November 20, 2023 (Langford, BC) – CFBC’s Build Green Together (Build Green) launched earlier this year, building upon the success of the Skills Ready program and placing an emphasis on green building principles and careers in construction. Build Green encourages youth to explore opportunities in green building through exploration of environmental values as well as hands-on learning, with an emphasis on ‘building towards a sustainable future—environmentally and socially’.
Tapping into the network of students, schools and educators who have previously engaged with CFBC programs, Build Green’s approach begins with awareness being placed on future opportunities in green building, the development of practical skills and how these aspects can play an active role in contributing to BC’s low-carbon future.
In addition to Build Green’s facilitation of opportunities for students to connect with industry leaders and educators to help build their future career pathways, the program encourages an inclusive, collaborative approach between participants. Diversity, gender equity, and Indigenous contribution are foundational components of Build Green and the program’s overall objective to build a better future, together.
Skilled trade careers featured within Build Green include carpentry, general construction, glazing, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and heating, with projects ranging from Cedar Planter Boxes, Greenhouse and Miniature Greenhouse projects to Mason Bee Houses, Solar Powered Cars and sheet metal projects.
“I love seeing youth fully engaged in building their projects,” said Build Green program lead Rene Ragetli. “Using tools confidently that an hour or two earlier they were unsure of even touching. An early highlight from our work with students was definitely the first mini greenhouse workshop. The pride on their faces as they put all the components together was amazing.”
Beginning at the Grade 5 level and extending to Grade 8 and beyond, the length of these projects can vary from just 60 minutes up to multiple days in length. Build Green Together operates across BC’s Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, interior and northern regions, and will culminate in a Skills Canada BC Showcase.
Funding for Build Green is provided by Vancity and is delivered in collaboration with BC Centre for Women in the Trades, Canadian Homebuilders Association, South Island Partnership, Sheet Metal Workers Training Centre and Skills Canada BC.
For more information on the work being done by CFBC and to donate, please visit constructionfoundation.ca.
