Jobseekers

Begin Your Career in a Growing Industry

Interested in starting a career in construction? The OHBA Job Ready Program can help get you ready to work in the rapidly growing Ontario home construction industry.

The construction sector is expected to experience significant growth between now and 2030. This is your chance to start and build an exciting, future-proof new career. There are plenty of opportunities—whether you enjoy working outdoors, with your hands, indoors, or with other people.

Did you know?

Ontario’s construction industry employs over 550,000 workers

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General construction labourer
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Warranty assistant
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Décor centre assistant
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Carpenter’s assistants
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Sales and administrative support
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And more!

Construction Training at No Cost to You

The OHBA Job Ready Program will provide you with entry-level, practical skills training and experience that will prepare you for work in the construction industry. Topics include:

Ministry of Labour Health and Safety

Hands-on residential construction training

Working at Heights and Elevated Platform

Conflict Resolution and Emotional Resiliency

And more!

We also provide you with the personal protective equipment (PPE) that you’ll need on the job site at no cost to you.

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Match With Paid Employment

After you’ve completed your certificates in basic construction and health and safety training, we then partner with employers to provide a paid work experience supported with on-the-job training and mentorship to get you started in your career in the construction industry.

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Access Ongoing Career Support

Training and support doesn’t stop once you start your work placement. You’ll work with your own case manager for career and mental health support throughout your placement to ensure that you’re feeling comfortable and can get your questions answered.

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Program Eligibility

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Minimum 18 years old
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Eligible to work in Canada
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Available to work full-time hours (40+ hours per week) during the placement period
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Having a driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is preferred

*Note: Participants will require access to a laptop and reliable internet in order to complete the mandatory remote training.

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Begin Your Career

Considering the opportunities and pathways available in residential construction, many Canadians may find a fulfilling and rewarding career outside the traditional office setting.

With a focus on trades, there's a high demand for skilled professionals, offering competitive wages and hands-on learning opportunities without accumulating education debt. Building and renovating homes reward creative problem solvers who enjoy teamwork and tangible results.

From carpentry to plumbing, this field offers diverse career options and endless possibilities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking fulfilling work and long-term success.

Here are a few ways to get started in your residential construction career:

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Apprenticeships: A popular pathway involves apprenticeships, combining on-site experience with classroom learning, leading to provincially recognized certification.
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Post-Secondary Education: Pursuing post-secondary education in trade-related fields provides foundational knowledge before seeking apprenticeships.
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Short-Term Courses: Colleges offer short-term courses and programs to introduce students to different trades and career options.
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First-Hand Experiences: Summer jobs, school placements, and personal exploration provide invaluable insights into the industry and potential career paths.

To find out more information on the Residential Construction industry, please visit the following links:

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for announcements and information about the OHBA Job Ready Program, a great way to jump-start your career.

What Program Participants Are Saying

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“I work with a great team that makes my job fun. I enjoy demolition and seeing the different stages of the renovation unfold to the finished project. [During the construction training] they even went over the basics of the different tools I would come across and identified the different screws required for different tasks, which was very helpful.”

Daniel Lindo
Kachi Construction Ltd.
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“We get to do different houses every day. It never gets boring to work when you always see different challenges. I would recommend this program because [you’ll] get all the basics and advanced knowledge for work sites.”

Sabes Rasanayagam
Air Sealing Professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

Tell me more about the demand for workers in the construction sector.
According to labour market data from BuildForce Canada, the construction industry will need to hire, train, and retain more than 116,200 additional workers over the next decade to keep pace with expected demand growth and to replace more than 92,000 workers that are expected to retire!
There is no better time to enter the construction sector, which is expected to see increased demand over the next several years due to major construction projects planned across Ontario.
What is the cost of the program?
There is no cost to participate in this program. Participants will be responsible for personal transportation to and from their placement site, as well as living expenses such as food and rent.
What are work environment conditions to consider?
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Physical labour—standing, bending, walking, lifting 40 – 100 lbs
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Repetitive tasks requiring great attention to detail
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Working in outdoor conditions
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Being on one’s feet for 8+ hours at a time
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Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
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Regularly wear gloves, hard hats, safety goggles, or earplugs, depending on the job
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Regular exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable
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Occasional exposure to whole-body vibration, such as when using a jackhammer
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May work in an enclosed vehicle, such as a truck or van
Following completion of the program, what sort of employment opportunities can one anticipate?
The program is intended to recruit, train and prepare entry-level workers to find work in various areas of the construction field, including carpentry, flooring, painting, masonry, paving, roofing, general construction, and more.
Where does the program take place?
Paid work placements will take place with employers located throughout Ontario, including Simcoe, Niagara, St. Thomas, Ottawa, Hamilton, Durham, Quinte, and Kitchener/Waterloo.
Where do participants complete their training?
Program participants will complete most of their training virtually (via modules). The Working from Heights will be completed in person on the job site. *Note: Participants will require access to a laptop and reliable internet.

Learn more about the OHBA Job Ready Program

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