Job Ready Program
Our Mission
Whether replacing retiring workers or expanding to respond to the demand for more homes, the residential construction industry needs more workers.
Building a bigger workforce starts with building the number of entry level workers prepared to enter our industry. Bringing in large numbers of new hires and encouraging and enabling increased diversity on the job site requires on-the-job training, coaching and support for both new entrants and employers.
EnerQuality’s mission with this program is to prepare “job ready” candidates to fill entry-level vacancies today, and build a career in construction for tomorrow.
The Job Ready Program matches eager job seekers from underrepresented groups with starter jobs in the construction industry – jobs from general construction labour to pre-trades roles and office positions supporting builders, manufacturers, and service companies.
From us, employees receive basic safety training and construction industry orientation. We then partner with employers to provide a paid work experience supported with on-the-job training and mentorship to introduce participants to a career in the construction industry.
/ OHBA Job Ready Program
Looking to Hire?
How We Can Help
Are you working hard to grow your business but having trouble finding the right candidate to fill your entry-level roles? There are so many qualified candidates looking to join the residential construction industry. Through the Job Ready Program, we deliver job-ready candidates for a variety of roles on your teams, including:
- General construction labourer
- Warranty assistant
- Décor centre assistant
- Carpenter’s assistants
- Sales and administrative support
- And more!
Employer Commitment
We’ll recruit, pre-screen and qualify prospective workers and provide the necessary training required by the Ministry of Labour, Training & Skills Development before placing them with your company.
We’re looking for interested employers who will hire these job-ready workers for a six-month, full-time, paid placement, typically into non-unionized, starter positions, such as general labour.
What We Provide
The Job Ready program supports employers throughout the placement period. Our team will check in regularly to help your supervisor solve issues and facilitate on the job training and mentorship.
Personal Protective Equipment will be provided by EnerQuality to all participants.
Supercharge Your Recruitment Process
Please email the EnerQuality team at for more information on participating as an employer in the Job-Ready Program.
Questions about the program? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for employers.
Looking for Employment?
Interested in starting a career in construction? EnerQuality 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.
The Ontario Home Builders’ Job Ready Program will provide you with entry-level, practical skills training and experience that will prepare you for work in the construction industry.
In addition to hands-on industry training, you will be provided with entry-level skills training, a paid job placement, and ongoing retention support to ensure your long-term success in the construction field.
Program Details
This no-cost training program will run from Spring 2023-Fall 2023. During this period, participants will receive workplace-based technical training and employment coaching, as well as a six-month paid job placement with an industry employer. Work placements will be arranged in your area.
Hours
A six-month paid placement is arranged for participants after they complete about 10 – 12 hours of mandatory training. Job placements are full-time (40+ hours per week).
Location
Paid work placements will be with employers located across Ontario, including Durham, Hamilton, Kitchener/Waterloo, Niagara, Ottawa, Quinte, Simcoe, and St. Thomas. Depending on your location, you will be placed with an employer located in one of the regions closest to your residence.
Program Costs
There is no cost to participate in this program. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided. Participants will be responsible for personal transportation to and from placement sites, as well as food and living expenses.
Program Eligibility
- Minimum 18 years old
- Eligible to work in Canada
- Available to work full-time hours (40+ hours per week) during the placement period
- 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.
Apply for the Ontario Home Builders’ Job-Ready Program
To begin your application, please register for an information session and to receive the application form.
Sign up to be notified when the next cohort begins.
Questions? Ask Us!
We’d be happy to assist you with any questions or concerns you have about the Ontario Home Builders’ Job Ready Program.
Contact us by email and we will respond to you within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada and be available to commit to full-time program hours for the duration of the paid placement period.
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.
- Physical labour – standing, bending, walking, lifting 40 – 100 lbs
- Repetitive tasks requiring great attention to detail
- Working in outdoor conditions
- Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Being on one’s feet for 8+ hours at a time
- Regularly wear gloves, hard hats, safety goggles, or earplugs, depending on the job
- Regular exposure to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable
- Occasional exposure to whole-body vibration, such as when using a jackhammer
- May work in an enclosed vehicle, such as a truck or van
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.
Paid work placements will take place with employers located throughout Ontario, including Simcoe, Niagara, St. Thomas, Ottawa, Hamilton, Durham, Quinte, and Kitchener/Waterloo.
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.
125 applicants will be selected to participate in this program.
Participants will be paid by their employer during their 6-month placement period.
The Ontario Home Builder Association Job Ready Program is administered by EnerQuality with funding provided by the Government of Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. The program is run in partnership with OHBA, buildABILITY and the Career Foundation.
