BOLT- Building Opportunities for Life- Day of Discovery

Wednesday, June 16th marked a very special and successful day for Tridel as we partnered with the Children’s Aid Society and George Brown College (GBC) to host the BOLT event (Building Opportunities for Life Today) – an organization created by Tridel’s president, Leo DelZotto. Leo's vision is to open young adults' eyes to the numerous career opportunities available in the construction industry. For those interested in a future career in construction, George Brown College offers them the education needed via apprenticeship training and courses which leads to certificates, diplomas, and degrees. BOLT helps raise funds to provide scholarships for students who want to pursue a career in construction. Money is raised by Tridel through $5 casual Fridays and through their annual golf tournament.

The BOLT event, known as the Day of Discovery, started off with a breakfast and presentation at the Children’s Aid Society for all participants and case workers. Leo DelZotto gave a very inspiring speech about his father, Jack DelZotto, and how he created a highly successful company from scratch building single family homes in Toronto. Following their father's disciplined work ethic, integrity and commitment to providing high quality homes, Leo, and his brothers Angelo, and Elvio went on to form Tridel and the rest is history as they say. Tridel has grown to be Canada's largest condominium home builder employing 400 people and providing construction opportunities for hundreds of trades, suppliers, consultants and agencies.

After the presentation, participants put on safety shoes and hard hats to take a tour of James Cooper Mansion –a Tridel condominium project located two blocks south of Bloor St and Sherbourne St, which is currently under construction, to see a high-rise condominium building in the making. They were taken on a tour of this project starting with a thrilling hoist ride up to the top of the building and then gradually working their way down suite by suite. During this construction tour, they were able to see and speak to many industry trade professionals at work.

After touring the tower, everyone went to visit the adjoining historic James Cooper Mansion. The building is being restored and will have the party room, fitness centre and other amenities for the new residents to use.
An employee (and from GBC alumnus!) from Provident Energy Management (a member of the Tridel group of Companies) introduced the students to the work he does on a daily basis. On his laptop was the monitoring software that records 25,000 points of data from the many Tridel and Tridel Group of company buildings that Provident manages.

On Linden St, groups were lead by one of Tridel's planners who explained the process of zoning and working with the community. Tridel had worked very hard with the local councillor and rate payers association to make JCM a reality while preserving the gorgeous old mansion.While there was great interest in the land and many companies wanted build there, the Mansion would have to be demolished to make room. Tridel didn't think so and decided that the Mansion could be moved and also be restored for the use of the residents!

 From James Cooper Mansion, everyone was taken to GBC’s Casa Loma campus to check out brick laying, metal milling and coin stamping, just a few of the numerous trade programs available at the college. This allowed the young adults to get a taste of what these courses are like.

BOLT participants were then served a catered lunch in a GBC classroom while learning about the education and work opportunities available presented by George Brown instructors and construction professionals. During this presentation, there was an exciting announcement by Tridel that they would be offering several young adults the opportunity to shadow construction or customer care professionals at Tridel for a week! This is an amazing opportunity for young adults to gain experience and explore a career that they might be interested in.

But there was more! George Brown has created one on one sessions for young adults in order to give them educational advice and options. As well, Tridel in partnership with GBC offers a life-changing opportunity by giving several scholarships to deserving participants, enabling them to attend George Brown College and receive the education needed to become a trade professional.

The BOLT Day of Discovery was created in order to help guide and inspire young adults who have few resources and opportunities. Tridel, CAS and GBC work together to introduce participants to the numerous career opportunities in the world of construction while also teaching them about the education they need in order to achieve this dream. This is so important as many of the young adults who attended this event knew nothing about construction trades and how to become a part of the industry. This educational and inspirational day gave participants the knowledge and tools to know where and how to start their educational and career paths.

For many, this day will be a life changing event.

How do I know? Tridel introduced two of the recent graduates of the BOLT program that are now working for Tridel!