By David Opinko

lending a hand

Province boosts funding support for unemployed apprentices during training

Jul 16, 2020 | 11:23 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Eligible apprentices can now qualify to receive $1,500 from the Government of Alberta during their classroom instruction period.

When the Apprentice Training Award (ATA) commenced in 2016, it offered up-and-coming tradespeople $1,000.

“ASEC is very grateful for this award funding increase,” says Emmanauel Barker, Director of Public Relations and Advocacy with the Alberta Students’ Executive Council. “Trades and technology graduates will be essential for rebuilding our economy following the provincial reopening – this increased funding for apprenticeship education will encourage prospective students and will support current learners.”

The program aims to assist apprentices who are unemployed to continue in their apprenticeship program.

The money is meant to help apprentices manage costs like tuition, books, material fees, tools, transportation, and living expenses.

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“As our economy recovers and labour market demand increases, we need skilled people to fill those jobs,” says Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides. “That is why we are increasing financial support to about 3,300 unemployed apprentices so they can continue their training and get back to work.”

Applications for the ATA have not yet opened for the fall 2020 semester. More details on the program can be found here.

(Lethbridge News Now)