BILD celebrates apprentices in RAP program

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on May 30, 2024.

Herald photo by Alejandra Pulido-Guzman Bridget Mearns, executive officer for BILD Lethbridge Region, leads an event that celebrates apprentices completing the Registered Apprenticeship Program Wednesday at the Legacy Park Pavilion.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) Lethbridge Region, in partnership with the Lethbridge Construction Association, Careers and School District on Wednesday celebrated young apprentices finishing the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) and current apprentices.

Bridget Mearns, executive officer of BILD Lethbridge Region, said the event was an opportunity to celebrate those who have entered and have been in the trades for a while, as they are so important for the construction industry.

“There are 108 students that will be graduating from the RAP program. There will be two scholarships from BILD and 13 scholarships from the Construction Association,” said Mearns.

 She explained that RAP students are high school students that work with their school division and their employers and once they come out of high school they already have credits towards their apprenticeship.

 “I think we all are aware that skilled trades is an area we need to see growth in, in the workforce and to help apprentices get through that journey or even introduce them to the journey is incredibly important to our industry,” said Mearns.

 She added this was also important to the health of our community. Mearns believes it is important to recognize the hard work they are doing on their path towards journeyperson.

 “It’s a difficult path, but it’s a really rewarding one once they get there. So, encouraging high school students to continue on with that education and to support those apprentices already on their path is extremely important,” said Mearns.

As part of the event, Evan Barr general manager and president of Neu-Lite Electric, spoke to those in attendance on behalf of the Lethbridge Construction Association, shared a little bit of his journey and congratulated those who were receiving their certificates.

“My advice for those of you who are here today is to continue your apprenticeship journey, continue to excel in learning and make positive impact in the industry that you choose,” said Barr.

During the event, a raffle for two $500 credit towards tuition from the Lethbridge College toward an apprenticeship program was drawn. The first one was among all 180 students and the second one was among those in attendance, as not all 180 were present.