2023
“At first, I viewed welding as just a task that needed doing, however, advancements in technology have added layers of complexity and opportunity to it.”
Ben Clarke | Welding Apprentice, Moli Industries
Fleeing War to Plant New Dreams
Nikita Kristenko immigrated to Canada with his family last December to escape war in Ukraine. Over the past year, he’s embraced a new country, learned another language, and became an Alberta high school student. Despite all the changes, Nikita was eager to take on another challenge – the opportunity to get hands-on experience in an industry that reminds him of home.
“I was interested in agriculture because I’m from a country that relies heavily on it, and I love
the nature of it.”
When he arrived for his first day at HydraGreens, Nikita was taken aback to learn that agriculture in Canada was different from what he was used to. “I thought this internship was collecting crops on a farm. I came here and there were big shipping containers with crops inside them. For me, it’s like science fiction!”
HydraGreens, a vertical farm cultivating lettuce, herbs, and microgreens, stands among a growing number of Alberta companies embracing technology.
“We use cubic farms technology. It’s a type of hydroponic growing that uses a modified shipping container that allows us to use 95% less water,” says Operations Manager, Greg Delorey. “We also incorporate solar energy to help power our facility and use heat capture technology to heat our building through the winter.” HydraGreens has collaborated with CAREERS to offer high school internships for the past three years—a strategy they deem crucial for the evolving farming industry in Alberta.
“The younger generation grew up with technology, so they think of things in almost a different dimension. They bring some really good ideas to the table.”For Nikita, this experience is revealing a future he never knew was possible.“In my home country, nobody takes a 17-year-old to work, but here, everyone welcomes me and is eager to teach me things. It’s been awesome.”
strategic priorities
Employer Engagement
Youth Participation
Community Reach
Fiscal and Organizational Sustainability
THE HIGH SCHOOL APPRENTICESHIP SCHOLARSHIP CELEBRATION
The 2023 High School Apprenticeship Scholarship Celebration recognized the achievements of 294 high school graduates who participated in the Registered Apprenticeship Program and Career and Technology Studies learning pathways. Hundreds participated in a fun-filled evening at the Fantasyland hotel, while others watched online, bringing together recipients, parents, employers, and educators from across the province. Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training provides these annual scholarships to support the next generation of skilled trades professionals and industry game changers. To watch to the celebration, go to: High School Apprenticeship Scholarship Celebration
Left to right Sandra Sutter: CAREERS Board Member, Jordan House: Scholarship Recipient & Student Speaker, Jackie Hammond: Executive Director of Apprenticeship Delivery Support Services with the Alberta Government.
CAREERS Team 2023
The CAREERS Awards of Excellence recognize the remarkable efforts of student interns, employer mentors and off-campus champions in work integrated learning. Nominations are accepted throughout the year, and student award recipients can receive a $500 scholarship to support their continued education.
In 2023 CAREERS was excited to present Ingrid Monpetit of Dow Chemical with the John Aldred Ambassadorship Award, which honors an individual who has worked closely with CAREERS to demonstrate outstanding advocacy for skilled trades education.
The 2023 Eric P. Newell Award of Excellence, celebrating a champion of CAREERS’ vision and mission who exemplifies outstanding leadership was proudly presented to Dave Tuccaro for his dedication and work with CAREERS over the past two decades.
The James Carter Indigenous Leader Award recognizes a
long-time CAREERS supporter and champion for Indigenous youth. In 2023, it was presented to former CAREERS board member, Doug Golosky. For a full recipient list, go to: Awards Page
SAVE THE DATE July 4, 2024
Heritage Pointe Golf Club, Calgary
2023 results
InternsHIPS 3,424
Employers 1,808
SCHOOLS 419
Message from the President & Board Chair
The past year has been a remarkable journey that has taken CAREERS and our school partners to new heights and helped shape Alberta’s future workforce like never before. With growing support and a solid strategy, we have facilitated an unprecedented 3,424 internships. Furthermore, we have laid the foundation for continued growth and expanded opportunities to connect Alberta’s youth to a skilled workforce.
As Alberta’s most in-demand occupations evolve, CAREERS is partnering with forward-thinking employers to develop a skilled workforce that’s ready for tomorrow. We are exploring sectors like advanced manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and aviation. It’s an exciting time for youth in our province, and CAREERS, along with our vast network of industry experts, is working hard to stay ahead of the curve to make sure they’re well prepared.
CAREERS is also embracing technology to improve user experience in the services we offer. In 2023, all youth applications moved online, streamlining the process for youth and educators. Our employer portals have become a one-stop-shop to manage internships and apply for funding through CAREERS’ Youth Internship Incentive Program. We are excited to launch several more improvements in the year ahead.
Finding efficiencies for CAREERS and our stakeholders is critical as we continue to grow. Over the past year, CAREERS implemented a model for off-campus support in schools throughout the province. This shared resource reduces costs and improves accessibility to CAREERS programming.
As we move closer to our goal of 6,000 annual internships, it’s important to stay true to our mission and vision which includes providing meaningful opportunities for underrepresented groups. Over the past year, CAREERS worked with 35 First Nations, 6 Métis Settlements and numerous Indigenous communities across the province and increased the number of Indigenous internships by 27% to 528. Our Young Women in Trades and Technologies camps gained wide-spread media attention for their popularity and drove the number of female internships up to 742.
Our success is not measured solely in numbers; it is reflected in the stories of our youth discovering their passions, educators and mentors shaping the leaders of tomorrow, and communities benefiting from the positive impact of skilled workers. Thank you to everyone who played a role in making the year a resounding success. Your commitment fuels our mission, and together, we will continue inspiring the next generation of skilled workers for the betterment of Alberta and beyond.
Board Chair
President & CEO
Rachelle Banagudos
At first, I was nervous—like, really nervous. I mean, I had zero experience, but here’s the thing: every day I spend working here,
I’m learning something new. It’s not your typical job, it’s more of a hands-on experience and hard work compared to other jobs; you really have to communicate with your team and assess every situation.
On my first day, they took me on a tour of the tools and made sure I had all my safety gear. My mentors have supported me, answered my questions when I’m not sure about something, and actually let me get my hands dirty with the work. Ultimately, I want to be a landscape designer and getting this hands-on experience now is going to set me up big time for the future.
This job has taught me that you can’t wait around for someone to tell you what to do; you’ve got to assess the situation and get things done.
Rachelle Banagudos
Horticulture Health & Maintenance Intern
HML Landscape Design & Construction
I know that as I gain this experience, it will open a ton of doors. I’ve learned teamwork, time management, and attention to detail and it will definitely help me towards my goal. It’s not just about the technical skills; it’s about growing as a person. I feel more mature, more in control of my time, and I know I’ve got a head start in life.
Honestly, joining this program was one of the best choices I’ve made. And if any of you out there are even thinking about it, just go for it. You get hands-on experience that’s going to benefit your future. I’m genuinely grateful for being part of this awesome program.
Rachelle Banagudos
Rachelle Banagudos
Horticulture Health & Maintenance Intern HML Landscape Design & Construction
At first, I was nervous—like, really nervous. I mean, I had zero experience, but here’s the thing: every day I spend working here,
I’m learning something new. It’s not your typical job, it’s more of a hands-on experience and hard work compared to other jobs; you really have to communicate with your team and assess every situation.
On my first day, they took me on a tour of the tools and made sure I had all my safety gear. My mentors have supported me, answered my questions when I’m not sure about something, and actually let me get my hands dirty with the work. Ultimately, I want to be a landscape designer and getting this hands-on experience now is going to set me up big time for the future.
This job has taught me that you can’t wait around for someone to tell you what to do; you’ve got to assess the situation and get things done.
I know that as I gain this experience, it will open a ton of doors. I’ve learned teamwork, time management, and attention to detail and it will definitely help me towards my goal. It’s not just about the technical skills; it’s about growing as a person. I feel more mature, more in control of my time, and I know I’ve got a head start in life.
Honestly, joining this program was one of the best choices I’ve made. And if any of you out there are even thinking about it, just go for it. You get hands-on experience that’s going to benefit your future. I’m genuinely grateful for being part of this awesome program.
As OF December 13, 2023
JIM CARTER, OC, Board Chair | ERIC NEWELL, OC, Founding Chair
BERND MANZ
Corporate Director
BRIAN MCCONKEY
VP Human Resources, Millar Western Forest Products
DARLENE BOUWSEMA
Corporate Director
DEAN PERKINS
SVP, Canadian Thermal and Conventional Heavy Oil Operations,Cenovus Energy
DAVID LEMAY
Vice Chair, Board Nominating Committee Chair | President, Centron Construction Group
DOUG FINGLAND
Director, TA Planning and Logistics Regional Services, Upstream, Suncor Energy
JANINE SULLIVAN
President & CEO, Fortis Alberta
KELLY SMITH-FRASER
Secretary & Treasurer, Finance and Audit Chair | Manager, NuHaven Cattle Co.
Chair, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC)
KRISTIN ROMERIL
VP Operations, Kaizen Automotive Group
LORA PILLIPOW
Deputy Minister, Alberta Education
MICHAEL COLBORNE
Corporate Director
SANDRA SUTTER
Indigenous Partnerships Manager, PTW Energy Services
PATRICIA PELTON
Corporate Director
SANDRA CARDINAL
Director, Indigenous Affairs, Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries
DONAVON YOUNG
Deputy Minister, Alberta Indigenous Relations
Andy Neigel
President & CEO
Ericka Folk
Director, Partnerships
Janis Lawrence-Harper
Director, Research & Development
Jeannie Hawksworth
Director, Finance & Corporate Services
Stacey Rishaug
Director, Marketing & Communications
Stefan Rutkowski
COO, Director Operations
CAREERS appreciates the contributions of retiring board members Andre Tremblay, former Deputy Minister, Alberta Education and Wade Carson, Sr. Director Product Development, Serious Labs.
OCTOBER 1, 2022 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Full financial statements are available at: Reports and Statements
SURPLUS $172,017
No Data Found
Total Revenue
$10,409,783
No Data Found
Total Expenditures
$10,418,524
“You gain a lot of experience when you’re doing an internship. You can see what everyone is doing and all the different trades and base your career off that.”
NICK NOZEWSKI
Tilelayer Intern
Design Flooring Centre
“It’s a good way to try out different careers without fully committing to it. If you don’t like it, it’s an internship but if you like it, you can continue doing it!”
OLIVIA BELL
HR Administrative Intern
Tuccaro Inc.
ENABLING YOUTH ON THEIR PATH TO REWARDING CAREERS since 1997
Leader $10,000+
Alberta Unionized (RAP) Continuing Education Trust Fund
Carter, Jim and Bray, Lorraine
FortisAlberta
Government of Canada
Kal Tire
Ledcor Industries
Friend $1000+
Athabasca Tribal Council
Calgary Foundation
Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta
Folk, Ericka
Fraser, Andy
Gordon, Wendy
Heck, Jerry
Newell, Kathy and Eric
Northwestern Alberta Foundation
Plains Midstream Canada Empress I-V
Read, Elaine
Upgrading Art Event
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Inside Education
Platform Calgary
Skills Canada Alberta
COMMUNITY PARTNERS CONT’d
Women Building Futures
Work Wild
CAREERS Advisory Groups:
- Central Alberta
- Grande Prairie
- Wood Buffalo
- South East Alberta
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY PARTNERS
The support of our many Indigenous community partners is critical to increase equity and access for Indigenous youth.
Education Partners
Thank you to all of our education partners connected to career awareness and internship support.
Event Partners
Accurate Network Services
Alstar Group of Companies
Aluma Systems
Event Partners CONT’D
Cana Construction
Cetex Holdings
Collins Capital
Construction Labour Relations an Alberta Association
CPKC
Custom Electric
Diamond International Trucks
DMG Events Energy
Fiera Capital
FLINT Energy Services
FortisAlberta
Graham Construction
Greatwest Kenworth
Hady Electric
Jardeg Construction Services
Kaizen Automotive Group
Ledcor Industries
Legacy Heating and Cooling
Mikisew Group Limited Partnership
Millar Western Forest Products
NCSG Crane & Heavy Haul Services
Omnia Training
ParklandGEO
Event Partners CONT’D
PCL Builders
Pembina Pipeline Corporation
Production World
TC Energy
Tridon Communications
Tuccaro
UA Local 488 Edmonton
Training Centre
WF Steel & Crane
Whitecap Motors
Winkel, Gord & Jan
Worley
Board Matching Campaign Donors
Thanks to the generous contributions of The Newell Family and the CAREERS Board of Directors, $650,000 in new donations were matched (February 2020 – September 2023) to assist in growing opportunities for Alberta youth.
Lead Gift – The Newell FamilyJim Carter and Lorraine Bray
Curtis Clarke
Michael Colborne
Andre Corbould
Board Matching Campaign Donors CONT’d
Marvin and Shirley Dul
Doug Fingland
Andy Fraser
Heather and Douglas Kennedy
David LeMay
Bernd and Angela Manz
Brian McConkey
Jerry and Leslie McPherson
Sheila O’Brien
Kristin Romeril
Sandra Sutter
John and Leslie Wilson
Gord Winkel
Donavon Young
Drew Zieglgansberger
Kathi and Andy Neigel (President & CEO)
Employer Partners
1,808 employers invested in youth and provided paid internships to students enrolled in CAREERS programs.
We strive for accuracy in
recognizing partners. If there
are any additions or changes required, please contact partnerships@nextgen.org
CAREERS: The Next Generation Foundation is a student focused, industry-school-community partnership that provides awareness and experience. Youth are encouraged to engage in learning, stay in school and discover their career passion in skilled trades, technologies, and occupations in high demand.
CAREERS: The Next Generation Foundation
18256 102 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5S1S7
1.888.757.7172 | communications@nextgen.org
careersnextgen.ca