CLRA will be promoting skilled trades careers to rodeo youth and all those attending the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton this October. CLRA is the presenting sponsor of the saddle bronc riding and barrel racing events at the Canadian Youth Rodeo Championship (CYRC), which is presented by Saskatchewan Mining and Minerals and held during the Cinch Canadian Country Expo. This partnership gives CLRA a strong platform to build awareness of the construction industry and promote careers in the skilled trades. The CYRC brings together families, young competitors and communities from across Alberta, creating a way for us to support youth and connect with the province’s future workforce. Rodeo has deep roots in rural and industrial communities, where skilled trades are part of everyday life. Alberta continues to face a workforce gap, and events like the CYRC help introduce young people to the opportunities available in the trades and the long careers they can build. CLRA President Joe McFadyen says the partnership is a natural fit. “Rodeo and construction share a lot of the same values. You show up, you work hard and you take pride in the results,” said Joe McFadyen, President, CLRA. “The CYRC gives us a great chance

For more than a decade, the Workforce Development Trust (WFDT), a joint industry initiative, has invested in programs to support Alberta’s skilled trades workforce. WFDT directs industry‑funded contributions to organizations that help grow and train the next generation of tradespeople across the province. WFDT is funded through a joint contribution model. Employers and workers each contribute 1 cent for every hour worked on maintenance and new construction projects. These contributions are pooled and invested in programs that provide hands‑on learning, training, mentorship and placement support. For CLRA members, every hour worked helps strengthen the pipeline of skilled trades talent needed for future projects. WFDT is jointly managed by CLRA, the Coordinating Committee of Registered Employers Organizations, and the Building Trades of Alberta. The Board of Trustees reviews eligible proposals and selects beneficiaries each year. Alberta’s construction industry delivers major projects that support the province’s economic growth. Meeting labour market demand requires a steady pipeline of qualified trades professionals, and CLRA remains committed to investing in workforce development across the industry. “WFDT shows the impact industry can have when we work together,” said Joe McFadyen, CLRA President. “These programs give students, apprentices and workers entering the trades meaningful opportunities to build

Alberta’s construction sector drives the economy, and building a strong, skilled workforce is a shared responsibility across government, industry and the education sector. The province is facing a major skilled labour gap, and workforce supply remains one of the most pressing issues for CLRA members and construction employers. Growing our own workforce (the “seed” in our seed vs. sod strategy) is crucial – Alberta needs more people choosing the trades, supported by strong training and apprenticeship programs. CLRA continues to bring government, industry and education partners together to discuss the workforce and regulatory conditions that shape construction in Alberta. We are home to world‑class trades talent, and skilled workers keep us competitive. Treating worksites as learning environments, expanding training spaces and supporting apprenticeship completion all play a major role in strengthening the long‑term talent pipeline. Workforce strength, timely approvals and reliable infrastructure help attract investment and keep major projects moving. When these conditions line up, Alberta becomes a top destination for major projects.