CLRA President Joe McFadyen attended a joint meeting of with the BTA, CBTU, and representatives of BIRD Construction and Concert Infrastructure earlier this month, where trades workers, union representatives, construction employers, and investors discussed job opportunities for upcoming projects across Alberta and Western Canada – including the construction of new schools.
The province’s student enrollment numbers are surging and the demand for new and renovated school spaces has likely never been higher.
The Government of Alberta’s Budget 2025 shows significant investments in school infrastructure. If passed, it will fund 18 new school projects in the Calgary metro area, creating 14,400 new and updated student spaces. In total, 49 school projects are now underway in and around the city. Beyond Calgary, the budget outlines funding for 41 new school projects across the province, supporting more than 38,500 new and renovated student spaces. Over the next seven years, more than 100 new and renovated school projects will be funded in fast-growing communities, adding over 200,000 student spaces across Alberta.
These plans require a strong, stable, and skilled workforce to transform blueprints into buildings. For those considering a career in the skilled trades, announcements like the above confirm that now is the time to pursue training and education in the skilled trades. With ongoing government support for new school builds, and a fast-growing need for more infrastructure development, Alberta offers abundant career opportunities for tradespeople.
Read the full announcement here.
