Ballad Group

Ballad is hiring a Shop Foreman to facilitate pre-trades and construction hands on curriculum within our Brooks Workforce Employment Readiness and Connections Program (WERC).

At Ballad Group 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 Ministry of Assisted Living and Social Services.

The goal of the 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 play a hands-on instructional role in Ballad Group’s WERC program, leading participants through practical pre-trades and construction training. This includes teaching foundational building and carpentry skills, manufacturing and food processing fundamentals, transportation and logistics, agricultural operations and facilities maintenance skills. Reinforcing safe work practices, and creating a supportive learning environment in the shop.

Working closely with the WERC team, the Shop Foreman will guide participants through daily shop activities while adapting instruction to meet individual learning needs. Many participants are overcoming barriers to employment, so patience, encouragement, and the ability to build trust are essential.

The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining a safe, organized shop environment, managing tools and equipment, and supporting participants as they develop the confidence and skills needed to enter the workforce.

Reporting to the Program Supervisor, the Shop Foreman will oversee daily shop operations and ensure all activities are conducted safely and productively.

Key Responsibilities Instruction:

• Supervising groups of participants in a shop setting.
• Instructing working groups with a focus on Manufacturing and Food Processing Fundamentals, Transportation and Logistics Exposure, Agricultural Operations and Facilities Maintenance Skills listed in contract.
• Guide 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 Brooks 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.