The Constructing Futures program provides unemployed or underemployed immigrants with 18 weeks of classroom training in essential workplace skills for careers in construction project management, followed by an 8-week unpaid practicum. Participants take courses through NAIT to earn a Project Leadership Certificate while learning skills like communication, safety, and Canadian workplace culture. The program is a partnership between EMCN, NAIT, Enbridge, and Alberta Labour to help immigrants gain the qualifications and experience needed to find employment in the construction industry in Canada.

1. CONSTRUCTING FUTURES
Constructing Futures is an integrated occupational skills training program that provides essential workplace skills
and access to the labour market for unemployed, or underemployed immigrants who want to pursue careers in
construction project management.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND GOALS:
The program provides 18 weeks of full-time employment preparation skills training to participants and an 8-week
full-time practicum with an Edmonton employer in the construction industry. Participants will build their skills in
effective Canadian business communication, English language for the construction industry, Canadian workplace
culture, workplace safety, use of computers and social media, employment standards and employment readiness.
These elements will be instructed in partnership with Enbridge Pipelines. In addition, participants will complete
Project Management courses with the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and will obtain an industry
recognized Certificate in Project Leadership.
PARTNERSHIP:
Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) - an immigrant serving agency in Edmonton since 1981
which provides services to more than 15,000 people who represent more than 100 places of origin. EMCN is a
member of the Alberta Association of Immigrant Settlement Agencies (AAISA) and the Canadian Immigrant
Settlement Sector Alliance (CISSA);
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) - one of the largest technical institutes in Canada with a
reputation for providing leading edge technology training and career development, a PMI Registered Educational
Provider, and recognized internationally by the League for Innovation in the Community College;
Enbridge - a leader in the safe and reliable delivery of energy in North America and is recognized as one of the
Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World. Enbridge has been named one of Canada's Top 100
Employers on 13 occasions and was selected as one of Canada's Top Diversity employers for 2014 and 2015 ;
Alberta Labour - provides supports to meet the needs of both employees and employers. Its work focuses on
building a skilled workforce for the jobs of today as well as tomorrow, and maintaining safe, fair and healthy
workplaces.
PARTICIPANT SELECTION:
1. be a graduate of a recognized degree program from an international institution and have work
experience in the construction field;
2. have a minimum Canadian Language Benchmarks for Academics (CLBA) score of 6 in Speaking, Listening,
Reading and Writing;
3. be an Alberta resident, and submit immigration status documents;
4. be unemployed, underemployed; or receiving Employment Insurance (EI);
5. demonstrate readiness, willingness, and ability to complete the full 6 months of programming;
6. submit and pass a Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) assessment to appraise technical
and project management background and submit documented evidence;

2. 7. pass an interview with a panel of trustees that includes representatives from NAIT, the project management
industry, and Constructing Futures programming.
Please note: the application process is competitive. Applying for the program does not guarantee
acceptance.
TRAINING PHASES:
Phase One:
540 hours (18 weeks full time) in-class at the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers:
 Effective Business Communication
 Canadian Workplace Culture for Professionals
 Employment Readiness and Standards
 Computer Use and Social Media Strategies
 Fundamentals of project management and understanding the Canadian project management environment
(facilitated by Enbridge)
84 hours in-class at NAIT completing modules in project management leading to a Project Leadership Certificate:
 PMGT101: Introduction to Project Management
 PMGT102: Productivity Improvement
 PMGT103: Team-Building & Facilitative Leadership
 PMGT104: Project Scope Management
 PMGT105: Project Time Management PERT/CPM
 PMGT106: Project Management Tools
Phase Two:
8-week full-time unpaid practicum with an Edmonton employer in the construction industry
EXPECTED RESULTS:
At the conclusion of the Constructing Futures program participants will:
 Possess a Project Leadership Certificate, issued by NAIT
 Have increased technical knowledge and practical skills in construction project management
 Be more aware of Canadian standards, work place norms and expectations
 Have achieved “Canadianization” of knowledge and skills brought to Canada
 Have more effective Canadian business communication skills and computer skills
 Have increased awareness of Canadian labour market trends and the ability to conduct a successful job
search
 Have increased employment prospects in the field of construction project management
PROGRAM DATES:
January 2017
August 2017
January 2018
August 2018
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Email: constructingfutures@emcn.ab.ca | Telephone: 780-421-7400
Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers 8914 – 118 Avenue, Edmonton