Grand Valley Construction Association Path to Employment
The Grand Valley Construction Association (GVCA) Path to Employment in Construction Program will provide job seekers with an enriching four-week hands-on training series, followed by the potential of a four-week paid work placement in the construction industry. Program participants will acquire multiple certifications that directly support their employability within the construction sector in addition to the invaluable hands-on experience they will be able to apply.
On this page
Training
This progressive and building training series will include the following topics.
Essential employment skills
- Communication
- Resilience
- Professionalism
- Mental Wellness
- Math and Measurement
- Employability Skills (Resume Writing / Interview Preparation)
- Customer Service
- Accessibility for Ontarian with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Health and safety
- Worker Awareness Training
- WHMIS 2015
- Personal Protective Equipment Training
- Fire Extinguisher Training
- Workplace Violence and Harassment Awareness Training
- Lock Out Tag Out Training
- Working at Heights Training
- Standard First Aid, CPR and AED Training
- Mobile Elevated Work Platform Training
- Confined Space Entrant and Attendant Training
- Boom Lift, Scissor Lift, Forklift Training
- Reversing vehicles and hand signaling
- Naloxone and Opioid Awareness Training
- Ergonomics Awareness
Practical hand tools and power tools training
- Using hand tools (hand saws, table saws, drills, etc.)
- Drywalling skills (cutting, mudding, taping, etc.)
- Painting
- Hanging trim
- Laying flooring
- Site safety and clean-up
Work placement
During the program, participants will have opportunities to network with employers.
After the training, successful participants may have the opportunity to take part in a four-week paid experiential work placement with a local construction firm from Grand Valley Construction Association’s membership. Employers providing placement opportunities will be within Waterloo Region, Brant County or Wellington County.
Eligibility
The program is available for residents primarily from Waterloo region, Wellington County, and Brant County. Participants must be at ESL level 5/CBL level 6 or higher and must have a valid work permit of 18 months or longer.
In addition, participants should be part of one or more of the following groups:
- women
- youth
- persons with disabilities
- black and racialized groups
- justice-involved individuals
- indigenous peoples
- newcomers including Ukrainians under the Emergency Act
Please note that spaces for the program are limited. Participants will be selected based on both eligibility and fit for the program.
Apply for the program
If you would like to participate in the program, please use the online application form below. Due to the high volume of applications, only applicants chosen to move forward will be contacted for next steps.
For more information
If you have any questions or would like more information, please speak with your Employment Ontario provider or email Region of Waterloo Employment at pathtoemployment@regionofwaterloo.ca.
Please do not go to the GVCA office to inquire about the program.
Contact Us