The Trades Ready Training (TRT) program provides short-term, employment-focused training to support newcomers in accessing jobs within Alberta’s skilled trades and construction sectors.
It combines hands-on technical training, essential workplace skills, and industry-recognized safety certifications. Participants receive PPE, job search support, and connections to employers.
Program Benefits
Program participants receive the following benefits:
- Hands on introductory training in selected trade occupations aligned with labour market demand, including exposure to tools, equipment, and basic trade techniques
- Essential workforce and employability skills training
- Training material
- Industry-recognized safety certifications (e.g., Construction Safety Training System or CSTS, WHMIS, First Aid and CPR, Fall Protection & other relevant safety training)
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Job Search and Placement Support – we provide job placement support to assist participants in successfully transitioning from training to employment in Alberta’s trades sector.
- Direct connection to employers, networking and hiring events
- Ongoing support to ensure participants’ job retention in their employment.
How the Program Works
Employment Readiness Assessment Session
A one-on-one session to assess the participants’ skills and readiness for employment.
Program – 7 Weeks
Each cohort is seven weeks comprised of the following segments:
- 1 week of essential skills development
- 3 weeks of technical hands-on training
- 1 week of obtaining safety certifications
- 2 weeks of one-on-one and/or group job search sessions
Eligibility Requirements
The program is open to participants who:
- Are Permanent Residents, Convention Refugees or Naturalized Canadian Citizens that self-identify as a newcomer, 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous, Black Canadian, woman, racialized person and/or person with disabilities
- Are 18+ years of age
- Have Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 or higher
- Are legally entitled to work in Canada
- Demonstrate motivation to pursue employment in the trades sector
NOTE: Each cohort must at least 20% of the participants be youth between 18–24 years of age.
Session Schedule
The next cohorts run as follows:
- Jun. 1 – Jul. 20, 2026 – in partnership with Alberta Roofing Contractors Association (ARCA)
- Aug. 31 – Oct. 21, 2026 – in partnership with International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (DC17)
- Feb. 1 – Mar. 22, 2027 – in partnership with Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta (ECAA)
Funded By
In partnership with: