The Intercultural Pan-Canadian Green Buildings and Retrofits Training Project
Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) Society is proud to announce the beginning of the Intercultural Pan-Canadian Green Buildings & Retrofits Training Project: Coast to Coast to Coast. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Sustainable Jobs Training Fund, an initiative of the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program and is in collaboration between nine organizations across Canada: 8 services delivery partners and 1 training institution. The project began in April 2025 and will end on March 31, 2028.
The Service Delivery Partners: PICS, Centre for Newcomers, NWT Literacy Council, Saskatchewan Open Door Society, Westman Immigrant Services Society, Bridges Niagara, Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization, The Saint John Newcomers Centre
The Training Partner: Assiniboine College
The objective of the project is to address the demand for skilled workers in the Green Building and Retrofits sector by providing free up-skilling and re-skilling training across Canada to participants who are unemployed, new entrants, and mid-career workers. It aims to prioritize and support equity deserving groups including Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, racialized Canadians, newcomers, and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
This fully funded 9-week initiative helps participants earn a micro credential and associate certificate in Green Buildings and Retrofitting. The project also supports Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge by encouraging businesses to transition to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Project Overview
5 weeks of self-paced online courses in: Sustainable Building Basics; Energy Analysis & Verification; Efficient Energy Systems; Envelope & Retrofit Systems; Safety & Compliance Basics, followed by 4 weeks of practicum or employment placement.
Who’s eligible:
- 18+ years old, Canadian Citizen / Permanent Resident / Refugee Status
- Legally able to work in Canada.
- Must self-identify as one or more of: Newcomer; 2SLGBTQI+; Indigenous; Black Canadian; Woman; Racialized person; Person with disabilities.
Who’ll benefit
People already in or wanting to enter fields such as construction workers, design & architecture, building operations, trades, real estate, career changers, and more.
Support offered
Transportation allowance, dependent care, needs-based support, job search assistance, wage subsidy post-training, and a financial completion bonus.
Canada needs greener, more energy-efficient buildings. This training not only builds skills but also helps underrepresented groups move into growing green sectors. It’s a win for both the people and the planet. Thank you to our funders and partners for making this possible.
For more information or to register please visit:
- Our website freetrainings.ca,
- Call: 604-596-7722 Ext. 315/310
- Email: pancanadian@pics.bc.ca
- Register: Sign-up here
For more information about PICS Society, visit www.pics.bc.ca
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