Trades-curious Calgary students are in luck, as they’ll be the first in the province with a designated centre to try a trade pre-graduation.
Backed by a $6 million provincial government investment, the first Alberta Trades Discovery Centre (ATDC) will open in Calgary this fall.
According to a government-issued release, the centre is an industry-led initiative that will give junior high and high school students hands-on exposure to trades-based careers before they graduate.
“The centre will provide a dedicated, professional space where students can explore construction trades, learn directly from experienced tradespeople and discover what they’re good at and what they enjoy, helping them make informed choices about high school courses, post-secondary pathways and future careers,” the release reads.
The province has committed $6 million over three years, put towards the initial implementation and operation of the ATDC. At the centre, students will gain hands-on exposure to skilled trades through authentic work-like settings in a try-a-trade format, focusing on career exploration, not apprenticeship training.
As demand grows province-wide, new centres will open outside of Calgary. Alberta’s government is committed to help meet the workforce demands of today and tomorrow, according to the release.
“Aberta’s prosperity depends on a strong, skilled workforce. The Alberta Trades Discovery Centre will help students see the real opportunities available in the trades, while complementing the world-class training offered by our post-secondary institutions,” Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education said in a statement.
In a statement, the Calgary Board of Education told LWC that they were not directly involved in the ATDC’s creation, but are excited about the avenues it will open for students.
Similarly, the Calgary Catholic School District said in a statement that they look forward to learning more about the centre’s ability to provide students with opportunities to explore career pathways and gain hands-on experience in the skilled trades before they graduate.
A LWC request to the Ministry of Advanced Education for clarification on how students will specifically be able to access the centre was redirected to the Alberta Construction Association and has not been answered as of Thursday, April 2.
The ATDC will be governed by a board with representatives from Alberta’s construction sector, including the Alberta Construction Association, Building Trades of Alberta, Construction Labour Relations Alberta and OpenCircle, according to the release.
“This is a professional environment where experiences are developed and facilitated directly by seasoned trades professionals,” said Warren Singh, board chair, Alberta Trades Discovery Centre, and executive director, Alberta Construction Association, in a statement.
“By proving this concept in Calgary, we are building a sustainable model that honors the dignity of the trades and empowers young Albertans to build both our province and their own successful futures.”
