BCCA’s Building Builders program has hit an important milestone: we’ve made over 300 Mentor-Mentee matches! Behind every one of these 300+ connections is a unique story about learning, growth, and opportunity. These stories highlight the power of mentorship in shaping the future of British Columbia’s construction industry.
Today, we’re telling the mentorship story of a young Indigenous plumbing pre-apprentice, and a seasoned Red Seal plumber. Their story shows why mentorship isn’t just about answering questions—it’s about showing up for each other and making real progress, one conversation at a time.
Meet Mentor Kym Green and her Mentee, Cameron Sky
Cameron Sky is starting out in the trades, trying to carve a career path in plumbing. Her goal? To earn her Red Seal certification, a big deal for anyone working in construction. But like many starting their apprenticeship, Cameron had no clear road map. She wondered:
- In what area of plumbing should I specialize? How do I survive in the construction industry as someone who’s new—and different?
These aren’t easy questions and figuring it all out can feel overwhelming. For Cameron, having someone to guide her through these questions was game-changing.
Enter Kym Green, a Red Seal plumber and foreperson at Core Mechanical with over 14 years of experience. Kym’s journey hasn’t been easy—she worked her way up from apprentice to team lead, all while navigating the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry. When another Mentor from the Building Builders program reached out, saying, “Cameron needs someone like you,” Kym stepped up as Cameron’s Mentor.
From that point on, the two started meeting regularly—sometimes in person, other times over the phone or video calls. Whether they were walking through technical skills or brainstorming how to handle tough job site situations, these conversations became a key part of Cameron’s construction journey.
The Building Builders Mentee’s Journey: Building Confidence and Direction
Cameron, like many new to the construction field, faced challenges in deciding what career path to take. Kym’s guidance helped her navigate these decisions and provided insight into the various specialties within construction, like service plumbing. Cameron emphasized how mentorship gave her a clearer understanding of the construction industry and the confidence to make career-defining choices. “Kym helped me figure out what to do for the next four years,” she noted.
Over time, Cameron transformed from being unsure of what questions to ask into someone who took full control of her mentorship. This newfound confidence allowed Cameron to ask the right questions and direct the mentorship towards achieving her big career goals. This empowerment is a testimony to the transformative power of Building Builders mentorship. In Kym’s words, Cameron’s now “a firework!”
Communication: The Heart of Mentorship
For Kym, the key to a successful Mentor-Mentee relationship is communication. “Knowing how to ask a good question is a solid skill,” she said, explaining how the ability to communicate effectively benefits Mentees throughout their careers. From learning how to manage professional relationships to asking insightful questions, communication is an essential tool in the apprenticeship journey. Kym’s mentorship taught Cameron not just technical skills, but also how to navigate workplace dynamics with confidence and professionalism.
What to expect from Mentorship
When Kym first became a Mentor, she had no idea what to expect. Encouraged by a colleague, she dove into the experience with the hope of sharing her knowledge and making a difference. Little did she know, mentoring Cameron would not only benefit her, but also boost Kym’s own confidence. “We all deal with insecurities, but sharing my experience helped me see my own strengths,” Kym shared. This mentorship journey turned out to be a two-way street—Mentor guiding their Mentee while gaining personal growth and validation themselves.
What Mentorship Superpower do you wish for?
When asked what superpower she’d want, Kym joked about wanting to read minds. Why? So she could really understand what her mentees need and give the best advice. Mentees don’t always know how to ask the right questions, but a good Mentor can sense what’s missing and help them figure things out. Kym’s answer shows what mentoring is all about—getting to the heart of challenges and guiding mentees toward clear goals.
Building Skills That Last a Lifetime
Both Kym and Cameron reflected on the challenges they faced throughout the mentorship. For Cameron, deciding which career path to pursue was daunting. Kym provided valuable perspective, guiding her through the pros and cons of different options, such as service plumbing. By tackling these decisions together, they both gained a deeper understanding of the industry and its opportunities.
One of the most rewarding aspects of their mentorship journey is the lifelong impact it has created. Cameron now has the tools to thrive in the construction industry, not just as a tradesperson, but as a confident, self-assured professional. Kym, on the other hand, has found personal fulfillment in giving back to the industry and helping shape its future leaders.
Are You Ready to Make an Impact?
The Building Builders program has already created over 300 successful Mentor-Mentee matches across British Columbia, and the number keeps growing. Each match represents more than just a partnership—it’s a unique journey of growth, learning, and mutual benefit. For both Mentors and Mentees, the program offers an opportunity to shape the future of BC’s construction industry while gaining personal and professional rewards.
Whether you’re an industry veteran or just starting your construction career, mentorship can change lives. To join the Building Builders program as a Mentor or Mentee, simply fill out an application form and start your journey. Together, we’re building the future of British Columbia’s construction industry—one mentorship at a time.
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