2024-2025
FUNDING IMPACT REPORT
Message from Bill Black , P resident & CEO,
Calga ry Construction Asso ciation
THE REALITY
The design and construction industry is, first and foremost, a PEOPLE business.
Despite advances in technology, construction methods and the industry as a whole, we still depend on our people. Whether it is on the tools, in the office or as entrepreneurs and business owners, as we advance further into the future, we will still need the people, their skills, their passion and their work ethic to build our cities.
Together as an industry we design, build, operate and maintain the physical infrastructure and communities that make up our cities. Without a robust construction industry, society will be severely restricted in terms of its ability to thrive and grow while maintaining quality of life and access to all the services and amenities that it needs. Yet despite this crucial resource we are facing a construction worker deficit that is projected to reach tens of thousands and more within the next few years just in our province alone.
We are inhibited by a number of key things:
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Government has only really woken up to this issue as the housing crisis has developed over recent years and workforce was identified as one element. Their relative apathy over previous years as to industry needs in terms of workforce has been one factor that has allowed this issue to evolve into the crisis it is today.
We are battling a societal stigma that ignores construction in favour of an obsession with academic degrees. This is a stigma that is 40 years in the making.
When we factor in competition for talent from newer industries that have emerged over the last 20 years, there is more overall demand and competition for talent than ever before. Many of the competing industries are superficially more attractive to those who are influenced by the stigma referred to above.
Our industry did not respond proactively to this emerging issue despite already seeing the warning signs in the mid-nineties. Instead, we kept our heads down building with the people we had and did not take the initiative to put long term strategies in place.
We also cannot ignore the fact that our industry does not have a great reputation as an employer. Our industry also has a reputation for being unsafe. We need to accept this reality and make the changes necessary to be seen as an employer of choice.
After all that we are left with the brutal fact that:
Youth have been systematically steered away from construction careers for decades.
THE MISSION
A strategic workforce solution needs to be viewed in the context of all these realities.
The fact that a large proportion of our industry itself does not have the resources to meet this alone and, considering that government, academia, society and our own industry itself a part of the problem, there is a significant need for support from other parties.
This is what fueled the sense of urgency that lies behind the work that CCA began in earnest in Q4 2023.
We clearly saw that this needs an industry led, dedicated resource and focus with one sole purpose – securing the construction workforce of the future. So we added such a person to our organization in the role of Director of Workforce Strategies.
This has allowed us to address this challenge from a fresh perspective by engaging in learning and market assessment that has informed our progress by identifying and creating the pathways, partners and solutions that are so desperately needed.
THE VISION
All these programs to date have been guided by one overarching principle that is supported by our board:
This is a 20-year commitment on behalf of our industry to undo 40 years of progressive societal disengagement in construction careers while supporting industry in its need to be seen as an employer of choice by implementing and investing in a dedicated and focussed series of programs, partnerships, lobbying, media and comprehensive effort with the goal of securing the industry workforce of the future.
THE LEARNING
Our initial discovery efforts quickly illustrated that industry needs a concurrent strategy of short, mid and long-term solutions if it is to succeed.
We already knew that it is extremely different, if not impossible, for the smaller organizations that make up over 85% of our industry to deal with future workforce while still carrying out their normal day to day business.
We also quickly realized that elementary schools had never been a typical focus for industry in the past despite this being such a formative aspect in future expectations for kids and parents. The legacy practice was to approach high school students and host careers days.
We now believe that, in 2025, High School is far is too late. High School kids, their parents and teachers may not have yet arrived at what they are going to follow as a career, but it is highly likely what they have decided that they will NOT be doing and that is Construction.
Knew we needed to start earlier.
We have long realized that educators, school boards and parents were equally important audiences for this, so our engagement needed to be broad and able to connect with all stakeholders.
These were some of the early learning that have served us well as we proceeded over the months that have followed.
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There was less resistance and more pent-up demand than we thought. What was needed was solutions that could meet them where they were through engagement and then give support to the ongoing roll out.
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Students are looking to construction and are doing so in increasing numbers, but our industry, despite its frequently stated needs, does not seem to be easy for them to find. Our ongoing engagement, rather than 1 day trade fairs, is allowing us to be present and available to foster these connections on a broader scale.
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There are many more partners out there with programs resources and the energy to lend their support to the solution than had been recognized in the past. A dedicated resource on the ground can rally and connect these to the coordinated purpose and to the results that have been possible so far.
AND FINALLY – THE RESULTS
The programs that we have been able to put in place together with our partners in a relatively short period of time, while significant, are only the beginning. Thanks to these collective efforts we are seeing impact far beyond our initial expectations and are continually receiving calls from other interested parties while we eagerly prepare for the next wave. An exciting and inspiring trend that drives us forward. However the work will need to be a longer journey than a quick fix and we need to be prepared to stay the course and measure the wins as we go.
Basically - the clock is ticking and we are only 30 04 seconds in!
about construction, all tied to Alberta’s new curriculum.
To spark curiosity with school boards, students, parents and teachers, and show that the
By giving teachers ready-to-use materials and connecting classrooms with real industry professionals.
Honour Th e Work has marked the largest direct investment in elementary education ever made by the
Over 31,000 students were reached this past year through this program.
carefully selected books representing diverse voices and stories from across the construction sector comprehensive booklets of lesson plans and activities, tied directly to Alberta’s new science, technology, engineering, art, mathematics, and skills (STEAMS) curriculum
The high level of early adoption of Honour The Work created unexpected additional opportunities of engagement. This included bringing industry into members, we we brought industry to elementary students . We saw students curiously and unabashedly while she talked about working on the very schools the children went to each day. We saw apartment buildings are built, and that yes – little girls can be a part of this all as well.
“Grade ones love building, but they also really love stories. The books were fantastic. Great visuals that helped the kids
Probably the best thing was when a female tradesperson came to visit. It really made it real for students. The books were a critical component to the work.
access hundreds of teachers. We spoke with teachers from multiple districts as they visited the booth to industry. This two-way dialogue fueled momentum and shaped plans for the year ahead.
The next year will expand Honour The Work’s reach and impact. Plans include:
Honour The Work has engaged with Rocky View Schools for a Schools, Honour The Work has been requested at charter schools, private schools, and students and teachers have access to resources that connect classroom learning with real industry experiences.
The program will move from pilot to full integration, see real-life applications of what they learn.
larger showcase, more sessions, and live demonstrations. Teachers who piloted the program will serve as co-facilitators, sharing practical experiences and successes.
based on feedback from teachers, ensuring the program stays fresh and relevant.
Parents are seeing construction through new eyes, recognizing it as and purpose. Students are discovering interests they never imagined. Even those who choose for the industry that builds their communities.
Honour The Work is not only changing perceptions, it is laying the foundation for a future workforce.
BLUprint is an interactive at TELUS Spark where young people and their families explore the world of construction through hands-on activities and real industry examples.
interest in the industry among future workers and their families.
By designing exhibits that let visitors try tools, solve real problems, and learn how construction connects to technology, design, and community building.
their sleeves and discover the creativity and skill behind the trades. Through hands-on activities in carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing, BLUprint connected real tools to real ideas bridging imagination with tangible experience.
These moments helped young learners reframe the trades as not only careers but as creative problem-solving paths. A touching moment came when one child suited up in PPE,
connection to identity and family pride.
Since its 2024 launch,
satisfaction and a strong willingness to recommend the program to others.
commitment to creating meaningful connections with the next generation.
In September 2025, TELUS Spark received the Association of Science and Technology Centres Roy L. Shafer Leading Edge Award for BLUprint, a prestigious honour recognizing innovation and impact in science centre programming across North America.
This recognition affirms BLUprint as a one-of-a-kind model that blends hands-on trades exploration with science and technology in ways few institutions have achieved. For Calgary’s construction industry, it is especially meaningful to see this award-winning program rooted here at home, reflecting our vision for Calgary as the best city to be a City Builder.
centre of that work as the founding partner.
New interactive features are being developed, including experiences focused on welding and heavy equipment operation, giving visitors an even deeper look into the precision and skills involved in modern trades.
These additions will ensure BLUprint continues to show that construction is a place of creativity, technology, and opportunity for those ready to explore it.
The Teachers and Trades Tour takes educators and administrators out of the schools and into the real world of
experiences with trades, tools, and industry experts.
Because teachers cannot inspire students toward careers they have never seen or understood. These tours help educators bring practical, accurate information back to their classrooms, and help administrators understand the critical importance of these education pathways for students.
conversations with the people who work in the industry every day.
The Teachers and Trades Tour has been a powerful catalyst for changing how educators view
They met industry professionals who shared personal stories of their work, the skills involved, and the pride they take in building the city.
They also saw the incredible potential for careers within the industry as we heard from leaders at each stop.
Teachers described the tour as
Many shared that they entered with limited knowledge or outdated perceptions and left with a clearer, richer understanding of the trades as skilled, innovative, and viable careers.
Teachers also highlighted the need for They asked for materials, webinars, and speaker visits to help guide students and parents who may only see university as the default path.
the insights from these experiences become tools teachers can use all year long.
Next year, the Teachers and Trades Tour will grow in size and focus, with two new streams planned:
A dedicated tour for eachers already using Honour The Work in classrooms, helping them deepen connections between curriculum and industry practice.
A separate tour for school faculty, administrators, and other teachers, like those in science, technology, or math, who want to understand how construction
Additional plans include:
ore companies open their doors, showcasing a wider range of trades, technologies, and career paths.
guest speakers, will help teachers connect the tour’s insights directly to lessons and career counseling.
Teachers who have participated in past tours will be invited to share how they have brought these experiences into their classrooms.
Teachers left this year’s tour energized and eager to share what they learned.
Just seeing the pride, honour, honesty, and joy of the companies and employees.
I thought trades were just about physical labour. After this tour, I see how much problem-solving, technology, and creativity are involved.
This gave me a clearer understanding of the diverse opportunities available and left me feeling better equipped to guide and inspire my students toward rewarding careers in the trades.
A net-zero, modular, sustainable home build led by high school students, designed to integrate construction curriculum with real-world application.
creating a replicable, community-connected pilot.
By working with school boards, municipal stakeholders, and industry partners to launch a proof-of-concept tiny home program that is student-built and community-supported.
presented the opportunity bring forward a full-scale learning engagement for students. This initiative supports multiple classroom setting, while experiencing a full build - a real home.
Through early conversations with our peers at the introduced to their successful tiny home initiative. Their program served as the inspiration for our own, and they generously shared their plans and learnings with our team. This collaboration helped kickstart our planning and gave us
Our early experience with the program has provided valuable insight into what schools need to make
the title The Art of Shelter. learning with visible community impact.
We are currently working with stakeholders to help secure a suitable site with municipal support. The build will require approximately $85,000 in funding. While the homes may be sold to recover costs and sustain the program long term,
As we look toward implementation, we are also expanding how students engage with the full process of a build. e plan to bring in guest speakers from lesser-known areas of construction, including municipal permitting, heavy equipment operators, and inspection services. As each phase of the build progresses, trades professionals will visit the classroom to highlight their roles, helping students understand not residential applications, but also broader industry pathways.
The Tiny Homes initiative continues to evolve as a hands-on learning model. It
something real, meaningful, and needed, and to explore how their skills can shape the world around them.
Adopt A Shop connects schools with industry partners who provide funding, tools, materials, and real-world expertise, giving students direct access to the world of construction.
To keep skilled trades programs strong and help students see, touch, and explore careers in the industry. companies and classrooms.
The 2024-2025 year was about laying the groundwork for Adopt A Shop. This early planning phase focused on building relationships with teachers, administrators, and industry partners, and planning how the program will operate in schools. , along with in the coming school year.
education can work together to support students. Teachers and industry partners alike expressed enthusiasm for what Adopt A Shop could mean for classrooms and for students discovering new paths into the skilled trades.
Teachers will share feedback and help shape the next phase of the program, ensuring resources align with classroom needs.
Industry partners will visit classrooms, share their stories, and help students connect their learning to real careers.
vision of how they could belong in the world of construction.
Media events and partnerships with school boards will continue to highlight Adopt A Shop as a key initiative supporting skilled trades education.
Adopt A Shop is a practical way for industry and education to work together to support trades programs. It gives teachers the tools and resources they need, and it helps students see what a future in construction could look like, up close and real.
Teacher’s Association (ATA) convention in Alberta.
To build real relationships with teachers, understand their classroom needs, and give them tools that carry forward into classrooms and schools across the region.
Our shared booth showcased Honour The Work classroom-focused way.
What we heard was clear: educators are looking for real-world experiences, Alberta curriculum-aligned Through on-site surveys at the convention and follow up engagement for the duration of the academic exposure for the programming.
a larger installation. Through engagement with the convention facilitators, we have secured a large,
We are taking full advantage of this opportunity and scaling up our presence in a big way. eachers resources that bring construction to life for all ages. We plan to HTW classrooms, and have industry professionals on-site to share real-world experiences in the industry.
credibility and trust with educators, co-create meaningful tools, and help
Tailgate Toolkit brings mental health, addiction education, and wellness conversations straight to construction sites.
Because addiction, mental health struggles, and chronic pain are real issues in construction. And silence costs lives.
By showing up where workers are, talking honestly, and sharing practical tools that people can use right away.
where, and how they need it.
toolbox talks, reaching workers addiction and recovery resource brochures and wallet-sized pain education cards. Workers consistently engage with the content, and employers are recognizing its value.
would recommend the Toolbox Talk to others
left with a clearer understanding of where to access help
“The talk was a … reminder that you do not know the struggles someone is facing in their personal life,
Employers are also taking note:
“Jeremy's presentation was moving. His personal story struck me. Someone you would not expect
This year, we are expanding the program to include - a personalized, digital platform that helps workers build core mental health and resilience skills. Where Tailgate Toolkit creates the spark, Headversity helps sustain the momentum with practical tools workers can access anytime.
THE CCA EDUCATION FUND –LEGACY
SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES
WHAT: Ongoing, industry-funded investment in Calgary’s future construction workforce.
WHY: A strong city needs skilled people to design, build, and maintain it.
HOW: By pooling contributions, industry funds programs that inspire, prepare, and connect the next generation of builders.
Funded by the construction industry, the CCA Education Fund represents a long-standing commitment to building the next generation of our industry’s workforce. For over 25 years, the Fund has turned industry vision into action, investing in programs, resources, and opportunities that connect students, educators, and employers.
The Education Fund exists because industry leaders understand that Calgary’s ability to grow, innovate, and compete depends on its people. By pooling contributions from across the sector, the Fund ensures a steady and strategic investment in the future workforce - one that reaches from classrooms to job sites, from early exposure to advanced technical training.
In its legacy work, the Ed Fund has distributed over $1 million in funding since inception.
Every dollar invested is directed to initiatives that inspire, prepare, and empower the builders of tomorrow. From scholarships that remove barriers, to hands-on learning experiences that spark passion for the trades, the Fund equips emerging talent with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.
This is not just funding. It is a promise that the strength of Calgary’s construction industry will always be matched by the strength of its people.
Scholarships and Bursaries – $30,000
Open to CCA members and their families, these awards help recipients pursue post-secondary and technical training in construction and related fields. Administered through the Education Fund, they remove financial barriers for those building the industry’s future.
Skills Alberta Student Support – $10,000
Supports Calgary students in attending and competing at Skills Alberta. This funding helps students showcase their abilities, gain hands-on experience, and connect with industry professionals at one of the province’s most respected career and skills events.
SAIT Construction Project Management – $15,000
Funds program development and enhancement for SAIT’s Construction Project Management program, ensuring students gain industry-aligned training, modern learning tools, and leadership-ready skills.
Youth Employment Program – $4,000
Helps Calgary youth access early work experience and career exploration in construction and related trades, building confidence, employability skills, and career connections.
SAIT General Support – $4,000
Provides flexible funding to strengthen SAIT construction programming, including equipment upgrades, curriculum resources, and student learning experiences aligned with industry needs.
SAIT Women in Trades – $3,150
Supports initiatives to increase the participation and retention of women in trades programs at SAIT through outreach, mentorship, and targeted training resources.
Dual Credit Carpentry – $6,400
Provides materials, tools, and resources for Calgary high school students enrolled in dual credit carpentry courses, enabling them to earn both high school and post-secondary credits while developing industry-ready skills.
2024-2025 FUNDING
Total: $853,050
BLUprint: $100,000
• Ed Fund
Tailgate Toolkit: $282,000
• City of Calgary
Legacy Workforce Programming: $72,550
• Ed Fund
Honour The Work: $330,000
• Ed Fund: $205,000
• Industry: $125,000
Other Workforce Initiatives - $6,000
• Industry
Adopt A Shop: $62,500
• Industry
IT TAKES AN INDUSTRY TO BUILD ITS WORKFORCE AND A SOCIETY THAT WANTS TO PARTICIPATE
This work demands more than good intentions. It requires investment, participation, and a shared commitment to action. Classrooms shape job sites. Students become tradespeople. Safety and belonging start with the culture we build today.
n programs that connect students to industry, support mental wellness, and build real pathways into construction careers. by speaking in classrooms, opening your doors to tours, or sharing your expertise.
, equity, and workforce
wellness to the top of the agenda—in your company, your boardroom, and your networks.
We are proud of what has been built so far: the partnerships, the programs, and most of all, the
There is a new energy in this space. We are seeing a sharp rise in youth exploring careers in the trades. Teachers are reaching out, eager to bring real-world career learning into their classrooms. And industry
There is still work to do. Too many students still do not see a place for themselves in this industry. Too many workers still face silence around mental health. And too many systems still lag behind the pace of change we know is needed. But that is why we are here, to bridge those gaps, shift perceptions, and
This work is about more than labour market statistics or skills shortages. It is about people. It is about helping students see their potential, helping workers feel safe and supported, and helping leaders in every sector understand their role in shaping the future of this industry.
We believe in what this industry builds. And more than that, we believe in the people behind it. When
We are ready for what is next.
