Building Up

Building Up We are a Contracting Social Enterprise training Torontonians to enter the skilled trades.

Meet Jim Peterson, our Labour Division Site Supervisor, whose work is rooted in skill, patience, and a deep commitment t...
06/24/2026

Meet Jim Peterson, our Labour Division Site Supervisor, whose work is rooted in skill, patience, and a deep commitment to people 👷‍♂️💙

Jim first came to Building Up during the uncertainty of COVID, simply looking for work. What he found, however, was something much more meaningful. After reading about our mission, he felt strongly drawn to the purpose behind the work and knew he wanted to be part of it. Not just to build structures, but to help build confidence, opportunity, and new pathways for others. That purpose has kept him here for the past 6 years.

With 31 years in construction, Jim brings a wealth of hands-on experience. From starting out as a labourer in new home construction, to learning framing, running his own renovation company for nearly a decade, and working in underground hydro, he has truly seen every side of the industry. Today, he brings all of that knowledge to Building Up, where he uses it to mentor and train the next generation of skilled trades workers 🛠️

What means the most to Jim is the people. As a site supervisor, he values the one-on-one moments, learning what trainees hope to achieve, teaching foundational skills, and then watching them succeed on their own for the first time. That moment of pride and accomplishment is something he describes as priceless ✨

One story that has stayed with him is from a trainee named Carl. After working together on a full renovation project, Carl asked to borrow tools over the weekend so he could try repairs at home. He came back with photos and pride in the work he had completed on his own. That experience, and many like it, remind Jim exactly why this work matters.

We are proud to have Jim on our team, sharing his experience, patience, and belief in what people can achieve with the right support around them 💙

We’re grateful to Meridian Credit Union for their continued partnership through Reframe and for the thoughtful, communit...
06/19/2026

We’re grateful to Meridian Credit Union for their continued partnership through Reframe and for the thoughtful, community-centred approach they bring to this work.

Meridian’s commitment to expanding opportunity, strengthening communities and building a better future for all aligns deeply with the work we do every day at Building Up. Their ongoing support helps us continue creating pathways for people to build skills, confidence and long-term stability through meaningful careers in the trades.

We’re proud to partner with an organization that leads with purpose and invests in the potential of people and communities.

Thank you, Meridian, for continuing to stand with us and the futures our participants are building.

Financial literacy is about more than understanding numbers. It is about building the confidence to make informed decisi...
06/15/2026

Financial literacy is about more than understanding numbers. It is about building the confidence to make informed decisions and plan for the future.

As part of our 8-week pre-apprenticeship program, trainees participate in four Financial Wellness workshops covering topics such as budgeting, saving, credit, registered accounts, investing basics, and financial decision-making.

In one of their final sessions, trainees work through a case study focused on an apprentice facing a financial challenge. Working in teams, they assess the situation, apply what they have learned, and develop practical solutions to present to the class.

This exercise helps strengthen critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while showing trainees how financial literacy can support their success both on and off the job site.

We are incredibly proud of the thoughtful discussions, practical solutions, and growth demonstrated by this cohort. Watching trainees apply their knowledge with confidence is a powerful reminder of the impact that financial education can have when it is practical, relatable, and connected to real-life experiences.

💰🔨 Building stronger financial futures, one lesson at a time.

We’re proud to highlight our ongoing partnership with Affordable Kitchens.As a subcontractor, Building Up installs their...
06/11/2026

We’re proud to highlight our ongoing partnership with Affordable Kitchens.

As a subcontractor, Building Up installs their kitchens, helping bring thoughtfully designed spaces to life for our clients and theirs. Pictured here is a recent installation completed by our team, showcasing the care, precision, and craftsmanship our crews bring to every project.

This partnership also goes beyond the job site. Building Up graduates have been hired by Affordable Kitchens, creating meaningful pathways into the skilled trades and supporting long-term career growth.

A partnership built on trust, craftsmanship, and real opportunity in the trades 💪

At the end of 2024, Esron was unemployed and struggling to break into the skilled trades. Like so many people facing bar...
06/09/2026

At the end of 2024, Esron was unemployed and struggling to break into the skilled trades. Like so many people facing barriers to employment, he knew where he wanted to go, but not how to get there.

“Months later I joined Building Up and my trajectory changed. For the first time I was on a journey surrounded by people dedicated to my success. This filled me with the confidence that I could tackle what was ahead of me.”

Over the past year, Esron committed himself to building a new future. With support through interview preparation, financial assistance, counseling, and connections to opportunities in the trades, he was able to take the next step toward a meaningful career.

Today, Esron is proudly working as a millwright and thriving in a career that challenges him, inspires him, and continues to open new doors for his future.

“Building Up not only worked with other organizations to create this opportunity but also helped with interview prep, financial support and counseling all along the way. Today I'm happy to say I am working as a millwright and loving it.”

Stories like Esron’s are a reminder of what becomes possible when people are given the support, opportunity, and community they deserve 💙

We are hiring! ☀️Looking for a summer role where you can build your skills, support meaningful work and get hands-on exp...
06/08/2026

We are hiring! ☀️
Looking for a summer role where you can build your skills, support meaningful work and get hands-on experience with a nonprofit social enterprise?

Building Up is hiring for two Canada Summer Jobs positions starting July 6. Both roles are 8-week contracts with a flexible hybrid working style.

🔧 Career Resource Centre Coordinator
Support employer research, alumni outreach and career resource development. This role will help identify potential construction-sector employer partners, organize trades and career pathway resources, update alumni records and support outreach or engagement activities.

💻 Data Administrator
Support the rollout of our IT system designed to help track participants through their trades apprenticeship journey. This role will help clean and prepare data, support data imports, troubleshoot upload issues and test the system to improve user experience.

We’re looking for motivated self-starters who are passionate about community impact, eager to learn and comfortable taking on a variety of tasks in a dynamic, supportive team environment.

Eligibility note: Applicants must be 18–30 years old, legally able to work in Canada and a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person.

To apply, email your resume to [email protected].

You don’t have to tear down your walls to make your home more comfortable.For this project, we used a drill-and-fill ins...
06/04/2026

You don’t have to tear down your walls to make your home more comfortable.

For this project, we used a drill-and-fill insulation method by creating small 2-inch access points in the existing walls and injecting insulation directly into the wall cavities. No major demolition. No full wall removal. Just a smart and minimally invasive way to improve comfort and boost energy efficiency.

If certain rooms, stairwells, or upper levels in your home get uncomfortably hot in the summer, this approach can make a noticeable difference by reducing heat transfer and helping your home stay more comfortable as temperatures rise.

More comfort. Less mess. A more affordable upgrade with lasting impact.

Interested in learning if this is right for your home?

📩 [email protected]
📞 647-570-3463

06/03/2026

May was full of meaningful conversations, new partnerships, and opportunities to showcase the impact of workforce development in our communities.

In May, the Building Up team had the chance to attend and participate in a variety of industry, community, and employer events across the GTA — connecting with employers, sector leaders, community partners, and future talent.

Every event is an opportunity to strengthen relationships, advocate for inclusive hiring, and create pathways into meaningful careers in the skilled trades.

Thank you to everyone who invited us into these spaces, shared insights, and continues to support workforce development that creates real impact. Looking forward to what’s ahead!

More than just woodworking. 🪵🤝We brought our alumni back together for a special woodworking event filled with connection...
06/02/2026

More than just woodworking. 🪵🤝

We brought our alumni back together for a special woodworking event filled with connection, community, and craftsmanship. Alumni who had been out of work had the chance to reconnect with their Alumni Case Manager, share laughs, conversations, and support while building something meaningful together, both literally and personally.

From cutting wood to building benches, sharing meals, and catching up like family, this day reminded us that Building Up goes far beyond the trades. Once you’re alumni, you’re always family. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who came out, built with us, ate with us, and made the space feel like home again. The bench we created is more than wood. It’s a symbol of resilience, community, and rebuilding together.

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Toronto, ON

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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+14167690830

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