The government is investing $276,000 in an initiative that will train new carpenters and construct new homes on Fredericton's north side.
Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick and the Carpenter Millwright College of NB are partnering to deliver a one-year carpentry training program.
"As our province continues to experience unprecedented growth, we are taking steps to ensure New Brunswickers have access to safe, affordable housing," said Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Greg Turner. "Along with building new homes for Fredericton families, this program will also help us meet the growing demand for skilled tradespeople, particularly in residential construction."
The program will accept 15 participants and will include 20 weeks of classroom study in conjunction with 32 weeks of on-the-job training alongside Red Seal carpenters from the college and Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick while they build five new homes for families with lower incomes.
"We are pleased to partner with the provincial government and the Carpenter Millwright College on this exciting new initiative," said Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick CEO Perry Kendall. "This project, combined with Habitat for Humanity's affordable mortgage model, will make an incredible difference in the lives of families in need of affordable housing in the Fredericton area, as well as helping to solve the skilled trades shortage."
"Carpenters Local 1386 and the Carpenter Millwright College of NB would like to thank the provincial government and Habitat for Humanity for entrusting us with the training portion of this project," said T.C. Eggleton, the college's training director. "We are excited to provide a great kick-start to carpentry careers through real-life work experiences that show how impactful this type of work can be."
Labour force projections indicate about 10,000 workers will be needed in the construction sector alone over the next 10 years, representing about 30 per cent of current employment in that sector. Boosting participation in the skilled trades and promoting and supporting apprenticeship is a goal of the government's three-year Residential Construction and Manufacturing Action Plan.
The City of Fredericton will transfer property for the homes to Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick.
"Access to housing is an issue that is top of mind for Frederictonians, and the city is always working to contribute meaningfully to housing solutions," said Mayor Kate Rogers. "The City of Fredericton is proud to be donating 10 plots of land on the north side of our city for the construction of affordable homes. This is done alongside contributions from the Province of New Brunswick and work done by Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick. Collaboration between orders of government and the not-for-profit sector is critical to address the diverse housing needs across the community."
Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick is a non-profit organization that has helped house nearly 90 families throughout the province. Information on applying for a home through the organization is available online.
Anyone interested in the training program should contact the Carpenter Millwright College of NB.
