Think Trades Alberta Aboriginal Apprenticeship Project

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Innovative project making a difference in the lives of Aboriginal people

With the support of Aboriginal groups and employers, as well as the governments of Canada and Alberta, the groundbreaking Alberta Aboriginal Apprenticeship Project (AAAP) is meeting the needs of Aboriginal people for meaningful employment in the trades. 

Created in 2001 in response to labour market and training needs, the AAAP promotes apprenticeship and industry training to Aboriginal people, communities and organizations in Alberta.  Now in its second phase, the AAAP has registered over 70 Aboriginal apprentices in 11 different trades, including carpenter, electrician, machinist and welder. The innovative project assists participants in preparing for apprenticeship training and employment that will lead to a satisfying career in the trades.  

When Lora Cardinal was unable to find apprenticeship opportunities to complete the instrument technician apprenticeship program she started in high school, the AAAP helped her get started on a new career path.   “The Project Officer helped me through all the steps in the process and before I knew it I was training and earning money. It’s a great opportunity and it’s there for anyone to take,” said Lora, who is an apprentice electrician with Kintek Ltd. in Fort McMurray.

With many industries throughout Alberta experiencing a shortage of tradespeople, the AAAP is key to tapping into a labour market that can help fill this need.  Aboriginal youth can help meet this growing demand. 

“The AAAP is a valuable initiative for Aboriginal youth who want to enter the trades and it will serve to encourage a larger percentage of the Aboriginal workforce to see the trades as a rewarding career over the long run,” said Jeff Pardee, General Manager of the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association (NAABA) in Fort McMurray.

In Alberta, over 300 employers, employment centres and Aboriginal organizations support the AAAP, viewing it as a model and method of addressing the skilled trades shortage in Alberta.  In 2002-2003, the AAAP’s key accomplishments included developing partnerships, promoting the project and sharing best practices with other jurisdictions.

“We’re off to a great start with more and more employers supporting the project,” said Brian Bickley, chair of the Alberta Aboriginal Apprenticeship Committee, which oversees the project. “Most importantly, we are making progress in ensuring Aboriginal people have an opportunity to improve their lives through meaningful careers.”

Bickley, who is also chair of the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board, predicts the momentum of the project will continue with more employers hiring Aboriginal people as apprentices. The main emphasis over the coming year will focus on attracting qualified Aboriginal people who are ready to start an apprenticeship program.  Additionally, the Project team will continue spreading the word about the benefits of hiring Aboriginal apprentices. They will also continue promoting the trades as a viable career option to Aboriginal people.

The AAAP also maintains a reputation across Canada as a model for encouraging Aboriginal people to participate in the trades.

"We have definitely looked at the AAAP as a model to follow for encouraging more Aboriginal participation in apprenticeship and informing employers about the benefits of hiring Aboriginal peoples."  Said Rob Egan, Coordinator of the Vancouver-based Coordinated Aboriginal Apprenticeship Strategy (CAAS). “Over the long term, the AAAP and projects like it will increase employment in Aboriginal communities, increase the self esteem of their youth and help Aboriginal people to maintain a good quality of life."