On June 2, the Calgary Construction Association (CCA) was humbled to announce an ongoing collaboration with Southern Alberta Institute of Technology s (SAIT) School of Construction to bring the Tailgate Toolkit program to students looking to build a career in skilled trades.
Tailgate Toolkit will be made available to all construction apprenticeship students, bringing real-world, work site style conversations into the classroom to address mental health, substance use, and the stigma associated with them. Issues that continue to disproportionately impact the construction industry. The program also connects students to supports available through SAIT, helping ensure future workers know where to turn before entering the workforce.
"Tailgate Toolkit isn't just a conversation starter it reflects the real challenges workers face on job sites every day," said Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. "By reaching students early, we're helping the next generation of tradespeople recognize the signs, understand how to get help when they need it, and build a culture where it's not okay to speak up but you are encouraged to."
This partnership comes as data continues to highlight urgent need for action. Workers in construction, trades, and transport account for a disproportionate share of substance-related harms in Alberta, underscoring the importance of early intervention and awareness. By integrating Tailgate Toolkit into post-secondary training, CCA and SAIT aim to shift industry culture upstream, equipping future leaders with the tools, language, and confidence to support mental wellness on and off the job site, while strengthening safety and resilience across Alberta's construction workforce.
About Tailgate Toolkit
Tailgate Toolkit is as initiative that supports the mental health and well-being of construction and trades workers through practical, on-site conversations integrated into the workday. Delivered by the Calgary Construction Association, the program connects workers and leaders with training, resources, and support services by creating space for open dialogue.
