UBC Programs & InititativesDiversity & Inclusion in ApprenticeshipPrograms
The Canadian District recognizes that the demographics of the UBC and the construction industry are changing at a rapid pace. UBC recruitment and retention practices must keep up with the changes we see in industry and address the barriers that limit outcomes for apprentices from equity-deserving groups.
The Diversity & Inclusion in Apprenticeship project aims to address the challenges and barriers our members face and to ensure our work culture is equitable and inclusive so that all workers can learn, grow, and advance within their careers. We aim to accomplish this through the program’s 3 objectives:Our Objectives
CreateObjective 1
Create a National Standard for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) in apprenticeship to guide curriculum development and program delivery and to ensure an equitable and inclusive UBC workforce, with increased employment and retention of equity-deserving groups.
DevelopObjective 2
Develop and implement a National Mentorship Program for the crafts of the UBC, with an emphasis on improving equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the construction industry.
ImproveObjective 3
Develop a National Recognition Program to recognize and champion excellence demonstrated by journeypeople, apprentices, and employers towards improving the workplace culture to be inclusive and equitable.
Objective #1
StandardsStandards
Equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility have never been measured in the construction industry. In order to measure performance, there must be standards and guidelines to measure by. Standards are a large part of what we do as an organization, as everything we do has to comply with a certain code or standard. The same premise needs to be applied when it comes to apprenticeship, mentorship, leadership development, and all aspects of the apprenticeship process. Establishing set guidelines will enhance the quality and consistency of our apprenticeship programs nationwide, as well as guide the construction industry on how to ensure an inclusive and equitable workplace culture for all workers.
The UBC partnered with CSA Group for the development of a new national standard, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Apprenticeship, CSA Z301. A national technical committee was established to lead the development process. The committee was composed of a broad representation of apprenticeship stakeholders across Canada, including unions, employers, training providers, community organizations, regulatory authorities, apprentices, journeypersons, and community organizations representing equity-deserving groups. The standard was released in April 2024.
The new EDIA in Apprenticeship standard is a valuable tool for all stakeholders of apprenticeship as it provides guidance on how to facilitate and support EDIA at all levels of apprenticeship, such as in pre-apprenticeship, block training, union membership, apprenticeship registration, job dispatch, mentorship, and career development.
Objective 2National Mentorship ProgramMentorship
The UBC national mentorship training program comprises a combination of online learning modules, followed by an in-person practical workshop for both mentors and mentees. Mentors and mentees must complete three online modules as a pre-requisite to the practical workshop.
Who should attend:
As a Mentee
you’re eager to learn and excel in your trade. In mentorship, you’ll team up with a journeyperson—an experienced professional with lots of knowledge and experience. Mentorship provides guidance to navigate the complexities of the construction industry and helps to develop new skills. Your mentor can offer insights into the trade, as well as share tips and tricks on how to successfully complete your apprenticeship, gain experience within and beyond the scope of your trade, and provide support for your ideas and goals.
As a Mentor
you can share your skills with the next generation while learning from them along the way. Mentorship can provide an opportunity to lead, inspire, give back, and make a real impact on the future of the industry. It can help you become a better leader, improve your communication, discover new skills and passions, and build valuable professional relationships.
Ultimately, the goal of mentorship is to create a positive, supportive relationship that benefits both the mentor and the mentee and helps both individuals succeed in their work and life.
These modules include:
Mentorship Introduction and Core Skills
This course sets individuals up for successful mentoring. They will discover key skills for mentors and mentees, plus gain practical tips to enhance their mentoring journey.
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, & Accessibility
Designed specifically for mentors and mentees to help them better understand equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility when it comes to the workplace.
Becoming a
Mentee
Designed to help mentees secure the right mentor and provides tips on how to strengthen their relationship, communicate their needs clearly, and invest effort for a successful mentorship.
Becoming a
Mentor
Designed to help get mentors started with their mentoring journey at the UBC and covering a range of topics, such as the qualities of a great mentor and how to navigate the mentor-mentee relationship.
Completing the online modules
To enroll for the online training modules, please use the application form at the button below.
Upon completion of the three online modules, participants must register with their local training provider to attend the one-day practical workshop. For both mentors and mentees, this workshop is designed to enhance the skills and improve understanding of selected EDIA concepts critical for today’s workplace. The interactive learning experience includes group discussions and exercises, allowing participants to connect with apprentices and journeypeople to share experiences, develop practical skills, and enhance career success.
Upon completing the practical workshop, members are eligible to register for a six-month program and become paired with a mentor / mentee. Upon registration, members will be contacted by a regional project coordinator who will guide you through the process.
Honouring UBC members and employers who
demonstrate exceptional commitment to:
Equity
is fairness and justice, ensuring barriers are removed so everyone has what they need to succeed, recognizing that different people may require different supports to achieve equitable outcomes.
Diversity
is the range of visible and non-visible qualities, experiences, and identities that shape who we are, how we think, and how we engage with and are perceived by the world. These can be along the dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical or mental disabilities, religious/spiritual beliefs, or political ideologies. They can also include differences such as personality, style, capabilities, thoughts, and perspectives.
Inclusion
is recognizing, welcoming, and making space for diversity. An inclusive organization capitalizes on the diversity of ideas, experiences, skills, and talents of all employees.
Accessibility
is when environments are inclusive and accommodating for individuals of all abilities and promote comfort, inclusivity, and psychological well-being for all workers.
The EDIA Award of Excellence NominationExellence
The EDIA Award of Excellence will be awarded annually to deserving candidates from each of the five regional councils within the UBC Canadian District.
Before making a nomination, please be sure to read the eligibility criteria at the button below.
Before making a nomination, please be sure to read the eligibility criteria at the button below.
Nominate a UBC member and/or employer who you feel deserves to be recognized for their outstanding efforts towards making our environment equitable and inclusive for all workers. You may nominate a maximum of one person for each of the following categories:
Mentee
Learn More
- Demonstrates extraordinary efforts to raise awareness and consciousness about equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the community, workplace, and/or local union;
- Goes beyond their general work duties to actively promote a work environment that is welcoming, supportive, and nurturing of cultural, ethnic, racial, class, gender, sexual orientation, language, and other human differences;
- Goes beyond their general work duties to support and motivate others through peer-to-peer mentoring to overcome barriers and challenges relating to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.
Mentor
Learn More
- Demonstrates extraordinary efforts to raise awareness about equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the community, workplace, and/or local union;
- Goes beyond their general work duties to actively promote a work environment that is welcoming, supportive, and nurturing of cultural, ethnic, racial, class, gender, sexual orientation, language, and other human differences;
- Goes beyond their general work duties to mentor and support others to overcome barriers and challenges relating to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.
Employer
Learn More
- Demonstrates exceptional leadership and extraordinary efforts to ensure that equity-deserving groups are accessing and succeeding in the skilled trades;
- Promotes and fosters diversity programs such as mentoring, support networks, diversity training, or other opportunities that aim to improve diversity and inclusion in their workplace and among leadership;
- Establishes an environment that recognizes and encourages the effective use of each individual’s talents and other contributions to the cause of diversity;
- Demonstrates a corporate commitment whereby equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are part of the strategic plan and/or business plan, including a broader approach that includes suppliers and sub-contractors;
- Provides equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility training for management and leadership;
- Demonstrates a diverse workforce at all company levels;
- Makes a targeted effort to attract and retain employees from diverse populations;
- Provides flexible work arrangements or creative benefits designed to meet the needs of diverse employees;
- Demonstrates collaboration or partnerships with equity-seeking organizations;
- Fosters mentor-mentee relationships;
- Provides business-leader shadowing to support mentorship and career advancement.
Nominate NowUBC Nominations
Nominations will be accepted until June 20th, 2025.
