Building Up

Lorena started as a trainee. Today, she leads our labour division and mentors others. A powerful reminder that second chances matter. Thank you, Lorena, for everything you do 💙💛

MEET SHADE! Lead Hand, Contracting Division at Building Up. Shade started in the trades as a teen and quickly found her passion working with her hands. Today, she has come full circle as a Lead Hand, supporting and guiding trainees on the same path she once took. #teambuildingup

Growth in action 💪🏗️ Our partnership with Hamilton City Housing is creating real opportunities. Sheldon is mentoring while John is building his skills on site. This is what partnerships are all about. #BuildingUp #SkilledTrades #CommunityImpact

There’s something powerful about creating with your own two hands. Our Upcoming Wood Workshop is more than just tools and timber. This event will be RSVP ONLY. Please contact your ACM to RSVP today! ralph@buildingup.ca tamara@buildingup.ca jaleal@buildingup.ca #freewoodworkshop

Brantford townhouse attic upgrade ✅ Mold remediation + 2” spray foam + @SOPREMACanada cellulose insulation. Roof access used to avoid interior disruption. Results: lower energy 🔥 better comfort 🌡️ healthier air 💨

Alumni Success Story: Romario Duncan 💪 After Building Up, he rebuilt skills, earned safety certs, and gained confidence. Now he’s secured full-time work (40 hrs/week) and started his @Liuna506Train apprenticeship 🛠️ #SkilledTrades #Apprenticeship

With Jordan, our Trades Success Coach, trainees built real skills from brake pads to oil changes while growing confidence and connections 🚗🔧 This is what dedication to the trades looks like 👏 #BuildingUp #SkilledTrades #TradesLife

Style With Purpose ✨ Our first Community Closet (Apr 8) brought together donated clothing to support trainees with work, everyday wear & interview outfits. Huge thanks to donors & staff who made it happen, a true community effort 💛 #CommunityCloset #DEI

Join our Alumni Team for a Lunch & Learn on April 22 at the Training Centre. ✔️ Strengthen trade skills ✔️ Boost employment opportunities ✔️Grow your network ✔️Food & drinks provided Sign up: 📩ralph@buildingup.ca 📩tamara@buildingup.ca 📩jaleal@buildingup.ca

Meet Shanice, our Manager of Career Case Management💛 For over 6 years, she has been driven by one thing: impact. From supporting people facing barriers to leading a dedicated team, Shanice helps create real pathways into the trades. Thank you, Shanice, for everything you do!

Last week, our team attended the @MBOTOntario Politicians Reception. Grateful for the chance to share our work and contribute to conversations on trades training and workforce development. Thank you to Toronto Pearson for including us. #WorkforceDevelopment

Aziel is in his final week of the @IFSTC Drywall Acoustic Apprenticeship Program. This video showcases his work and progress. “Shout out to BU and my CCM Kerrie for the help and support…” Next step: a paid work placement starting April 20. Proud of his journey! 💪

🚧 Big progress at our new training centre on Apex Rd, Toronto! 🚧 We stopped by to see the work in action with Nafwal (C68), Tibebe (C67) & Brian, Site Supervisor. Over 50 trainees have already gained hands-on experience: building a space by community, for community. 💛

👇This project pairs a SIGA membrane with dense-pack cellulose to create a high-performance ceiling system. The result: • Better moisture control • Less air leakage • Year-round comfort You won’t see it… but you’ll feel it every day.

Every trainee kicks off trades class with their own set of tools, ready to learn, build, and get to work. From day one, it’s about using tools properly, taking care of them, and showing up prepared every single time. Bonus points if you can name every tool in the photo 👀

From Building Up trainee to @carpenters27 member 👷‍♂️✨ Sidik Abdallah leads by example, inspiring peers, advancing his skills, and working toward Red Seal certification 💪 #SkilledTrades #BuildingUp #RedSealGoals

Our trainees toured a live @EllisDon site and got a real feel for large-scale construction, plus a deep dive into Health & Safety and time to connect with contractors. EllisDon creates real pathways by hiring our grads full-time and bringing us in for temp labour. THANK YOU!

First week on site for Cohort 69 🔨 Yassine, Jeremiah & Tyrell are stepping up, learning fast & building confidence. Zen, a previous graduate, brings experience & leadership, creating a team where everyone learns & grows. Real training, real careers start here 💪 #BuildingUp

Looking for something new to wear to work, an interview, or just everyday life? 👕 The BU DEI Committee is hosting a clothing drive for current trainees and alumni. Come browse and take what you need, no cost, no questions asked. Connect with your CCM or ACM for details. 📩

Excited to launch a pilot with Hamilton Housing 👇 Our team is installing weather stripping + conducting unit audits: improving housing while gaining hands-on trades experience. Social procurement in action: stronger communities + real career pathways. #SocialProcurement