NexGen Builders Short-listed Mentors
The NexGen Builders Award recognizes an individual or organization who puts into practice best practices identified by the Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Benchmarks (GDEIB,) standards for organizations around the world.
As a Mentor (individual), the nominee has excelled in supporting the professional growth and development of a Mentee.

Errol John
Errol started in the industry over 1984-40 years ago. He was discouraged many times but was determined to excel. He has seen much improvement over this period and believes that we have jumped over many hurdles. He received support during his journey from several persons and was encouraged to do the same to others. He became a Red Seal from 1997. He shares his experience and knowledge, networking opportunities and how he overcame challenges. As a mentor he provides motivation, direction and follow-up. His nomintator states “I have been more resolute and determined to achieve my goal of becoming a Red Seal.”

Brandi Ferenc
Brandi Ferenc is a mentor for women in skilled trades and HVAC apprentices at Support Ontario Youth, in addition she teaches HVAC at Georgian College and works as an HVAC Mechanic at Southlake Hospital. As a female, Brandi represents 0.4% of her industry and for 2 decades has been the voice of advocacy to shift the mindset of the skilled trades industry and create a safe workplace for equity deserving groups. Her nominator says, “She provides mentees with clear guidance and positive encouragement without minimizing their experiences and feelings.”

Andrew Dixon
Andrew has been an amazing mentor to students on EllisDon West Park site. He guides high school students to experience different trades and supports them in their experiential learning experience from day one. Andrew has made a huge impact in the students lives. One student he mentored was able to get into the union immediately after the STEP to Construction program due to Andrew's support and mentorship. His nominator says “Andrew’s mentorship of pre-apprenticeship high school students on an EllisDon site has set the bar on what it means to be a first-class mentor. His role has been valuable in allowing EllisDon to take on more pre-apprenticeship high school students across sites across Toronto. He is a shining light for the Community Benefits program and for high school students entering the job site as pre-apprentices.”