First Foundations Program
Helping Indigenous contractors install stable foundations that last for generations
Become a Certified Screw Pile Foundation Contractor
The foundations supporting structures in most Indigenous Communities aren’t performing. Shifted houses, doors that don’t close, cracks in walls, mold infestation – all because poor foundations are being used.
As a contractor, you know that a healthy home starts with a stable foundation. What you might not know is that you can become a certified screw pile installer. You can begin installing a foundation solution that, in many Indigenous communities, makes a lot more sense.
Even better, you can take your skill outside the community and become a foundation contractor for neighboring communities and local industry.
Here’s what you can do with the First Foundations program:
Become a foundation contractor of choice for your community
Support new infrastructure or stabilize existing buildings
Access technical expertise and professional support with your projects and estimates
Participate in economic opportunities in your traditional territory
Provide foundations to neighboring communities
Be a valued sub-contractor to other construction companies
Offer an eco-friendly technology that can be removed as easily as it’s installed
Eliminate spoiled and wasted concrete
Help your community save money while improving quality
Create an additional source of income
Keep money from construction projects in your community
Use the skills and tools you already have
Create jobs in your community
Build a sustainable local business
There is no choice – Indigenous communities will have ongoing building projects. Versapile foundations can be stored outside, don’t corrode in harsh weather, and are lighter than bags of concrete. Plus, they can be installed with equipment you or your community likely already own.
Joining the First Foundations program gives your community a better building foundation, and it gives you more opportunities to make money.
The Process of First Foundations
Training
First Foundations starts with assessing what skills you you already have.
We customize the training course to suit your needs and skill level, all that’s required is some experience in construction or contracting.
If all you need is basic training, our trainers will focus the course on that.
If you require a little hands-on help or on-site supervision, our friendly trainers will arrange it – so you can become confident, expert foundation contractors.
Hands-On
Learning how to become an expert foundation installer doesn’t just happen in a classroom.
With First Foundations, you’ll get hands-on experience installing foundations right in your community. Not only will you be able to install foundations at a fraction of the cost, but you’ll have the pride of knowing that you’re deciding how things are done in your community.
During the entire process, our foundation experts will be on-hand to answer questions and guide you. At the end, you can become a reliable foundation contractor for the area.
How First Foundations Creates Income
Indigenous Communities have lived on the land for generations. That means that, as First Nations, you have influence in your traditional territory.
Companies must consult with, and involve you, in a meaningful way if they want to operate in your territory.
When you become a certified foundation installer, you can work with these companies to be hired as their foundation contractors.
Here’s some of the places and industries you could install foundations for:
- Mining camps
- Temporary housing
- Commercial structures
- Natural gas companies
- Forestry companies
- Mining camps
- Temporary housing
- Commercial structures
- Natural gas companies
- Forestry companies
- Industrial buildings
- Gaming centers
- Hotels
- Recreational facilities
- Government facilities
- Industrial buildings
- Gaming centers
- Hotels
- Recreational facilities
- Government facilities
Becoming a Certified Screw Pile Installer
First Foundations invests with people like you. Local Indigenous entrepreneurs in every community who wants to roll up their sleeves and work hands-on to build local infrastructure.
We have also worked closely with economic development corporations, Tribal Councils and First Nations. With strong governance, these partnerships can also be a great match for First Foundations.
Areas with high water table, muskeg, silts, expansive clays, peat moss and sand have proven screw piles to be an effective foundation solution that ensures stability.
However, there is no silver bullet when it comes to foundations and unfortunately screw piles can’t penetrate rock or very dense hardpans or tills and they require at least 5 feet of embedment.
Areas with a lot of boulders can be problematic in some circumstances.
First Foundations contractors do have access to alternative foundation solutions when refusal is shallow when the area has many boulders.
You don’t have to be an expert in foundations – but it doesn’t hurt to have this knowledge.
Experience operating equipment such as skid steers and excavators is beneficial.
Owning a skidsteer, excavator or other piece of hydraulic equipment that can be used for installing screw piles will greatly improve the affordability of getting your screw pile business started.
Successful candidates need to be committed to doing quality work and following an engineered process.
You should have a well-established reputation for demonstrating integrity ñ you do what you say you will do.
As with any business owner, you must be willing to promote the great work your company does.
You should not be shy to tell people in your community what you do or to knock on the doors of local industry to ensure your company’s services are well known!
How much investment is needed is based on the level of support and training required, the equipment and tools you purchase, the scope of work you might like to undertake, and your geographical location.
There are job grants that can help you cover training costs, as well as business support programs that help Indigenous entrepreneurs gain access to forgivable grants and financing.
We are happy to share the resources we know of with any Indigenous contractors who might be a good fit for First Foundations!
Levels of a First Foundations Installer
Beginner
Experienced
Expert
