The Building Trades of Alberta (BTA) is proud to announce that Alberta’s Minister of Indigenous Relations, Rajan Sawhney, has committed $300,000 in provincial funding to support the BTA’s Building Indigenous Mentorship & Pathways Pilot Program.

The investment will help launch a province-wide initiative focused on creating new pathways into Alberta’s unionized skilled trades for Indigenous youth and communities. The program is designed to provide culturally informed mentorship opportunities, increase awareness of skilled trades careers, and connect Indigenous Albertans with training and employment opportunities across Alberta’s growing construction sector.

“Indigenous youth represent one of the fastest-growing populations in Alberta and are critical to the future of our skilled trades workforce,” said Terry Parker, Executive Director of the Building Trades of Alberta. “This investment from Minister Sawhney and Alberta’s Ministry of Indigenous Relations will help create meaningful mentorship opportunities that inspire hope, build confidence, and connect Indigenous communities to rewarding careers in the unionized construction trades.”

The pilot program will include three Indigenous Trade Symposiums in Calgary, Edmonton, and Fort McMurray. These one-day events will bring together Indigenous leaders, educators, employers, and skilled trades professionals to discuss career opportunities tied to major industrial and infrastructure projects across Alberta. Each symposium will also feature a trade fair connecting attendees directly with contractors, apprenticeship programs, and union training opportunities.

The initiative will also feature a targeted recruitment campaign across Indigenous communities in Alberta, utilizing digital outreach, educational platforms, and Indigenous media partnerships to promote careers in the skilled trades.

In addition, the program will provide mentorship opportunities for Indigenous recruiters and educators, helping strengthen long-term recruitment and training supports both on- and off-reserve.

“This partnership is about creating lasting opportunities,” said Parker. “By working alongside Indigenous communities, educators, and industry partners, we can help ensure more Indigenous Albertans are able to build successful careers while contributing to Alberta’s economic growth and major projects.”

The BTA will work alongside key Indigenous community partners across Alberta, including First Nations and Métis communities, to ensure the program reflects the needs and priorities of Indigenous youth and families.

The Building Trades of Alberta represents 60,000 workers across Alberta’s unionized skilled trades.