CLRA and Building Trades Sign Preferred Project Agreement to Advance Apprenticeship Training on NAIT’s $779M Advanced Skills Centre

EDMONTON, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) and seven of Alberta’s local building trades unions have signed a Preferred Project Agreement (PPA) that will make NAIT’s new $779 million Advanced Skills Centre (ASC) a first of its kind worksite as a classroom for apprentices. The agreement comes at a time when Alberta is preparing for roughly $22 billion in energy investment and more than 20,000 new construction related jobs by 2030.

The PPA means project owners, contractors and the building trades agree to make apprenticeship training part of how a project is built. Contractors are expected to create apprenticeship opportunities in each of the on-site trades where project needs allow, support apprentices in gaining the on-the-job hours required for their progression and explore opportunities to move apprentices to another contractor on the project if their current employer’s work wraps up. The goal is to treat the work site as part of the learning environment and give apprentices more consistent and predictable opportunities to progress.

CLRA is piloting this model with NAIT on the ASC, which will be a major training hub for apprentices. The PPA helps ensure a steady supply of skilled tradespeople and stable labour relations throughout construction.

Alberta’s construction employers are facing increasing vacancies for trades roles as demand increases and a large share of today’s workforce is nearing retirement. As the collective bargaining agent for 170 employers who hire unionized labour, CLRA has been focused on building a strong local workforce through education, training and mentorship.

Joe McFadyen, President, CLRA “Alberta’s construction industry is entering a decade of unprecedented demand, and we need a reliable, local pipeline of skilled workers to meet it. This agreement shows what’s possible when owners, contractors and the building trades work together to give apprentices real experience and real pathways to certification. The ASC project is exactly the right place to pilot this model, and CLRA is helping shape a stronger future for Alberta’s workforce.”

Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education, Government of Alberta “The Advanced Skills Centre is about preparing Alberta’s workforce for the opportunities ahead, and our government is proud to support that vision. This innovative agreement will help create valuable apprenticeship opportunities during construction while supporting more Albertans in gaining the skills and experience they need for rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”

Tim Cartmell, Vice President, Major Projects, NAIT “Students come to NAIT because they want to build meaningful careers. Our job is to give them the training, experiences, and opportunities that help them get there. That takes strong training, but it also takes industry at the table. Organizations like the CLRA bring employers, trades, and educators together to strengthen apprenticeship pathways and create more opportunities for people to enter and succeed in the skilled trades. That connection between education and employment is how we build the skilled workforce Alberta needs now and for decades to come.”

Jason Portas, Vice President and District Manager, PCL Construction “Our industry's future depends on attracting and developing the next group of skilled workers. That's why PCL supports efforts like this that promote apprenticeships, create opportunities for young people, and help grow Alberta's construction workforce. We commend CLRA for its leadership in supporting workforce development and encouraging more people to consider rewarding careers in the skilled trades.”

About CLRA:
Construction Labour Relations Alberta (CLRA) is the leading labour-relations association representing Alberta’s unionized construction employers. For over 50 years, we have brought contractors, owners and top-quality tradespeople together to build Alberta’s economy and secure a competitive future for the province’s unionized construction industry.