Knowledge Hub

From Newcomer to Energy Conservation Advisor: A Power of Trades Success Story

2025 Power of Trades graduate Sushant Chopra shares how the YMCA of the National Capital Region’s Home Builders Training Program helped him build confidence, gain Canadian workplace knowledge, and launch a meaningful career in energy conservation.

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Power of Trades Graduate Peter Brewer Shares His Career Journey

Power of Trades graduate Peter Brewer shares how the YMCA National Capital Region program helped him transition into the skilled trades, gain valuable skills and certifications, build industry connections, and begin a new career with opportunities for growth.

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Trades Talent Link: Increasing Newcomer Access to Good Jobs in the Skilled Trades

A YMCA-YWCA NCR research report on the barriers newcomers face entering the skilled trades in Ottawa, with promising practices and recommendations for newcomers, employers and service providers.

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In the Media: YMCA National Capital Region Trades Programs: Building Skills, Confidence, and Careers in Canada

The YMCA of the National Capital Region in Ottawa is taking initiative in trades training, partnering with the construction industry to alleviate gaps in the skilled labour pool and provide newcomers to Canada with thriving careers.

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Participant Success Story — From Computer Science to Site Assistant

How one participant went from a computer science background to a career on the construction site — with a boost from the Power of Trades and Home Renovation programs.

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Building Skills. Building Community. Building Ottawa.

As the largest employment service provider in Eastern Ontario, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is shaping Ottawa's workforce through skilled-trades training, inclusion, and sustainable building.

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