New charitable foundation aims to expand mentorship, training and inclusion initiatives, offering construction contractors fresh opportunities to support workforce development across Canada.
Canadian contractors facing ongoing skilled labour shortages have new reason to take notice as the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF-FCA) officially launches the Canadian Apprenticeship Foundation – a national charitable organization designed to advance equity, leadership and long-term sustainability in the trades. Announced on December 1, 2025, the Foundation represents a major expansion of CAF-FCA’s ability to invest directly in people – an effort that aligns closely with the construction sector’s need for a steady pipeline of trained apprentices, particularly in concrete-intensive and other labour-demanding fields. CAF-FCA CEO France Daviault emphasized that while the skilled trades remain central to Canada’s economic growth, inclusion and opportunity continue to vary significantly across regions and demographic groups. The new Foundation aims to close those gaps by supporting mentorship, leadership development and targeted programs for equity-priority populations.
Building pathways
For contractors in concrete forming, foundations, civil structures and high-rise work – areas where apprenticeship completions directly affect project delivery – the Foundation’s emphasis on barrier removal could prove especially important. By investing in programs that help new entrants navigate financial, cultural and workplace challenges, the organization aims to strengthen the reliability of the apprenticeship system and ensure employers have access to a wider and more diverse labour pool.
“This is about ensuring everyone regardless of gender, background, or community has the opportunity to thrive in the skilled trades,” says Shaudia Ricketts, Chair of the Canadian Apprenticeship Foundation. “By connecting donors and industry partners to meaningful programs, we can build the foundations of an equitable skilled trades future together.”
A hub for collaboration with industry partners
The Foundation is attempting to position itself as a national hub where industry, labour, government, educators and donors can collaborate on training solutions. For construction contractors, this offers new avenues to participate directly in shaping recruitment, retention and advancement strategies, whether by supporting mentorship networks, co-developing leadership programs, or joining the Foundation as one of its “100 Builders of the Future.” In addition, the initiative’s philanthropic model is designed to give employers a structured and measurable way to invest in the future trades workforce – something many contractors have sought as they navigate rapid infrastructure expansion and an aging labour force.
A strategic opportunity for contractors
With major infrastructure projects planned across Canada, the construction industry continues to signal the need for stronger, more inclusive apprenticeship pipelines. CAF-FCA’s new Foundation delivers a vehicle to address these pressures while helping underrepresented groups build sustainable careers in the trades. For contractors committed to workforce development, the launch represents both a timely resource and a strategic opportunity to influence the next generation of skilled workers who will support Canada’s construction sector for decades to come.
