Construct Your Future

Build Your Future in Construction

Looking for a career with real opportunities for growth, great earning potential and hands-on work? 

If you’re 17–29 years old and interested in exploring a career in construction, VICA’s Construct Your Future (CYF) program can help you get started. 

Get paid to learn. Earn industry certifications. Experience different trades. Meet employers. Start your career.

Ready to Build Your Future?

You don’t need construction experience, or know the exact trade you want to pursue, just the willingness to show up and work hard.

What is the Construct Your Future Program?

The Vancouver Island Construction Association’s Construct Your Future (CYF) program is a FREE, eight-week paid construction employment and training program designed to help young people explore the construction industry and successfully transition into employment. 

And yes — you are paid while you participate. 

Over eight weeks, you’ll earn industry-recognized certifications, develop practical jobsite skills, participate in hands-on tool and trade demonstrations, meet employers and tradespeople, visit active construction sites, explore different areas in construction and complete six full days of work experience with local construction companies. 

What happens after completing the program?

Our support doesn’t end when the program finishes. We help you navigate the transition in your next career through regular check-ins during your first three months of employment.

VICA works closely with construction employers across Greater Victoria to identify employment and apprenticeship opportunities for CYF participants. We help you prepare your resume, practice your interview skills, meet employers and build connections within the industry.

Skills, Training & Experience You’ll Gain

• – Construction terminology, basic trades math, blueprint reading
• – Six full days of work experience with local construction employer, and the opportunity to meet and learn directly from employers and tradespeople.
• – Hands-on construction hand-tool training, cordless power tool demonstrations and safe operation.
• – Powder-actuated fastening system demonstrations and training 
• – Material handling and basic jobsite practices and measuring, layout and basic construction techniques 
• – Industry-recognized certifications and safety credentials.
  – Trade-specific demonstrations led by industry professionals.

What is Included

• – Eight weeks of paid training at minimum wage 
  – Interactive classroom and hands-on construction training
  – Six full days of work experience
  – Job-search and interview preparation
  – Resume development
  – Transportation support, breakfast and lunch on classroom days, food support for eligible participants
  – Steel-toed work boots
  – Work pants
  – Personal protective equipment
  – Basic set of construction hand tools
  – Daycare/ child support where eligible
  

Recruitment is underway now for our next program start!

Contact Information:
Address: Unit #211-611 Discovery Street, Victoria, B.C., V8T 5G4
Phone: (250) 388-6471
Email: cyfadmin@vicabc.ca

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Construct Your Future Participant Testimonials

Participating in the CYF program opened my eyes to the critical role that trades play in everyday life across Canada. The program provided me with essential safety training and industry-recognized certifications, ensuring I was well-prepared to enter the workforce. I strongly believe that programs like CYF are essential in addressing the skilled labor shortage and ensuring a safer, more knowledgeable workforce.

~ Emerson, CYF Participant

A standout feature of the CYF program is its hands-on approach. Participants identify three trades of interest and are given the opportunity to gain real-world experience through two-day job placements with companies specializing in those trades. During my work experience, I had the incredible opportunity to operate a mobile crane with RKM Crane at a shipyard.

~ Mia, CYF Participant