A program designed to help unemployed individuals gain construction skills has kicked off.

The program offers participants a hands-on experience to learn and expand construction skills in a controlled environment while building bunkhouses to be used by Scouts Canada.

Kopar Administration has started to collect applications for the Bunkhouse Build program, funded by the federal and provincial governments.

“The Bunkhouse Build project creates opportunities for people to receive on-the-job training in many in-demand construction sub-trades in a safe and supportive environment,” said Nicholas Simons, Minister of Social Development and Poverty Reduction.

The program is open to anyone who wants to gain experience in the construction trades, on EI or has had a claim in the last five years, or earned more than $2,000 in insurable earnings.

Participants in the program will receive certificates in WHMIS, First Aid, Fall Arrest and the Construction Association of BC’s Construction safety training program – Site Ready BC.

They will also be framing and roofing, installing insulation, siding and windows and electrical and plumbing mechanical systems.

The program is 12 weeks long and will consist of building two bunkhouses from the floor up, including finishings, in each session.

To ensure social distancing is maintained, each session will be limited to a maximum of 12 participants (six per bunkhouse).