There are many paths in life but the destination is always the same.
ABOUT US
What we do
Our mission is to create opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals through the skilled trades. We know that for most people who have had negative interactions with the criminal justice system, independence and living within the confines of law start with being able to earn a liveable wage. The Path to Independence program gives formerly incarcerated individuals that opportunity by pairing them with Red Seal trade professionals and giving them projects to work on that teach them trades. These individuals are also given the tools they need to help them get started in the trades.
The Path to Independence Program is an attempt to give back to northern Ontario; especially to the city of Sudbury. By having these men and women stand on the shoulders of industry professionals so that they may contribute to society in a meaningful way, sets the tone for an each-one-teach-one attitude in northern Ontario.
We provide real life opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals to learn skilled trades. In buildings and homes that are being renovated or built from scratch they are taught by industry professionals and use tools that are used in the field in order to make meaningful contributions to real structures. Individuals are also taught how to deal with municipal officials for the purpose of obtaining permits and to make sure that what they build or renovate are legal.
Our partners
Our strategic partners are crucial in supporting the work we do.
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Taught by Aaron Wilson of A Wilson Contracting
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Taught by Chris Hynes of Hynes Electrical
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Taught by Scott Bateman of ACME Plumbing
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Foundation, concrete and house raising taught by Paramount Construction
Our impact
We let our work and the journey of our program alumni do the talking. Our program has been an instrumental part of ensuring previously incarcerated individuals reclaim their independence in society.
Since 2018 we have helped to train or trained more than 300 individuals in the skilled trades who are formerly incarcerated or have had previous negative contact with law enforcement. In 2025 alone, since formerly creating the Path to Independence program, more than 100 individuals have worked on 3 major projects in Sudbury and North Bay. All of the individuals are currently working in various labour positions across northern Ontario and some 25 of them have remained working in paid positions on projects in Sudbury.
Ready to take control of your future?
We’re looking for men and women who have had any negative interaction with law enforcement and we challenge you to get involved with skilled trades with us for 3-months! At the end of that time you will see opportunities open up for you in employment in the skilled trades - upon completion we will give you a set of tools that will enable you to go onto any job site and immediately start working at least as a labourer.
We have 100 spots available in 2026 through 2 cohorts.