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Free Paid Skilled Training Program Expands to Sault Ste. Marie
Community Builders brings construction employment social enterprise to northern Ontario city
Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:55am
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Community Builders, a construction employment social enterprise, has officially launched operations in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The organization provides tuition-free, paid skilled trades training for people with barriers to employment, working to offset the trades labor shortage. Community Builders has a nine-year history of providing construction services and training in nearly 20 communities across Ontario, with a focus on affordable and social housing projects.
Why it matters
The expansion of Community Builders to Sault Ste. Marie aims to strengthen the city's skilled trades capacity and scale up housing construction, while also increasing social impact by providing training and employment opportunities for underrepresented groups in the building trades.
The details
Community Builders offers 12-week skilled trades training programs four times a year, providing classroom instruction, on-the-job experience, necessary PPE and tools, and certifications. The organization has worked closely with the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board, and the Sault Community Career Centre to align initiatives and bring this program to the city. Community Builders has also received funding support from the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, The Home Depot Canada Foundation, and Meridian Credit Union.
- Community Builders has officially launched operations in Sault Ste. Marie.
- Applications are now open for the first cohort of Sault Ste. Marie's skilled trades and diversity training program, starting in April.
The players
Community Builders
A construction employment social enterprise that provides tuition-free, paid skilled trades training for people with barriers to employment, working to offset the trades labor shortage.
Maggie McGoldrick
The regional managing director for Community Builders in Sault Ste. Marie, with decades of experience in education, social services, and community leadership.
Patrick Renaud
The construction manager for Community Builders in Sault Ste. Marie, bringing many years of construction experience to the team.
Shannon Maki
The training program manager for Community Builders in Sault Ste. Marie, dedicated to helping people overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
Rick Moore
The construction training facilitator for Community Builders in Sault Ste. Marie, with a career balancing trades work and non-profit involvement.
What they’re saying
“My goal is to help people gain the foundational skills and certifications they need to start careers in the trades and construction sector and move into good-paying jobs, while also addressing the growing demand for reliable contractors to tackle our affordable housing crisis.”
— Maggie McGoldrick, Regional Managing Director, Community Builders
“I'm extremely excited to be joining the team as the construction manager here at Community Builders, Sault Ste. Marie. My many years of construction experience have led me to this unique endeavour. Together, our team will bring a whole new experience and facet to the local construction industry and community.”
— Patrick Renaud, Construction Manager, Community Builders
“I have dedicated my career to helping people overcome barriers and achieve their goals. Community Builders offers a unique opportunity to learn valuable skills to work in the trades in a supportive learning environment. With the challenges our community is facing, it is so exciting to be a part of a team that is committed to impactful change.”
— Shannon Maki, Training Program Manager, Community Builders
“My whole career I have tried to balance my trades work life with the non-profit work I have been involved with over the years, and I have finally found a company that brilliantly merged both. I am so excited to be a part of Community Builders and look forward to seeing the future growth and success of the organization and the students.”
— Rick Moore, Construction Training Facilitator, Community Builders
What’s next
Applications are now open for the first cohort of Sault Ste. Marie's skilled trades and diversity training program, starting in April.
The takeaway
Community Builders' expansion to Sault Ste. Marie provides a unique opportunity for the city to address its skilled trades labor shortage and affordable housing needs, while also creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for underrepresented groups in the construction industry.
