The Building Builders program, the only province-wide mentorship program serving B.C.’s construction industry, is open for applications.
The program created and managed by the BC Construction Association (BCCA) will connect under and un-employed workers with experienced mentors across all disciplines in the construction industry.
The program is intended to fill an important gap in an academic-leaning culture that often does not adequately encourage the skilled trades as a career path. The average age of an apprentice in B.C. is 27, and BCCA hopes that program will help first year apprentices get started earlier and stay in the system by providing personalized, ongoing career guidance.
“If you don’t have the right contacts, it can be hard to navigate a career in the construction industry,” says Chris Atchison, BCCA president. “Guidance counsellors, parents, and teachers aren’t always fully informed about the opportunities or encouraging of a non-academic path. BCCA is thrilled to connect industry leaders with young talent, get their questions answered, get them personal advice from experts who really know the way, and help them fulfill their career goals.”
Anyone seriously interested in exploring a construction career should apply for one of the 300 mentee positions. Building Builders will carefully match each mentee with a successful leader in construction who aligns with their goals and life experience. All mentors are carefully screened to ensure they have been working in the industry for at least 10 years, and program staff will stay connected and help facilitate a productive experience for everyone.
Building Builders is funded to run for three years, and support 300 mentees through a 12-month mentorship period. Mentees will receive Site Ready safety training, and mentees and mentor companies will receive culture training through the Builders Code.
Early adopters of the program include Ellis Don, Penfolds Roofing, and Corrcoat Services Inc.
Mentors and mentees should go to www.buildingbuilders.ca to apply.
