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Applications Now Open for Collegiate School Grants

CLRA supports the Alberta government’s recent decision to invest $21.5 million in the start-up and expansion of collegiate schools across the province, part of a $64.3 million investment over the next three years. As the demand for career education grows – alongside related job opportunities post-graduation – increasing the number of schools offering these programs will help more Alberta youth jumpstart pathways to rewarding, stable, and well-paying trades careers. Collegiate schools – either public or independently accredited – have seen a recent boost in interest, with 12 schools already established since their introduction in 2021. Through partnerships with post-secondary institutions like SAIT and NAIT, collegiate schools offer students career-focused education, hands-on apprenticeship programs, and the chance to earn post-secondary credits while in high school. The knowledge and technical skills gained by these students truly accelerate the trajectory of their work life and earning potential. Since they join the workforce earlier and gain valuable real-life experience, these students gain a competitive edge by enjoying more time to grow and succeed in their chosen fields. Applications for new collegiate schools for the 2025-26 school year are due by January 31, 2025. Read the government’s full announcement here, and check out our trades

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Learn about diversity in the trades:
WorkAlbertaTrades.org/Todays-New-Workforce

CLRA Teaming Up with the Edmonton Elks

Here’s why you should consider the trades:
WorkAlbertaTrades.org/Education-Tools-for-Trades

News

Announcement

Changing Perceptions on the Trades

The perception around #SkilledTradesCareers is changing. According to Leger’s recent Skilled Trades Research Project, 13% of Canadians are currently working in a skilled trade, and 40% have considered entering into one. Other project findings include that: Half of Canadians consider electrical (52%), construction (46%), and plumbing (46%) to be the most valuable trades. Two-fifths consider carpentry (42%) and automotive repair (41%) to be valuable professions. Preference for white-collar jobs, the perception that trades work is too physically demanding, and a lack of awareness about opportunities are the top 3 reasons individuals did not consider a trades career. The top 3 perceptions of a career in a skilled trade include good pay (62%), job stability (47%), and opportunities for small business development (45%). Eight-in-ten Canadians (80%) believe there are more options today in the trades than there used to be. Half of Canadians (52%) regard the desirability of careers in trades more highly compared to a few years ago. The demand for trades careers in Alberta is growing. If you or someone you know is interested in starting or transitioning into a career in the trades, our resource-rich website is an excellent place to begin your search. Learn more about Leger’s

Announcement

CLRA Holds 54th AGM

Our valued industry partners, stakeholders, and members gathered together at our 2024 AGM, which took place at Edmonton’s exclusive Derrick Golf & Winter Club on Tuesday, November 19. There were 36 were in attendance, and 11 individuals spoke at the podium throughout the day. We were fortunate to welcome a dynamic panel of presenters, from CLRA staff and board members to representatives from the Alberta government, our partner in trades education TEPF, and other heavyweights in the political and public communications sphere. Assistant Deputy Minister with Alberta Education Jamie Curran opened the event with his greetings from the provincial government. He discussed both the challenges and opportunities Alberta faces in the wake of the skilled labour shortage, including the government’s recent advertising campaign promoting apprenticeship education, careers, and the value tradespeople bring to the province. Catherine Rothrock, Chief Economist at Alberta Treasury Board and Finance, presented an in-depth analysis of Alberta’s economy, exploring key trends and factors that are shaping the province’s economic landscape. The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF)’s President and CEO Barb Simic presented on our joint efforts to support technical education in Alberta. In fact, through our presence on the Workforce Development Trust board, the CLRA has partnered

Announcement

Helmets to Hardhats Investment Announcement

Today, the Government of Alberta announced their investment of $300,000 in Helmets to Hardhats, a non-profit organization that finds good quality opportunities in the unionized construction industry for serving, transitioning and former military members. Construction Labour Relations Alberta, one of HTH’s founding members, is proud to support our Canadian Armed Forces veterans, reservists, and military families as they transition into rewarding careers in the skilled trades. This one-time grant will help veterans access the Helmets to Hardhats Skilled Pathway program, which offers apprenticeship education, safety certification, personal protective equipment, and employment referrals, all while preparing participants for both entry-level and supervisory positions in Alberta’s trades. With Alberta’s economy growing and diversifying, this program creates new career opportunities, supports veterans in their post-service lives, and helps meet the province’s labour needs. We agree with Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney – instrumental in this investment decision – who recently expressed, “Our veterans’ dedication will translate seamlessly into successful careers in the trades, and we are proud to open new doors for them.” Alberta’s unionized contractors, along with Ontario, are the largest recipients for veterans transitioning from the military to construction. Since the program started in 2012, they have placed over 2500

Excerpt: Board Chair's New Year Message to Members

“Over the next several months, much of our association’s focus for that work will be advocacy with the provincial government and with other industry stakeholders. Politics in Alberta have changed dramatically and permanently over the last decade. As a result, we have work to do to raise awareness about CLRA with decision-makers and influencers in government.

“We have important messages to deliver on your behalf about the value of the collective agreements we’ve signed with the skilled trade unions, about the value CLRA offers to government efforts to attract investment and workers to Alberta, about the need for more predictable and stable investments in the construction industry, trades education and workforce retention, about the impact of potential changes to labour legislation, workplace safety regulations and building codes, and about the need to attract and recruit more people to our industry from underrepresented groups including women, LGBTQ2S+ and Indigenous people.

“As Chair, my only ask of our members this year is to support these efforts.”