$15 million province-wide investment campaign announced to

Calgary, Alberta, Oct. 18, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In response to Alberta’s ongoing trades shortage, residential homebuilders are laying a strong foundation to help build the next generation of skilled tradespeople, thanks to a $15 million investment campaign announced today at SAIT and NAIT by Jay Westman, Chair and CEO, Jayman BUILT.

Homebuilders are facing one of the largest construction challenges they have ever experienced, putting home affordability at risk in Alberta. This campaign was created to address the current and future need for skilled tradespeople to improve the industry’s capacity to build homes.

This fall, Westman challenged industry peers and community leaders to match funds raised to establish the BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers initiative. The challenge has surpassed the initial $3 million goal — including $2 million generously donated by Westman. With contributions from other leaders in the homebuilding community, including notable investments from Homes by Avi and Anthem Properties, more than $7 million has been committed. Today, Westman announced he will chair a major investment campaign to reach his goal of $15 million.

Tuition for apprentice and diploma programs at SAIT and NAIT can surpass $5,000 for a four-year program. This initiative could fund approximately 3,000 awards for SAIT and NAIT homebuilding apprenticeship and pre-employment students with preference given to demographics underrepresented in the industry. These student awards will cover the full range of residential construction careers, including carpentry, plumbing, sheet metal, electrician, bricklayer, cabinet maker, roofer, drywall, glazier, insulator and painter, for example, and will help workers on a pathway to their journeyperson certifications.

A portion of the funds will also be dedicated to engaging high school students, and enhance skilled trades development in the province by building awareness of rewarding careers in the…