The BOB team get all sorts of opportunities to work with amazing businesses, social enterprises and other non-profit groups active in the DTES and inner-city. One of those organizations is Tradeworks Training Society. Tradeworks Training Society, helps foster sustainable independence by providing job-related skills training, counseling, and work opportunities. During the construction of the Olympic Athletes Village in SE False Creek, BOB really go to see Tradeworks in action, as they were teamed up with RONA to create and facilitate the Fab (Fabrication) Shop. Over 100 local residents were professionally apprenticed in carpentry and other skills in the Fab Shop and then placed on the Athlete’s Village construction site as part of the city’s first major Community Benefits Agreement.
The Olympic Village is now internationally renowned and has been awarded LEED Platinum Certification for the entire neighborhood as well as LEED Gold status for all of the buildings included.
And while construction of the 2010 Olympic Athlete’s Village is finished, with the exception of some retrofitting work that will begin soon, Tradeworks remains busy with plenty o
f other great projects too.
“Tradeworks Custom Products“ provides training & entry-level employment to women in the Downtown Eastside, Strathcona and adjacent neighborhoods.
The Job Shop is another innovative program that Tradeworks supports. Since 2001 The Job Shop has worked with over 600 people to support them in getting back to work.
Pathways provides access to information and knowledge resources for individuals and organizations in the Downtown Eastside. Pathways has worked closely with the BOB SEP team who have enjoyed an excellent working relationship with them.
Tradeworks Women’s Workshop pre-employment program introduces inner-city women to the world of carpentry and registered trades. The program develops essential workplace skills and attempts to get women registered and progressing in a trade of their choice.
Tradeworks Training Society has been offering training and employment programs in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver since 1994. Each program is centered in the belief that mutual respect is key to any relationship, and that a hand up is more lasting than a hand out.
The team at Building Opportunities are thankful to have the opportunity to work with Tradeworks. Check out their site for the great products they offer and numerous opportunities for residents.
