World Youth Day Spotlight: Supporting Habitat for Humanity Canada’s Youth Skills Building Program
This World Youth Day, we are proud to recognize the positive impact EFC members continue to make through their support of Habitat Canada’s Youth Skills Building Program.
Investing in the Next Generation of Talent
Canada is experiencing a significant labour shortage that is delaying homebuilding, driving up costs, and creating a cascading effect throughout the construction supply chain. By the end of this decade, nearly 700,000 of the 4 million Canadians who work in the trades are set to retire, and Canada’s apprenticeship system is struggling to fill the gap.*
Through the Youth Skills Building program, local Habitats work with youth to provide hands-on learning experiences connected to affordable housing delivery. Participants build practical skills through supervised placements on Habitat build sites and in Habitat ReStores, while also developing essential workplace and job-readiness skills.
By investing in this next generation of talent, we are helping to reshape the future and meet Canada’s housing challenges head-on.
*Source Statistics Canada
Tiny Homes, Big Futures
For Ben, a 17-year-old Ontario high school student with a growing passion for construction, 2025 marked a defining year. What had begun as a spark of curiosity in a Grade 9 tech class gradually developed into hands-on building — and most recently, into a clear and committed career path.
Through Habitat for Humanity Halton-Mississauga-Dufferin’s youth skilled trades program — a hands-on construction training program that empowers high school students with real-world trade skills while contributing to meaningful community service — Ben and his classmates took on the challenge of finishing a Tiny Home.
“Though tiny in size, these homes represent something much bigger — creativity, innovation, and real solutions to real challenges,” says Ben.
As a student leader on the project, the experience gave Ben more than just technical knowledge. It offered him the chance to grow as a mentor, along with gaining team-building experience and discovering a powerful sense of purpose.
Read the full impact story here: Tiny Homes, Big Futures | Habitat for Humanity Canada
Donate to Habitat Canada’s Youth Skills Building Program
Click here to make a monetary donation in support of Habitat Canada’s Youth Skills Building Program as part of the 2026 EFC Day of Giving campaign.
