Building Futures Information Evening
Find out more about this great learning opportunity! Join us at our information evening:
Monday, March 10
6:30 pm
Joseph M. Demko School
200 Jensen Lakes Boulevard
A visit to this year's site will follow
St. Albert Public Schools, in partnership with Encore Master Builder and Build Alberta Apprenticeships Foundation, offers the innovative, hands-on Building Futures initiative to Grade 10 students in our division.
Students spend the school year building a house from the ground up, and earn high school credits while learning hands-on construction trades.
How does this work?
Encore Master Builder provides the building site and the construction knowledge. St. Albert Public Schools coordinates the enrollment and oversees the initiative. Students work alongside division staff and the tradespeople.
Students register as they normally would with either Bellerose Composite High School or Paul Kane High School but attend “school” on site daily, where they take part in almost every aspect of construction – from taking soil samples and digging the foundation to installing electrical,plumbing, framing and more. Students engage in every aspect of home building with the exception of shingling at heights. The roof structure is shingled on the ground.
Who can apply?
This initiative is offered to students who will be in Grade 10 at Bellerose Composite High School or Paul Kane High School.
Up to 24 students are selected from the applicants. Students must have an interest in the home-building process and must be prepared to work on site in all kinds of weather. Please note that spots are limited and application does not guarantee acceptance.
Will my child still be able to take their core courses?
Yes! Classes are held in the garage of the house. Students take their core courses as well as PE, CALM and construction modules, earning an average of 50 credits during the year. There will be hands-on experiences during the build every second day.
Students are taught by certified teachers and journeymen tradespeople.
Students also have the opportunity to take field trips, and to build additional items (for example, benches or sheds).
Where is the building site and how will my child get there?
The site is in St. Albert. Students register as usual at their home school (Bellerose or Paul Kane), and are bused between the site and their home school every day. Site hours will be approximately 8 am to 2 pm.
Is there a fee?
There is a $200 annual fee to cover field trips, along with certain tools and relevant learning materials. Students must provide their own steel-toed boots. Hard hates and safety glasses are provided. WCB coverage is provided.
Does this take place over one or two semesters?
As the build takes approximately nine months, students sign up for the whole year.
Will my child be able to take part in extracurricular activities like school athletics?
Yes, because the site hours are shorter than the regular school day, students are back at their home school in time to participate in after-school activities.
Donate to Building Futures
If you would like to make a donation to support Building Futures, please click here.