Building Up

Suiyuan found Building Up at a difficult time in her life. As an immigrant, divorcee, and recently released from incarceration, she found herself with few employment skills, limited knowledge of English, and unsure where to go next.

We’re excited to welcome Jordan Trafford as BU’s new Trades Success Coach! 🔨 With 20 years in the trades, Jordan is passionate about using his skills to create opportunity and help trainees build confidence, belonging, and a future in the industry. Welcome to the team, Jordan!

🎉 Big news! Building Up alumni Caelan and trainee Megan completed a 2-week job tryout with Floatation Canada Inc... and both were hired! Strong partnerships create real pathways into the trades. Congrats Caelan & Megan on this milestone! 💪🔨#BuildingUpTO #SkilledTrades

Cohort 69 has completed the first 8 weeks of our 16-week pre-apprenticeship program! Congratulations Cameron, Jeremiah, Johnnie, Keshab, Mansur, Michel, Rishi, Selamu, Teddy, Tyrell, Yassine, Yonatan, and Zachary. Proud of your dedication. This is just the beginning! #Cohort69

From newcomer to Red Seal tradesperson, Khemis’ journey with BU shows how determination and support can transform lives. Today, he not only excels on job sites but also gives back by mentoring others proving that with the right guidance, barriers become stepping stones.

From trainee to red seal and beyond 🔨 Our Alumni Team met with Cohort 68 as they transitioned onto site—because at Building Up, support doesn’t stop at graduation. This moment captured momentum, resilience, and the next generation of Building Up alumni. 💪

Union pride 💪🛠️ Shoutout to Alex Wood of Sheet Metal Workers’ & Roofers’ Local 30 for continuing to grow, lead, and give back through the BU Alumni community. 📩 Stay connected: jaleal@buildingup.ca | tamara@buildingup.ca | ralph@buildingup.ca #Local30 #BuildingUpAlumni

Meet Mason, our Program Director 🛠️ Mason leads with heart, humility, and a deep belief in what’s possible when people are given the right tools and support. His passion shows up every day in the growth of our trainees and alumni. We’re lucky to have him 💙 #TeamBuildingUp

Meet Andrew, our Data & Systems Manager. He’s driven by solving problems & building systems that support our team & trainees. He values respect, learning, and fresh ideas. Thanks you Andrew! We’re lucky to have you helping us create real pathways for people facing barriers!

Meet Selamu, a Cohort 69 trainee who proves persistence pays off. After applying more than once, he stayed focused, trusted himself, and kept going. Now he’s building skills, confidence, and working toward his goal of becoming a Red Seal Carpenter. 💪🏽🔨

🎉 Congrats to 8 Building Up grads who completed the ITM program with @Millwrights2309 and started as Millwright Apprentices with @AeconGroupInc on nuclear projects! Your hard work paid off. Big thanks to all partners who made this possible. 💪 @durhamcollege @DavidPiccini

Amazing time at @IBEW's first Annual Black History Month event 👏🏾 Black trade leaders were celebrated, and the union’s journey toward greater diversity, especially in leadership, was highlighted. Proud to see Building Up alumni volunteering and giving back 💛 #BlackHistoryMonth

This heated garage is getting a serious efficiency upgrade with 2lb closed-cell spray foam. Before: Exposed surfaces, heat loss, and air infiltration. Mid-Spray: A continuous, high-density thermal and air barrier going in, locking in heat and adding structural strength.

We are proud to have taken part of the Peel Skilled Trades Expo 2026. Hearing our Co-ED, Tarah Clark, on the panel reinforced the power of clear, supported pathways into the trades. Thank you to Skills for Change and our partners investing in people and possibility.

Professional growth happens when learning meets real-world connection 🌱 Our CCM team attended the @UofT's Annual Sustainability Career Networking Day, connecting with MScSM students to chat about career pathways, next steps, and the future of sustainability-focused work.

Deep cleaning in action at @TOHousing's Glamorgan community 🧹✨ Our Labour Division crew completed painting, hallway scrubbing, and garbage chute deep cleaning at 6 & 7 Glamorgan. Led by Supervisor Sheldon, 21 trainees (many TCHC residents themselves) helped make it happen.

📬 Employer Partners: Our first ever Employer Newsletter is officially in your inbox! Inside: inspiring alumni stories, new ways to partner with Building Up, and updates on how we’re creating real pathways into the trades. Take a look and stay connected!

✨ 2025 was a year of growth & transformation at Building Up. With the support of our partners, volunteers, and community, we’re not just training tradespeople, we’re helping people build futures, confidence, and stronger communities 💙

Being early is part of the job. Reliability starts with showing up. Punctuality takes practice. Being early isn’t just about the clock. It’s about preparation, respect, and trust on the job site. Professionalism comes first. 💪 #BuildingUp #SkilledTrades #Reliability

Meet the Alumni Team! The dream team that supports you throughout your career and union journey 💙 Your journey does not stop at graduation. Connect with your Alumni Team today! #BuildingUpAlumni #SkilledTrades #TradesCareers #Upskilling #CareerSupport #SocialEnterprise

Our Employer Partnership Manager Aliza and Manager of Career Case Managers Shanice attended the Workforce Recharged event by Brampton Board of Trade & Skills Council of Canada. Leaders & innovators discussed Ontario’s workforce challenges & the future of skilled trades.