There is an urgent need for skilled trades professionals. The trades landscape has changed, with baby boomers reaching retirement age and new energies and technologies that require new skills. In addition, the high school graduation rate in Alberta remains at the bottom end of the national scale.
What if…
In response to this need, TEPF, with support from Building Trades of Alberta and Alberta Education, created the Trades and Climate Change Education Program.
The Trades Careers Program provides hands-on learning at an off-campus location in first-class facilities taught by red seal journeymen instructors in the construction trades. These single semester, 125-hour programs work uniquely for each school district and training facility, with the option to be tailored to a half-day or full day course. The training is offered at fully equipped local Building Trades of Alberta union training facilities with a 12 to 18 students per class.
We launched a pilot project with the Calgary Board of Education in 2013 in partnership with The Plumbers & Pipefitters Union, Local 496, and expanded to Ironworkers Local 725 in Calgary in 2014. In spring of 2017, a dedicated Wind Turbine course was put on by Local 725 in Lethbridge. The pilot projects have been extremely successful in job placements, resulting in nearly 75% of students enrolled now working as apprentices in their chosen trades.
Today, TEPF continues to deliver the Trades Careers program across Alberta while working to secure new locations and types of trades offered. We have expanded into Edmonton, and also launched our first Indigenous, on-reserve programs with Piikani and Paul Band First Nation. We have introduced Carpentry, Electrical, and even Culinary trade programs. With the support from our stakeholders, we will continue to look to expand into different markets with brand new trade careers.
Talk to us today about bringing Trades Careers education to your school.
As part of the solution to the skilled trades shortage, Building Trades of Alberta affiliates are providing the use of their world-class, multi-million dollar training facilities as well as the red seal journeymen trainers to educate students. Participating high schools will allow students who meet the following criteria to take the course:
Brandon was not thriving in High School until he was introduced to the new Trades and Climate Change Program being delivered by TEPF. In partnership with Building Trades of Alberta, Workforce Development Trust and the Alberta Government, this program takes students off-site to first class Union facilities where they are taught by Red Seal Journeymen.
TEPF could not help as many students as it does without the continued support of our business partners. As a non-profit organization, TEPF prides itself on the strong relationships it develops with companies, organizations, and individuals, and serves as an essential link between their generosity and the students.
TEPF values the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is committed to attracting, engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive volunteer team, Board of Directors, and workforce.
Charitable Registration #: 14015 1358 RR0001
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