Internships are Win-Win
For Job Seekers and MunicipalitiesInternships are Win-Win!
For Job-seekers and MunicipalitiesJoin our Internship Program
The OBOA takes a proactive approach to internship management and placement. Our Internship Program is endorsed by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Learn more.

Intern Applicants
We provide a framework, resources and training to facilitate their successful integration into their new role.

Municipalities
Benefit from the program by meeting staffing needs with qualified, well-trained entry-level staff.
What is a Building Official Intern?
The OBOA provides the framework for matching qualified applicants with municipal Building Departments. Interns are mentored by a provincially qualified inspector or Chief Building Official, and complete certain tasks while pursuing CBCO certification.


Intern Applicants
Types of internships
We’ll facilitate internships every step of the way, arrange mentoring where possible, and assist interns and their municipal building departments with any issues that may arise.
Which Tier is right for you?
Municipal Building Departments across Ontario vary considerably in size and management practices. In light of this, the OBOA has devised two separate “Tiers”. Interns may only participate once in each tier, but enrolment in both tiers concurrently will be accepted. Extenuating circumstances will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Both internship tiers require the candidate meet the enrolment criteria below.
Tier One
Tier Two
Applicant checklist
You are eligible to apply for a Building Official Internship if…
- You are a member of the OBOA. Not a Member yet? Sign up now.
You answer yes to one of the items below:
- You must have completed one of the Ministry of Municipal Affair’s Legal/Process examinations (General, CBO, RCA or Designer)
- You possess no less than 5 years of verified experience as a building official or building practitioner.
- You have an equivalent combination of post-secondary education and experience in the area of practice.
Who should consider an internship
Newly Hired
You’ve recently been hired by a municipality and want to work while pursuing CBCO qualifications.
career advancer
You work for a municipality, are looking to change jobs and work as a Building Official Intern while pursuing CBCO qualifications.
Job Seeker
You are interested in joining the Building Official profession. This role can help you get your foot in the door of a municipality where you will be able to work as you pursue CBCO qualifications.
How to enroll in the OBOA Internship program
- Check that you have met the applicant checklist criteria.
- Fill in the OBOA Intern application form.
- If accepted into the Internship program, get written endorsement of the internship by the Chief Building Official or Municipal clerk is required on Municipal letterhead.
During your internship
Keep track of functions/duties performed under municipal supervision and submit to OBOA every 90 days

Municipalities
Attract, recruit, train and retain qualified Building Officials
Employer Responsibilities
Internship is the first step for aspiring Building Officials to assess the profession. As host Municipality, you have an important role to play in welcoming, mentoring, and integrating the intern into your building department team. The higher the quality of the internship experience, the greater the likelihood that the experience will lead to a full-time position. Municipalities offering quality internships have a step-up in attracting the best and the brightest.
Internship Mentors
As a Mentor, you are commit to supervising and reporting procedures as established between the OBOA, the Mentor, (and /or the host municipality) and the Intern for the purposes of monitoring the progress and fulfillment of the Internship.
Mentors must be A Provincially qualified inspector or chief building official as required by Division C, Article 3.1.4.2 of the Ontario Building Code will provide the mentorship. A Mentor must be an OBOA member in good standing.
Have a vacancy? Find an intern.
FAQ
When was the OBOA Internship Program approved by the MAH Minister?
Are existing Building Officials and new municipal employees eligible to enroll in the OBOA Internship Program?
Is the Internship Program open to Fire Prevention Officers?
Can existing employees continue to work?
How can I apply if training/experience was obtained outside of Canada?
Who can be a mentor?
What role does the mentor have in this process?
Describe the Internship options available to OBOA members only.
What is the length of time that the Internship Program allows individuals to train?
Is it possible for a Building Official to complete Tier 1 and then Tier 2? What is the time line?
Tier 1 max. 18 months + Tier 2 max. 12 months = Total time 30 months.
The Internship Program will include a supervised practical internship in addition to the academic education of a Building Official. A provincially qualified OBOA member as noted in Division ‘C’ Subsection 3.1.4 of the Ontario Building Code will provide the mentorship.