Building a Brighter Future in Skilled Trades
Ready to build a strong future in construction? The YMCA Ottawa Home Builders Training Program gives you the skills, certifications, and confidence to start a rewarding career in Ontario’s growing skilled trades sector. We offer courses to upskill your team and boost productivity with hands-on training that helps staff strengthen their skills, meet industry standards, and stay competitive on the job site. There is no cost to participate.
- 8 weeks of hands-on technical training in energy-efficient home renovation, including:
- Exterior sheathing and framing for high-performance homes
- Advanced insulation materials, air sealing, and moisture control
- Training in green construction principles and the use of sustainable building materials
- Job search and pre-employment support to help participants secure 4 to 6 weeks of paid work placement with local employers
- Job readiness and academic preparation to support long-term career success
- Free program materials, including textbooks, personal toolkits, and PPE
- Industry certifications such as:
- First Aid & CPR-C
- WHMIS
- Working at Heights
- Worker Health & Safety Awareness in 4 Steps
Applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada (Canadian Citizens, Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees with open work permits, or Newcomers with an Authorization for Emergency Travel + valid work permit)
- Be a resident of Ontario
- Have Canadian Language Benchmark Level 7 or higher in English
- Commit to full-time attendance for 8 weeks of training and intend to work in the field afterward
How to Apply
Please note we are no longer accepting applications for the 2025 program year. However, applications for the 2026 program year are now open.
If you're interested in gaining hands-on training and experience in home renovation and green construction, we encourage you to apply for the 2026 program year.
You can add your name to the waiting list for the next available session by filling out and submitting the YMCA Ottawa Home Builders Training Program Application Form (PDF).
Contact Us
Have questions or need help with your application? We’re here to help!
YMCA Ottawa Home Builders Training Program
Email: home.builders@ymcaottawa.ca
Phone: 613-608-6943
This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.