Strengthening Alberta’s Construction Workforce

Trade Pathways brings job seekers, employers and community partners together to help develop the skilled workforce Alberta’s construction industry needs for the future.

About Trade Pathways

Trade Pathways is a workforce-development program operated by the Alberta Construction Association. The program works with construction employers, referral partners and eligible job seekers to create practical pathways into employment and apprenticeship.

Our focus is not simply getting someone onto a job site. Trade Pathways is designed to help participants establish themselves in construction employment, address barriers that can affect success at work, and build toward longer-term careers in Alberta's skilled trades.

Industry and community collaboration

Trade Pathways works across Alberta by connecting construction-industry demand with organizations that understand the job seekers and communities they serve.

Construction Employers

Provide paid employment, workplace experience, supervision and opportunities for continued employment and apprenticeship.

Referral Partners

Identify and refer clients interested in construction careers who could benefit from additional support to succeed in the skilled trades.

Trade Pathways

Connects the pathway, verifies program eligibility and coordinates approved employer and participant supports.

Our approach

Trade Pathways brings together the people and organizations needed to turn an employment opportunity into a stronger pathway toward a construction career.

Employer-Led

Program support is connected to real paid employment with participating Alberta construction employers.

Individualized Support

Participant supports respond to eligible barriers and needs rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Partnership-Based

Bringing together the expertise of referral partners, employers and extended support to strengthen pathways into employment and career success.

Career-Focused

Supporting participants beyond the point of hire with resources that help them build on their potential and progress in the skilled trades.

RESULTS FROM THE 2022–2026 TRADE PATHWAYS PILOT

Building on proven results

Trade Pathways has evolved based on the experience and lessons of its original pilot program. The renewed program builds on what we learned about the importance of real employment opportunities, individualized needs, and continued support during employment.

489
Participants enrolled — 2022–2026 pilot
94%
Secured continued employment after placement completion — 2022–2026 pilot
231
On the apprenticeship path — 2022–2026 pilot

Alberta Construction Association

Trade Pathways is operated by the Alberta Construction Association (ACA), which represents Alberta's non-residential construction industry through a province-wide network of regional construction associations.

ACA's connection to Alberta's construction industry helps Trade Pathways align workforce supports with real employer needs and opportunities in the skilled trades.