An Untapped Talent Pool of Skilled Workers

Info Sheet

Learn about the skills-training and employment organizations in our city connecting trades graduates with employers.

What is available to you?

There is an untapped pool of diverse, skilled talent looking to work for your organization.
Several non-profits in Calgary provide education, support, and employment readiness training
to people historically marginalized from a career in the trades. Momentum is one example of
such an organization.

What does Momentum do?

Momentum trains newcomers and Indigenous peoples for a career in the Trades. Momentum
participants attend SAIT for technical training and attend Momentum for all the wrap around
supports for a successful career in the trades. These supports include communication skills, math and
science upgrading, trades workplace culture, safety certifications, resume and interview preparation,
and other workshops. Momentum’s trades training is based on market demand, and graduates have
started careers in a variety of trades such as: Carpentry, Electrical, Heavy Equipment and Automotive
Service, and Plumbing and Pipefitting. They all include a minimum one-month work experience
placement with an employer host to gain in-field (or on-the-job) training.

Momentum currently partners with more than thirty employers in Calgary.

Why host a practicum placement or hire a Momentum graduate?

• Meet your labour and skill needs. Unique challenges in meeting labour demands necessitates
  a unique approach to recruitment and retention. There are no costs to hosting a work
  placement and no obligation to hire, although many of our employer partners are happy to.
• Find top talent. Participants are well-qualified to begin their respective careers. The have six
  weeks of pre-apprentice training from SAIT, and certifications such as First Aid, CSTS, and
  WHMIS. Beyond that, our participants want to succeed.
• Reduce turn over. Momentum can connect you to graduates who are highly motivated,
  highly skilled, and highly committed to a career in the trades within your organization. They
  seek not only work experience, but the opportunity to truly commit to an employer who
  recognizes their value and contribution to the job.
• Increase your competitiveness. Governments across Canada and the world are increasingly
  awarding contracts to companies that embrace diversity, and provide apprenticeship and
  training opportunities to people with barriers to employment. Broadening your talent pool
  broadens your success.

Vesal: The journey of a journeyperson

Vesal moved to Canada in 2012 after being a translator for the Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan. Upon arrival, he was only able to find part-time work in a warehouse. Recognizing he wanted a career to build a good life, he enrolled in Momentum’s Trades
Training program to become a plumber. After his work experience, he was offered a job as an apprentice, putting him on track for the career he wanted. Vesal is now a journeyperson, has started his own company, owns his own home, owns a rental property, and is proud of his work and career in the trades.

How can you connect with potential new workers?
Reach out to Momentum:
Adam Krygier
Employment Facilitator, Momentum
(403) 607-1387
Adamk@momentum.org

Reach out to other skills training organizations:
CCIS
Women Building Futures
Trade Winds to Success
Prospect Human Services