Kindergarten to Grade 12 Resources
Quick Links
Kindergarten to Grade 6
HONOUR THE WORK
Honour the Work advances STEAM education by providing books, equipment, and lesson plans which introduce the skilled trades to elementary students in Canada.
Their mission is to create a one-stop hub to connect Canadians to meaningful careers in the skilled trades. They are working to help break the stereotypes of who pursues skilled trades, why they do it, and what skills are needed.
In 2024 ECA partnered with Honour the Work to bring STEAM kits to local elementary schools. Each school is provided with books, equipment, and lesson plans that introduce different skilled trades to kids in Grades 1-6.
MEET THE TRADES
In 2025 we attended the Elmwood Elementary School Cardboard Challenge. Elmwood is unique as it is a STEM school, where students will learn to research and solve real-world problems in innovative ways while gaining a deeper understanding of each of the STEM fields.
Grades 1-6 participated in a school-wide cardboard challenge where each student created something out of cardboard. We were tasked with being the project managers for the day, and using our experience to help the kids better understand how a construction project is completed from start to finish.
Grade 7 to Grade 9
TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS
The Tools for Schools’ program was created as a way to ensure that students who are enrolled in industrial arts and related courses have access to tools, safety equipment, consumables and other related construction materials.
The goal being to put tools in the hands of Junior High students in order to foster a love for building, innovation, and construction.
Since the launch of the program the ECA on behalf of its membership has supported over 50 junior high shop programs.
Grade 10 to Grade 12
SPEAKER SERIES
Leveraging our over 900 member firms, the Speaker Series program provides students with the opportunity to interact with trades professionals in a school setting. These members visit schools to educate students on their day-to-day activities, as well as the value of a career in the trades.
In 2025, we visited M.E. LaZerte High School, where we had five companies comprised of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, rebar installers, and drywallers speak to student about a career in the skilled trades. Each speaker shared details about a typical day in their trade, what they enjoy most about their work, and how they got started in their respective fields. Students were then invited to ask questions to each presenter about their trades, allowing them to gain more insights into the skilled trades they were interested in pursuing.
RAP PROGRAM
The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) allows high school students to get an inside look at their chosen trade to help them decide if the trade is right for them!
Students can work:
- Part-time during the school year,
- For a semester,
- On weekends and holidays,
- Or during the summer
Once the student graduates high school they are automatically registered as a standard apprentice and their RAP hours are applied to their apprenticeship program.
AICCC
Through NorQuest College, the Alberta Indigenous Construction Career Centre (AICCC) connects skilled Indigenous worker with employers.
From resume building, interview preparation, and personalized job matching, AICCC assists job seekers at all stages of their employment journey.
YOUCAN YOUTH SERVICES
YOUCAN Youth Services is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to help young people out of harm's way and onto a path of economic independence
The Road to Work Program is designed to support youth to get the skills and safety trainings necessary to enter the construction, road work, and traffic safety sectors. Through partnerships between YOUCAN Youth Services and construction, road building, and traffic safety companies, youth with have a direct route from training to employment.
Program Requirements
- 18 - 26 Years Old
- Able to attend 5 consecutive weeks of training, Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Trainings Covered in the Program
- Industry Standard Safety Trainings
- Hand and Power Tool Training
- Pre-Employment Training
- Standard First Aid
CAREERS THE NEXT GENERATION
Careers Works is a non-profit organization that offers free services to high school students and recently graduated students. They work with Alberta schools to connect students to employers for paid internships.
High school students learn and earn as they test drive different careers through paid internships, helping them find out what kind of work appeals to them!
Students can enroll either throughout the school year or just during the summer. No experience is necessary to apply.
Women Building Futures
Women Building Futures offers programs and support services for women to explore, train, and connect to careers in the skilled trades.
Their programs include:
- Construction Trades
- Driver Training
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- and Power Engineering
WBF also offers success coaches to help with your career choice, admissions advisors to guide you through your application, and student support advisors that offer one-on-one support.
