PCA hands out $10k to support skilled trades apprentices

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada has awarded $10,000 worth of scholarships to ten top young apprentices and students in the skilled trades.

“PCA and our members are committed to the workforce of the future,” said PCA President Paul de Jong. “Without new blood the construction industry won’t be able to keep up with demand.  We need to do more to encourage young people that the skilled trades are an excellent career with a bright future.”

Since 2007, PCA has donated $100,000, creating 10 annual – and perpetual – $1,000 Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Scholarships. To date, PCA has sponsored 77 tradesperson scholarships.

“The credit really lies with our members who put their money where their mouth is and are ready to not only give scholarships, but give real jobs to younger people,” said de Jong, adding that the average age of PCA member employees is 10-15 years younger than other unionized employers.

This year’s recipients are:

• • • Gasfitter Tradesperson Scholarship: Nathan Ardley, Just In Time Furnace Inc.
    • Ironworker Tradesperson Scholarship: Julie Davidson, KBR Industrial Canada Co.
    • Carpenter Tradesperson Scholarship: Ronald Entz, CADC Developments Inc.
    • Crane & Hoist Tradesperson Scholarship: Craig Hamar, Clark Builders
    • Boilermaker Tradesperson Scholarship: Karina Leslie, Melloy Industrial Services Inc.
    • Electrician Tradesperson Scholarship: David Pearce, Multiphase Electric
    • Steamfitter- Pipefitter Tradesperson Scholarship:Lars Erik Poulsen, Department National Defence
    • Women in Trades Scholarship: Kaja Prokopetz, Trotter and Morton Group of Companies
    • Welder Tradesperson Scholarship: Brock Reed, Baxters Welding Inc.
    • Millwright Tradesperson Scholarship: Corey Shannon, Guardian a division of ShawCor Ltd.

PCA is the voice of progressive unionized employers in Canada’s construction industry. PCA member companies employ more than 25,000 skilled construction workers across Canada, represented primarily by CLAC. Our member companies are responsible for 40 percent of energy and natural resource construction projects in British Columbia and Alberta and are leaders in infrastructure construction across Canada.