BILD Alberta Scholarships for Construction Careers

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.