Program Coordinator, Skilled Trades Initiatives

**Job Title**:Program Coordinator, Skilled Trades Initiatives

**Department**Programs & Community Impact

**Reports to**: Manager, Career Services

**Classification**: Salary Band 5 - $50,000.00 - $62,500.00

**Location**: Windsor, Ontario

**Job Type**: 9-month Contract (March 27th, 2026)

**Hours**:40

**Job Summary**:
Build a Dream is seeking a talented, skilled trades professional to join our Programs Team. This role is ideal for someone who has worked in the trades, taught in a skilled trades training environment, or has related experience supporting trades-focused initiatives. The Program Coordinator, Skilled Trades Initiatives, will play a key role in delivering and enhancing programs that support women and gender-diverse individuals pursuing careers in the skilled trades. You’ll collaborate with employers, unions, schools, and training providers to bring impactful programming to life - from workshops and events to mentorship and career exploration initiatives. This is a dynamic opportunity to use your trades expertise to inspire the next generation and build a more inclusive skilled trades workforce.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Collaborate on the design and implementation of skilled trades-specific programming, ensuring alignment with Red Seal trades, apprenticeship pathways, and current labour market demands.
- Research industry trends and employer needs across construction, manufacturing, automotive, industrial, and other key trades sectors to inform programming.
- Support the delivery of hands-on learning experiences such as skilled trades workshops, bootcamps, simulator sessions, and employer site tours.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with unions, employers, apprenticeship offices, training providers, and trade schools.
- Develop resources and materials tailored to participants exploring or entering skilled trades careers, including women, gender-diverse individuals, and youth.
- Coordinate program logistics, including booking trades mentors, equipment setup, workshop scheduling, and securing employer hosts.
- Facilitate presentations and sessions that introduce participants to apprenticeship pathways, jobsite readiness, and trade-specific career planning.
- Collect and analyze feedback, attendance, and impact data to continuously improve program quality and outcomes.
- Maintain organized documentation and tracking systems to monitor participant progress and program effectiveness.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Partnerships teams to promote skilled trades initiatives and events.
- Represent Build a Dream at skilled trades fairs, community events, and industry meetings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

**Qualifications**:
**Education**:

- Preferred: Completion of a Red Seal certification, apprenticeship training, college diploma or equivalent experience in the skilled trades sector. A background in Program, community, or workforce development is also beneficial.

**Experience**:

- Minimum of 3 years of experience working in the skilled trades sector, trades education, program development, or workforce/community-based initiatives supporting career pathways.
- Strong understanding of skilled trades environments, apprenticeship models, and barriers faced by underrepresented groups in trades.
- Experience working with diverse populations, including women, racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.
- Experience working directly with employers, unions, or training institutions in a workforce development or community engagement capacity is an asset.

**Skills**:

- Strong communication, public speaking, and facilitation skills; confident in leading workshops and interacting with tradespeople, youth, and partners.
- Familiarity with industry-standard safety practices and tools/equipment used in trades settings is an asset.
- Ability to form strong community partnerships and knowledge of community resources.
- Creative thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and willing to learn and work with new online systems and technologies.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in fast-paced environments.

**Competencies**:

- **Trades & Workforce Knowledge**:Strong understanding of apprenticeship programs, trades certifications, and employer expectations in skilled trades industries.
- **Equity-Focused Practice**:Advocates for inclusion in trades spaces and understands the systemic barriers faced by underrepresented groups.
- **Innovation**:Ability to develop creative solutions and improve existing programs to meet the evolving needs of participants.
- **Adaptability**: Thrives in dynamic, changing environments with a hands-on, proactive approach.

**Working Conditions**:
This role is based in Windsor, Ontario, with occasional travel required within Canada for community events, school visits, and skilled trades programming. Some evening or weekend hours may be required based o