Ballad Group

Brooks, we’re getting ready!

Our WERC Brooks program is about to launch soon, and we’re so excited to take this next step in becoming part of the local community.

Last week, we had the privilege of attending the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce Member Appreciation Night. It was a great opportunity to meet local businesses and community members.

One of the highlights of the evening was being presented with our Chamber membership certificate. We’re proud to officially join the Chamber and look forward to working alongside the local business community to create meaningful opportunities in Brooks.

Newell Proud City of Brooks

🎤 We just hosted Employer Engagement Week for our Professional Insurance Careers (PIC) program in Edmonton!

Throughout the week, participants had the opportunity to connect directly with employers, learn more about career pathways in the insurance industry, and gain valuable insight into what employers are looking for.

Employer engagement is an important part of our program, helping connect classroom learning with real-world industry insight while giving participants the chance to build confidence, grow their networks, and prepare for their next steps.

A big thank you to the employers who joined us and supported this important week: BrokerLink ClaimsPro Desjardins Insurance Gallagher Millennium Insurance Corporation Navacord - Formerly Lloyd Sadd Peace Hills General Insurance Company TD Insurance, and Wawanesa Insurance

We’re grateful for your time and commitment to supporting emerging talent in Alberta’s insurance industry. Learn more about our PIC program: https://bit.ly/48i5DSq

Our WERC High Level participants built their very first community donation project 🙌

This mud kitchen, created for Alphabet Daycare High Level was a collaborative effort that gave participants the opportunity to develop hands-on skills while giving back to the community. Through this project, they gained experience in measuring, assembly, teamwork, and problem-solving, all key skills for real job sites.

Projects like this not only build confidence and practical experience, but also create meaningful impact where it matters most 🧡

Interested in building hands-on skills and gaining real-world experience? Join the WERC program and start your journey today: https://bit.ly/4pOfA1w

We had a fantastic time at the NWSP Workforce Summit 2026, hosted by cahrc-ccrha in Calgary.

It was a great opportunity to represent Ballad, connect with employers and partners, and be part of important conversations shaping the future of workforce development. One of our own team members, Parminder Kaur, also had the honour of speaking on the Developing the Workforce: Attracting and Retaining panel, where she shared insights on the impact of initiatives like our AgriEdge program.

Events like this reinforce the importance of collaboration in building strong, sustainable workforces across industries 🧡

Our Ballad team joined the Side by Side for ALS Walk, and we were so grateful to be a part of it 🧡

It was a meaningful opportunity to come together, show support, and stand alongside a community rooted in strength, care, and connection.

Thank you to the ALS Society of Alberta for hosting such an incredible event.

📣Registration opens in just 5 days for the WorkFirst Alberta Summit 2026!

Join us September 23–24 at the Edmonton EXPO Centre as Alberta’s workforce community comes together to share ideas, build connections, and explore the opportunities shaping Alberta’s workforce.

The Summit will bring together the YourAlberta (Government of Alberta), employers, employment service providers, industry leaders, and community organizations from across the province.

Save the date and get ready to register.

Sign up to be notified: https://bit.ly/4edCLin

Our WERC Grande Prairie Hospitality participants have been gaining hands-on experience across a range of real-world tasks 🙌

From making drinks and folding linen to crafting Blizzards and serving guests, they’re building real-world skills that set them up for success in the hospitality industry. It’s been amazing to see their growth and confidence continue to build each day.

Ready to start your own journey? Join our WERC and start building meaningful skills: https://bit.ly/4pOfA1w

We were excited to welcome Urban Life Solutions to our Calgary WERC simulated worksite!

Their team shared insights into their company and current hiring needs in landscaping and general labour roles, giving our participants a valuable opportunity to learn about the work they do and explore available job opportunities.

Employers play a huge role in helping our participants gain meaningful employment. These connections help us explore potential job placements, build strong partnerships, and support participant success 🧡

Looking for skilled talent? Partner with us to hire job-ready candidates and support employment across Alberta: https://bit.ly/3Pb7Xoq

Viet and Andy’s journey is a powerful example of what can happen when determination meets the right opportunity.

Both entered the Edmonton WERC program eager to gain real construction experience and quickly committed to building their skills side by side. Through hands-on training, they developed practical knowledge, grew their confidence, and supported each other every step of the way.

During the program, they were selected for a work experience placement with Style Metal Roofing LTD where they experienced real job site conditions and were challenged to step outside their comfort zones. Their strong work ethic, positive attitude, and willingness to learn made a lasting impression.

What started as a short-term placement turned into extended training and, ultimately, full-time employment with the company. Today, both are working in the field they set out to join.

We’re incredibly proud of Viet and Andy and all that they’ve accomplished 👏

Interested in gaining hands-on training in construction and other high-demand industries? Learn more about our WERC program, offered across Alberta: https://bit.ly/4pOfA1w