Edmonton (March 26, 2018) – The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) whose member companies employ skilled trades workers across Alberta, is delighted by UCP leader Jason Kenney’s 13-point “Job Skills for Alberta’s Economy” plan that’s aimed at expanding skills training and vocational education and promoting the value of skilled trades careers.
“This is the kind of forward-thinking initiative that Alberta needs to address the skills shortage head on,” said Paul de Jong, President of the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA). “It puts the focus where it should be, on expanding apprenticeship and vocational programs and making it possible for more Albertans, especially young people, to pursue good, well-paying jobs.”
Kenney outlined an initial $5.3 million commitment, and detailed plan that includes expanding the number of schools and enrollment in Registered Apprenticeship Programs, a $1 million Trades Scholarship as well as increased funding for the Women Building Futures program. PCA has worked in partnership with WBF for many years to encourage more women to pursue skilled trades careers.
“We heartily endorse efforts that reinforce the pride and value of working in the skilled trades,” added de Jong. “It’s time Alberta embraced the European mentality by putting careers in the skilled trades on equal footing with all other academic pursuits.”
About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)
With offices in BC, Alberta and Ontario, PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. Our member companies are responsible for 40 percent of energy and natural resource construction projects in British Columbia and Alberta and are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada. PCA member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers in Canada, represented primarily by CLAC.
For further information, contact: Danna O’Brien, Danna@obriencommunications.ca 416-500-0699