“The Ready to Work program is geared towards young people who have fallen beyond the reach of traditional educational facilities,” says John Sustersic, executive director of the Threshold School of Building. “Most have dropped out of high school so don’t have the academic requirements to enter a community college program. Some struggle with learning disabilities, some are on social assistance, and some are stuck in minimum wage jobs. What they have in common is that they all want an opportunity to change the course of their lives.”

Thanks to an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant, the Ready to Work program offers just that. During an eight-week course, students receive on-the-job training in basic framing, electrical, drywalling and carpentry. The program includes supplementary math education instruction and workplace safety, Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), and first-aid training. Toward the end of the course, participants are further readied for the job market as volunteers help them develop resumes, cover letters and interview skills.

“Teaching practical skills is only half of our agenda,” says Tricia Burney, educational coordinator at Threshold. “Instructors and volunteers also instill the need for punctuality and a solid work ethic. It’s not just about getting a job. It’s about keeping a job and developing a life-long career. We even include workshops in nutrition and give students passes to the local YMCA gym because this is a physically taxing way of life. A long career means knowing how to maintain good health and a certain level of physical fitness.”  

Restoring the Playhouse Theatre for City Kidz are (from left to right): Dan Myler, Lori Dupuis, Miles Lapenotiere and Barry Gillmore.

Upon graduation, participants like 29-year-old Lori Dupuis are armed with more than knowledge and practical skills.

“Threshold sends you out into the world with construction boots, safety glasses and two sets of work clothes,” she says. “We also receive $125 to purchase tools we’ll need for our chosen trade – and the confidence to break into the business.”

Before the Ready to Work program, Lori was working in a local coffee shop and raising three young children. She wanted more.

“I wanted a career,” she says. “I wanted to do something I enjoyed and something I could take pride in.” 

The program has been a tremendous success. Of the dozens of youth who have completed the program, 80 percent have found employment. Many can be found in on-the-job apprenticeship programs, working towards certification in a number of skilled trades.

The high employment rate is partly due to the fact that students learn and gain experience by working on real building projects that benefit the local community. These include the Home Ownership Affordability Partnership (HOAP). The Threshold School of Building and HOAP buy neglected inner-city houses and turn them into attractive and affordable homes for low income families. This is done with donated funds and building materials as well as the sweat and commitment of Threshold students and volunteers.

Many of those volunteers have taken one or more of Threshold’s courses for the general public. These include their popular nine-week general home maintenance course where men and women of all ages learn basic carpentry, electrical, plumbing and drywalling skills.

“The Threshold School of Business received OTF funding because their programs benefit the entire community,” says Susan West, OTF program manager for the Golden Horseshoe. “Disadvantaged or underemployed young people gain access to well-paying careers and a future. Neglected neighbourhoods receive a much-needed boost. And low-income families realize their dreams of owning homes. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.” 

It was certainly a win-win situation for Lori Dupuis. Her ambition is to work as skilled framer and drywaller until she completes her Grade 12 physics. Then she intends to become an electrician.

“The program changed my life. I can look forward to an exciting future for myself and my three young sons.”  

GRANT SUMMARY In 2004, the Threshold School of Building received an OTF grant of $175,000 over three years to support the development and implementation of building education courses and volunteer participation.