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5 Surprising Ways Mentorship Supercharges Your Career in the Construction Trades

by Joey Bulman

Construction tradespeople hear the mentorship pitch constantly, usually right alongside safety reminders. It makes sense, but it doesn’t always spark excitement.

The real power of mentorship lies in what it unlocks for your career. The right Mentor doesn’t just answer questions. They accelerate your path to certification, help you avoid costly mistakes, and build the kind of confidence that makes your tools feel like extensions of your own hands.

Here are five unexpected ways mentorship transforms your success in the construction trades, both now as a Mentee and when you become a Mentor yourself.

1. Real-World Wisdom: What School Can’t Teach Classrooms teach building codes. Site work hones the skills. Mentors teach everything in between. You already know how to work hard. A Mentor shows you how to work smart and move up.

Working with an experienced tradesperson teaches you how to:

  • Navigate busy worksites safely
  • Communicate professionally with forepersons, inspectors, clients, and industry experts
  • Make smart decisions regarding safety and scheduling
  • Step into leadership roles when the opportunity arises

Every Mentor is a real-time example of leadership in the trades. This prepares you to become a strong lead hand or journeyperson whom others trust.

2. Instant Access to Professional Networks Construction thrives on who you know as much as what you can do. Mentors often introduce their Mentees to colleagues, employers, unions, tradespeople, supervisors, and other industry professionals.

These relationships can lead to:

  • New job opportunities
  • More hours toward certification
  • Specialized training
  • Future mentorship roles

Mentorship acts like a backstage pass to the industry. It helps you stand out even while you are still an apprentice.

3. Confidence on the Path to Certification The path to journeyperson or Red Seal status rarely runs smoothly. Think of it like building a staircase: one careful step at a time.

Mentors help by:

  • Breaking down goals into practical steps
  • Sharing how they navigated school, exams, job site training, and onsite evaluations
  • Helping you showcase the skills you have built
  • Encouraging you to rise strong even when the load feels heavy

This is career development with someone who has already walked the path ahead of you.

4. Navigating Challenges with an Ally Maybe you just immigrated to Canada. Maybe you moved to BC, switched industries, or started your first job. Job site communication can feel intimidating, and you might wonder if you belong.

Mentorship in construction trades gives you support for real-world stressors:

  • Guidance during layoffs or schedule gaps
  • Advice for short-term training options
  • Direction on which skills to develop and feature on your resume
  • Someone who understands the pressure of the grind

Nothing supports your growth in the construction trades like having someone in your corner.

5. Building a Legacy: From Mentee to Mentor The most powerful part of the process is the full circle effect. Today’s Mentee often becomes tomorrow’s Mentor.

Meet Abbas: A Building Builders Success Story Abbas is a foreign-trained electrician Who challenged the interprovincial exam and successfully achieved his Red Seal Certification as an electrician. When he joined the Building Builders Mentorship Program, he was seeking career guidance to better understand how to leverage his electrical skills in the BC labour market.

Mentorship Advisors matched him with a Red Seal Construction Electrician who helped him achieve his short-term goals and build confidence. After completing his mentorship as a Mentee, Abbas chose to give back by becoming a Building Builders Mentor himself. Today, he has started a new position and is empowering his own Mentees. He stands as a powerful example of how mentorship transforms lives and strengthens BC’s construction industry.

Mentoring strengthens your:

  • Professional reputation and network
  • Leadership skills
  • Pride in the impact you make
  • Contribution to the next generation of industry professionals

Mentors shape the future and create a legacy of a skilled workforce.

Lay the Foundation for the Career You Want Whether you are just starting out or working toward supervising crews, construction trades mentorship provides the guidance, tools, and confidence to accelerate your path.

The best question isn’t “Why should I join a mentorship program?” The better question is “Why would I wait?”

Reach out. Ask questions. Take the opportunity to be mentored through the Building Builders Mentorship Program. Then, someday, pay it forward and help another tradesperson rise.

Two great mentorship programs available for early-career construction workers

by Silvia Malova

In the construction industry, mentoring plays a crucial role. It allows companies to attract potential workers, ensure people are prepared for the demands of the industry, and encourages a positive workplace culture. Furthermore, mentorship improves retention by giving new staff a vision of what their future could be, not just in construction but within their own organization. Being a mentee means learning things beyond what is taught in formal training – job site culture, workplace communication, etc. And likewise, mentors benefit from getting the chance to pass on their hard-earned knowledge and thereby gaining different perspectives from those new to the industry.

In order to best serve the diverse groups of workers new to the industry, the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA) is proud to offer two mentorship programs: Building Builders and BCCA-Integrating Newcomers.

The Building Builders (BB) program is a BC-only project for new construction trades apprentices or journeypersons. A 6-month mentorship, its focus is on career exploration “beyond the tools” to help participants develop a roadmap for their future career. Support funding is available for training courses, tools, and PPE. Participants must be 18 or older and eligible to work in BC.  Now in its fourth year, its success is sparking an increase in popularity of mentorship in construction and inspiring the creation of new mentorship programs.

The BCCA-Integrating Newcomers (IN) mentorship program is a nationwide initiative that supports and connects those enrolled in the BCCA-IN program, who are new to Canada, with skilled professional mentors across Canada in the fields of construction, engineering, architecture, and trades. It’s an 8-week mentorship experience, with a dedicated Mentorship Advisor available to support and help facilitate connections. It is focused on connection, integration, and cultural and job readiness and support. Whether you’re new to Canada, or an old hand in the industry, you know what it’s like to be starting fresh in construction and what kind of challenges that brings. The IN program offers a chance for mentors to give back, extend a hand, and help newcomers find their footing in the industry. Mentors across the country with five years of professional experience (with at least one of those in Canada) are eligible to apply.

Both the BB and IN programs are designed to support construction workers through experienced mentorship, a dedicated advisor, and structured programming. Paid for through initiatives from the Government of Canada, both programs are free to applicants. Together they provide a great opportunity for workers and businesses alike to nurture, develop, and retain talent and expertise in the construction industry.

For more information on the BB program, visit: https://buildingbuilders.ca/

For more information on the IN program, visit: https://bccassn.com/skilled-workforce/bcca-integrating-newcomers/

Mentor Spotlight: Mario Galdones – Building Careers, Inspiring Change in BC Construction

by Nicole Sobel

At the heart of BC’s construction industry is a network of dedicated Mentors shaping the next generation of skilled workers. Among these mentors is Mario Galdones, a three-time Mentor with the BCCA Building Builders Mentorship Program and a former participant in the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP). Mario’s journey — from apprentice to Mentor — is a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact of paying it forward in the construction sector.

From Apprentice to Leader: Mario’s Resilience and Growth

Mario’s path in the construction industry was marked by resilience and determination. During the final year of his apprenticeship, financial constraints nearly derailed his plans to complete his schooling. Thankfully, STEP provided support that allowed him to focus on completing his certification. This support not only enabled him to finish his apprenticeship but also propelled him to achieve the BC Wall and Ceiling Association’s highest Red Seal test score at the time.

“Without help, from STEP and various tradespeople over the years, I would not be where I am. For that, I am grateful, and it’s my mission to pay that forward.”

Today, STEP continues to bridge the gap for job seekers and apprentices, connecting them with meaningful careers in construction and providing vital resources for success — a testament to the program’s lasting impact, much like it had on Mario.

Fueling Ambition Through Transformative Mentorship

Mario’s passion for mentorship stems from his deep desire to empower individuals striving for success in the industry. Whether guiding young professionals or supporting newcomers to Canada, Mario thrives on nurturing potential and fostering growth.

“I feed off of ambition,” says Mario. “I love young people and those new to the industry that desire to succeed. By helping them, I fuel my own drive. Helping someone else succeed gives me a greater sense of fulfillment than even my own success.”

Interestingly, mentorship has also fueled Mario’s personal and professional growth, prompting him to reflect on his own practices and continuously strive for improvement.

“I started to take my own advice. I started to plan better, both short and long term. I became one of my own Mentees in the sense that I started to aggressively seek out continuous improvement. Both as a tradesperson, and a man in general. Mentees would ask me how they could be better, and that caused me to internalize and ask myself how I could be better myself.”

Building Lasting Connections: The Power of Enduring Relationships

For Mario, the most rewarding aspect of mentorship is the lasting relationships he’s built. He maintains a strong bond with his first Mentee, providing ongoing advice and support, even though she is no longer in Canada.

“The fact that she continues to reach out to me means the world to me,” Mario shares. “I’ll continue to support her in every way that I can during her journey.”

Empowering Diverse Talent: Newcomers and Women in Construction

Mario’s mentorship journey has extended across diverse groups, including newcomers to Canada, women, and youth. His approach is rooted in empowering Mentees to take ownership of their career paths.

“Let them ask questions, and be in the driver seat,” he emphasizes. “It can be a challenge at times to avoid steering someone’s ship, when you should be focused on letting them steer it for themselves.”

Mario is also a vocal advocate for increasing diversity and inclusion in the trades, particularly when it comes to supporting women in construction.

“Supporting women in the trades isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a necessity for it to continue to grow and thrive. The industry as a whole suffers today for being unapologetically uninclusive for far too long.”

Addressing the Skilled Labour Shortage Through Mentorship

Mario recognizes mentorship as a critical solution to addressing the skilled labour shortage in the construction sector.

“To thrive in this industry, you need to do two things: earn and learn. Earning fair wages is the easy part, however the learning portion can be hit or miss. With tight deadlines and budgets, training can go by the wayside at times, hence part of the reason why the skilled labor shortage exists.”

Programs like STEP and Building Builders are pivotal in equipping BC’s construction workforce with the skills and guidance needed to meet the growing demands of the industry.

Inspiring Future Generations: A Legacy of Growth

Mario’s career is poised for an exciting new chapter. In March 2025, he transitioned into his new role as an Instructor at the BC Finishing Trades Institute, where he will continue shaping the future of BC’s construction workforce.

“My goal isn’t just to help people find jobs — but grow careers. I hope by lending a hand to others and assisting them, it inspires them to pay it forward and to the same. I also hope to see some of my Mentees or students become so successful they surpass me in terms of achievements, and that will be the ultimate payoff for me.”

Essential Advice for Aspiring Tradespeople

If Mario could give one piece of advice to his younger self, it would be simple yet powerful: “Don’t hesitate to ask questions.”

“A younger me felt “stupid” at the time, and didn’t want to ask too many questions to expose my lack of knowledge. Looking back, I would have had a better start if I had the courage to be more inquisitive and ask more questions.”

Mentorship Theme Song: We Are the Champions

If mentorship had an anthem, Mario would choose ‘We Are the Champions’ by Queen — a timeless celebration of teamwork, confidence, and triumph.

Fostering Inclusive Worksites with the Builders Code

As a Lead Quality Lead at EllisDon — a proud Builders Code signatory — Mario recognizes the importance of fostering respectful, inclusive worksites. The BCCA’s Builders Code establishes a high standard for workplace conduct, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Building a Legacy of Empowerment and Inclusion

Mario Galdones’ story highlights the profound impact that mentorship can have — not just on Mentees, but on Mentors themselves. Through his dedication to supporting others, Mario isn’t just building careers — he’s creating a ripple effect that strengthens BC’s construction workforce and inspires future generations.

As he steps into his role as an instructor, Mario’s legacy of earning, learning, and paying it forward will continue to shape the future of the construction industry.

Ready to Advance Your Construction Career?

If you’re ready to take the next step in your construction career, STEP can connect you with the resources and opportunities to succeed. Learn more about how STEP can support your journey by visiting STEP’s website.

At Building Builders, we’re passionate about helping aspiring construction professionals like you find their path. Building Builders supports Mentees new to the construction industry, the skilled trades, or new journeypersons who are interested in furthering their career in the industry. Visit buildingbuilders.ca today to learn more and apply to be a Mentee!

How a Company Mentorship Program Can Drive Workforce Development: Westcana Electric’s Success with Building Builders 

by Nicole Sobel

Investing in mentorship within your own company can transform workplace culture, strengthen employee connections, and boost professional development. Westcana Electric Inc. exemplifies this approach through their commitment to internal mentorship programs, leveraging the Building Builders initiative to create meaningful growth opportunities for their team. 

Westcana Electric Inc.: Champions of Mentorship and Workforce Development 

Westcana Electric Inc., with locations in Prince George, Terrace, Fort St. John, Kamloops, and Kelowna, has been a steadfast supporter of mentorship and construction workforce development initiatives. Their partnership with the BC Construction Association’s (BCCA) Workforce Development programs dates back to 2018. In 2019, Westcana won two Builders Code Champion awards in the inaugural Builders Code Annual Awards program and have gone on since to win three more Builders Code Champion Awards, demonstrating their leadership in Workplace Culture and commitment to diversity in the trades. 

Building Builders became part of Westcana’s journey in Spring 2023, after their team connected with the mentorship program at the Northern Regional Construction Association’s (NRCA) Build the North Conference & AGM. This connection led Westcana to expand its involvement by integrating mentorship into its company culture. 

In August 2023, Westcana’s commitment to mentorship deepened, with leaders participating as Mentors. By Fall 2023, their enthusiasm for mentorship was highlighted during the NRCA Women in Construction (WiC) event, where Westcana leader Doug Engstrom (Red Seal Construction Electrician and Westcana’s Vice President) inspired others to join Building Builders. 

While being recognized in April 2024 with one of their Builders Code Champion Awards at the Build the North Conference & AGM, Westcana expressed plans to strengthen internal mentorship efforts. A dedicated coordinator was assigned to work with the Building Builders team to organize, match Mentors and Mentees, and follow up throughout the six-month duration. These connections have fostered professional development, improved employee retention, and built stronger connections within the company. 

Through Building Builders, Westcana has demonstrated that mentorship is both simple and impactful. Building Builders Mentorship Program Advisors (MPAs) provide guidance, check-ins, and resources—at no cost. Westcana continues to lead by example in developing BC’s construction workforce. 

With Building Builders’ Company Mentorship Program, it’s simple and effective. You can choose specific Mentor-Mentee pairings to enhance skills within your company or let dedicated MPAs handle the matching process. MPAs also provide ongoing support, regular check-ins, and access to valuable resources, including BCCA Workforce Development programs and provincial initiatives—all at no cost to you. 

Here’s what Doug Engstrom has to say about the mentorship program: 

“The Building Builders Mentorship Program has proved to be very rewarding and valuable for Westcana Electric. 

Mentors and Mentees learning from each other, providing fulfilling career opportunities, increasing motivation and productivity, and employee retention are the type of benefits we’ve seen. 

As both a Mentor and Mentee I’ve enjoyed sharing my knowledge, asking questions and learning from others. I’ve also been a Mentor outside of Westcana Electric’s employees and found it to be just as rewarding, enjoyable and with a very reasonable time commitment of just one hour a month.” 

Mentorship Matters: Benefits of Mentorship in the Construction Industry 

by Nicole Sobel

What’s at the heart of Mentorship? A transformative power. A lasting impact. And the perfect groundwork for starting someone’s construction career.  

It’s not just about passing on knowledge; it’s about nurturing, boosting confidence, and leaving a legacy. 

Let’s explore the numerous benefits of being a Mentor in the construction industry. How does it enhance your personal and professional development? What emotional and psychological rewards await an effective mentorship? 

Welcome to BCCA’s Building Builders—a pathway to a more fulfilling and impactful construction career. 

Personal Growth in Construction Leadership 

Developing Leadership Skills 

Being a Mentor in the construction industry offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills that are specifically tailored to the field. Navigating project management challenges and making crucial decisions in complex construction environments helps Mentors refine their ability to lead effectively. By guiding construction teams and leading by example on-site, Mentors build confidence and resilience, especially when handling crises and solving problems.  

Building Confidence 

Mentoring allows experienced professionals to guide and inspire their teams. This leadership role enhances their confidence as they see the positive impact of their guidance on construction projects. Handling construction-related crises and problem-solving on the ground reinforces their ability to manage diverse and dynamic challenges.  

Professional Advancement in Construction 

Expanding Professional Networks 

Mentorship opens doors to a broader professional network. By connecting with Mentees and other industry professionals, Mentors expand their influence and opportunities within the construction sector. These relationships are invaluable for career growth and staying updated with industry trends and advancements. 

Strengthening Expertise 

Mentoring others reinforces a Mentor’s own knowledge and expertise in construction practices. The process can also offer a fresh perspective on evolving technologies and methodologies, keeping Mentors up-to-date with industry developments. This learning loop benefits both the Mentor and the Mentees, driving innovation and excellence in construction projects. 

Legacy and Impact in the Construction Sector 

Leaving a Lasting Influence 

Most successful projects owe their completion to a great Mentor who took the time out to pass on their wisdom. Their guidance and expertise contribute significantly to the quality and efficiency of work. The result? A lasting impact on the construction community and the future of the industry. 

Fostering a Culture of Safety and Excellence 

Best practices and a strong emphasis on safety – two things every Mentor instills among their Mentees. By encouraging Mentees to prioritize safety and quality in their work, Mentors help foster a workplace culture of excellence that benefits the entire construction industry. 

Emotional and Psychological Rewards 

Fulfillment from Contribution 

Mentoring provides a deep sense of fulfillment. From contributing to the success of construction projects and helping shape the careers of the next generation of tradespeople, Mentors make it all possible. After all it’s all about developing a sense of purpose, right? 

Building Personal Connections 

Strong, lasting relationships often develop between Mentors and Mentees. These connections create a supportive community within the construction industry, offering both personal and professional benefits that can last a lifetime. 

Success Stories and Case Studies 

Aishwarya Trivedi and Archana 

“Fueled with excitement and purpose for the service I get to deliver to the city I am contributing to build, I chose to become a Mentor; to support at least one more person and help them to feel the way I feel about their profession.”  
– Aishwarya, Mentor. Read her story here. 

“Aishwarya Trivedi turned out to be the perfect match. Through Aishwarya, I established meaningful connections within the industry. She consistently created a supportive space for me.”  
– Archana, Mentee. Read her journey here. 

Cal Duncan and Jyotpreet 

For Cal (Mentor), it’s been a transformative journey that allowed him to give back to the construction industry. Cal loves seeing the excitement in the next gen of construction workers. “Be a Mentor. You will be rewarded to know that you are making a difference at any age!”
Read Cal’s journey here.  

For Jyotpreet (Mentee), “Cal’s real-world wisdom proved invaluable, providing me with a strategic advantage in my role.” She’s excited to carry forward the lessons learned into future projects and challenges.
Discover Jyotpreet’s journey here.  

Kathy Parkinson and Myra 

“I had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful woman Myra on our Building Builders adventure of Mentorship. It’s quite something to connect with a complete stranger while finding your similarities and exploring your diversity.” 
– Kathy, Mentor. Discover Kathy’s story here. 
 
” I was able to meet a wonderful mentor who I now consider a good friend.” 
– Myra, Mentee. Read more about Myra’s journey here. 

Join BCCA’s Building Builders mentorship program today and start making a positive impact in the construction community. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more innovative industry for generations to come.