mentorship program Archives - Building Builders

Celebrating 300 Mentor-Mentee Matches: A Building Builders Success Story

8 November 2024 by Eshita Meduri

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.

Visit us at buildingbuilders.ca and follow us on social media for more success stories and updates.

Facebook: @BCCAmentorship

Instagram: @BCCAMentorship

Twitter: @BCCAmentorship

LinkedIn: @BuildingBuilders

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