Our belief in better extends beyond our plant, as we are proud to support initiatives that strengthen the communities where we live and work. Central to this commitment is our dedication to empowering Indigenous communities and fostering opportunities that help them thrive.
Recently, we were proud to support an initiative though Skills Canada Alberta that provided Indigenous youth with the opportunity to explore meaningful career pathways in the skilled trades and technology industries and connect the students directly with Indigenous professionals working in these fields.
Skills Canada Alberta is a non-profit organization that promotes careers in skilled trades and technologies through hands-on programs for students. Its annual Provincial Skills Canada Competition is Alberta’s largest career exploration experience, bringing together approximately 700 students from across the province to compete in 45 trade and technology disciplines. Over two days, we helped organizers welcome more than 11,000 individuals who came to connect with industry and post-secondary institutions at various interactive booths and exhibits.
Unique to this year’s annual event was a new Indigenous Youth Breakfast & Skills Alberta Showcase, which Heartland was proud to work alongside industry partners to organize and sponsor. This session created a welcoming space for Indigenous students to connect with Indigenous tradespeople, ask questions and learn from their lived experiences in a more personal and supportive setting. Several Heartlanders attended the breakfast to share insights into their own trades and career journeys with the more than 80 students from three nearby First Nation communities in the Heartland region. Following the breakfast, the students took part in a tour of the various exhibitor halls to explore and engage with tradespeople about the wide range of opportunities available in trades and technology.
“Events like these open doors to promising career pathways and create valuable connections to the wide range of roles not just within in our industry, but right here in our province. By investing in Indigenous youth, we’re helping build the skills, confidence and connections that contribute to stronger communities – and a stronger industry – for decades to come.”Joanne Martineau, Manager, Indigenous Relations
The Provincial event also featured a popular “Try-a-Trade” component where students could try their hand at activities such as welding, bricklaying and electrical wiring. Inter Pipeline, Heartland’s parent company, hosted a booth where Heartlanders were able to connect with students to discuss career pathways and the trades that can lead to a career at the company.
We are proud to support initiatives like Skills Canada Alberta that inspire the next generation, foster inclusion and create opportunities that help build the capabilities of Indigenous communities in our region, supporting a skilled, diverse workforce for the future.
