Building Green: Newcomer Careers in Residential Construction
Building Pathways to Opportunity
Building Green connects internationally trained newcomers with employers in green residential construction. Participants gain paid Canadian work experience, training and wrap-around supports. Employer access pre screened talent with wage subsidies up to 75% (max $20,500 with $2,000 available for wrap around supports) to accelerate hiring and deliver greener builds.
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.
Applicant Breakdown
Participants
Building Green is open to newcomers to Canada within the last 10 years and ready to build careers in residential construction. Participants must have valid status and international education or trades training.
· Canadian citizen, permanent resident, temporary resident, refugee status, or international student with valid work permit
· International post-secondary degree/diploma or internationally educated trades (IET)
· Fields may include carpentry, electrical, HVAC/R, plumbing, roofing, welding, sheet metal, heavy equipment, engineering, and construction management
For a list of roles that are included in the program, please refer to the list below. Note that there may be more job titles or roles that are not included in the list.
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
Employers
Residential builder, renovators, contractors, and green construction employers across Canada can take part in Building Green. Companies benefit from access to motivated, pre-screened newcomers plus wage subsidies and wrap-around supports.
- Residential builders and renovators
- Trades contractors (carpentry, plumbing, HVAC, etc.)
- Prefab/modular and renewable energy firms
- Building science, energy services, and suppliers
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 Services
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
- Wage Subsidy: Up to 75% (max $20,500 with up to $2,000 for wrap around supports)
- Pre and Post-placement Supports: funding available
- Placement Windows: Aug 15, 2025 – Aug 14, 2028
- Training: Employer workshops + newcomer training and profiling
- Location: Canada‑wide (on‑site, hybrid, or remote where appropriate)
- Duration: 3–12 months, full‑time
For Jobseekers
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
