This summer, Career Edge has launched a new program to support participants pursuing employment in the construction sector. The Skilled Trades Excellence Program (STEP) will provide foundational skills training, industry-recognized safety certifications, and job-readiness supports.
“Career Edge is excited to launch the Skilled Trades Excellence Program (STEP), designed to support individuals interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades,” said Ted Parker,
Executive Director of Youth Habilitation Quinte (Youthab). “Through a collaborative partnership with Loyalist College, Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings, and the Quinte Home Builders’ Association, participants will gain the practical skills, industry knowledge, and handson experience needed to succeed in the construction sector. This unique program will prepare participants to make meaningful contributions to local home building and construction projects while developing the confidence and proficiency for future employment.”
With Loyalist College as the training partner, participants will spend 4 weeks completing preemployment skills training to earn certifications including WHMIS, Working at Heights, First Aid/CPR, and other essential safety training, followed by a 5-week placement opportunity through Career Edge’s partnerships with Quinte Home Builders’ Association and Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings.
“At Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings, we know that strong communities are built by investing in people. This partnership creates meaningful opportunities for students to develop the skills, confidence, and experience needed to succeed in the skilled trades while contributing to projects that make a lasting difference for local families,” said Hazzem Koudsi, Chief Executive
Officer of Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward-Hastings. “We’re proud to work alongside Career Edge, Loyalist College and the Quinte Home Builders’ Association (QHBA) to help build both the next generation of trades professionals and the affordable homes needed in the Quinte region.”
“The residential construction industry offers tremendous career opportunities, but we need to do a better job of creating clear pathways that connect people to those opportunities,” said Ruth Estwick, Chief Executive Officer of the Quinte Home Builders’ Association. “STEP brings training, industry and community partners together to give participants practical skills and real exposure to the workplace, while helping our local employers connect with people who are ready to build a career in construction. This is exactly the kind of collaboration we need to strengthen our skilled trades workforce and support the future of housing in our region.”
The program will be delivered over 4 cohorts with the objective of bridging the gap between the level of skills participants have and the needs and expectations of local employers in the construction sector. This objective will be achieved by providing an innovative way to train and certify participants by using hands-on training and paid placements to expose participants to
the skilled trades industry.
To learn more about Career Edge and the programs and services that are offered, please visit www.careeredge.on.ca.
