants are not required to find their own employer for the work placement portion of the program.
  • Retention and Advancement Services – participants are provided with sector-focused post-employment services that support them in retaining skills, succeeding and advancing in employment in the identified sector.

Positions could include general labourer, swimming pool installation, carpentry and more. Phase three of the program involves follow up with participants to support their retraining skills to ensure employment success in their chosen field.

“This program is a win-win for everyone. It not only provides the training skilled workers need in the construction sector to hit the ground running, but also gives employers an opportunity to engage graduates in a paid work placement to help fill employment gaps,” said Candace Miller, senior manager, Strategic Initiatives and Business Development.

The program is available free of charge and phase one opened June 7 with limited placements.

To qualify for the Skills2Build Construction program, participants must meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum 18 years of age;
  • Must be unemployed/underemployed, precariously employed, or employed with low household income;
  • Not currently participating in any full-time training or education, or in another government training initiative that offers funding support for similar training or training-related costs;
  • Must be a resident of Ontario and legally entitled to work in Canada (citizens, permanent residents, or protected persons). Individuals who are not permanent residents or citizens (for example, 900-series social insurance number holders) may be eligible if they meet the exceptions indicated in the province’s advisory on eligibility.

“There are tremendous opportunities for skilled workers in our construction sector”, said Monte McNaughton, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “By supporting programs like this, our government is helping people get the skills they need to land good, meaningful jobs and embark on rewarding careers.”

To register or learn more about the program email cts@fanshawec.ca or call 1-844-CTS-FANS (1-844-287-3267) and reference the Skills2Build – General Construction program. This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

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