Procore announces a donation to the Calgary Construction Association Education Fund to inspire youth to learn about the skilled trades. The donated funds will be used to support two initiatives, including elementary school programming that will bring skilled-trades curriculum to over 30,000 students in Calgary this Fall, and the TELUS Spark Science Centre BLUPrint program.

Calgary Construction Association, in partnership with Honour the Work, a not-for-profit organization, will deliver an innovative curriculum that will reach 850 classrooms across the Calgary Catholic School District and the Calgary Board of Education. Honour The Work was created by educators and supported by industry leaders to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world skilled trades careers. The program features STEAMS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics and Skills) Kits, designed for students in grades 1-6. These kits offer hands-on activities that align with the curriculum and include lesson plans, digital resources, building materials, and diverse children’s books that highlight the value of skilled trades. First launched in Ontario with great success, the program is now set to pilot in Calgary schools.

In this announcement by the Calgary Construction Association, its President and CEO Bill Black said, “The labour shortage is the challenge of our times, and we believe it’s our responsibility to lead the charge in addressing this issue. By introducing students to the skilled trades early on, we are not only helping to secure the future of our industry but also providing young people with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in these rewarding careers.”

The association’s partnership with TELUS Spark Science Centre will create a series of exploration spaces called BLUprint (Build + Learn + YOU), one of the first youth programs to showcase the application of STEAM in real-world trades careers in a Canadian science centre. This new program consists of a space where youth can experience real tools, get hands-on learning related to carpentry, plumbing, and electrical trades, and understand the science connections. Youth can also learn about the trades through virtual reality.

In Procore’s most recent construction industry benchmark report How We Build Now: Technology and industry trends shaping Canadian construction, respondents consider hiring and retaining skilled labour as one of the top challenges they face over the next 12 months. Almost 30 per cent report they have been unable to take on more projects in the past three to six months due to labour shortage. Thirty-two (32) per cent fear that some of their most experienced people will retire within the next few years and take valuable knowledge with them. Twenty-seven (27) per cent agree there is too much competition in construction for talent.

“To address the skilled labour shortage challenge, we must advocate for the industry and support education in construction across the country, from elementary school to post-secondary education,” said Nolan Frazier, regional sales director for Canada at Procore. “We’re excited to be a part of Calgary Construction Association’s efforts as they inspire the next generation to consider careers in this vital sector.”

Procore is committed to advancing the construction industry through advocacy, education and technology. Procore.org, the company’s social impact arm, works with 15 Canadian universities and colleges to provide complimentary training, tools and certifications designed to get students up to speed quickly with the latest technology. In Alberta, Procore.org partners with Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), University of Alberta and Red Deer Polytechnic.

This year, Procore.org launched an Educators’ Training Centre for instructors with educational resources such as presentations, student exercises, sample project data, and a special video certification course for Canadian students.

“We believe that better equipping these future construction professionals is the best way to inspire the next-generation workforce. The new generation entering the construction industry wants to work in an environment where they can make a difference, embrace technology, innovate and contribute to positive change,” added Frazier.

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