“With labour demand rising across Alberta’s construction sector, attracting the next generation of skilled workers remains a priority for CLRA. That’s why the launch of the Alberta Trades Discovery Centre represents an important step forward for the sector and for the province,” said CLRA President, Joe McFadyen.
The Alberta government has announced the creation of the Alberta Trades Discovery Centre, an initiative designed to give students hands-on exposure to careers in the skilled trades. The centre will introduce junior high and high school students to construction trades in a professional environment and help them make informed decisions about their future education and career pathways.
The province is investing $6 million over three years to support the centre’s initial implementation and operations, aligning with our Seed vs. Sod approach. For CLRA, “Seed” comes first: building a strong local pipeline through education, training and mentorship. Our strategy focuses on attracting more Alberta youth to trades, strengthening training pathways and deepening partnerships with post‑secondary institutions to meet industry needs. This reinforces our commitment to growing Alberta’s own talent.
Students will gain practical experience in “try-a-trade” bays, learn directly from experienced tradespeople and explore the wide range of opportunities available across Alberta’s construction sector. The centre is expected to open in Calgary in fall 2026, with plans to expand as demand grows.
The Alberta Trades Discovery Centre will be governed by a board representing key construction organizations, including CLRA, the Alberta Construction Association, Building Trades of Alberta and OpenCircle. This industry-led approach reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Alberta’s skilled trades workforce.
With more than 250,000 Albertans working in the industrial, commercial and institutional construction sector, and more than 59,000 additional workers needed over the next decade, the centre will support building a strong, future‑ready workforce.
The centre aligns with CLRA’s ongoing efforts to advance workforce development and promote skilled trades careers, including our Build Your Future in Alberta campaign and work with partners such as Skills Alberta, CAREERS: The Next Generation, and the Workforce Development Trust. Together, these initiatives are essential to attracting and retaining the workers needed to deliver the province’s growing infrastructure and commercial project demands.
Read more about the announcement.
