OHBA Job Ready Program building a sustainable workforce for residential construction future
Ontario’s residential construction industry is facing a critical challenge in its workforce sustainability. Over the next decade, a staggering 92,000 workers will leave the industry, creating a significant void that must be filled to meet future growth and demand. To address this gap, more than 116,000 workers will need to be recruited and trained to meet the needs of the industry. We are at a pivotal moment in the long-term sustainability of the industry’s workforce, and as a collective, we share responsibility for building the labour force the residential construction sector requires.
That’s where the OHBA Job Ready Program comes into play, providing a solution to recruiting, training and filling entry-level roles in the residential construction industry at no cost. Whether it’s general labour, pre-trade positions or office roles supporting builders, manufacturers and service companies, the OHBA Job Ready Program provides a diverse pool of candidates to meet the dynamic requirements of the industry.
Now in its third year of funding from the Ontario Skills Development Fund, the program is building on its foundational success, adding training opportunities to set job-seekers up for a successful career in the residential construction industry. After initial screening, employees enter the first stage of the program, a two-week virtual learning session that includes mandatory Ministry of Labour training, House Construction 101 and important soft skills sessions such as conflict resolution to help ensure retention.
After completing the program’s initial phase, our “Fast Track” participants embark on their employment journey following a comprehensive one-day hands-on tools training session. For those in our “Level Up” track, their training continues with an immersive four-week boot camp facilitated by our training partner, Skilled Trades College of Canada. This intensive program delves deep into the fundamentals of home renovation, from framing and drywall to electrical and plumbing rough-ins, right down to the finishing touches.
“The OHBA Job Ready Program is dedicated to equipping participants for a rewarding career in the residential construction industry,” says Sajida Jiwani, Chief Operating Officer at OHBA. “Through both training streams, participants receive a solid foundation in industry essentials, empowering them to assume entry-level positions with the confidence that they are job-ready.”
For employers, the program aims to supercharge the recruitment process by seamlessly connecting these enthusiastic and well-prepared job-seekers to open positions across the residential construction industry. With the OHBA Job Ready Program, employers can efficiently find the right talent, benefit from financial incentives and receive comprehensive support—all while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the residential construction sector’s workforce.
Recruitment for potential employers is underway as OHBA looks to find matches for Job Ready employees in building hotspots across the province. For more information on the program and to apply as an employer, visit ohbajobready.ca.
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