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Community Employment Benefits

Building opportunity for a more inclusive workforce

The construction industry is facing a significant labour shortage. With 21% of the 2024 workforce expected to retire by 2034,* there is a need to attract new skilled workers. Addressing this shortage will require a range of strategies, including engaging traditionally under-represented groups. This moment presents a unique opportunity to build a more inclusive workforce and support the industry in meeting future demands.

*Source: BuildForce Canada: Alberta Construction & Maintenance Looking Forward 2025-2034.

How we support workforce diversity

By working closely with contractors, we aim to help them succeed by exploring innovative ways for incentivizing those who actively provide training, employment, and supply chain opportunities for:

  • Apprentices
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Women
  • Indigenous-owned businesses
  • Small and medium-sized enterprises

This initiative strives to complement existing Provincial and Federal efforts to increase workforce diversity and retention, aligning with the Government of Canada’s commitment to inclusive economic growth and meaningful employment.

Together, we’re building a skills legacy that leaves the industry stronger and more inclusive for future generations.

Be a part of Calgary’s largest infrastructure investment

The following companies are shortlisted to fulfil major works on the Green Line LRT - SE Project. We encourage people who have traditionally faced barriers to entering the construction industry to contact these employers for opportunities:

  • Aecon
  • EllisDon
  • Flatiron Dragados
  • Graham
  • PCL

Non-profit Organizations Supporting a Diverse Workforce

CAREERS
careersnextgen.ca

CAREERS works with Alberta schools to connect students to employers for paid internships. High school students learn and earn as they test drive different careers through paid internships, helping them find out what kind of work appeals to them.

Employers can showcase career paths within their industries, while our corporate partners and donors play a vital role— not only in supporting Alberta’s youth, but also in strengthening and building a more resilient economy.

Office to Advance Women Apprentices Alberta
womenapprentices.ca/alberta

The Office to Advance Women Apprentices connects employers with qualified tradeswomen, helping them recruit, hire, and retain skilled apprentices. They also provide ongoing support to tradeswomen, offering resources and guidance to strengthen workplace diversity and success in the skilled trades.

The City of Calgary Youth Employment Centre
calgary.ca/yec

The Youth Employment Centre provides free drop-in career and employment services for youth between the ages of 15 to 24. They offer resume targeting, job search strategies, interview preparation, career planning, connections to employers who are hiring, and more.

The Educational Partnership Foundation
tepf.ca

The Educational Partnership Foundation is helping shape Alberta’s future by preparing the next generation of skilled trades workers through its Trades Careers program. By offering classes for high school students and Indigenous communities, we provide hands-on education that addresses the province’s trade shortage, creates opportunities for students, and strengthens Alberta’s workforce and economy.

Trade Winds to Success
aboriginalfutures.com/trade-winds-to-success

Trade Winds is more than just a training institution or collection of programs; it’s a proud Indigenous community. Their vision is to create opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in Alberta by providing high-quality pre-trades training in the construction industry.

Women Building Futures
womenbuildingfutures.ca

WBF is a non-profit organization that empowers women and gender-diverse individuals through hands-on training and support to help them pursue careers in the skilled trades and transportation industries. They also work with employers to build more inclusive workplaces that can attract, support and retain a diverse workforce.

YYC Trades Training
yyctradestraining.ca

YYC Trades Training, operated by the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, delivers innovative workforce integration programs designed to empower new Canadians with industry-recognized certifications and transferable skills. Their Calgary-based services emphasise smart career pathways, from skill-building workshops to certification courses, ensuring participants emerge as confident, employable professionals ready to thrive in dynamic industries. 

Funded by