Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you might want to know about training with The Reno Academy.
Don’t see your question? Get in touch, we’re happy to help.
About the Training
Do I need any experience or qualifications to enroll?
No. No prior experience and no special education are required. Our programs are built for complete beginners, what you need is the willingness to show up, pay attention, and try.
What will I actually learn?
You’ll learn the practical, in-demand skills employers hire for: professional job-site conduct, tool identification and use, safe lifting, demolition and cleanup, and outdoor maintenance like power washing, deck and fence repair, and sealing or painting. Day 1 also includes a dedicated interview-skills module: handshake drill, dress-code primer, and live mock Q&A, so you can confidently land the job your new skills qualify you for.
How hands-on is the training?
Very. Roughly 70% of every program is hands-on practice with real tools and materials. The rest is orientation and discussion. You learn by doing.
How long is the Site Squad Bootcamp LE?
It’s a two-day program, 16 contact hours total (8 hours per day).
Eligibility & Enrollment
Who is the training for?
People new to the workforce, career changers, newcomers to Canada, adults on social assistance, and persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, anyone looking for a supported path into paid trades work.
How many people are in a class?
Cohorts are kept small, between 6 and 10 students, so everyone gets individual attention and support.
How do I sign up?
Reserve your spot through our contact page, or get in touch with any questions and we’ll help you find the right starting point. Spots fill quickly because classes are small.
How much does it cost?
$1,500 CAD per participant for the full two-day program, includes your Reno Academy Bootcamp Kit (workbook, T-shirt + lanyard, cap, water bottle, branded tape measure and pen, work gloves, framing hammer, utility knife, paint roller and tray, and tote bag), the continuous practical assessment, the written quiz, and your certificate of completion. If cost is a barrier, talk to us. Through our partnership with The Career Foundation, supported by the Province of Ontario, some eligible participants can attend at no cost.
When is the next cohort?
Get in touch and we’ll share the next available dates.
Accessibility & Support
I have an intellectual or developmental disability. Can I succeed here?
Yes. The program was designed for inclusive delivery: instruction is given one step at a time, demonstrated before you try it, supported by visual reference cards, and paced with extra time built in. Small classes mean individualized support throughout.
What if I’m not good at written tests?
That’s completely fine. The written quiz can be administered verbally, one question at a time. The goal is to confirm understanding, not to create a barrier, this is not a literacy test.
Is there support for mental health or substance use concerns?
Yes. We cover free, confidential Ontario support resources as part of the program and respond to any concerns with warmth and discretion. Where a referring agency provides a support worker, we coordinate with them.
Certification & Finding Work
What certificate do I earn?
Graduates earn the “Site Squad Bootcamp LE Graduate, The Reno Academy” certificate (course code RENO-SSB-LE-100), awarded after passing both a continuous practical assessment and a short written quiz.
How am I assessed?
Assessment is continuous and supportive, coaches observe your work throughout both days using a clear rubric. There’s no single high-pressure test moment.
What can I do with the certificate?
It tells employers you can show up professionally, identify and use common tools, lift safely, clean up a demolition, and maintain a deck or fence, ready for seasonal renovation, landscaping, and property-maintenance work from day one.
Will the training help me get a job?
The skills we teach are exactly the ones GTA employers say new hires most often lack, and power washing, deck and fence maintenance, and painting are seasonal services in high demand each spring and summer. We also help connect graduates with employers.
For Employers & Agencies
I’m an employer. How do I hire your graduates?
Get in touch and we’ll connect you with upcoming graduates who arrive job-ready, safety-minded, and prepared to contribute from their first shift.
I’m a caseworker or support worker. Can I refer participants?
Yes. We partner with referring agencies to place participants in training built for accessible, inclusive delivery. Our current partner is The Career Foundation, supported by the Province of Ontario. Get in touch to discuss placements and how we can support your participants.
Still Have Questions?
We’re happy to help you figure out whether the program is the right fit, for you, your crew, or someone you support.