The British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) Building Builders Mentorship Program has officially crossed 600 matches. We are rapidly approaching our program target of 650. This milestone proves that BC’s construction industry is actively committed to transferring knowledge and building a resilient workforce.
Mentorship works best when it fits the specific needs of the people involved. To celebrate 600 matches, we are highlighting two different approaches to mentorship: internal professional development and direct 1-on-1 guidance.
Scaling Internal Mentorship at TKI Construction
TKI Construction demonstrates how companies can grow talent from within. Now in their second Building Builders cohort, TKI Construction has enrolled 25 participants across carpentry, project management, estimating, and safety.
Mentees work alongside their Mentors on active job sites. This blends daily hands-on coaching with scheduled career development meetings. The results speak for themselves. Several mentees have advanced through their apprenticeship levels during the program, and others have successfully achieved their Red Seal certification.
TKI Construction also integrated Builders Code training for both Mentors and Mentees to reinforce a strong culture of professionalism. By building mentorship directly into their professional development plans, TKI Construction proves that investing in people is a primary driver of business growth.
1-on-1 Mentorship at Princess Plumbing
Mentorship is equally powerful on an individual level. Mahara Gibson-Zeinoun, owner of Princess Plumbing in Vancouver, is currently guiding two women entering the plumbing trade through entirely different models.
Emily Seeley (Virtual Mentorship): Emily lives on Vancouver Island, while Mahara is based on the mainland. They built a strong virtual mentorship through regular calls and texts. Mahara recently advised Emily on utilizing program support funds to purchase the correct tools for her career. They recently extended their mentorship for another six months and plan to use program transportation funds to meet in person.
Chanapa “Ploy” Yupraphat (Hands-On Mentorship): Ploy took a direct, local route. She recently completed 160 hours of work experience directly under Mahara. Following that success, Mahara hired Ploy as a first-year apprentice. Ploy is now officially registered with SkilledTradesBC and is on her way to becoming a certified Red Seal Plumber.
The strength of BC’s construction sector relies on the passing of the torch. Whether it happens across a company roster or between two people on a job site, mentorship builds the future of the trades.
Are you an employer looking to structure your internal training? Or a skilled tradesperson ready to pass on your knowledge? Join the Building Builders program today.