COVID-19 Update

Build ON, as well as other Y partner programs, continues to offer services during these unprecedented times. If you have arrived or are arriving soon and need ongoing post-arrival support, the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region's Newcomer Information Center (NIC) is providing free information and referral services to help you find everything you need to settle into your new life in Canada, as well as assistance with immigration matters. You can access post-arrival services by phone and email, and receive one-on one and group session webinars by emailing the NIC at [email protected] or calling them at +1 343-961-7120.

Please visit the Government of Canada website to find out more on how COVID-19 is affecting travel.

You can also register today with Build ON for personalized online employment consultations, access to webinars, mentorship, training workshops and more. To know more about our services, watch this video.

Upcoming April Webinars

Build ON is offering several live and on-demand webinars during the month of April about the following topics:

  • Your First Weeks in Canada presented by Next Stop Canada - April 14th at 10AM Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
  • Creating an Effective Resume and Cover Letter presented by Power of Trades - April 16 at 11AM EDT
  • Skilled Trades as an Alternative Career presented by Build ON - April 20 at 11AM EDT

Please visit our events page on our website for more details or to register. You can also send us an email at [email protected] or call us at +1-613-608-6943.  

Don't forget to share Build ON with family and friends moving to Canada. We are here to help them be prepared before they arrive!

Considering the Skilled Trades as a Career

Arriving to Canada as a newcomer, you may be looking for an identical career pathway as you had in your home country, but this may not always be possible. If you are going through the process of career exploration, we suggest checking out opportunities in the skilled trades.

Skilled trades consist of diverse opportunities and sectors like the construction, industrial, motive power and service sectors. Beyond the fact that occupations that fall under the category of skilled trades can provide high demand, well-paying opportunities above the Canadian average, the skilled trades also offer a unique opportunity to earn while you learn.

To read more about this topic, please read our blog about reasons to consider a career in the skilled trades.

BuildON Success: Meet Fatima Zahra

Fatima Zahra is a great example of how pre-arrival services are crucial to newcomers' success in Canada.

From Morocco, Fatima registered with BuildON to find out how she should prepare herself for the Canadian job market. With the help of her Employment Consultant, she was provided with information on how to update her cover letter and resume, prepare for interviews and how to network.

A week after her arrival in Ottawa, Fatima already had three interviews lined up. Now she is working as a research assistant for the YMCA-YWCA Trades Talent Link program.

Read more about our clients’ stories here.