The future of building officially came to life inside the classrooms and training bays of the SDF Training School. After months of preparation, Canada’s first training program dedicated to the industrialization of construction welcomed its very first cohort of students.
A Diverse First Cohort
Fifteen trailblazers joined the program — architects, veteran construction professionals, and even individuals from finance curious about how this transformation will reshape the industry.
This diversity wasn’t by chance. The future of construction won’t be defined by one discipline alone. It will be shaped by people who think differently, bring varied experiences, and share a common commitment to building smarter and better.
Orientation & Vision
The program opened with orientation and a grounding in the mission: to give the next generation of builders the tools, knowledge, and hands-on experience to thrive in an era where construction is no longer a one-off craft, but a repeatable, industrialized process.
“We are moving from job sites as craft shops to job sites as assembly lines. The companies and individuals who understand this shift will lead the next era of building.”
— Kris Potts, CEO, Norseman Construction
From Vision to Action
From the very beginning, students got their first look at the technologies and methods that make this program truly unique.
They were introduced to 3D concrete printing, including the arrival of Canada’s first MaxiPrinter with Printera. They explored Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs), learning how advanced wall systems speed up timelines while boosting energy efficiency. They also discussed workforce pathways, connecting training directly to job opportunities on Norseman projects like Project LiveWell and global pilots in Kenya and Costa Rica.
Why This Matters
Canada is facing both a housing affordability crisis and a looming skilled trades shortage. The SDF Training School is designed to address both challenges at once: preparing workers to build faster, smarter, and greener while equipping them for real careers in a sector that urgently needs skilled talent.
Just the Beginning
This launch wasn’t just an orientation. It was a signal — to students, to the industry, and to the public — that Canada is ready to lead the industrialization of construction on the global stage.
This first cohort isn’t simply learning new skills. They’re becoming part of a movement to transform the way the world builds.
Interested in joining the next cohort of Canada’s first industrialized construction training program?
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