BMO’s Commitment to Helping Youth in Trades
BOLT (Building Opportunities for Life Today) was launched by Tridel in 2009 to provide awareness, learning opportunities and to introduce youth associated with The Children's Aid Society of Toronto, to the construction industry. It was established as a charitable foundation in 2013 and has since expanded to reach under resourced youth from across the Greater Toronto Area.
BOLT provides access to education, training and employment in construction. BOLT offers a day of discovery and a job shadow opportunity for under resourced youth ages 17-29 to observe the trades and experience the construction work culture. Apprenticeships and placements in the construction skilled trades are supported by BOLT, through a partnership with the Hammer Heads program in Toronto. BMO proudly is a longtime supporter of the BOLT Charitable Foundation and the Hammer Heads program.
BOLT Charitable Foundation aligns with BMO's purpose and commitment to being an agent of change during the affordable housing crisis. Watch the video above to learn more.
BOLT Charitable Foundation (boltonline.org)
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These are the stories of the supporters of BOLT and without their help, this program would not be possible.
Vince Teti: Back in the day, there was no such program like the BOLT program. I was on a bus and drove until I found myself a job. I was fortunate enough to get on the plumbing site. Today, with the BOLT program, it helps the young generation to start an apprenticeship, where I wasn't fortunate enough to have that.
Joe Pitasio: If the BOLT program was around when I was in school, I'm sure would have helped because I could have started a lot sooner and picked my path. I might have not been a plumber, but I might have been a carpenter.
Peter Meneguzzi: We've always had this fascination with assisting or growing people, and giving people experience to grow. I was given that opportunity as a young person.
Carla Ditrani: I was lucky enough to get an interview and get hired right away, but I think that's why programs like BOLT can be great for other people to have those opportunities and get into a company like Tridel.
Mike Beg: At some point, you start to think about how we all can give back. I've been involved in commercial real estate lending and Leo DelZotto and Joanne Bin invited me to hear a presentation about Leo's Vision or really involving youth in the building trades. And so we sat down, and I heard that that vision and the idea was to give youth a day of discovery, a chance to job shadow, and then give them a chance to apprentice and actually get into the trades.
Antonio Pietrantonio: I've had the opportunity to speak to the youth at the high school “SpeakOuts.” I've also had quite a few students come with me on my projects for the job shadowing program. I work hand-in-hand with a lot of the BOLT youth every single day.
Hagi Collymore: I did take Plumbing in high school, but that was very basic Plumbing. BOLT provides the opportunity to really like get into trades. This was very hands-on, and they showed me how things actually work.
Peter Meneguzzi: We've had great opportunities for youth to come into a work environment to actually gain physical experience or exposure to what that day-to-day would look like for someone, and it gives an opportunity for them to then feel good and, I think, fulfilled.
Afshin Aimaq: I came to Canada around two years ago, so I was looking for an opportunity specifically in construction. Fortunately, I found BOLT, so that's why my career started. BOLT plays a role of bridge between youths and construction. If someone wants to get hired or someone wants to get good training to get involved in construction, I can say BOLT plays a vital role for them.
Joe Pitasio: In our industry, as a contractor, we lack newcomers into the trade. The BOLT program, it's a good vehicle for these young people.
Mike Beg: We are passionate at BMO about helping youth in the trades because it's an area of employment that's been difficult to access.
Hagi Collymore: The construction industry is very “word of mouth.” It’s who you know and also timing. You can't really just show up to a site and be like “Oh, can you hire me?” You have people like me that want to get in but it's hard because there’s not many resources.
Antonio Pietrantonio: Someone once took me under their wing and guided me, taught me things and I actually now am in a position to do the same and it feels good to pass it on to the younger generation.
Mike Beg: How can one not be even emotional or happy when you see someone fulfilling their dreams? They're doing something they enjoy, they've been given an opportunity to prove themselves and then earn a good living.
Hagi Collymore: BOLT has changed my life in every way honestly like the fact that I have a secured job and a bright future, I give thanks to BOLT for even giving me the opportunity to see myself succeed.
Afshin Aimaq: That's why they say sometimes, taking a chance and stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected positive outcomes, so that happened to me.
Antonio Pietrantonio: We all need guidance, youth need guidance. BOLT is life-changing for these youth, they would have never had the opportunity to ever step foot on a construction site. It's amazing that everyone comes together and supports such a beautiful initiative.
BOLT extends its heartfelt thanks to its supporters and sponsors who are providing youth with life-changing opportunities in the construction industry. An industry that so desperately needs more trades. The story continued and you are part of it…
Mike Beg
Head, Real Estate Finance
Mike Beg as Head, Real Estate Finance, Canada is responsible for management of BMO’s Commercial Real Estate Finance group and its client relationships across …(..)
View Full Profile >BOLT (Building Opportunities for Life Today) was launched by Tridel in 2009 to provide awareness, learning opportunities and to introduce youth associated with The Children's Aid Society of Toronto, to the construction industry. It was established as a charitable foundation in 2013 and has since expanded to reach under resourced youth from across the Greater Toronto Area.
BOLT provides access to education, training and employment in construction. BOLT offers a day of discovery and a job shadow opportunity for under resourced youth ages 17-29 to observe the trades and experience the construction work culture. Apprenticeships and placements in the construction skilled trades are supported by BOLT, through a partnership with the Hammer Heads program in Toronto. BMO proudly is a longtime supporter of the BOLT Charitable Foundation and the Hammer Heads program.
BOLT Charitable Foundation aligns with BMO's purpose and commitment to being an agent of change during the affordable housing crisis. Watch the video above to learn more.
BOLT Charitable Foundation (boltonline.org)
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