Ontario Building Information workers author
The Metropolis of Barrie is offering $250,000 to help the Group Builders’ Trades and Variety Program, which provides paid expert trades coaching to people dealing with employment challenges. The initiative addresses the native scarcity of tradespeople and assist speed up reasonably priced housing improvement within the area.
Funding comes after Barrie obtained $25.6 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) in March 2024. On Oct. 2, 2024, Barrie Metropolis Council authorized the allocation of $250,000 from the HAF to this system, a part of a broader effort to advertise reasonably priced housing within the space.
This system can also be receiving a $250,000 grant from Meridian Credit score Union’s Reframe Program, marking a strengthened partnership between the monetary establishment and Group Builders. The coaching program runs for 3 months and equips members with the talents essential to pursue careers in building.
“This program, enhanced through the partnership with Meridian Credit Union, underscores the importance of collaboration to tackle the skilled trades shortage and support affordable housing,” mentioned Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall.
Meridian Credit score Union CEO Jay-Ann Gilfoy emphasised the corporate’s long-standing dedication to supporting communities.
“We’re proud to partner with the City of Barrie and Community Builders to help individuals facing barriers and contribute to the growth of our local communities,” Gilfoy mentioned.
Based in 2016, Group Builders is a not-for-profit social enterprise that trains people within the expert trades whereas addressing the necessity for reasonably priced housing. This system additionally operates a modular housing manufacturing unit in Barrie that produces houses year-round.
Since its inception, Group Builders has skilled greater than 300 people. Contributors acquire important expertise, security certifications, and hands-on expertise by engaged on actual building tasks, together with constructing secondary suites and modular housing.
“Together with our partners, we’re creating more job opportunities, building affordable housing, and fostering healthier communities,” mentioned Brandon Day, CEO of Group Builders, confirming new funding will assist develop this system’s capability to satisfy the twin challenges of a trades workforce scarcity and the reasonably priced housing disaster..
Graduates of this system have discovered success within the trades trade.
“The program gave me the confidence and skills to pursue a career in the trades. It changed my life and gave me a sense of belonging and purpose,” mentioned a current participant.
