The District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB)’s Building Maintenance and Construction (BMC) Program in Sault Ste. Marie is providing construction employers with a pool of skilled workers, ready to hit the ground running.
The BMC Program, is an eight-week skills training course run by DSSAB for Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) looking to enter or re-enter the workforce. Participants renovate a house, earning certifications like WHMIS, Working at Heights, and First Aid while gaining valuable on-the-job experience.
By hiring graduates through this program, employers can address immediate labour shortages with workers who are already trained, certified, and equipped with hands-on experience.
"Partnering with DSSAB's Building Maintenance and Construction Program has been a great experience for us,” said Mark Iarusso, Owner of Superior Environmental.
Superior Environmental has already hired over 30 graduates from the BMC program, and has plans to continue to work with DSSAB to recruit and on-board new employees.
“The program gives us access to skilled, well-trained graduates who are ready to get to work. By collaborating closely with DSSAB's project coordinators, we’ve been able to make our recruitment process more efficient and ensure our new hires are the right fit."
Supporting this program is a win-win. Not only does it help strengthen the local construction workforce, it also builds pathways to sustainable career opportunities for work-ready OW and ODSP clients.
"We’re proud to be part of a program that supports local businesses and provides meaningful employment opportunities to the community," Iarusso said.
The BMC Program doesn’t just benefit employers – it’s driving innovation by integrating housing and employment solutions.
In partnership with DSSAB’s Affordable Home Ownership Program (AHOP), it goes beyond supporting employers—it revitalizes neighborhoods. DSSAB acquires homes in need of repair, where BMC Program participants, guided by skilled instructors, renovate them.
These homes are then sold to families transitioning from social housing to homeownership, creating a sustainable cycle of opportunity and community renewal.
Since 2020, four properties have been renovated and sold to first-time homebuyers through the AHOP program, with two more currently in progress. The impact is evident — cleaner streets, rising property values, and a renewed sense of pride among residents.
Looking to learn more about the Affordable Home Ownership Program? Follow this link to learn more.
Looking for information on recruiting from or participating in the Building Maintenance & Construction program? Follow this link to learn more.