High school program prepares Edmonton youth for job in the trades

EDMONTON – An Edmonton high school program is ensuring students are able to walk out of their classroom and onto a construction site.

The Centre High Introduction to Construction Trades – Work Ready Pathway prepares students for careers in the construction trades. Instructors emphasize workplace safety, essential skills and industry expectations.

When they are finished, students walk away with a diverse and expansive resume, and the tools they need to ace a job interview.

“I didn’t even know how to hold a hammer before,” said 20-year-old Centre High student Ahmed Abdikadir, who has now completed the program.

Abdikadir is now looking forward to starting his apprenticeship to become an electrician.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“It’s the best thing that has ever happened to me,” said Abdikadir.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's the best thing that has ever happened to me," said Abdikadir.

The program started one year ago with 40 students. They received their safety certification and tool training, and eventually worked in groups of three to construct several playhouses, that were given to local charities. Several of the students have found work placements in construction companies throughout the city after completing the program.

“They are confident and informed,” said the assistant principal of Centre High, Kelly Harding. “We emphasize commitment. We emphasize good relationships, teamwork.”

Merit Contractors Association partnered with the school and provided $400,000 over three years to allow them to hire an instructor, and buy the equipment and materials to teach.

It’s one of several partnerships throughout the province the company has to encourage young people to get into the trades.

READ MORE: Alberta could face labour shortage despite layoffs

“This is a really good career,” said Line Porfon of Merit Construction Associations. “We will eventually have a major skills shortage in Canada given the demographic that we have.”

The program at Centre High was the first one supported by Merit. There are now seven school divisions supported by the company to encourage classroom learning in the trades.

Students said they’ve learned much more than just skills on construction sites, but lessons that will help them in their future careers, whatever that may be.

Centre High eventually wants the program to be self-sustainable by selling the products they build. If you are interested you can contact the school directly.