B.C. Construction Association mentorship program helps young workers gain career guidance

Beginning today, the Building Builders program will start connecting under and un-employed workers with experienced mentors across all disciplines in BC's construction industry. 

The program is created and managed by the B.C. Construction Association (BCCA), a non-profit organization that specializes in sector workforce development and has successfully placed thousands of job seekers into construction careers across the industry.

Building Builders is a province-wide mentorship program serving B.C.'s construction industry, filling an important gap in an academic-leaning culture that often does not adequately encourage skilled trades as a career path. 

Personal guidance can be difficult to access for job seekers without connections inside the industry, and it can take years for talent to get on an accelerated path. The average age of an apprentice in B.C. is 27, and B.C. Construction Association hopes that Building Builders 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, B.C. Construction Association 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 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 professional 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 the program staff will stay connected and help facilitate a productive experience for everyone.

Early adopters to the program include Ellis Don, Penfolds Roofing, and Corrcoat Services Inc.

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.