Build a Dream offers a dynamic suite of programs and services designed to inspire confidence, expand opportunities, and support personal and professional growth.
From career support services to mentorship, scholarships, and career exploration programs, our offerings empower students, job seekers, and individuals pursuing career advancement to develop in-demand skills, gain practical knowledge, build meaningful relationships, and grow professionally. Explore how we help individuals thrive at every stage of their journey.
Internal Programs & Services
Career Services Support
Our Career Support Services are designed to support individuals at any stage of their professional journey, from those just beginning to those looking to advance. The services include access to career pathway information, upskilling opportunities, and meaningful networking connections. These wraparound supports are informed by lived experiences and are tailored to help individuals make empowered, informed career decisions.
To learn more about Career Support Services, or to contact a Build a Dream Career Coach please email:
careersupport@webuildadream.com
Career Support Funds
Through our Career Support Funds, we aim to reduce financial barriers for underrepresented groups pursuing careers in the Red Seal Trades. Funding is available for expenses such as:
- Required work related equipment such as steel toed boots, tools, safety clothing, safety glasses etc.
- Childcare costs such as paying for a babysitter for a sick child or for unexpected overtime and shift work
- Trade exam and certification fees
- Books and materials required for skills or coursework upgrading
- Unexpected work-related travel
If you are in need of funding for any of the above expenses or have questions about what can be covered under the fund, please contact our Career Support Specialist by sending an email to mckenna@webuildadream.com.
Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Build a Dream collaborates on pre-apprenticeship programs with a variety of unions, education partners, and employers to provide entry level workers with the knowledge and experience they need to begin their career in the skilled trades.
Mentorship Program
Our mentorship program connects women and gender-diverse adults with experienced industry professionals who provide guidance, encouragement, and practical career insight. Through meaningful one-to-one relationships, participants develop new skills, expand their networks, and gain the confidence needed to advance in their careers. This program supports individuals at every stage of their professional journey, empowering them to pursue growth, navigate challenges, and realize their full potential.
Upcoming Virtual Mentorship Sessions:
Conforming to Toxic Culture When Survival Means Participation
A powerful space for women and gender diverse professionals to reflect on how toxic workplace culture shapes behavior and the choices made to survive.
Explore how to move from survival to leadership through accountability, healing, and intentional change.
Sessions held the last Tuesday of every month, 7:00 to 8:30 PM Eastern Time
Session Description:
This session explores the unspoken realities of toxic workplace culture and the ways many professionals have adapted, conformed, or stayed silent just to survive. From navigating exclusionary environments to distancing from others in order to be accepted, these experiences are more common than we acknowledge.
Through honest and powerful conversation, participants will reflect on their own experiences, confront difficult truths, and redefine what leadership looks like moving forward.
This is not just about awareness. It is about accountability, healing, and making the decision to break the cycle for good.
Session Goals:
• Encourage honest reflection on moments where survival required compromising values or behavior
• Normalize the difficult choices made in toxic or exclusionary work environments
• Increase awareness of how internalized behaviors can reinforce unhealthy workplace culture
• Support participants in shifting from survival mode into confident, values-driven leadership
• Foster accountability, connection, and peer support through shared experiences and dialogue
Trade Skills Development Incubator
The Trades Skills Development Incubator connects individuals with career exploration in manufacturing, construction, and the skilled trades through hands-on exploration and direct employer engagement. Each session brings together industry partners, training providers, and aspiring professionals to explore pathways, build confidence, and take meaningful next steps toward their careers. Participants gain access to interactive demonstrations, networking with employers, and personalized guidance that supports their career journey. Designed in collaboration several industry partners, the series creates a clear bridge from awareness to action, leading to mentorships, and long-term workforce development.
Location: Zion Robotics, 1861 Ambassador Dr., Windsor ON
Funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy
In partnership with Zion Robotics and St. Clair College
Ready For Work Support
Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Winnipeg Introduction to Millwrighting Program
The Winnipeg Introduction to Millwrighting Program is an 8-week pre-apprenticeship program presented in partnership with Build a Dream, the Millwright Regional Council, and Millwright Local 1443. The 8 weeks are divided into 4 weeks of job ready training and a 4 week paid work placement.
Merritt Introduction to Millwrighting Program
More information coming soon.