Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) awards ten scholarships
EDMONTON, AB, Nov 10, 2015 – The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA) announced today the awarding of ten $1,000 scholarships to top young apprentices and students in the skilled trades.
“PCA and our members are committed to the workforce of the future,” said PCA President Paul de Jong. “Without new blood the construction industry won’t be able to keep up with demand. We need to do more to encourage young people that the skilled trades are an excellent career with a bright future.”
Since 2007, PCA has donated $100,000, creating 10 annual – and perpetual – $1,000 Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Scholarships. To date, PCA has sponsored 77 tradesperson scholarships.
“The credit really lies with our members who put their money where their mouth is and are ready to not only give scholarships, but give real jobs to younger people,” said de Jong, adding that the average age of PCA member employees is 10-15 years younger than other unionized employers.
The winners of this year’s scholarships are:
- 1. PCA Gasfitter Tradesperson Scholarship: Nathan Ardley, Just In Time Furnace Inc.
- 2. PCA Ironworker Tradesperson Scholarship: Julie Davidson, KBR Industrial Canada Co.
- 3. PCA Carpenter Tradesperson Scholarship: Ronald Entz, CADC Developments Inc.
- 4. PCA Crane & Hoist Tradesperson Scholarship: Craig Hamar, Clark Builders
- 5. PCA Boilermaker Tradesperson Scholarship: Karina Leslie, Melloy Industrial Services Inc.
- 6. PCA Electrician Tradesperson Scholarship: David Pearce, Multiphase Electric
- 7. PCA Steamfitter- Pipefitter Tradesperson Scholarship:Lars Erik Poulsen, Department National Defence
- 8. PCA Women in Trades Scholarship: Kaja Prokopetz, Trotter and Morton Group of Companies
- 9. PCA Welder Tradesperson Scholarship: Brock Reed, Baxters Welding Inc.
- 10. PCA Millwright Tradesperson Scholarship: Corey Shannon, Guardian a division of ShawCor Ltd.
The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Family of Scholarships are designed to recognize the excellence of Alberta apprentices in a trade, and trainees in a designated occupation, and to encourage recipients to complete their apprenticeship or occupational training programs.
Further information can be found at: tradesecrets.alberta.ca.
About the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)
PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. PCA member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers across Canada, represented primarily by CLAC. 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’s goal is to ensure that Canada has a fair and open construction industry, cooperative labour relations, and a robust, inclusive and highly-capable workforce. PCA believes in open competition in which no sector is given artificial and unfair advantage over another on the basis of union affiliation or lack thereof.
For media inquiries or further information: Mike Martens, mmartens@pcac.ca or (403) 200-7598