In recent years, Alberta has faced a striking challenge in the wake of its booming population: a shortage of skilled tradespeople. This shortage not only affects industries like construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas, but also poses a broader economic risk to the province in meeting its day-to-day infrastructure needs. To combat this issue effectively, it is crucial for local organizations to bolster its efforts in offering more skilled trades employment initiatives for those interested in pursuing training and education. One such initiative is the Centre for Newcomer’s (CFN) Skill Up program. The Skill Up program is designed to provide foundational and technical skills training for newcomers wanting to enter Alberta’s construction industry and related trades. This initiative serves to bridge the gap between participants’ existing skills and educational backgrounds, as well as the specific demands of Alberta’s labour market. By offering daily classes over a 17-week period, the program ensures comprehensive training both in the classroom and on-site, all of which is fully paid, geared towards permanent residents and new Canadian citizens. Upon completion of the Skill Up course, participants receive a certificate, gain exposure to additional related courses, and future job placement opportunities. Although the most recent intake

Yahoo! This past week has been a whirlwind of cowboy hats, rodeo, pancakes, and meet and greets at the 2024 Calgary Stampede – otherwise known as the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth! Remarkably, despite the soaring temperatures, more than half a million people have visited the Stampede so far this year. Beyond the adrenaline rush, the Stampede is about coming together as a greater community. It’s a chance to meet new friends, reconnect with old ones, and celebrate the values of hard work, perseverance, and camaraderie that define life in Alberta and western Canada. These values not only define our province, but our diligent tradespeople and booming construction sector as well. Given the ongoing shortage of skilled trades workers, there has never been a more opportune moment to consider pursing a career in the trades. CLRA agrees with the Minister of Advanced Education – Minister Rajan Sawhney – that it’s never too early or too late to pursue an apprenticeship in some of Alberta’s most in-demand trades. If you’re enjoying the Stampede this week, be sure to drop by the Apprenticeship and Industry Training booth (Booth #2039) at the BMO Centre to learn more about training and apprenticeship opportunities in

Construction Labour Relations Alberta attended the Educational Partnership Foundation’s (TEPF)’s “Introduction to Pipe Trades” graduation ceremony last month in Edmonton. Around the same time, other graduation ceremonies were held for future electricians, millwrights, ironworkers, carpenters, and those specializing in finishing trades, each class holding about 10-12 students. Through its presence on the Workforce Development Trust board, CLRA has partnered with TEPF, Alberta Pipe Trades College, Building Trades of Alberta, and others to fund $2.2M for this program since 2017. The Pipefitters Local Union 488 also provided resources to TEPF to facilitate this program. This initiative has enabled students to complete this training free of cost (around $5,000 per student). Closing ceremonies for these promising future tradespeople will be ongoing this month, including the Boilermaker graduations in both Edmonton and Calgary on July 19th. CLRA wishes each of these grads a bright future and a promising career in a field that is greatly needed across Alberta.