Community Builders video
0:03 My name is Brandon Day. I am the founder and CEO of Community Builders.
0:07 Community Builders is a non-profit social enterprise
0:11 and our mission is to create affordable housing, meaningful employment and healthy communities.
0:16 Our Trades and Diversity Training Program really came out of a need to fill the skilled labour shortage.
0:21 So, what we were finding is there was all these people who were not able to patriciate in the labour market for any given reason and,
0:28 historically, have been having trouble getting into the construction industry.
0:31 So our goal with the program is really to break down those barriers.
0:36 Trainees get a variety of skills when they come into our program.
0:39 We say that we do frame to finish.
0:41 So, that looks like framing, insulation, drywall, painting, flooring, trim and doors.
0:46 So, they get a range of all the trades.
0:48 They get to experience that.
0:49 And the greatest part is they also get to go on real revenue generating jobs.
0:55 Before the program, I would say I had zero skills.
0:58 I think on my journey throughout I’ve definitely gained a lot of knowledge.
1:03 The people here are amazing.
1:04 They support you in more than just construction.
1:07 They are training me in different aspects. Like mental health,
1:10 communication skills, how to build a resume.
1:12 I am not from the construction background.
1:15 So, to give a little push to say “you can do it” that's the most amazing part of the job.
1:21 When we found out about the Meridian Small Business Big Impact Award
1:24 I was thrilled to find out we actually won it.
1:27 Receiving the funds from this award has really just improved our program overall in so many areas.
1:32 Most importantly it provided a van which was in desperate need for us as the program grows.
1:37 We’re also working with Meridian through their Reframe Program.
1:41 So, Meridian has invested in things like financial coaching.
1:45 Which is incredible for our trainees. And they've really opened up their entire network to just really help us to succeed.
1:50 I really see within five years That we’re not only just in Ontario
1:53 but expanding across Canada. Because I do really feel that we have a model that works
1:59 and solution that people need.
2:01 Construction is just the conduit to how we are changing lives.
2:03 We say we’re creating healthy communities.
2:06 We can't be leaving people behind in those communities.
Last year's top winner from the Small Business Big Impact Awards in our Community category, Community Builders is a leading not-for-profit construction company serving Simcoe County and Greater Sudbury. In addition to building a variety of residential housing projects, they offer people facing barriers to employment paid, hands-on learning opportunities in construction.