Durham College (DC) is proud to announce a partnership with Blue Door aimed at impacting social change by empowering those facing barriers to autonomous and full-time employment within the skilled trades. Thanks to funding from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, this collaboration provides participants with access to a program called Construct, where they receive professional and personal development opportunities to transition them to independent and profitable employment in the construction industry.

“DC is thrilled to collaborate with Blue Door on this three-week training program and we’re very proud of what the participants accomplish throughout their training,” said Rebecca Milburn, principal of DC’s Whitby campus and executive dean of the Faculty of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship. “At DC, we’re preparing the next generation of skilled trades workers to help support the needs of our growing communities. Our expert faculty prepare the participants for the high-demand workforce with hands-on learning and intensive support so they can successfully enter the skilled trades industry.”

Expert faculty from DC’s Building Construction and Carpentry and Renovation programs are providing training to 20 participants this summer in the college’s state-of-the-art carpentry shop.  In addition to the participants building several construction projects, they will also receive Health & Safety Training, First Aid & CPR, and Working at Heights training certificates. While participants discover the world of carpentry in the Construct program, they also receive immense support and guidance from DC faculty while making connections with unions and employers.

“This partnership with Durham College allows for participants in the Construct program living in Durham Region to receive skills-based and experiential training from faculty at the college,” said Rudi Genovese, director, Social Enterprise at Construct. “The certifications and training gained will set up our participants to obtain meaningful job opportunities that will start building their career in the trades. By connecting participants with Durham College, Construct is able to support them in building strong relationships and career paths in their community.”

This carpentry pilot training program is expected to continue in the future and create a ripple effect within Durham Region to help empower the most vulnerable with profitable and rewarding careers. Visit DC online to kickstart your career in the skilled trades today or explore the Blue Door Construct program for training details.