What is the SDF Home Repair Program?

 

A free 4-week, 150-hour program designed to teach adults and youth 16+ practical construction and home repair skills through hands-on experience and safety-certified training, based on Ontario regulations. This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

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​​​​​Who is this for?
Anyone who is interested in starting a career in construction or learning to do safe, skilled home repairs—no prior experience required!

 

What are the eligibility requirements?
To be able to participate in this training initiative, participants must be age eligible residents in Northumberland County as well as:

• legally entitled to work in Canada with a valid Social Insurance number

• a job seeker, or worker at risk of job displacement, or a worker looking to develop new skills

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What is the goal of the program?

The goal of the program is to provide intensive, robust training and mentorship as well as job counselling in the construction trades, particularly in home repairs. The intent is to support participants on their journey to employment in an in-demand sector.

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Can I take part in the training if I am already working?
Yes. This program is focused on assisting individuals who are currently unemployed, and those who would like to expand their skillsets to become more employable.

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What will I learn?

Each intake is slightly different dependent on the scope of the home repairs needed. Participants will be provided with basic skills training in the following areas:

• Construction safety & protective gear (PPE)

• Tool use & maintenance (hammers, drills, saws, etc.)

• First Aid & CPR certification

• Working at heights safety (Ontario certified)

• Project planning & budgeting

• Basic carpentry (fence, shed or planter building)

• Framing, drywall, flooring installation & repair

• Plumbing and electrical basics (non-live practice)

• Identifying and fixing structural issues

• Roofing, windows/doors installation

• Basic masonry & concrete repair

• Painting, insulation, and weatherproofing

 

Will I be certified?
Yes! You'll receive certifications in:

• First Aid & CPR

• Working at Heights (Ontario)

• Ontario Construction Safety Training

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How will I learn the curriculum?

This program involves a combination of facilitated online learning and skills certification and experiential hands-on learning through projects and field work. Some of the training will be skills training and the rest will be experiential work alongside the Habitat for Humanity construction team at actual build sites and home repair projects.

 

Will there be assignments and assessments?
Yes. Assignments and projects will be reviewed by coaches, project staff, and third-party training providers. Facilitated learning sessions will have minimum pass requirements. A final assessment will be provided by the coaches and project staff once all hours (150) have been satisfied. An overall project completion will be awarded.

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How often will the training be offered?

Individuals will be onboarded into the program at a time over the course of 10 months. The last group will start in February of 2026. Smaller group sizes over the course of the year allows for lots of hands-on work and attention throughout the program.

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Where does the training happen?
A combination of office, online, and on-site locations, with hands-on sessions guided by a coach, professionals and certified instructors.

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Do I need to have a driver’s licence to participate in this program?
No. A driver's licence is not needed, however you will need to be able to arrange transportation to our Habitat office in Cobourg. Limited support may be available for transportation.​

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What do I need to bring?
All tools and safety equipment are provided. Just bring a willingness to learn and dress appropriately for construction work.