Aecon Partners with TCBN to Make NexGen Program Available Online
Partnering with the Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN), PLCAC contractor member, Aecon is providing support to construction workers who have been laid off due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. By providing financial, technological and in-kind support, Aecon is allowing the TCBN to facilitate for new entrants and triple its available training spaces.
150 new spaces have been made available and about 30 peer mentors will be needed. There will be 16 sessions for mentees and four for mentors. Taking the program online means workers will stay engaged and prepare themselves for when the economy opens up.
“We did provide them with a financial contribution to the program to help people to get access to things like WiFi and technology to access virtual learning, but more importantly we also suggested that we help them develop the technological platforms to deliver their training in a more reliable and sustainable way. We have given them access to our Aecon University,” said Gordana Terkalas, senior vice-president of human resources with Aecon Group Inc.
Historically, with support from the government, construction becomes an economy driver. With Aecon’s implemented training processes, workers will be versed on new learnings attributed to COVID-19. Topics covered by the program include: apprenticeship pathway and experience, effective communication and conflict management, financial literacy, empowerment and racism resiliency, Indigenous awareness and women in trades.