Calgary association launches Adopt a Shop pilot program

Key Takeaways:

• The Adopt a Shop program connects Calgary’s construction businesses with local middle and high schools to support skilled trades education. Industry partners provide mentorship, materials, and financial support to enhance hands-on learning in shop classes.
• By aligning with Alberta’s CTS and CTF curriculum, the program helps students develop real-world skills in areas like construction, welding, mechanics, and automotive—preparing them for future careers in the trades.
• This initiative complements the Calgary Construction Association’s existing Honour the Work program, demonstrating a long-term commitment to building a strong talent pipeline and changing perceptions about careers in skilled trades.

The Whole Story:

The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) has officially launched its Adopt a Shop pilot program in partnership with the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), a targeted initiative designed to strengthen connections between Calgary’s construction industry and the next generation of skilled trades professionals by providing direct support to the teachers delivering these programs, recognizing their role as critical enablers of workforce development.

Through the program, local construction businesses are working directly with middle schools and high schools across Calgary to provide students in shop programs with hands-on learning experiences and industry exposure. Participating industry partners are stepping up to adopt school shops by providing financial contributions, in-kind donations of materials such as lumber and equipment, and volunteering their time to mentor teachers and present to their students. The association stated that these partnerships bring real industry expertise into the classroom, helping students gain practical knowledge and develop skills that employers are seeking

By supporting Alberta’s Career and Technology Studies (CTS) and Career and Technology Foundation (CTF) curriculum, the program helps prepare students for real-world career pathways in trades such as construction, welding, mechanics, and automotive.

“The Adopt a Shop program is about creating meaningful partnerships between industry and education,” said Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “We’re proud to help open doors for students to explore rewarding, in-demand careers in construction and the skilled trades.”

The Adopt a Shop program is the latest addition to CCA’s broader efforts to invest in education and workforce development. It complements the Association’s Honour the Work program, launched last year, which brought skilled trades awareness resources into over 850 K-6 classrooms across more than 100 Calgary schools. Together, these initiatives represent CCA’s ongoing commitment to inspiring students at every stage of their educational journey, breaking down stereotypes about the trades, and building a strong talent pipeline to support Alberta’s construction industry for generations to come.

The pilot is currently active in several CBE schools, including:

• Career & Technology Centre (CTC) and Central Memorial High School – Auto Body, Pre-Engineering, Welding & Fabrication
• Bowness High School, Crescent Heights High School, Georges P. Vanier Middle School – Construction & Mechanics
• Wilma Hansen Middle School – Construction

How to Get Involved

The Calgary Construction Association invited more industry partners to participate by:

• Adopting a school shop and collaborating with teachers and students
• Supporting learning through demonstrations, career talks, and classroom visits
• Donating tools, materials, safety equipment, or financial contributions