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Each education hub will receive $125,000, which will be used for student scholarships and awards, youth engagement initiatives, and experiential learning. (CNW Group/Mattamy Homes Limited)
Mattamy Homes has announced a $250,000 contribution to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). Each education hub will receive $125,000 in support of student scholarships and awards, youth engagement initiatives, and experiential learning with a critical focus on growing the skilled trades. Each education hub will receive $125,000, which will be used for student scholarships and awards, youth engagement initiatives, and experiential learning.
“Our partnership with NAIT and SAIT is a crucial step in addressing the ongoing shortage of skilled tradespeople in Alberta and across Canada,” shares Collin Campbell, president of Mattamy’s Alberta Division. “The skilled trades industry is vital to the growth and development of our communities, and it’s important that we invest in the future of this industry. Through our partnership, we hope to reduce barriers to entry and inspire more young people to pursue a lucrative and fulfilling career in homebuilding.”
NAIT will receive $75,000 to support student scholarships and awards with a focus on applicants from marginalized communities or those experiencing financial barriers. In addition, Mattamy will be contributing $40,000 for youth engagement initiatives as well as $10,000 to support experiential learning to promote and empower people from all backgrounds to pursue careers in the construction industry.
“Mattamy’s generous contribution to student success will ease financial burdens for many students, making a career in the skilled trades a possibility they might not have otherwise considered,” shares Matthew Lindberg, dean of the School of Construction and Building Sciences at NAIT.
$75,000 will also be dedicated to supporting scholarships and awards at SAIT, making a sizable impact on the lives of students from marginalized communities or those experiencing financial barriers with a desire to pursue a career in the trades. In addition, $10,000 of the committed funds will go towards enhancing existing dual-credit youth initiatives at SAIT, providing high-school students with an opportunity to explore post-secondary education and career pathways. $40,000 will also be used to establish a new multi-trade exploratory youth program at SAIT. This new program will have a residential construction focus and will give participants the chance to gain hands-on experience and explore different trade options.
“This collaboration is an excellent opportunity to help youth explore and discover their passions in the trades while giving them the tools and resources they need to shape their futures,” says Rozlynn Wick, associate director of Strategic Youth Initiatives at SAIT. “Strong, collaborative partnerships between post-secondary, secondary, and industry are critical in creating and delivering programs that help youth find their passion and their pathway. We look forward to working with Mattamy Homes and the Calgary Board of Education to empower youth and to help them discover the exciting possibilities available through the trades and this new program.”
In addition, Mattamy will be collaborating with both educational hubs to organize site tours, giving students a firsthand look at the practical application of their skills at an active community under construction.
As Canada’s population continues to grow, the shortage of skilled tradespeople poses a significant challenge for affordable housing. Mattamy Homes says it recognizes that bridging this gap is essential, and through this multi-year commitment with NAIT and SAIT, is taking steps towards finding a long-term, sustainable solution.