A new pilot program will strengthen pathways for Indigenous youth into skilled trades apprenticeships and careers.
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,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Indigenous Relations.
“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.
The events will bring together Indigenous leaders, educators and skilled trades employers to share information about career pathways and upcoming job opportunities.
The program will strengthen Indigenous-led recruitment capacity by providing mentorship and useful best practices for Indigenous recruitment agencies which the province said will equip them with the necessary tools to guide Indigenous youth toward skilled-trades training and employment pathways.
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