[Edmonton, Alberta, September 25, 2023] – The Workforce Development Trust (WFDT) has contributed $125,000 to The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) in its first of four scheduled donations this fiscal year. This donation supports the Trades Career Program, enabling students aged 16 and above to explore careers in the skilled trades. Since 2015, the WFDT contributes an average of $475,000 annually to TEPF. Today’s contribution coincides with the second annual Alberta Apprenticeship Day.
Managed by Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) and the Building Trades of Alberta (BTA) the WFDT receives funding from construction contractors who contribute 2 cents for every hour worked by skilled trades under CLRA/BTA/GPMC collective agreements. The contribution reflects the two organizations’ dedication to bolstering educational and apprenticeship opportunities within the province. Since its inception, the WFDT has contributed more than $1.93 million to TEPF towards their Trades Career Program.
“The contribution comes at a crucial time when support for apprenticeship and skilled trades education is more important than ever. TEPF, with its mission to mobilize innovative educational partnerships and provide Alberta’s students with the right tools to thrive, is the ideal recipient for this contribution,” said Joe McFadyen, President of CLRA.
“Our current generation of workers are pleased to support opportunities for the next generation of workers on construction projects across the province. The Trades Career Program is an important program to introduce youth to the trades at an age they start making their career choices, said Terry Parker, Executive Director with the BTA.
“With the right resources, mentorship and opportunities, Alberta’s students can achieve unparalleled success in the skilled trades. The support from the WFDT is not just monetary, the CLRA and BTA have demonstrated unwavering belief in Alberta’s youth and their potential to shape Alberta’s future through skilled trades,” adds Barb Simic, TEPF President and CEO.
Established in 2015 by CLRA and the BTA, WFDT was created when both groups recognized a need to support initiatives that grow and develop Alberta’s construction workforce. To date, WFDT has contributed $4.4 million to various beneficiaries. Previous beneficiaries include Trade Winds to Success, Helmets to Hardhats Canada and Women Building Futures.
For more details about these contributions or for news inquiries, please contact:
Aaron Mireau
CLRA
780-819-5476
Rob Calver
BTA
780-405-6147
Mike Rezansoff
TEPF
587-580-9394
About CLRA: Construction Labour Relations – An Alberta Association (CLRA) brings contractors, owners, and top-quality tradespeople together to build Alberta’s economy and secure a competitive future for the unionized construction industry. We’ve led Alberta’s construction employers through labour negotiations for more than 50 years, through principled commitment to the values that created Alberta’s modern construction industry: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity and Leadership. www.clraorg2024.stage.clraorg2024.stage.clra.org
About BTA: The Building Trades of Alberta coordinates and promotes the interests of 18 local Alberta trade unions whose more than 60,000 members work in the residential, commercial and industrial construction, maintenance, and fabrications industries. https://bta.ca/
About TEPF: For over 32 years, TEPF has been making a positive impact on the lives of young people by providing valuable learning and development opportunities. Today, our organization reaches over 744,000 youth with our literacy and trades programs. Together, we are working to help make a difference and build a strong Alberta community. TEPF has a vision that every child and youth is given the resources they need for success in their futures. https://tepf.ca/
