About the Program
The Building Maintenance and Construction Program is a proprietary training program, offered by Social Services, that helps participants gain in-demand skills while renovating a house through our Affordable Home Ownership Program.
Students participate in eight weeks of hands-on training with an experienced instructor. The program is structured so participants can develop practical skills in all phases of the renovation process, from demolition to finishing work, and ultimately gain employment in the construction field.
Participants receive industry recognized certificates and all training is competency-based. Students in this program have an extremely high rate of employment, and many go on to further education in construction and the trades.
Eligibility Requirements
There are only a few requirements you must meet to join the program:
• You must be 18 years of age or older
• You must be able to attend Monday to Friday from 9 am to 3 pm
• You must be legal to work in Ontario
• You must currently receive Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program funds (ODSP)
You are NOT required to have:
• A clean CIPC
• A high-school diploma or equivalency
• Any previous work experience
Program Requirements
This program takes place on real worksites where health and safety are priority. In order for you to succeed and be safe, we provide training in:
• First Aid/CPR Level C
• Working at Heights
• WHMIS
• Health and Safety in 4 Steps
• Arial Lift
These are standard requirements for most Canadian worksites. Upon completion of each training module, you will receive a certificate which can be presented in job applications/interviews.
Program Details
This program is unique, flexible and designed to encourage your success by focusing on competency-based achievements, recognizing that sometimes life happens, and acknowledging that every day is different.
We welcome participants who leave to re-enter the program and offer regular check-ins to see if there are issues we can resolve or other supports we can offer.
Program Supports
We offer the following supports to reduce barriers and help you succeed:
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Tools and equipment
• Course materials and supplies
• Course fees, including cost of related certificates
• Transportation costs
• Allowance for incidental expenses
There may also be assistance for childcare. Please discuss with your Case Manager if this is a barrier.
Course Content
Topics covered include:
• Construction industry overview
• Health and safety
• Project schedule and cycle
• Operation of tools
• Basic construction and renovation techniques
Students will graduate with extensive knowledge of a renovation and how the skills will translate to other projects.
What You'll Learn
• The daily workings of construction site environments
• Roles, responsibilities and relationships of renovation projects
• In-demand skillset tto make you an asset to employers
• Safety basics and how to safely use basic hand and power tools
• Performing tasks such as: Dry walling, flooring, window/door installation, etc.
Contact
Are you an employer looking to acquire skilled workers for your company? Or are you an ODSP/OW client interested in learning more about this training opportunity?
Reach out to:
Building Maintenance and Construction Program Co-ordinators|
P: 705-759-5266.
E: constructionprogram@socialservices-ssmd.ca