From short-term initiatives like fundraising at tenant appreciation events or staff-led bake sales to raise funds for local charities (which Concert then matches), to longer-term initiatives like our ongoing donation to Youth Without Shelter (for every Kip One suite purchased, Concert donates a portion of proceeds to provide emergency accommodation for one homeless youth), Concert participates in a variety of CommunityWorks endeavors throughout the year.
We often say that contributing to the communities in which we work, live and build is a cornerstone of our philosophy as a company. Nowhere is this more significant than in our contributions to trades training, which in turn forms a meaningful foundation to our ongoing support and use of union labour. Over the past year Concert has distributed nearly $350,000 to trades training programs across Canada:
Hammer Heads
A skill and employment-based training program in the construction industry, the Hammer Heads program offers apprenticeship career opportunities to youth from under-resourced communities. This year Concert donated $75,000 to the program, which has resulted in 277 apprenticeships, 100 of which now no longer require support from Ontario Works for a savings of over $1.6 million.
George Brown College
In 2016 Concert distributed $100,000 to trades training at George Brown College through the Concert Properties & Partners Awards, which provides entrance awards and scholarships to students in the school’s Building Automation and Construction Trades Techniques programs. While more than half of the student body requires financial assistance to start their education, these students go on to become workplace-ready and fill critical employer needs that ultimately benefit the economy.
Camosun College - West Coast Women in Trades Initiative
Nearly 425 women have been provided financial assistance, moving them closer to one day securing a career in trades. In the coming year a $50,000 donation will go toward the launch of the West Coast Women in Trades (Journey to Success) program . The donation will supply a select number of students with tuition and supply fees; help at-work apprentices overcome barriers to employment including the purchase of tools or assistance with child-care costs; and, fund the hiring of an Apprentice Support Coach who will assist women in securing work and apprenticeships, as well as provide onsite support.
British Columbia Institute of Technology
This year BCIT received $125,000 to provide graduation grants to those who complete the Concert Properties & Industry Partners Trades Discovery Program, which allows students to explore careers in different construction trades. Funds are also awarded as grants to students who continue their education by enrolling in a specialty trades training program, encouraging students to complete their education and pursue a career in trades.