April 23, 2020 - For Immediate Release
Toronto, ON
The Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) is pleased to announce it has partnered with Aecon, a leader in the construction industry, to significantly increase access to pivotal training and mentoring programs for members of the workforce who have been laid off due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aecon’s generous financial, technological, and in-kind support will allow TCBN to triple its available training spaces in its flagship program, NexGen Builders. The NexGen Builders program prepares workers who have been historically under-represented in the construction industry to successfully enter the workforce. To help struggling workers access the NexGen Builders program, TCBN will cover a portion of additional costs for participants, such as internet access and childcare.
“The most vulnerable workers – racialized workers, women, and newcomers – are often the hardest hit during such challenging times,” said Rosemarie Powell, Executive Director of TCBN. “Aecon’s generous contribution, which builds on their ongoing support for TCBN, will help us prepare many more workers to join the workforce when the recovery starts.”
“Aecon is very pleased to continue our support of the Toronto Community Benefits Network – an organization making a positive impact directly in the communities that need it the most,” said Gordana Terkalas, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Aecon Group Inc. “Our goal is to make tangible contributions that directly help community members get the training they need to successfully build a career in the construction industry.”
Construction workers from underrepresented communities in Toronto looking to build a career edge can apply now for the NexGen Builders Mentoring program at NexGenBuilders.ca. Additionally, the expanded program needs more experienced journeymen mentors and peer mentors who are apprentices to share their experiences with program participants. Peer mentors will receive an honorarium for their time.
NOTE: TCBN can arrange interviews with a construction worker who has been affected by COVID-19.
Contacts:
TCBN: Michelle Francis, at 647-955-3873 or [email protected]
AECON: Nicole Court, 416-526-2568 or [email protected]
For more information visit https://www.nexgenbuilders.ca