BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers

NAIT construction apprentices looking up at building foundation off-screen

The Building Industry & Land Development Association Alberta (BILD Alberta) is the unified voice of the residential construction industry.

An industry response:

Jay Westman and the Westman Charitable Foundation have generously stepped up to create the BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers at both NAIT and SAIT, with an initial donation of $1,000,000 ($500,000 to NAIT and $500,000 to SAIT).  This incredible contribution will support apprenticeship and pre-employment students with student awards, and fund youth engagement activities, enhancing skilled trades development in our province over the next five years.  This gift furthers Jay’s legacy as a champion of change and leader in supporting successful lives and careers through an applied education.

Help make a difference for apprenticeship students who want to build Alberta by supporting this initiative. We also welcome you to contact us to discuss funding allocation for yourself or your organization as part of the BILD Alberta project.

At NAIT, out of

1,787 donor-funded awards,

165 student awards are available to over 6,000 apprenticeship students.

Student awards:

The BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers at NAIT and SAIT will support students in financial need, assisting in removing barriers and increasing access for students from historically marginalized and excluded communities, helping to ensure individuals with diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to shape the industry of the future.

Awards will be available to students in the following trades, and trades diploma programs; Advanced Plumbing Technology, Cabinetmaker, Carpenter, Electrician, Electrical Installations Technology, Glazier, Millwork and Carpentry, Plumber, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, and Roofer.

Youth initiatives:

Funding will support youth engagement aimed at exposing young people under the age of 18 to skilled trades. This commitment will allow NAIT and SAIT to offer a variety of skilled trades programs that aim to educate, empower and excite young minds. These programs together with student awards will create a pathway from curiosity to career, cultivating a connection to industry from a young age. These programs are a timely touchpoint to encourage young people – and their parents – to see construction careers as a viable and exciting choice, helping to elevate the parity of esteem for skilled trades careers.

Donations to be matched up to $1 million:

In addition to the initial donation of $1,000,000, Jay Westman and the Westman Charitable Foundation have committed to match any gifts directed towards this initiative equally at NAIT and SAIT up to a further $1,000,000.  With this matching in place, the student awards and youth initiatives funding will potentially increase to $3,000,000, doubling or tripling the impact on trades students’ lives!

Support the BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers at NAIT

Attaining a post-secondary education remains a challenge for today’s apprenticeship students, and many rely on donor support to assist in paying for their tuition, books and materials, and living expenses. Even the most motivated of students cannot balance working part-time—or in some cases a full-time job—to pay for their education while keeping up with an already challenging course load.

Those returning to post-secondary to attain a new career path or upgrade their skills can face even greater financial challenges related to their family situations.

Supporting student awards not only relieves financial barriers for students, but also gives them the support and encouragement to succeed and make a real difference in their chosen trade.

Applications for student awards have risen steadily over the past decade, signifying that apprenticeship students are in continued need of financial support.  Currently, there is a shortage of awards available. 

How to give to BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers

Donate online

If you wish to donate online using  your credit card. Click the button below and fill out the online donation form.

Donate by cheque

If you wish to make a gift by cheque, please make payable to NAIT Department of Advancement and indicate your gift is to be directed to the BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers.

Please mail cheques to:

NAIT Department of Advancement
11762 106 St NW Edmonton AB T5G 2R1

Contact us

We welcome you to contact us to discuss funding allocation for yourself or your organization as part of the BILD Alberta project.

Please contact Robyn Khunkun, Associate Vice President, Advancement rkhunkun@nait.ca or Jody Fath, Director, Development jodyf@nait.ca with any questions.