Calgary association announces investment to bring trades curriculum to students
A skilled-trades curriculum supplement program will be delivered to 850 Calgary Classrooms and over 30,000 elementary students this Fall.
Calgary Construction Association (CCA) is launching a massive effort to teach Alberta children about skilled trades careers and the construction sector.
The association’s Education Fund announced a new collaboration with Honour The Work that will bring a skilled-trades curriculum supplement program to 850 Calgary Classrooms and over 30,000 elementary students this Fall.
Honour the Work, founded by educators and supported by industry leaders, aims to address the skilled trades labour shortage by sparking interest in these careers from an early age. The centerpiece of the program is the curriculum-compliant STEAMS Kits, (Science – Technology – Engineering – Math – Skills) which are designed for grades 1-6 and include hands-on activities that connect classroom learning to real-world skilled trades careers. Each kit features comprehensive lesson plans, curricular expectations, digital resources, building materials, and diverse children’s books about skilled trades.
First launched in Ontario to tremendous success, the Honour the Work program will be piloted in Calgary schools, including both the Calgary Catholic School District and the Calgary Board of Education.
“We are proud that through the Calgary Construction Association Education Fund and our funding partners, we are making one of the largest direct industry investments into elementary school education related to skilled trades in Canadian history,” said CCA officials.
To sustain and expand the Honour the Work program’s reach and impact, the association is seeking additional donations and partnerships. They explained that by supporting the initiative, the industry can help create a generational shift in the perception of skilled trades, empower educators, and provide hands-on learning experiences for thousands of students. They added that this involvement will contribute to addressing the skilled trades labour crisis and ensuring a sustainable talent pipeline for the future.
“Together, we can make a profound impact on the future of skilled trades and education in our community,” said the association.
