Calgary and Edmonton, AB – Star Building Materials Calgary and Edmonton were the first business units within the supply chain vertical at Qualico to introduce an internship program to help promote a career path in the homebuilding industry for high school students and new graduates. The Rising Star Internship program underscores Star Building Materials’ leadership in bridging education and industry, fostering long-term connectivity in the building supply market.

The Rising Star Internship is a joint effort between Star Building Materials and Supply-Build Canada, a non-profit organization dedicated to bolstering professional development in the industry. By offering hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and professional growth opportunities, the internship embodies Star’s commitment to education – one of the company’s core impact areas.

Ken Crockett, Vice-President, Star Building Materials Calgary, highlighted the broader impact of the program.

“The Rising Star Internship marks a pivotal moment for us as an organization. By creating this mentorship experience, we’re not only educating young Canadians but building the future of the homebuilding industry, said Ken. “This program enables interns to develop critical skills while immersing themselves in real-world challenges, setting the foundation for lifelong careers.”

The summer of 2025 marked the program’s inaugural season, with Star Building Materials Edmonton proudly welcoming its first Rising Star intern, Enam Pobee. A recent high school graduate and aspiring carpenter, Enam worked in Star’s cutting-edge truss plant, where he gained valuable insights into truss manufacturing, automated processes, and large-scale building materials production. Enam’s experience was tailored to his passion for carpentry, helping him build technical expertise before beginning an apprenticeship program.

The internship program not only delivers technical skills but also emphasizes the value of mentorship and collaboration. Through rotations across multiple departments – from estimating to prefabricated wall panels and structural framing production – participants gain a holistic understanding of the homebuilding supply industry.

Nina Wulder, Communications and Marketing Manager, Star Building Materials Calgary, spoke to the program’s broader vision.

“Canada’s homebuilding industry employs over 460,000 people, yet there’s a critical need to connect younger generations to this thriving sector,” said Nina. “The Rising Star Internship showcases our dedication to education and innovation by creating pathways for young professionals to engage with the industry and its many opportunities.”

Looking ahead to summer 2026, Star Building Materials is bringing on another cohort of interns to both the Calgary and Edmonton operations.  By nurturing talent early, the initiative aims to drive continued growth and sustainability in Canada’s building materials industry, affirming Star Building Materials’ leadership in education, mentorship, and industry development.