Big Picture
Mission: The Academy for the Trades forms men entering the trades into devoted and effective leaders in their communities.
Description: The Academy offers a three-year formation program for young men studying the trades in Western Canada. It provides formation houses, mentorship opportunities, and courses leading to a Diploma in Christian leadership. This program is to be studied alongside their work and study of a trade at a provincially accredited polytechnic. The program is built around four pillars: human, intellectual, spiritual, and vocational formation.
Audience: Catholic men (19-29) enrolled in a certified program in the trades in Western Canada.
Participation: Apprentice (student enrolled in program), Mentor (student who has qualified to lead a house), Master (a mentor businessman who joins in a monthly service activity with a house of men three-four times per year), Benefactor (a man or women who offers prayer, financial or other support to the men).
Success: Graduates will: understand the Christian value of work and marriage; be able to discuss master themes within the classic texts of Western literature, philosophy and theology; be skilled in praying the liturgy of the hours; demonstrate Christian self-mastery in finance and fitness, and key leadership skills.
NUTS & BOLTS
Activities
Formation Houses: students will live together in houses with 3-7 other men gathered around a common rule of life. Men will commit to a daily rule of prayer, weekly meal, accountability groups, class, and Sunday Mass. Houses will be led by approved dorm fathers – young men in a trades-school program who have received Leadership accreditation through the Institute of Virtuous Leadership.
Virtuous Leadership Institute Courses: Alongside their employment and trade-school program, students will study one class per semester in the areas of Theology, Business, and Virtuous Leadership. Students enrolled in the Institute will be able to achieve a Diploma in Christian Leadership. Community Retreats: students will attend short retreats and seminars that focus on a wide range of topics connected to the promotion of Catholic culture, personal discipline, and business leadership. Mentorship program: Members of the Academy will engage in monthly mentorship and service activities with local Catholic business and tradesmen (e.g. hunting, hiking, building). DOLLARS & CENTS Location: Edmonton first, then Calgary and Saskatoon Revenue : Tuition fees will cover 80% cost of courses and formation fees; donations required for purchasing of homes/residences and administrative costs. Staff: 1 FTE administrator/teacher; 1 full-time director of formation/teacher; 2 summer interns; 2 part time sessional faculty; dorm fathers (paid by reduction in rent); consulting help for website, marketing, database, accounting, and online course delivery. Budget: est. 250k. ROLL OUT Winter-Spring-Summer 2025: Testing the concept, Strategic Planning Establishing Partnerships Summer 2025-Spring 2026: Fundraising for first 2 years of operations. Fall 2025: Seminar John Paul II’s Vision for Work and the Family for 20 Potential Mentors (Catholic businessmen) and Benefactors of the Academy Spring 2026: Applications open for Fall 2026 Leadership training for Dorm Fathers Fall 2026: First class of 25 enters formation houses
