BFY Long-Term Host Award

Awarded: October 23, 2026 | Submission Deadline: August 14, 2026

The BFY Long-Term Host Employer Award recognizes a Host Employer who has demonstrated sustained, year-over-year commitment to the BFY Program, providing ongoing experiential learning opportunities and contributing to the program’s long-term success.

They consistently provide safe, meaningful, and well-supported work experiences, offering students exposure to a range of skills, tasks, and potential career pathways within the skilled trades and construction sector.

Nominees also contribute to the overall success of the program through positive collaboration with BFY staff, teachers and schools, and by demonstrating an ongoing commitment to advancing the goals, reputation, and long-term sustainability of the BFY Program.

Eligibility Criteria
  • The nominee must be a CANS member company in good standing
  • The nominee must conduct work in Nova Scotia
  • The nominee must have hosted a minimum of ten BFY students for a minimum of ten years
  • Nominees may be involved in any sector of the construction industry
  • Self-nominations and third-party nominations are welcome


Submission Requirements

All nominations must include a written submission of no more than 1,200 words total that clearly addresses each of the five criteria. We recommend drafting your submission in Word to help track your word count. Submissions exceeding the limit will not be reviewed by the selection committee.

Supporting materials are welcome and encouraged and are not included in the word count.

  1. Long-Term Commitment (maximum 10 points)

Describe how this employer demonstrates sustained, reliable support for the BFY Program over time. Examples may include:

  • Welcoming more than one student at a time or across different departments
  • Demonstrating flexibility and reliability year over year
  • Maintaining a strong working relationship with BFY staff, teachers and schools
  1. Student Experience (maximum 10 points)

Describe how the employer ensures meaningful, high-quality learning experiences for BFY students year after year. Examples may include:

  • Providing structured onboarding and clear expectations, and ongoing guidance
  • Creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment
  • Adjusting schedules, duties, or supports to meet individual student needs
  1. Program Impact (maximum 10 points)

Explain how this employer has contributed to the overall success and sustainability of the BFY Program. Examples may include:

  • Supporting student retention, return placements, or long-term employment
  • Encouraging students to pursue trades-related education or employment after high school
  • Providing opportunities beyond the minimum program requirements
  • Strengthening the program’s reputation through positive employer engagement
  • Acting as a consistent and dependable partner within the BFY network
 Supporting Materials

Nominees are encouraged to include up to three supporting documents, such as:

  • Brief testimonials or quotes from former BFY students, teachers or industry partners
  • Photos from BFY placements or related activities (with appropriate permissions)
  • Examples of added supports or opportunities provided to students (e.g., extended employment, site tours, mentorship activities)

All supporting materials must be clearly labelled and referenced in your submission. Supporting materials are not included in the overall word count; however, they should be limited to the most relevant and impactful items only and must not exceed 5  pages total. Materials submitted beyond this limit may not be reviewed by the selection committee.


 



Award Process and Conditions


Designated Company Representative

All award recipients will be announced at the CANS Awards Gala. Each nomination must include a designated company representative who will act as liaison with CANS if the nominee is selected. This individual must:

  • Maintain confidentiality until the public announcement at the Gala
  • Confirm attendance at the CANS Awards Gala or assign a representative

Selected recipients will participate in a brief interview process following judging. Portions of the interview may be recorded for presentation at the Gala.

How to Submit
  • Submit your nomination by August 14, 2026, at 4 p.m. A.T.
  • This nomination will be completed in a form format, with each criterion addressed in its own response field. You may distribute your total word count of up to 1,200 words across the sections as you see fit.
  • Individual deadline extensions will not be granted. Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Selection Process

A committee of industry and BFY representatives will review all nominations. The award recipient will be selected based on total score. Each submission will be scored out of 30 points based on the criteria outlined above, demonstrated impact, clarity of the nomination, and the nominee’s meaningful contribution to the BFY Program.