Shop Foreman

Ballad Group

Who is Ballad Group? Well, our training programs have built capacity in diverse areas including entrepreneurship, insurance, information and computer technology, construction, French language acquisition, hospitality, supply chain management, and more. We have delivered unique training programs for a variety of organizations, Indigenous Communities and on behalf of the Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade, and Immigration, and the Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services.

This position works closely with and reports to Ballad’s Program Supervisor. This position will work out of Ballad’s Edmonton WERC Training Centre.

The Opportunity

The Shop Foreman will have a lead instructional role in Ballad Group’s WERC program. This position will be accountable to mentor, coach, and educate participants with compassion and empathy on basic building, carpentry techniques, and safety procedures. The successful candidate will work closely with WERC program staff to identify the needs of participants and adjust daily activities accordingly.

As the central resource for the simulated shop skills portion of the program, the Shop Foreman will utilize excellent judgment to develop credible and meaningful relationships with program participants to elevate their basic building skills. Excellent communication skills, prioritization, a focus on safety and organization will be a necessity for this role.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the daily management of the participants, including safety, within the shop and equipment.

Key Responsibilities

Mentorship:

• Supervising groups of participants in a shop/carpentry setting.
• Instructing working groups with a focus on residential and commercial construction techniques (including concrete, framing, plumbing, electrical, siding, flooring, and finishing).
• Manage shop productivity and efficiency.
• Provide input to the program team in identifying social, economic, recreational, and educational services in the community that will meet program participant needs.
• Identify potential emergency situations, analyze situations accurately, and effectively communicate with program staff to develop strategies to deal with such situations.
• Actively seek out positive solutions to solve challenges amongst staff, participants, and partners.

Program Development:

• Collaborate with program team members to develop new program material for shop instruction which aligns with employment gaps and industry standards.
• Prepare all materials and equipment needed for instruction.
• Assist in the procurement of equipment, tools and materials required for shop instruction.

Program Delivery:

• Lead the customization of shop workshops as required.
• Prepare and submit reports as required.
• Liaise with various internal & external clients & stakeholders when required.

Health and Safety:

• Ensure health and safety regulations are adhered to.
• Identify maintenance and mechanical repair needs on equipment.
• Oversee and coordinate the development of shop protocols and procedures.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations affecting day-to-day operations.
• Be an active member of the Health & Safety Committee, including attending monthly meetings.

Administrative and Support Duties:

• Setting up equipment & tools, and maintaining strict inventory controls on supplies.
• Communicating with a variety of stakeholders including co-workers, program participants and partners.
• Work with the Ballad Calgary Program Team to confirm deliverables and services are being completed satisfactorily.
• Plan and monitor shop inventory and tools.
• Provide input to management regarding the development of the program and participate in program evaluations.
• General shop & office set up & maintenance.

Experience

The position requires the following skills, experiences, and abilities:

• A ticketed professional with proven experience collaborating with unemployed individuals and groups, building, and maintaining relationships with staff and external stakeholders from Calgary and region.

• Relevant education and relevant tickets within the trades industry.
• 3 - 5 years’ experience working as a shop foreman or equivalent.
• Strong working knowledge of basic building and construction.
• Ability to operate a scissor lift would be an asset.
• CSTS and WHMIS tickets considered an asset.
• Experience with pre-employment strategies and knowledge of the local labour market are considered assets.
• Group facilitation within a formal environment or on the job required.
• Proven experience in Microsoft Office.
• Exemplary verbal and written communication skills.
• A genuine desire to build relationships with various client population groups, employers, and internal/external stakeholders.
• Able to take initiative and be resourceful in supporting participants to success
• Highly professional, driven, charismatic, reliable, and confident individual who thrives under pressure.
• Exposure to diversity and inclusion programs is an asset.
• Ability to work independently while on a team is required.
• All hires must meet internal standards for trauma-informed, culturally competent, and disability-aware service delivery.
• A valid class 5 driver's license.