Building Green: Newcomer Careers in Residential Construction
Building Pathways to Opportunity
Building Green supports internationally trained professionals in launching sustainable careers within the residential construction sector. The program strengthens the green workforce by connecting skilled newcomers to employers committed to environmentally responsible building practices. Eligible employers can receive reimbursement of 75% of a new employee’s salary up to $20,500. Up to $2000 is available for additional wrap-around and training supports.
Program Details
With a commitment to supporting newcomers transition into the Canadian workforce, this program offers participants support in pre-employment training to help build necessary skills to prepare for employment opportunities. Eligible newcomers can receive a 75% reimbursement in training costs up to $2000 while searching for a work placement.
Fields may include carpentry, electrical, HVAC/R, plumbing, roofing, welding, sheet metal, heavy equipment, engineering, construction project management, etc. For a list of eligible roles included in the program, refer to the list below. Note that this list in not inclusive and there may be more job titles or positions that can be applied for.
Sample List of Green Residential Construction Jobs
1.Sustainable Building Materials
– Green Materials Engineer
– Procurement Specialist (Sustainable Products)
– Sustainable Product Designer
2. Energy-Efficient Home Design
– Green Architect / Passive House Designer
– Building Envelope Specialist
– Energy Modeler / Analyst
3. Renewable Energy Integration
– Solar PV Installer / Technician
– Geothermal Technician
– Residential Energy Storage Specialist
4. Water Efficiency
– Water Systems Designer
– Plumber (Sustainable Systems)
– Landscape Irrigation Specialist
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
– HVAC Technician (Green Systems)
– Indoor Air Quality Specialist
– Sustainable Interior Designer
6. Smart & Connected Homes
– Smart Home Systems Integrator
– Residential Energy Auditor
– Building Automation Specialist
7. Waste Reduction & Circular Practices
– Prefab/Modular Construction Technician
– Deconstruction Specialist
– Recycling Coordinator (Construction Materials)
8. Landscaping & Site Sustainability
– Sustainable Landscape Architect
– Green Roof Installer
– Urban Forestry Specialist
9. Certifications & Standards
LEED Accredited
– Professional (AP Homes)
– Residential Energy Rater
– Sustainability Compliance Officer
How Does the Building Green Program work?
- Apply Online
Fill out our eligibility assessment and application.
- Get Approved
Candidates and employers will be notified by email once they are pre-qualified to participate in the program.
- Recruitment
Candidates and Employers are required to find their own placement; ECO Canada can offer helpful resources such as the Job Board (where hosts can post a job and candidates can submit their resume).
- Receive Funding
Funding is secured once a match is confirmed between the employer and a pre-approved candidate and contract agreements have been signed and returned to us within 15 days of being issued.
- Secure Funding
This program offers eligible employers 75% wage coverage up to $20,500 of a candidate’s salary for a placement in a new full-time 3-to-12-month position with up to $2,000 wrap around supports. Both the employer and candidate must fill out reports throughout the placement for the employer to receive the wage subsidy.
Program Details
Placement Window: Aug 15, 2025 – Aug 14, 2028 (rolling intakes)
Duration: 3–12 months, full‑time (min 30–40 hrs/week)
Wage Subsidy: Up to 75% of wages, max $22,500 per placement
Wrap‑Around Supports: Average $1,975 for childcare, transit, select tickets/certifications, and job‑start needs
Scale & Impact: 835 newcomers served; 300 wage‑supported placements; 280 sustain employment
Eligible Roles: Solar PV installer, HVAC/HRV‑ERV tech, building envelope assistant, junior site engineer, energy modeler, residential energy auditor, prefab/deconstruction tech, sustainable procurement, irrigation & water‑wise systems, smart home integrator
Focus Areas: Passive House & net‑zero ready design, high‑performance envelopes, renewable integration, water efficiency, indoor air quality, low‑carbon materials, and smart home technologies.
Who Can Participate
Employer Breakdown
- This program is open businesses of all sizes within the residential construction sector.
- Placements must be full-time and 3-12 months in duration.
- Employers can benefit from access to motivated, pre-screened newcomers to support hiring.
Participant Breakdown
- Participants must be newcomers to Canada within the last 10 years and have valid international post-secondary education or internationally educated trades (IET) training.
- This program is open to participants who hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, Canadian refugee status, or those with a valid Canadian Work Permit.
- There is no age requirement within this program.
Building Pathways to Opportunity
Building Green supports internationally trained professionals in launching careers within Canada’s residential construction sector by connecting skilled newcomers with employers committed to sustainable building practices.
Eligible employers can receive 75% wage reimbursement – up to $20,500 per new hire, with up to $2,000 in additional training and wrap-around supports
Launch Careers in Sustainable Construction
Get the Details You Need
Download
the Program Guide
Learn everything about the program, eligibility, funding, placement details, and step-by-step instructions for both employers and participants.
Fill out the form to access the full guide.
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What You Will Gain
Through Building Green, participants gain more than a job: they gain a career‑building experience.
Pre-Employment Training
Build Canada‑ready skills for safety, workplace culture, and job search.
Work Experience
Gain hands‑on, paid experience in real project environments.
Support Funding
Access transportation, childcare, equipment, tickets, and select credential assistance to ensure your placement success.
Career Pathways
Explore high‑demand green construction roles and build your network for long‑term employment.
Take the first step today
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Program Dates: August 15th, 2025 – August 14th, 2028
- Placement Duration: 3-12 months, full-time
- Wage Support: 75% up to $20,500
- Training Funds: 75% up to $2000 (additional to wage support)
- Eligibility: Newcomers to Canada with international education/trades training in residential construction careers
- Location: Canada-wide (on-site, hybrid, or remote)
Interested to Apply?
For Participants
Are you a newcomer ready to build your Canadian construction career? Gain paid experience, training, and real‑world mentorship with leading employers.
For Employers
Looking to hire newcomer talent and reduce hiring risk? Access wage support, training resources, and a pre‑screened talent pool to deliver greener builds.
Building Green Sign Up Form
Leave us your contact details and we'll get back to you with the application requirements.
For questions about the program or application process, contact:
Employment Programs Team
Phone: (403) 906-3132
Email: pathways@eco.ca
How it Works
Start by taking an eligibility quiz.
After the quiz, complete your application to get approved for one or more programs.
Confirm your selected candidate.
Once confirmed, secure your position by signing your funding agreement.
Find a qualified candidate.
Have the candidate submit a participant application for review.
Attend an onboarding session.
Complete your progress reports, and provide pay statement to receive your wage funding.
As an approved Host Employer, you are committed to the success of the placement, the candidate and the overall growth of qualified environmental workers in Canada. We look forward to working with your team to meet these objectives!
