FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Calgary Construction Association Welcomes Government of Alberta’s Investments in Workforce Development as Timely First Steps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Calgary Construction Association Welcomes Government of Alberta’s Investments in Workforce Development as Timely First Steps

March 31, 2026, Calgary, AB – The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) welcomes the Government of Alberta’s recent announcements supporting workforce development in skilled trades.

“Young Albertans are looking for realistic pathways to successful and fulfilling careers – both the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive and the Alberta Trades Discovery Centre take meaningful steps in connecting youth with employers and provides our future workforce with opportunities to develop in demand skills,” said Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association.

“Calgary is in a true city-building moment and entering a major period of investment and growth. We estimate at least $20 billion in major commercial projects will be coming online within the next three to five years. These projects will need trades, transport and equipment operators and other related careers to complete on time and on budget.

“The City of Calgary alone has committed $3.7 billion as part of a multi-year plan to build, repair, and modernize the infrastructure Calgarians rely on every day, from fire stations and recreation centres to major mobility projects. These announcements to support young Albertans getting into the industry comes at the right time.

“Investments in our city show real momentum in building the future of Calgary, but it also comes with increased pressure on labour availability. Providing financial incentives to hire young workers while establishing a Trades Discovery Centre where young Albertans can learn from seasoned trades professionals takes great first steps in matching our city’s growth with workforce development.”

Over the next decade, the construction sector will see increasing retirements in an aging workforce and, if slow growth in trade program enrolment continues, this will increase workforce challenges exponentially. Alberta is also not the only part of the world to see this challenge. The challenge is global and the competition for construction talent is heating up, we need these and other programs more than ever.

This is a long-term challenge that the Calgary Construction Association has met head on, having developed and implemented multiple programs that have shown signs of early success. The CCA will continue working with government, industry partners, and training providers to strengthen the talent pipeline and ensure Calgary builds the capacity needed to deliver projects that support growth, competitiveness, and quality of life.

For more information on the CCA’s own workforce development programs or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Jay Islam
Director of Public Affairs and External Relations
Calgary Construction Association
jayislam@cgyca.com

About the Calgary Construction Association

The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) has been a champion of construction excellence in Calgary for over 80 years, dedicated to advancing the construction industry through advocacy, collaboration, and innovation. The CCA works to foster an inclusive and safe working environment that supports all members of Calgary’s construction community.