Building Futures, in partnership with Encore Master Builder, gives students the opportunity to experience dynamic learning that comes with building a house, while on-site teachers instruct core and elective courses - ensuring they cover the Alberta Education curricula required for high school graduation. Classroom work involves plenty of hands-on, project-based learning and emphasizes mastery. Building Futures allows for individualized instruction, working to create an environment where students can pursue their passions!

Unlike a traditional classroom setting, students engage in academic courses from specialized teachers utilizing the garage of their new home as their classroom! Working in cohorts they will spend part of the day in their garage classroom and the remainder of the day working alongside the Encore Master Builder team at every stage of constructing the  house!

Students will work on all facets of the house meaning they will learn practical skills in carpentry, concrete, plumbing, electrical work, and other trades. They will also grow in their important soft skills, working as a team, responsibility, punctuality, communicating, and problem solving.

The Building Futures Program offers a range of benefits beyond just real life work experience. Students gain exposure to the construction industry and its many trades, sub-trades and skills, which can help them make informed decisions about their future education and career goals.

For Encore Builders, the Building Futures Program provides the chance for the company to support youth development, promote sustainable building practices, give back to the community, all while also promoting residential trades to youth.

By the end of the year, the students will have built not only a house, but a home and many friendships, with the help and instruction of qualified tradespeople and their teachers. Beyond their physical experiences, they too will have learned what it means to create and give back to a community, and will forever have a legacy they can visit within St. Albert for generations to come.