Roderick Tate, CEO and president of the TELUS Spark Science Centre, unveils the name of a new trades-focused space, BLUprint. (Government of Alberta/YouTube)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

$900,000

Alberta government invests in trades exploration spaces in Calgary science centre

Jul 31, 2024 | 4:05 PM

The Government of Alberta is investing almost $900,000 in funding to the TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary in an effort to create a series of exploration spaces designed to encourage young people to pursue a career in the trades.

As Alberta’s economy continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled tradespeople, say government officials. There are more than 60,000 registered apprentices said to be in the province, representing a 28 per cent increase over this time last year as demand for skilled workers rises.

The goal of these Spark spaces is to educate youth about trades-based science concepts in a fun and engaging way, such as through hands-on activities related to carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades.

“Investing in the next generation of skilled tradespeople is crucial for Alberta’s future. By partnering with TELUS Spark Science Centre, we are creating engaging and educational experiences that inspire young people to explore rewarding careers in the trades,” says Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education. “This initiative not only addresses the growing demand for skilled workers but also highlights the importance of STEAM education in building a competitive and innovative workforce.”

The funding is expected to support the BLUprint space, which stands for “Building, Learning and You.” This name was chosen to encompass the skilled trades and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education.

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The government says Phase One of the exploration spaces soft-launched on July 11 and is now open to the public. Albertans of all ages are invited to explore the outdoor space and take part in activities related to skilled trades exploration.

Phase Two is slated to launch in December and includes indoor exhibits that will delve into the trades using a blend of virtual reality job simulators and hands-on activities to meet the interest of kids of all ages.

“Engaging youth is one of TELUS Spark’s specialties, especially when it comes to creating innovative experiences that build excitement and curiosity about the future. With the government’s generous support for BLUprint, not only will audiences get immersed with hands-on experiences in skilled trades activities, but they will also learn how much STEAM is incorporated into every aspect of the industry,” says Roderick Tate, CEO and president of the TELUS Spark Science Centre.

Government officials say that In the next decade, 700,000 of the four million Canadians who work in the trades are expected to retire. There are more than 47 apprenticeship programs available in Alberta, offering a variety of career opportunities for young people in the skilled trades.

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