From Shortage to Surplus: The Trades Owner’s Guide to Apprenticeships
- regionalbizconnect
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
If you run a trades business in Alberta, you already know the struggle: the work is there, but boots on the ground are harder to find than ever. Whether you’re in construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, heavy duty machines, or fabrication, finding ticketed journeymen and reliable apprentices is one of the biggest hurdles to scaling your operations.
On May 12, 2026, we are hosting a dedicated workshop at the Leduc Golf & Country Club specifically for trades business owners who are ready to stop chasing labour and start building a pipeline.
Workshop 5
Engineering Your Workforce:
The Trades & Apprenticeship Pipeline
This isn't a theory session. We are bringing the decision makers from Alberta's top institutions directly to you. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by government paperwork or wondered how to actually get a student into your shop for a practicum, this event is your roadmap.
Why Central Alberta Business Owners Should Attend
The labour market in the Central Alberta and Edmonton area is competitive. To win, you need to know how to leverage the systems already in place. At this workshop, we’re focusing on three major pillars:
Accessing Alberta Apprenticeship Grants
Hiring doesn't have to break the bank. We’ll have experts on site to walk you through provincial and federal funding. Learn how to offset the costs of wages and training so you can grow your crew without the financial strain.
Direct Lines to NAIT and AIT
Stop calling general inquiry lines. Meet the people who run the programs:
Ryan Marshall (NAIT Office of Apprenticeship): Learn how to bridge the gap between your shop and the classroom.
Josh MacEachern (NAIT Corporate and Continuing Education): Discover flexible training models to upskill the team you already have.
Paul Uchacz (Apprenticeship and Industry Training - AIT): Get the facts on Alberta’s certification standards for over 50 trades.
Real Stories, Real Results
Hear a first hand account from a former Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) student. See the process from the apprentice's side and learn why this pipeline creates the most loyal, long term employees.
Event Details
When: May 12, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Leduc Golf & Country Club (5725 Black Gold Dr, Leduc, AB)
Who: Owners of construction, plumbing, electrical, heavy duty mechanical, oil, fabrication, and transportation businesses looking for skilled labour solutions.
Stop Searching, Start Building
The old way of hiring is breaking. Join us for a morning of practical strategies, coffee & breakfast, and networking with fellow Alberta business owners. Learn how to turn the apprenticeship system into your company’s greatest competitive advantage.
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