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

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

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