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Alberta spending $12.4 million to expand apprenticeship seats in bid to bolster skilled labour in province

Alberta is spending $12.4 million to create nearly 2,000 new apprenticeship seats across the province as it aims to meet increasing demand for skilled labour, especially in the construction sector.

This new funding is on top of the $15 million over three years announced earlier, raising the total budget for apprenticeship training in the 2023-24 fiscal year to $54.4 million, the province said in a press release.

The announcement was made on Apprenticeship Day, an occasion marking the contributions of tradespeople in the province. Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education, stated, “With labour forecasts projecting continued growth well into the future, Alberta’s government remains committed to ensuring that there is space for everyone who chooses to pursue a rewarding career in the trades.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of these programs to Alberta’s education system and economy. He noted, “Increasing opportunities for young people to enter the trades not only sets them up for success but also supports Alberta’s diverse industries and economy with a highly skilled workforce.”

Laura Jo Gunter, president and CEO of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), lauded the funding as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to skilled trades education. “Today’s funding ensures the availability of seats in high-demand apprenticeship programs across critical sectors such as construction, manufacturing and transportation,” said Gunter.

Alberta has seen a 19% increase in registered apprentices since the end of 2022, bringing the current total to 53,922. The province accounts for 12% of Canada’s labor force but holds about 14% of the country’s apprentices.

Terry Milot, chairman of the Alberta Trade Contractors Council, welcomed the news. “With the economy growing so quickly, employers across many industries are in need of skilled labour,” he said.

The province currently offers 47 apprenticeship education programs, each lasting between one to four years. Apprenticeship Day was established in 2022 and is celebrated on the fourth Monday of September to recognize the role of skilled trades in shaping Alberta.