For updates on how the U.S tariffs impact the Vaughan business community, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/tariffs.
Talent City Vaughan Grant Recipient Profile – Blue Door
Talent City Vaughan is a first-of-its-kind municipal workforce development initiative that supports purpose-driven training initiatives across Vaughan. The 2025 cohort of grant recipients offers a host of in-demand training programs for Vaughan residents and employees of Vaughan-based businesses – like Blue Door‘s Construct program!
The Program
Launched in 2020 within York Region, Construct is an innovative eight-week skilled-trades training program. This program provides hands-on trades training with wrap-around supports to vulnerable job seekers and was accessed by more than 100 individuals across York, Durham and Peel Region in 2024. The program involves skills training, trades exposure, paid hands-on placement, meaningful work experience, and job readiness training. With the generous support of Talent City Vaughan, Construct will equip Vaughan residents with the skills needed to gain
direct connections to employment and overcome barriers to entry into secure, long-term, well-paying careers within the construction industry.
About Blue Door
Founded in 1982, Blue Door provides lifesaving support to the community’s most vulnerable with the vision of having a Canada where everyone can access dignified and affordable housing. As the largest emergency housing provider within York Region for over 40 years, Blue
Door’s mission is to enable housing stability by driving innovative housing, health, and employment solutions to prevent and end homelessness.
Blue Door partners with key workforce development organizations to deliver the Construct program and collaborates with informal partners for participant recruitment across Vaughan, and York, Durham, and Peel Regions. Notable recruitment partners include Richmond Hill YMCA Employment and Community Services, York Region, Corrections Canada, John Howard Society, 360kids, Job Skills, COSTI, Yellow Brick House, and Sandgate Women’s Shelter. With the support of Talent City Vaughan’s funding and Blue Door’s workforce development network, Vaughan community Construct participants are supported in gaining meaningful experience and skills training.
Are you a non-profit organization that offers upskilling or reskilling training? You can apply for a grant of up to $10,000 to run training programs for Vaughan residents or employees of Vaughan-based businesses. To learn more about Talent City Vaughan click the button below!