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If You Want to Grow—Start Here

Your Leadership. Their Next Step.

OHBA Futures Faster is a short-term, targeted, high-impact, mentored upskilling program that provides next-step career planning and upskilling through targeted micro-credentials, focused support, and guidance. As a mentee, you’ll be matched with an experienced professional in residential construction who can help you set clear goals, identify areas for upskilling, and provide support as you complete your training to take the next step in your career with confidence.

With one-on-one mentorship and funded micro-credential courses through trusted industry training partners, this program is designed to help you grow and thrive in a field that’s building our province’s future.

What You’ll Gain as a Mentor

Mentoring through OHBA Futures Faster is a smart way to grow your professional profile, strengthen your leadership skills, and help shape the future of Ontario’s residential construction industry.

You’ll develop leadership, coaching, and communication skills, gain exposure across the sector, and contribute to a more skilled, resilient workforce. You’ll also receive up to $1,000 in funded professional development and a wage subsidy of up to $1,500 for your employer.

Share what you’ve learned. Expand your impact. Take the next step in your career.

Why Mentor?

Your experience matters, and this program puts it to work in a way that benefits you, your company, and the industry.

As a mentor, you’ll be matched with someone who’s building their career in residential construction. You’ll help them navigate the job, choose the right training, and excel in their career. And in return, you’ll gain access to leadership development opportunities and funding that supports you.

Top 6 Reasons to Join Our Mentorship Program

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.

One-on-one mentorship from a professional in the residential construction industry

Receive direct support from someone who knows the industry and understands how to navigate it.

Up to $2,000 in funded training

Choose at least two courses from our library of practical, industry relevant micro-credentials focused on the industry skills, digital skills, or professional development you need to progress in your career.

Clarity and direction in your construction career

With your mentor, you'll outline the next steps in your career journey, set goals, and identify the skills needed to get there.

Insight into how to advance your career

Learn from those who've shaped the province’s industry through their careers.

Connections that last

Training, mentorship, and guidance that help you stay in the field long-term.

Expand your network

Meet and connect with new industry contacts who can help grow your successful career in residential construction.

Who Should Apply?

OHBA Futures Faster is open to Ontario residents looking to move forward in the residential construction industry. You might be:

Already working in the field and ready for what’s next
New to the industry or recently graduated
Facing limited job options, underemployment, or in transition.
Part of an underrepresented group in construction, including women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and racialized individuals

Spots are limited to 50 mentors and 50 mentees, and applications close December 1, 2025. If you’re ready to take the next step in Ontario’s construction industry, this is where momentum begins.

Want to Be a Mentee? Express Your Interest Today

OHBA Futures Faster will give you the confidence to take that next step forward in your career. The mentorship, training, and support you will receive are designed to help you stay and succeed in the industry. If you’re ready to grow, this is where you start!
Become a Mentee

Meet Us In Person

Want to learn more? Connect with the OHBA Futures Faster team at these upcoming events:

OHBA Conference

September 28–30
(Open to OHBA members and non-members, registration required)

The Buildings Show

December 3-5
(Open to the public—see pricing information and registration details)

Meet Us In Person

Want to learn more? Connect with the OHBA Futures Faster team at these upcoming events:

OHBA Conference

September 28–30

Open to OHBA members and non-members, registration required

The Buildings Show

December 3-5

Open to the public—see pricing information and registration details

Help us expand our reach!

Suggest an event

Mentee FAQs

Who can become a mentee?
Those who work and live in Ontario who want to grow their careers in residential construction! You might already be working in the field, just getting started, or exploring a new path. The program also prioritizes support for people facing barriers to advancement, including women, youth, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, newcomers, and those experiencing job loss or underemployment. You cannot participate if you are already in a similar mentorship program.
Do I need to be an OHBA member to take part?
No. Mentees and mentors do not need to be OHBA members to participate.
What kind of time commitment is involved?
The program lasts three months, starting when you’re paired with your mentor. There are 5-7 required meetings that you and your mentor will have along the way, and you will be required to take two micro-credential courses. Beyond that, how often you connect during the program is up to you and your mentor.
How are mentees and mentors matched?
Mentees and mentors are paired based on careful selection created by an advanced pairing algorithm within our mentorship platform. The OHBA Futures Faster team handles the match process and provides guidance to help get things started.
What if my mentor isn’t located in the same city as I am?
Since the program matches mentees and mentors from across Ontario, you may be paired with someone from a different city, and it’s a great opportunity to build meaningful connections beyond your local community. Through virtual meetings and calls, you can easily stay connected with one another throughout the program.
What is a micro-credential?
A micro-credential is a short, targeted course focused on helping learners develop a specific, practical, and workforce-ready skill. It provides recognition for mastering a predefined set of skills or competencies.
Micro-credential courses are typically faster to complete than traditional degrees or diplomas, and many can be done online. They’re often developed with input from industry, ensuring the skills being taught align closely with current employer needs.
Do I get to choose my training?
Yes. As a mentee, you’ll be able to choose from our library of micro-credentials that provide relevant industry skills, professional development, or digital skills to support your growth.
What if none of the micro-credential courses offered by the OHBA Futures Faster program cover the skills I need to learn?
The OHBA Futures Faster program provides the flexibility to customize your course selection around your unique learning goals. Through partnerships with education partners, courses can be added or modified to meet your needs.
What if the match isn't a good fit?
Every pairing is based on shared goals and areas of focus. However, if a match isn't working, you can contact the program team for support or reassessment.
How will I know what to do as a mentee?
You’ll receive guidance and support from the program team, including onboarding materials to help set expectations.
What kind of support do mentees receive?
Mentees get access to:
  • Up to $2,000 in funded training through micro-credential courses of your choosing
  • Personalized one-on-one mentorship from an experienced residential construction industry professional
  • Support from the OHBA Futures Faster team throughout the program
What happens at the end of the program?
The formal program runs through February 2026. After that, mentees and mentors can decide if they want to stay in touch informally. There’s no obligation to continue.

Ready to Fast Forward Your Career?

We are getting ready to move into the active recruitment stage. Participation will be limited to 50 mentors and 50 mentees for this inaugural round of the program. If you’re interested in being considered, don’t wait—complete the form below to give yourself the best chance!

Program Eligibility Form

Please note: Submitting this eligibility form doesn’t guarantee a spot in the program, and it’s not your official application or enrolment. There will be additional steps you’ll need to complete before being accepted as a participant.

Please note: Submitting this eligibility form doesn’t guarantee a spot in the program, and it’s not your official application or enrolment. There will be additional steps you’ll need to complete before being accepted as a participant.

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This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.