Our Mandate

The Oaks Revitalization Association (ORA) Skilled Trades Development Program (STDP) is committed to empowering justice-involved/justice-affected and marginalized groups across Ontario. We are dedicated to offering personalized mentorship and support to individuals seeking to transition into sustainable careers in the skilled trades industry.

At the heart of our program is our robust mentorship initiative, which serves as a cornerstone of our approach. Through personalized mentorship, we offer guidance, support, and encouragement to individuals, empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential. Our mentorship program is designed to instill confidence, resilience, and essential life skills, preparing participants for long-term success.

Central to our mission is the recognition that skilled trades offer the quickest path to the Canadian middle class. We emphasize career development over mere job placement, equipping our clients with the skills and knowledge needed for sustainable, fulfilling careers in the skilled trades industry. By focusing on career pathways rather than temporary employment, we ensure that our participants have the opportunity to build lasting financial security and stability.

We are not a job placement or career service; we offer much more. Our program has a proven track record of breaking the cycle of recidivism, providing individuals with the tools and resources they need to thrive beyond their past circumstances. By creating a path for marginalized people to access the wealth of this country through the skilled trades, we are empowering individuals to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Through mentorship, personalized support, and a focus on skilled trades, we are dedicated to creating lasting socioeconomic advancement and empowerment.