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/