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Bridging the Gap – Building Construction Careers for Inner-City Youth (TAC Workforce Development Achievement Award: 2025 Finalists)

July 15, 2025

Read about the presentations and presenters below.

Award recipient (20-minute presentation)

Pier Solutions: Bridging the Gap – Rejuvenating Inner City Communities

In partnership with Step Up Construction

A transformative partnership between a bridge engineering and construction company (Pier Solutions) and a social enterprise (Step Up Construction) is empowering young people in Winnipeg’s North End. Through training, mentorship and hands-on experience, the initiative is building construction career pathways for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth. By pairing youth with mature, empathetic project leaders including Indigenous mentors, Pier Solutions and Step Up Construction are creating an environment where skills are taught, confidence is nurtured, and meaningful relationships are built. The partnership has successfully completed multiple bridge rehabilitation and construction projects, and in the process of overcoming significant challenges it has provided critical lessons around the importance of communication, trust, vulnerability and celebration. It offers a transferable model for other organizations that want to create sustainable, community-driven workforce initiatives.

Presenters: Jonathan Vandenberg and Andrew Braun

Award finalists (10-minute presentations)

City of Toronto, Ontario: Vision Zero Road Safety Plan – Workforce Training and Engagement

Presenter: Jason Neill

TAC is offering this Corporate Demo webinar for the interest of its stakeholders, and does not necessarily endorse the products or services presented.