BCCA Building Builders:

The Power of Mentorship in Construction

Contributions by: Building Builders, Mario Galdones, and Builders Code.

Workplace culture is built on the collective efforts of each individual in the organization. It’s the way employees treat each other based on the values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviours they share and pass on to new employees. A big part of this is the role of mentoring – guiding, training, and inspiring a new generation of builders. This month, we want to take the opportunity to share the spotlight on a Building Builders Mentor who’s using his knowledge and experience to make a difference in the careers of up-and-comers in our industry.

Mario Galdones is a three-time Mentor with the BCCA Building Builders Mentorship Program and a former participant in the Skilled Trades Employment Program (STEP). Mario’s journey — from apprentice to Mentor — is a testament to the power of mentorship and the impact of paying it forward in the construction sector.

From Apprentice to Leader: Mario’s Resilience and Growth

Mario’s path in the construction industry was marked by resilience and determination. During the final year of his apprenticeship, financial constraints nearly derailed his plans to complete his schooling. Thankfully, STEP provided support that allowed him to focus on completing his certification. This support not only enabled him to finish his apprenticeship but also propelled him to achieve the BC Wall and Ceiling Association’s highest Red Seal test score at the time.

“Without help, from STEP and various tradespeople over the years, I would not be where I am. For that, I am grateful, and it’s my mission to pay that forward.”

 Fueling Ambition Through Transformative Mentorship

Mario’s passion for mentorship stems from his deep desire to empower individuals striving for success in the industry. Whether guiding young professionals or supporting newcomers to Canada, Mario thrives on nurturing potential and fostering growth.

“I feed off of ambition,” says Mario. “I love young people and those new to the industry that desire to succeed. By helping them, I fuel my own drive. Helping someone else succeed gives me a greater sense of fulfillment than even my own success.”

Interestingly, mentorship has also fueled Mario’s personal and professional growth, prompting him to reflect on his own practices and continuously strive for improvement.

“I started to take my own advice. I started to plan better, both short and long term. I became one of my own Mentees in the sense that I started to aggressively seek out continuous improvement. Both as a tradesperson, and a man in general. Mentees would ask me how they could be better, and that caused me to internalize and ask myself how I could be better myself.”

 Building Lasting Connections: The Power of Enduring Relationships

For Mario, the most rewarding aspect of mentorship is the lasting relationships he’s built. He maintains a strong bond with his first Mentee, providing ongoing advice and support, even though she is no longer in Canada.

“The fact that she continues to reach out to me means the world to me,” Mario shares. “I’ll continue to support her in every way that I can during her journey.”

 Empowering Diverse Talent: Newcomers and Women in Construction

Mario’s mentorship journey has extended across diverse groups, including newcomers to Canada, women, and youth. His approach is rooted in empowering Mentees to take ownership of their career paths.

“Let them ask questions, and be in the driver seat,” he emphasizes. “It can be a challenge at times to avoid steering someone’s ship, when you should be focused on letting them steer it for themselves.”

Mario is also a vocal advocate for increasing diversity and inclusion in the trades, particularly when it comes to supporting women in construction.

“Supporting women in the trades isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a necessity for it to continue to grow and thrive. The industry as a whole suffers today for being unapologetically unexclusive for far too long.”

 Addressing the Skilled Labour Shortage Through Mentorship

Mario recognizes mentorship as a critical solution to addressing the skilled labour shortage in the construction sector.

“To thrive in this industry, you need to do two things: earn and learn. Earning fair wages is the easy part, however the learning portion can be hit or miss. With tight deadlines and budgets, training can go by the wayside at times, hence part of the reason why the skilled labor shortage exists.”

 Inspiring Future Generations: A Legacy of Growth

Mario’s career is poised for an exciting new chapter. In March 2025, he transitioned into his new role as an Instructor at the BC Finishing Trades Institute, where he will continue shaping the future of BC’s construction workforce.

“My goal isn’t just to help people find jobs — but grow careers. I hope by lending a hand to others and assisting them, it inspires them to pay it forward and do the same. I also hope to see some of my Mentees or students become so successful they surpass me in terms of achievements, and that will be the ultimate payoff for me.”

 Essential Advice for Aspiring Tradespeople

If Mario could give one piece of advice to his younger self, it would be simple yet powerful: “Don’t hesitate to ask questions.”

“A younger me felt ‘stupid’ at the time, and didn’t want to ask too many questions to expose my lack of knowledge. Looking back, I would have had a better start if I had the courage to be more inquisitive and ask more questions.”

 Mentorship Theme Song: We Are the Champions

If mentorship had an anthem, Mario would choose ‘We Are the Champions’ by Queen — a timeless celebration of teamwork, confidence, and triumph.

 Fostering Inclusive Worksites with the Builders Code

As a Lead Quality Lead at EllisDon — a proud Builders Code signatory — Mario recognizes the importance of fostering respectful, inclusive worksites. The BCCA’s Builders Code establishes a high standard for workplace conduct, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

 Building a Legacy of Empowerment and Inclusion

Mario Galdones’ story highlights the profound impact that mentorship can have — not just on Mentees, but on Mentors themselves. Through his dedication to supporting others, Mario isn’t just building careers — he’s creating a ripple effect that strengthens BC’s construction workforce and inspires future generations.

As he steps into his role as an instructor, Mario’s legacy of earning, learning, and paying it forward will continue to shape the future of the construction industry.

 Are You Ready to Become a Mentor?

You don’t need special mentoring skills or experience to be an effective Mentor. You don’t need all the answers. If you’ve been working in the construction industry for 10 years and are willing to share your valuable knowledge and experience, you can make a real difference in a tradesperson’s career. BCCA Building Builders Mentorship Program team will help get you started.

Build your legacy by investing in the next generation of BC’s construction industry.