The CFL Players’ Association (CFLPA) is proud to announce a new partnership with Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) and SkillPlan to provide all CFLPA members access, through The CFLPA Academy, to training and apprenticeships in the unionized skilled trades. 
 
Through this partnership, CFLPA members will have access to exploring the opportunities that exist in the over 60 different skilled trades that make up the CBTU, including access to SkillPlan’s workforce development programming for the necessary skills to enter the trades. They will also have access to the many local unions and training centres located in communities all across Canada. 
 
“We are proud to partner with Canada’s Building Trades Unions and SkillPlan. These partnerships provide CFLPA members further opportunities to enter career training and participate in workforce development through our growing suite of Academy partners,” said Brian Ramsay, CFLPA Executive Director.
 
Once registered, CFLPA members will gain access to explore various trade opportunities in unionized construction and choose a trade of interest, have their foundational skills levels assessed for entrance into a particular apprenticeship program, get connected to unions and job opportunities, and have access to mentorship programming.
 
“Canada’s Building Trades Unions are proud to partner with the CFLPA and SkillPlan to support players in finding opportunities in the unionized skilled trades,” said Sean Strickland, Executive Director, Canada’s Building Trades Unions. “With over 195 training centres across the country, the Building Trades are long-standing leaders in producing the best-trained, safest workforce in the construction industry. By entering the skilled trades, players will have the opportunity to engage in a rewarding career, receive on-the-job training and mentoring, and access to unique job opportunities to build this country – from our roads and bridges, to mega energy projects from coast to coast.” 
 
“We are pleased to be a part of this important initiative to help CFLPA members gain the skills they need to successfully enter into and succeed in a career in the unionized construction industry,” said Kyle Downie, CEO of SkillPlan. “Partnering with the CFLPA and CBTU not only helps support CFLPA members through and beyond their apprenticeships, but helps meet the growing labour demand in the unionized skilled construction trades.  
 
Collectively, CBTU and SkillPlan, with contractor and employer partners, invest in and grow the skilled trades workforce to meet labour market demands;  through this partnership, CBTU and SkillPlan will help equip CFLPA members to pursue a career in the unionized construction industry.
 
Every current CFLPA member, and many alumni, has access to The Academy and can access a growing roster of accredited educational institutions in the U.S. and Canada, enroll in a growing roster of specialized certification and certificate programs that are gateways to future career paths, or take advantage of online learning opportunities that can help provide new advantages for them and their families.