mentees Archives - Building Builders

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

10 April 2025 by Eshita Meduri

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!

Mentorship Matters: Benefits of Mentorship in the Construction Industry

6 December 2024 by Eshita Meduri

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.

How to Build a Successful Mentor-Mentee Relationship in Construction: Tips and Insights

9 July 2024 by Eshita Meduri

The construction industry thrives on mentorship. Experts pass down tricks of the trade to the next generation. Mentors share their wealth of experience and wisdom with those just getting their start in construction. Think about the mentors who have impacted your life. Whether it was a manager, a colleague, a parent, a friend, or a teacher, their guidance was invaluable. With Building Builders, you can now pay it forward and become a Mentor yourself. Funded by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and administered by the BC Construction Association (BCCA), Building Builders is a first-of-its-kind mentorship program in British Columbia.

Mentorship is a two-way street. While you help your Mentee grow, you’ll also broaden your own skills and perspectives. Your leadership abilities will sharpen, and you’ll gain new insights from your role as a guide. Ultimately, mentorship is about mutual growth and learning together. Mentors grow too through this mentoring process. In a short six months many Mentors have indicated that they have gained a lot of valuable insight (what’s trending in construction, a new perspective or things that could be implemented to better their work environment, professional development, a new construction connection etc.). It’s a win-win experience.

Mentoring can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive. You want to help your mentee thrive, but how do you ensure you’re providing the right support?

In this article, we’ll share essential tips and strategies for building a successful Mentor-Mentee relationship in BC’s construction industry. Learn how to effectively guide your Mentee towards achieving their goals and fostering personal and professional growth.

The Role of a Mentor

A mentor is like a trusted guide and wise advisor, someone who’s been there and done that, ready to help someone else on their journey. No mentoring experience is needed, you just need to have an hour a month of time to work with a mentee that is in/or interested in the construction industry. Effective Mentors focus on:

Setting and Achieving Goals: Helping mentees define and reach their objectives.
Career Advice: Offering insights and advice on career development and transitions.
Personal Growth: Sharing tips for self-improvement and personal development.
Experience-Based Wisdom: Passing down lessons learned from their own experiences.
Encouragement: Providing motivation and support during challenging times.
Resource Guidance: Pointing mentees towards helpful tools and resources.
Ongoing Support: Being a steady source of encouragement as mentees progress.

Remember, mentorship is NOT about formal education, structured training, counseling, or coaching. It’s about the richness of your experience and the generosity of your spirit, making you an invaluable mentor on someone else’s path to success.

Strategies for Effective Mentorship

Set goals with Your Mentee: Your primary role as a mentor is to assist mentees in identifying and articulating their objectives. Many struggle to prioritize or even recognize their goals. Your guidance is crucial in helping them outline their aspirations, laying the groundwork for a successful Mentor-Mentee dynamic.
Establish Clear Expectations Early On: Setting clear expectations from the start is fundamental. Determine the frequency, location, and format of your meetings during your initial encounter. This clarity fosters a structured and productive mentorship journey.
Constructive Feedback Is Key: Providing feedback that promotes growth is essential. Begin with positive remarks to build trust, then share your own experiences to demonstrate empathy. Guide them on how to enhance their work, showing the path to improvement.
Practice Empathy: Truly understanding your mentee’s emotions strengthens your connection. Empathy allows you to tailor your mentorship style to their current state, whether they need encouragement to take small steps or are ready for greater challenges.
Encourage Independence and Accountability: As a mentor, your aim is to inspire and support, not to do the work for them. Empower your mentees to take action towards their goals (you don’t have to have all the answers), regularly checking in to ensure they’re making progress. This accountability helps them move closer to achieving their ambitions.
Offer Real-World Experience: With the Building Builders Mentorship Program, you may choose to utilize your network to provide mentees with job shadowing and hands-on work experiences. These opportunities, financially supported by our program, allow mentees to delve into their fields of interest and develop practical skills while easing both their and the employer’s financial burden.

Join this 6-month unique program to experience the rewarding journey of mentorship. A minimum of 6 one-hour mentor meetings – virtually or in-person – or a total of 6 hours is all you have to put in! You will even have a dedicated point of contact, a BCCA Building Builders Mentorship Advisor who will regularly check-in with you to provide support.

Keep in mind that being a Mentor is more than just sharing knowledge—it’s about inspiring, guiding, and growing together. At Building Builders every mentorship match is assigned a Mentorship Program Advisor to support you every step of the way!

Ready to get started?

For Mentors: https://bit.ly/3rbeSlT

For Mentees: https://bit.ly/3HazaA5

BCCA’s Building Builders Mentorship Program in Action: What to Expect

8 February 2024 by Eshita Meduri

The world of construction isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about fostering talent, honing skills, and constructing futures. Construction mentorship stands as an important cornerstone of skills training and growth in our industry. From passing down trades wisdom to building a professional network, mentorship is the compass to the future.

A mentor’s guidance ensures the preservation of invaluable time-honoured traditions and craftsmanship.
A mentor helps navigate the complexities, challenges, and intricacies of the industry.
In an industry that constantly evolves with technological advancements and changing regulations, learning is lifelong. Construction training is ongoing.
Mentorship allows for personalized skills training development plans tailored to an individual’s strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations.

And that is exactly what the BCCA Building Builders Mentorship Program aims to achieve – a space where the next generation of construction workers and tradespeople are formed!

What is BCCA’s Building Builders?

Funded by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, and run by the BC Construction Association, Building Builders is a first-of-its-kind mentorship program in British Columbia. It’s a 6- or 12-month unique program that pairs experienced professionals with young talent, supporting them in achieving their career goals.

BCCA’s Building Builders program aims to address a crucial gap in a culture that tends to prioritize academics over skilled trades as a viable career choice. Our goal is for the Mentorship program to empower first-year apprentices and newbies in the industry. By offering personalized and continuous career guidance from a mentor, Building Builders allows them to get a head start and continue on in the industry.

The Mentorship Program

“If you don’t have the right contacts, it can be hard to navigate a career in the construction industry.”

-Chris Atchison, BCCA President.

With Building Builders, getting that inside information and guidance is easy. Each mentee is paired with seasoned industry veterans who possess extensive knowledge and years of experience, ready to share their wisdom.

Whether you want to be a Mentor or find one, simply fill out the BCCA Building Builders screening application. You’ll be matched with a potential mentee or mentor based on your skillsets and experience.

As a Mentee, there are no experience restrictions. When it comes to Mentors, we look for 7 or more years’ experience or a combination of relevant education and training.

Once you’ve applied, our team takes action! We carefully review your needs and background to make sure that the Building Builders mentorship program is right for you.

Structure of the mentorship program

You’ve signed on as a BCCA Building Builders Mentor or Mentee? We’re happy to have you!

First step? We’ll set up an account for you on Chronus – software designed specifically for mentoring. Your dashboard will have everything you need to get you started on your mentorship journey – scheduling, journaling, messaging, backend support, adding and accessing resources, and of course your mentorship plan. Chronus is a convenient tool for your mentorship journey, but it’s not mandatory. This is your adventure and Chronus is your roadmap; customize it as you like.

The next step is getting matched! After a thorough vetting process, a Mentorship Advisor will pair you with your perfect Mentor/ Mentee match – someone whose skills and goals align with yours. After a quick orientation to familiarize yourself with the program and its benefits, your six- or twelve-month mentorship journey begins!

The Building Builders program includes a minimum of 6 mentor meetings – virtually or in-person – or a total of 6 hours. You will have a dedicated point of contact, a BCCA Building Builders Mentorship Advisor who will check-in after the first month just to make sure that things are running smoothly. The advisor is also there to provide support and address any questions that may arise during your mentorship.

Program Highlights

All participants receive a Certificate of Completion to enhance their resumes.
Mentees are provided with free BCCSA SiteReadyBC Training to support their deep dive into the world of construction.
Every Mentee is provided with a PPE kit as needed, ensuring compliance with construction industry safety standards from the outset.
All participants get free access to Builders Code Workplace Culture Training.
Mentees can request their travel expenses covered by Building Builders to meet their Mentor.
Mentors: want to hire your Mentee and make the mentorship program a construction internship experience? Up to 4 weeks (160 hours) of their 50 – 70% wages will be covered by us! Mentees gain valuable industry experience and practical skills.

Mentorship Dynamic

There are no set rules for the program. It’s your journey, and you have the reins. However, we do emphasize the following mentorship best practices: be respectful of one another, be responsible, show up on time, be mindful of your language and remain professional at all times.

Ready to get started?

Just fill out an application form; it’s as easy as that.

For Mentors: https://bit.ly/3rbeSlT

For Mentees: https://bit.ly/3HazaA5

Once we review your application, you’ll receive an email outlining next steps. And that’s all! Everything from there is smooth sailing.

Testimonials

What do our participants have to say about our Mentorship program?

“It’s rewarding to know you can make a difference and positively influence one’s life!”

–Cal Duncan, Mentor

“The structured mentorship program provides a platform for meaningful interactions, where I gain insights into industry best practices, problem-solving strategies, and professional development.”

–Angela Ahljah, Mentee

“In addition to my role as a mentor, my involvement with Building Builders has significantly enriched my personal growth. What initially began as a desire to support the growth and success of others unexpectedly led to my own personal development.”

– Mario Galdones, Mentor

“Joining the Building Builders Mentorship Program proved to be one of the best decisions I made this year.”

–Archana Balan Krishnan, Mentee