PROGRAMS > Community Services Network >Hospitality Workers Training Centre
Building Up Program
Building Up aims to break cycles of systemic inequity, by ‘leveling the playing field’ through a holistic network of supports that prioritize long term impact for our participants.
It provides individuals with barriers to employment with holistic training and supports that create access to upward wealth mobility and long-term careers in the construction industry.
It is a 16 week paid training program that uses construction contracts and in-class training to prepare individuals facing barriers to employment for successful careers in the trades. Participants are paid $16.55 per hour for the 16 weeks and are required to be available from Monday to Friday between 7:30 AM to 4:00PM for the duration of the program. The program is divided into 2 sections: 8 weeks of in-class training and 8 weeks of in-the-field work experience. Additional supports are offered, such as 1on1 mental health counselling, financial coaching, career case management, housing support, food insecurity relief, transportation, education upgrading, paid driving lessons, we also help folks upgrade or get their driver's license.
On going services include: 1on1 mental health counselling, financial coaching, career case management, housing support, food insecurity relief, transportation, education upgrading, paid driving lessons, we also help folks upgrade or get their driver's license.
Communities they serve:
2SLGBTQ+
Newcomers
Refugees
Persons who are justice involved
Racialized minorities
Persons who experience mental health issues
Persons living in Poverty
Youth (18-29)
Persons with addiction issues
Website: https://www.buildingup.ca/ Program website: www.buildingup.ca/trainees
Contact Information: Melisa Savone: 416-458-6445 or 416-526-5564
Email: melisa.savone@buildingup.ca
ADMISSION: The program is 100% free for participants, instead particpants receive a wage of $16.55/hour for the duration of the program.
PROGRAM TYPE: Community Based
SERVING: Anglophone
REGISTRATION PROCESS: Call 1-888-777-4982
INTAKE: The program runs for 16 weeks, 6 times a year, and it is fully in person
ELIGIBILITY: 18 years or older, Canadian citizens, permanent resident, or convention refugees. Legally entitled to work in Canada, with an ESL Level 6+. Grade 10 education is ideal but not required. Please note: we alternate between an all ages cohort (geared to anyone 18+ no age cap), and a youth cohort for folks aged 18-29.
LOCATION
116 Industry Street, York Ontario M6M 4L8
The first 8 weeks of program are held at our private training centre in Etobicoke, but we do not disclose the address until a candidate has been selected for the program.
Program Video

Testimonial
"When I joined Building Up it was as though I was simply handed the
keys and given a handbook on how to navigate. Eddie’s construction life skills, Marisa’s math help, Alice’s
financial information and all the other supports included in the Building Up Program were simply
instrumental in helping me plot out my future. Before Building Up I was a cook at Sobeys on-track to be a
Humber student about to try and pay a tuition I was unsure I’d be able to afford. Now I’m part of the Local 27
Carpenter’s Union on-track to learn some incredibly lucrative life-long skills." by Noah A. Building Up Trainee
Program Updates
Some program dates may change. Contact the organization for more details:
