April 17, 2026 (Ottawa, ON) –  As Ottawa continues to grow and the demand for skilled construction workers increases, the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation (OCH F) is launching Build Your Path / Construis ton parcours, a new construction training program made possible through an investment from the Future Skills Centre through the Government of Canada’s Future Skills Program.

OCH Foundation’s Build Your Path program is an adoption of Blue Door’s Construct Canada skills training program.

Beginning this spring, Build Your Path will support 32 tenants living in Ottawa Community Housing through four 8-week cohorts by providing in-class and hands-on construction training and industry-recognized certifications aimed at preparing participants for sustainable careers in the construction sector.

Delivered with Algonquin College and Collège La Cité as training partners, participants will also gain hands on experience working in various trade including drywall and mudding, flooring installation, masonry, and many other trades skills — equipping participants with the experience and credentials needed to enter the construction workforce or begin their path to apprenticeship.

Supporting pathways to employment

In addition to technical training, participants will receive targeted supports designed to reduce barriers to participation and promote long‑term success. Graduates will continue to have access to mentorship and career coaching following program completion.

With Future Skills Centre’s grant, the program is set to transition 32 participants from Build Your Path to the construction industry’s workforce in 2026.  Applications are now open for upcoming cohorts. Full program details are available at ochfoundation.ca/buildyourpath

Quotes

“When we asked tenants living in Ottawa Community Housing communities how the OCH Foundation could better support them, their answer was clear: employment. They wanted meaningful opportunities, practical skills, and pathways to stable careers. That feedback directly inspired the creation of our new Build Your Path program. By providing hands-on training in the construction industry and connecting participants to long-term employment opportunities, we are not just offering skills, we are helping build confidence, financial stability, and stronger futures for individuals and families across our communities.”

— Traci Spour- Lafrance, Executive Director, Ottawa Community Housing Foundation

 “Ottawa needs more skilled workers to build and maintain the homes our city relies on. By supporting tenants in gaining these essential construction skills, we’re strengthening the workforce, our communities, and the future of housing in Ottawa.”

— Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, Ottawa Community Housing    

“Building a resilient workforce requires a concerted effort to share and replicate success across the country. This investment in the Build Your Path program illustrates our Replicate initiative in action, taking a proven, evidence-based model and making it accessible to more Canadians seeking stable and meaningful careers in the construction sector.”

— Noel Baldwin, Executive Director, Future Skills Centre

Quick Highlights

• Program delivery: Four eight‑week cohorts in 2026
• Training includes: Industry‑recognized certifications such as Working at Heights, First Aid and WHMIS, in-class and hands‑on construction skills
• Wraparound supports: Living allowance, food and travel stipends, toolkit, financial literacy and barrier supports
• Post‑program support: Up to one year of mentorship and career coaching
• Applications: Now open at ochfoundation.ca/buildyourpath
• Program launch date: May 4, 2026
• Participants: 32 Ottawa Community Housing tenants
• Training locations: Algonquin College (Woodroffe Campus) and La Cité (Minto Centre)
• Program model: Adapted from Blue Door Group’s Construct Canada Training Program

About the Ottawa Community Housing Foundation

The OCH Foundation is a registered charity that is dedicated to enhancing the health and social well-being of over 33,000 tenants living in Ottawa Community Housing (OCH). Through education, employment, community engagement and well-being projects, the Foundation helps tenants achieve personal success and responds to emerging needs. Since its inception in 2012, the OCH Foundation has raised over $9 million to aid in facilitating community programming, supporting continued education and championed well-being amongst 155 OCH communities. For more information, visit www.ochfoundation.ca

About Ottawa Community Housing

Ottawa Community Housing offers approximately 15,500 homes to about 33,000 tenants, including seniors, families, individuals, and people with disabilities. These homes are located in various communities throughout Ottawa and house a diverse population with different languages, cultures, and ethnicities. OCH is Ottawa’s primary community housing provider, managing two-thirds of the city’s housing portfolio and ranking as the second largest in Ontario.

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For more information or to schedule an interview, contact:

Amanda McCleery
Manager, Build Your Path
Ottawa Community Housing Foundation
Amanda.McCleery@ochfoundation.ca
343-961-5302