Q&A with Arena Group’s Cody Gibson on ILEO’s Construction Union Employment Pathways program
ILEO recently launched the Construction Union Employment Pathways Program, which aims to provide a new pool of labour in the construction industry and create a sustainable workforce for underrepresented individuals through employment training, mentorship and work placement opportunities.
As part of the program, United Way Greater Toronto has partnered with Arena Group, who is responsible for the construction overlay at the Toronto Stadium.
On August 6th, 38 participants in the program – at least five of whom will be hired to work on the site, were able to see it coming to life along with our partners: Arena Group, Human Space and WoodGreen Community Services.
Led by Arena Group’s Overlay Operations Director of North America, Cody Gibson, the team got a first-hand look at active site conditions, had an opportunity to connect with industry professionals, and built awareness of different career paths for program participants. We asked Cody a few questions about his experience working on this collaboration, the impact it will have on the community, and what he’s most excited about for this project.
What’s different about this collaboration compared to other workforce collaborations you’ve been a part of?
Cody Gibson: The workforce development that we are pursuing in Toronto is different to anything that we have done in the past. It hasn’t necessarily been a requirement of major events or councils in other cities.
We did have a similar requirement in Paris, but it wasn’t as supported as it has been here. We’ve really enjoyed being able to work with United Way, as well as the team at the city, who encouraged it and built a good culture around workforce development so it’s something that is actually going to benefit the community.
We are seeing the benefit and positivity, which we haven’t seen or experienced in other places – it’s felt more of a tick in the box, so here, we’ve really been able to do the right thing and do what we have done today.
What are some key opportunities you think this partnership opens up for both Arena Group and the community?
Cody Gibson: [We are] opening up a lot of apprenticeship and labour opportunities through the work we are doing on site. But equally, it’s not just about the paid opportunities; I’m hoping to facilitate a site tour like this once everything is built so that when we’re on an off day, we are able to bring the community around and see the impact that we’re making.
It’s also setting a legacy for us internally. Sustainability is really important to us, and we are really happy to be moving along towards that path. We are happy to be incorporating DEI into our program which is evident with what we’re doing here.
About the ILEO Construction Union Employment Pathways program
The ILEO Construction Union Employment Pathways Program provides pre-employment training delivered by community agencies, trades training delivered by unions, mentorship, and work placements on construction sites across the region.
The aim of this project is to provide a new pool of labour in the construction industry and create a sustainable workforce by reducing barriers for underrepresented individuals.
This program is made possible by the generous support of the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
About the ILEO Initiative
To learn more about how United Way Greater Toronto, BMO and other private, public and community partners are working together to ensure the benefits of this development flow to existing residents check out the Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity Initiative (ILEO).