Ballad Group

Ballad Group is seeking to hire a Shop Foreman who is passionate about teaching, connecting, and changing the lives of those who pass through the Grande Prairie Work Employment Readiness and Connections Program. We know that's a mouth full, so you can call it the GP WERC program. We invite those who love carpentry and want to share this passion by teaching others the basic skills of carpentry to join our team.

But 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 and Northern Development and Ministry of Seniors, Community & Social Services and Social Development Canada.

But what about the WERC program? Well, the goal of the Grande Prairie WERC program is to develop and administer individually focused direct skill enhancement training and job placement to enable multi-barriered Albertans find and maintain employment.

The Opportunity

The Shop Foreman will have a lead instructional role in Ballad Group's WERC program. This position will be accountable to lead and educate participants on basic building and carpentry techniques. 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 within the shop and equipment.

This position works closely with and reports to Ballad's GP WERC Program Advisor. This position will work out of Ballad's Grande Prairie Training Centre.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership:

• Supervising groups of participants in a shop/carpentry setting
• Instructing working groups of up to 8 individuals in basic wood working, gardening and painting techniques with a focus on safety practices
• 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

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 Grande Prairie 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 Grande Prairie 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 drive a Skid Steer
• 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

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full time position. Compensation is commensurate upon experience. Full competitive benefits provided upon successful completion of three-month probationary period.