$15 million province-wide investment campaign announced to fund scholarships for careers in construction
More than $7 million already committed by homebuilding industry to support students and remove barriers for underrepresented populations interested in construction trades
In response to Alberta’s ongoing trades shortage, residential homebuilders are laying a strong foundation to help build the next generation of skilled tradespeople, thanks to a $15 million investment campaign announced today by Jay Westman, Chair and CEO, Jayman BUILT.
Homebuilders are facing one of the largest construction challenges they have ever experienced, putting home affordability at risk in Alberta. This campaign was created to address the current and future need for skilled tradespeople to improve the industry’s capacity to build homes.
This fall, Westman challenged industry peers and community leaders to match funds raised to establish the BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers initiative. The challenge has surpassed the initial $3 million goal — including $2 million generously donated by Westman. With contributions from other leaders in the homebuilding community, including notable investments from Homes by Avi and Anthem Properties, more than $7 million has been committed. Today, Westman announced he will chair a major investment campaign to reach his goal of $15 million.
Tuition for apprentice and diploma programs at SAIT and NAIT can surpass $5,000 for a four-year program. This initiative could fund approximately 3,000 awards for SAIT and NAIT homebuilding apprenticeship and pre-employment students with preference given to demographics underrepresented in the industry. These student awards will cover the full range of residential construction careers, including carpentry, plumbing, sheet metal, electrician, bricklayer, cabinet maker, roofer, drywall, glazier, insulator and painter, for example, and will help workers on a pathway to their journeyperson certifications.
A portion of the funds will also be dedicated to engaging high school students, and enhance skilled trades development in the province by building awareness of rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
The BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers will see Alberta's top polytechnics collaborate to support the future of trades education and careers, by ensuring individuals with diverse backgrounds have an opportunity to gain skills that will shape the construction industry for decades.
“Careers in skilled trades provide important contributions to our communities and Alberta’s growing economy. We are thankful to once again see the homebuilding industry come together to elevate trade programs and support student success. Through this funding, SAIT students will have access to a scholarship program focused on building equity in the construction trades, and programming to engage with youth will foster an early interest in skilled trades. We would like to acknowledge Jay Westman for championing this initiative to support education in the trades and celebrate the success of students working in industry.”
Dr. David Ross, SAIT President and CEO
"NAIT thanks Jay Westman for his generous commitment to students in construction careers. This is an investment in Alberta’s future. The BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers and youth engagement programs funded through this investment will pave the way for larger and more diverse enrollment in training for construction careers, ultimately helping to meet Alberta's labour demand. Supporting student awards not only removes their financial barriers, but also gives them the help and encouragement to succeed and make a real difference in their chosen field."
Laura Jo Gunter, NAIT President and CEO
“The shortage of skilled labour is the largest single issue our industry has ever faced, extending build times for new homes and putting at risk home affordability in our province,” said Jay Westman, CEO and Chairman, Jayman BUILT. “I have chosen to lead by example and lead this investment campaign to make a notable impact in overcoming the financial concerns of students, while also bolstering our industry’s much-needed construction capacity across Alberta. This is an Alberta initiative with an Alberta solution.”
Jay Westman, Chair & CEO, Jayman BUILT & JWI Investments
Media inquiries
Jill Purdy
SAIT Strategic External Content Team Lead
Cell: 403.608.2751
jill.purdy@sait.ca