Aecon launches ambassador program to recruit tradespeople

Key Takeaways:

• Aecon launched the Aecon Ambassador Program to address the skilled trades labor shortage by engaging youth and underrepresented groups through career events and industry fairs.
• The program connects students with Aecon professionals to showcase career opportunities in both traditional trades and evolving functional services within the construction industry.
• Aecon employees who actively participate in recruitment and education events will receive formal recognition, including an #AeconAmbassador LinkedIn badge to highlight their contributions.

The Whole Story:

Aecon has launched the Aecon Ambassador Program to help recruit and inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople. The program harnesses the passion of volunteers from across Aecon’s diverse operating sectors and functional services to host hands-on infrastructure career day events at secondary schools and to participate in industry career fairs across Canada, the U.S., and internationally.

The partnership was sparked by Aecon’s commitment to promoting the rewarding, well-paying and robust opportunities available to youth and underrepresented groups as they prepare to enter the workforce or post-secondary education programs.

“With a significant pipeline of infrastructure projects globally and an aging workforce, engaging with youth and underrepresented groups to inspire new tradespeople is a key strategy as over 200,000 skilled trades roles will need to be filled in Ontario alone over the next decade,” said Angela Green, Vice President, Human Resources, Aecon. “We’re excited to launch the Aecon Ambassador Program as an innovative way to work collaboratively with secondary schools and like-minded organizations to promote the skilled trades as a coveted career.”

The Aecon Ambassador Program has already started rolling out in Ontario, with the first three infrastructure career day events recently held at Dunbarton High School and Pine Ridge Secondary School in Pickering, and Markville Secondary School in Unionville. Volunteers from Aecon’s Talent Acquisition and Corporate Affairs teams teamed up with operational employees to host over 200 students in partnership with JA Central Ontario – an organization with a mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.

“While the essence of construction is still our dedicated trades workers, the evolution of the industry has resulted in a diverse range of functional services opportunities as well,” said Nicole Court, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Aecon. “Through the Aecon Ambassador Program, we’re committed to educating future talent about the variety of roles available in the industry.”  

The Aecon Ambassador Program will formally recognize employees who have shown exceptional commitment as event volunteers. To be eligible for Aecon Ambassador recognition, volunteers must participate in a minimum number of recruitment, education and industry events per year. Employees that meet the criteria will join a community of fellow Aecon Ambassadors to share experiences – including on social media by receiving an #AeconAmbassadorLinkedIn badge, which can be displayed on their professional profile. 

“We want to create a network for our employees who consistently promote the trades and Aecon while juggling their busy schedules. This is a great way to recognize their dedication and passion for sharing their knowledge and experience with the next generation of skilled tradespeople,” said Court.