Meet Johanna, a future Red Seal carpenter

At 19, Johanna is making a career from a love of building that started in childhood.

While growing up in Moncton, New Brunswick, Johanna would tackle backyard projects with a grandparent — from building a treehouse to making a zip-line platform.

Today, that passion for working with her hands has led her to a 52-week carpentry program delivered by Habitat for Humanity New Brunswick and Carpenter Millwright College. Along with a cohort of students, Johanna’s helping build four affordable Habitat homes (two duplexes) — from foundation to drywall — while developing the job-ready skills she needs for a future in the trades.

Supported in part through Habitat Canada's Youth Skills Building program, this partnership gives young people like Johanna the opportunity to gain hands-on construction experience, learn from skilled mentors and build confidence for the future.

With every home she helps build, Johanna is taking another step to becoming a Red Seal carpenter, earning a nationally recognized certification that will open doors to career opportunities across Canada.

"There's nothing that puts me in a better mood than getting out there and building something and seeing the finished product at the end of the day.” — Johanna

For Johanna, the experience isn't just about learning a trade. It's also about giving back.

After experiencing housing instability growing up, she understands firsthand how important a safe, affordable home can be. That's what makes building Habitat homes especially meaningful for her.

Programs like this one are helping prepare the next generation of skilled trades professionals at a critical time. According to Statistics Canada, nearly 700,000 of the 4 million Canadians working in the trades are expected to retire by 2033, creating an urgent need for skilled workers to help build the homes our communities need.

"It's a win-win for Habitat. It enables us to build more homes. And it's a win-win for the students because no one else is going to give them this type of in-depth training." — Mike Power, Habitat New Brunswick’s construction director

This International Youth Day, we're celebrating young people like Johanna, whose determination and passion are helping shape the future of both the skilled trades and affordable housing in Canada.