A Toronto-based construction-training organization has received funding from the province to expand a program for youth.

BOLT, which helps youth in low-income communities in the GTA access education, training, and employment opportunities in the construction industry, received welcomed Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister Monte McNaughton to one of its residential construction sites to meet with youth.

The organization recently received $350,000 in funding from the province’s Skills Development Fund. It will use the money to expand its Job Shadowing program to help more youth start careers in the sector.

The program allows participants to observe and learn from up to 10 different skilled trades and management professionals so they can discover careers in the industry.

“BOLT’s Job Shadowing program is eye-opening for youth participants as they get to discover the many different careers available in the construction industry, some they may not have known existed,” said executive director Raly Chakarova. “Much of hiring in the skilled trades is still informal so a big benefit of the program is connecting job-ready youth directly to employers, most of which are facing growing labour shortages. That helps to reduce employer’s administrative burden and time spent on recruitment, while diversifying their labour force and promoting inclusive hiring.”

The BOLT Job Shadowing program is open to youth 17 to 29 years old in the Greater Toronto Area who are facing significant barriers to training and employment. All participants receive industry-required safety training, PPE, a stipend, travel subsidy, and financial support for any follow-up employability training.

“Whether you have a criminal record or rely on social assistance, there are thousands of young people across Ontario who have been forgotten for too long,” said McNaughton. “It is inspiring to see the work BOLT is doing, and our government will continue to invest in programs that help break the cycle and spread opportunity to every corner of our province.

The program allows youth to self-assess their interest, aptitude, culture fit, and readiness for a career in the industry before they pursue further training and education that would cost them time and money. It is delivered in partnership with Tridel and numerous sub-trade employers.

More information is available on BOLT’s website.