Whether replacing retiring workers or expanding to respond to the demand for more homes, the residential construction industry needs more workers.
Building a bigger workforce starts with building the number of entry-level workers prepared to enter our industry. Bringing in large numbers of new hires and encouraging and enabling increased diversity on the job site requires on-the-job training, coaching and support for both new entrants and employers.
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) Job Ready Program matches eager job seekers from underrepresented groups with starter jobs in the construction industry – jobs from general construction labour to pre-trade roles and office positions supporting builders, manufacturers, and service companies.
From us, employees receive basic safety training and construction industry orientation. We then partner with employers to provide a paid work experience supported with on-the-job training and mentorship to introduce participants to a career in the construction industry.
How We Can Help
Are you working hard to grow your business but having trouble finding the right candidate to fill your entry-level roles? There are so many qualified candidates looking to join the residential construction industry, but who lack experience. Through the OHBA Job Ready Program, we deliver job ready candidates for a variety of roles on your teams, including:
We’ll recruit, pre-screen and qualify prospective workers and provide the necessary training required by the Ministry of Labour, Training & Skills Development before placing them with your company.
We’re looking for interested employers who will hire these job ready workers for a full-time, paid placement, typically into non-unionized, starter positions, such as general labour.
The OHBA Job Ready Program supports employers throughout the placement period. Our team will check in regularly to help your supervisor solve issues and facilitate on-the-job training and mentorship.
Personal Protective Equipment will be provided by the OHBA Job Ready Program to all employees.
Please email the OHBA Job Ready Team for more information on participating as an employer in the Job Ready Program.
Questions about the program? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for employers.
Fill in your details to receive additional information from a program representative about how to become an OHBA Job Ready Program employer.
Contact 437-263-3487
Interested in starting a career in construction? The OHBA Job Ready Program can help get you ready to work in the rapidly growing Ontario home construction industry.
The construction sector is expected to experience significant growth between now and 2030. This is your chance to start and build an exciting, future-proof new career. There are plenty of opportunities — whether you enjoy working outdoors, with your hands, indoors, or with other people.
The OHBA Job Ready Program will provide you with entry-level, practical skills training and experience that will prepare you for work in the construction industry.
In addition to hands-on industry training, you will be provided with transferable soft skills training, a paid job placement, personal protective equipment (PPE) and ongoing retention support to ensure your long-term success in the construction field.
After you have received basic safety training and construction industry orientation, we then partner with employers to provide a paid work experience supported with on-the-job training and mentorship to get you started in your career in the construction industry.
This no-cost training program will run from April 2023 - March 2024. During this period, participants will receive workplace-based technical training and employment coaching, as well as a paid job placement with an industry employer.
A paid placement is arranged for participants after they complete about 10 – 12 hours of mandatory training. Job placements are full-time (40+ hours per week).
Paid work placements will be with employers located across Ontario, including Durham, GTA, Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, Niagara, Ottawa, Quinte, Simcoe, and St. Thomas. Depending on your location, you will be placed with an employer located in one of the regions closest to your residence.
There is no cost to participate in this program. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided. Participants will be responsible for personal transportation to and from placement sites, as well as food and living expenses.
*Note: Participants will require access to a laptop and reliable internet in order to complete the mandatory remote training.
“All of our Job Ready employees have been a great addition to the UBILD team. They have helped to boost the general construction worker supply pool which has ultimately meant that we can source more projects. The general construction worker crew are critical to the construction operation and the projects would not continue without them.”
We’d be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you have about the OHBA Job Ready Program.
Contact us by email and we will respond to you within one business day.
