Alberta’s government is investing $300,000 into the Building Indigenous Mentorship and Pathways Pilot Program to strengthen career mentorship opportunities for Indigenous youth, while also meeting the province’s growing demand for skilled labour.
The program, delivered by Building Trades of Alberta, focuses on mentorship, community-based outreach and culturally informed career guidance to help Indigenous youth connect with training and employment opportunities in Alberta’s growing skilled trades sector.
“The Building Indigenous Mentorship and Pathways Pilot Program proves what’s possible when mentorship is rooted in community. Indigenous youth gain guidance, connections and a pathway into the trades, strengthening families, communities and Alberta’s workforce.”
As part of the initiative, Building Trades of Alberta will host three Indigenous trades mentorship symposiums in Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray. These events will bring together Indigenous leaders, educators and skilled trades employers to share information about career pathways and upcoming job opportunities.
“Thanks to this incredible $300,000 investment, Building Trades of Alberta is ready to create lasting mentorship pathways to help future Indigenous skilled trades workers build greatness.”
Additionally, the program will strengthen Indigenous-led recruitment capacity by providing mentorship and useful best practices for Indigenous recruitment agencies. This will equip them with the necessary tools to guide Indigenous youth toward skilled-trades training and employment pathways.
By supporting Indigenous youth with mentorship and community-led pathways into the skilled trades, Alberta’s government is helping more young people access rewarding careers close to home – while also meeting workforce needs.