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Find New Workers
Connect with eligible job seekers who are motivated and interested in building careers in Alberta’s construction industry.
Get Support to Build a Strong Workforce
Trade Pathways supports Alberta construction employers to recruit, hire and develop eligible job seekers. Participating employers can access wage assistance, WCB coverage, recruitment support and other practical supports that help new employees succeed on the job.
Company eligibility
To receive Trade Pathways support participating employers must:
- Operate in construction in Alberta
- Employ at least one eligible trade
- Hold COR or SECOR certification
Note: Regarding COR certification, having confirmation from a Certifying Partner that the employer is actively working toward certification and remains engaged in that process also qualifies.
Why participate?
Trade Pathways helps reduce cost and risk of bringing new workers into the skilled trades while supporting successful employment and apprenticeship development after they are hired.
Reduce Costs
Receive wage and third-party training reimbursements during an approved Trade Pathways placement, helping reduce the cost of bringing a new worker onto your team.
Support Employee Success
Participants can access practical supports that help address barriers to starting and succeeding in employment.
Develop Future Apprentices
Build your workforce while creating opportunities for new workers to gain experience and progress toward apprenticeship.
How a Trade Pathways placement works
Trade Pathways supports an approved period of paid employment with a participating construction employer. The participant is your employee and works as part of your regular workforce.
1
Confirm Eligibility
Trade Pathways confirms employer and participant eligibility before an approved placement begins.
2
Hire
The employer hires the participant as an employee for an approved work experience period of up to 90 days.
3
Support
Trade Pathways provides approved wage and participant supports while the employer provides supervision, a safe workplace and meaningful work experience.
4
Retain & Develop
The goal of support is continued construction employment and progression toward apprenticeship where appropriate.
What Trade Pathways provides
Support is designed to help employers successfully recruit and develop eligible new workers while addressing barriers that can affect employment success.
Expense Reimbursement
Reimbursement of 50% of eligible wages, up to $8,000 per employee, and eligible third-party training and assessment costs during the approved placement period.
Recruitment Support
Assistance connecting employers with a referral network of eligible job seekers pre-screened and motivated to succeed in construction.
Tools, PPE & Workwear
Needs-based employee supports can help with industry-grade tools, protective equipment and workwear so that workers are prepared for work and outfitted to succeed.
Transportation Support
Addressing transportation barriers to ease financial burdens for employees, help them get to work reliably, reduce attendance challenges and support retention.
Training & Certification
First-year apprenticeship tuition and other training can be coordinated and paid for directly by Trade Pathways, subject to program approval.
WCB Coverage
Eligible participants may receive applicable Government of Alberta WCB coverage during an approved work experience period, subject to current program requirements.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers play a central role in providing meaningful employment experiences and creating pathways to long-term success that benefit their company, their employees, and the construction industry as a whole.
Paid Employment
Hire the participant as your employee and provide meaningful paid construction employment for the approved placement period.
Supervision & Safety
Provide appropriate workplace supervision, orientation and a safe work environment throughout the placement.
Program Participation
Work with Trade Pathways by providing required placement documentation, wage and expense reimbursement information and program follow-up.
Employee Development
When the placement is successful, support continued employment and progression toward apprenticeship when applicable in accordance with program requirements.
How to participate
Interested in hiring through Trade Pathways? Our team will work with you to confirm eligibility and determine how the program can support your workforce needs.
1
Contact Us
Tell us about your company, trades and current or upcoming hiring needs.
2
Confirm Eligibility
Trade Pathways confirms employer eligibility and provides the employer agreement to be signed.
3
Recruit & Hire
Interview and hire from the Trade Pathways pool of eligible job seekers, then submit an enrolment request for your selected candidate.
4
Approve & Start
Trade Pathways must confirm participant and placement eligibility before approved employment periods begin.
Become a Participating Employer
Employer FAQ
How much wage support is available?
Trade Pathways reimburses 50% of eligible wages during an approved placement, up to a maximum wage reimbursement of $8,000 per participant.
How long is a Trade Pathways placement?
An approved Trade Pathways work experience is 90 days. The participant is employed and paid by the participating employer during the placement.
Can we bring our own candidate to Trade Pathways?
Potentially. The candidate and employer must meet program requirements, and Trade Pathways must confirm eligibility before the supported placement begins.
What participant supports are available?
Supports are needs-based and subject to program approval. They can include eligible tools, PPE and workwear, transportation, training and certifications, and apprenticeship-related support.
Do we need COR or SECOR?
Participating employers are expected to hold and maintain COR or SECOR. Employers actively working toward certification may be considered where a Certifying Partner confirms active engagement in the certification process.