Apprenticeship Program Lead

Our Corporate Strategy group is currently looking to add an Apprenticeship Program Lead to our growing team, based in Edmonton, AB.

Reporting to the Director, People Strategy, we are seeking an experienced and relationship-driven professional with a strong background in apprenticeship programs to serve as the central point of contact for Valard's company-wide apprenticeship program. This position is responsible for program governance, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and supporting the development of a skilled, future-ready workforce across all business units and provinces.

Please Note: this position will require travel up to 30% of the time across Canada.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Governance & Policy

• Lead Valard’s apprenticeship program, maintaining governance frameworks, standardized policies, and compliance with regulatory requirements across all provinces and business units; review and enhance provincial procedures with divisional coordinators and drive continuous improvement through data and best practices

Apprentice Career Development

• Coordinate apprentice onboarding, progression tracking, Red Seal exam eligibility, and final certification, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records throughout

• Match apprentices with qualified journeypersons and mentors, provide guidance and resources to support effective on-the-job training, and recognize journeyperson and mentor contributions to the program

Stakeholder Engagement, Government Relations & Talent Attraction

• Build and maintain relationships with apprenticeship regulatory bodies, trade schools, Unions, and training providers; support divisional coordinators and operational teams on program requirements and communications

• Attend career fairs, school meetings, and industry events to support apprenticeship talent attraction and maintain collaborative relationships with school administrators and program partners

Indigenous Partnerships

• Establish and maintain respectful, trust-based relationships with Indigenous communities, councils, and organizations; collaborate with organizations to promote trades and apprenticeship opportunities and support community-led initiatives

Funding, Budget & Reporting

• Identify, apply for, and manage government apprenticeship funding; assist in budget development and monitoring

• Develop and maintain program dashboards tracking key metrics (apprentice headcount, period completion rates, Red Seal pass rates, retention) and produce regular performance reports and audit-ready documentation for leadership

Requirements:
• Post-Secondary education in a related field (i.e. Education, Commerce, Human Resources)

• an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered

• 3 years of experience working directly with apprenticeship programs
• Thorough knowledge of provincial apprenticeship regulations, Journeyperson program standards, and inter-provincial trade certification processes across Canada
• Familiarity with government apprenticeship funding programs and grant management
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and HRIS or information management systems

Preferred Skills / Qualifications

• Understanding of journeyperson requirements across the powerline construction industry
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with apprenticeship regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders
• Experience supporting Indigenous engagement initiatives in a trades or construction environment
• Working knowledge of JD Edwards or similar ERP platforms

Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package that incorporates a complete range of employee benefits, including a 5% RRSP matching program, to ensure you have the tools necessary to manage, maintain, and improve your health and wellbeing.

About our Business

Valard Construction is Canada’s premier utility contractor providing comprehensive EPC+ (engineering, procurement, construction) and maintenance services to utilities, independent power producers, mining, oil and gas industries and rural electric associations. We have the capabilities, knowledge, and resources to take on any project, any size, any complexity, anywhere. We are also part of Quanta Services, the largest electrical power contractor in North America.

Valard Construction is an equal opportunity employer.

Learn more

Visit us at www.valard.com and connect with us on our social media channels for our latest news, employee stories, community activities, and other updates.

* Depending on qualifications, the successful candidate may be offered a position at a more appropriate level.

* Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

* Valard Construction is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or disability. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available on request during the recruitment process.

* We do not use automated tools to screen applications. All hiring decisions involve human review. This job posting is for an existing vacancy.