Apprenticeship Program Lead

Valard Construction•Edmonton, AB

4h•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Post-Secondary education in a related field (i.e. Education, Commerce, Human Resources) or 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
Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada with no restrictions.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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
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
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
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
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