Thousands of high school students graduate each year in Alberta and go into post-secondary education or entry-level jobs without considering a career in the home building and renovation industry. CHBA – Alberta and its partners want to ensure more students are aware of and attracted to our industry, and have opportunities to obtain relevant training and work experience in it. This needs to start early through career awareness in the school system. It involves developing new industry-driven programs as well as expanding the industry’s participation in existing programs.

Many Alberta junior and senior high schools already provide programs that can be used to develop awareness of residential construction careers:


An optional program in Alberta junior and senior high schools. It allows students to explore career options and prepare for entry into the workforce or further learning, while also earning course credits. Construction Technology is one of 22 strands in the current CTS curriculum.


An optional sequence of courses for senior high school students over 15 years of age. It allows them to work with
an employer to complete an individual learning plan. Students earn credits at the same time as gaining work experience. They may or may not be paid by the employer.


A way for high school students to become apprentices, and earn credits toward an apprenticeship program and a high school diploma at the same time. Apprentices earn a wage for their time on the job; usually the pay increases as the training progresses. RAP is an agreement among the student,
an employer, and a high school. The intention is for all parties to be flexible.




has been dedicated to the development and maintenance of a skilled workforce for Calgary’s home building industry. The Centre has created residential career pathways and coordinated a summer mentorship program in partnership with the Calgary Region Home Builders’ Association, local high schools and schools districts in the Calgary area. As a key benefit of One Voice - One Industry, CHBA - Alberta has committed to extend the Centre for Excellence mentoring model to other regions of the province where there is Local HBA and school board interest.


is an industry-driven private/ public partnership dedicated to the career development of Alberta’s youth. CAREERS invests in the workplace by helping students make the link between their classroom education and their future workplace careers, and enabling them to explore career options through
workplace internships. CHBA – Alberta has been provided with an Apprenticeship and Industry Training staff resource person to assist in the development a residential RAP program, and has formed a partnership with CAREERS to assist the provincial association and Local HBAs in promoting this program to high schools and parents across Alberta.

CHBA - ALBERTA - SLD:
www.chbaalberta.ca

Alberta Education
www.education.gov.ab.ca

Registered Apprentiship Program
www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca

Centre for Excellence in Home Building and Development
www.homebuilders4tomorrow.com

CAREERS: The Next Generation:
www.nextgen.org



Young people will continue to represent a large portion of new
job entrants and apprentices. High school programs provide members and the industry with the opportunity to build a pool of experienced and motivated young people to draw from in the future, and to build closer relationships with local schools and communities. As programs are delivered through the Local HBAs, members will be encouraged to take on one or more students -
for a semester, or for a half-day, or for summer employment and/or part-time work.
Canadian Home Builders' Association - Alberta © 2007


Build on existing materials to develop an information package
for members on youth mentorship initiatives and identify
Return On Investment (ROI).

Develop, promote and credential a ‘professional development day’ for teachers and high school career development professionals.

Develop a residential construction high school program for student credits, led by Local HBAs in partnership with CAREERS, Alberta Education, and local school boards and high schools.

Develop residential construction mentorship resources.
Encourage and support participation of Local HBAs and members
In existing and new residential high school career development programs.

Ensure consistency and articulation among high school programs, pre-employment training, apprenticeship and continuing education.