The Alberta government has announced it's investing $15 million towards expanding apprenticeship programs. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

By Drew Stremick

Alberta at Work initiative

Alberta government investing $15 million in apprenticeship programs

Sep 23, 2022 | 12:53 PM

Alberta Minister for Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides announced $15-million dollars in funding to bolster apprenticeship programs in the province.

The funding will be administered over the next three years, with $1.37 million of those funds being used to add an additional 300 seats at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), the Southern Alberta Insitute of Technology (SAIT), and Portage College in the following programs.

• NAIT – $764, 396
  • Seats for pipe trades, electricians, and power line technicians.
• SAIT – $187,810
  • Seats for automotive service and autobody technicians.
• Portage College – $421,000
  • Seats for steamfitting/pipefitting, heavy equipment mechanics, and pre-employment training.

According to Nicolaides, this investment is part of how the UCP plans to continue to grow Alberta’s success.

“Apprenticeship education is an important part of our post-secondary system,” says Nicolaides. “Making sure students have access to programs, training and resources not only sets them up for success, but supports and grows industries and our economy with a world-class workforce.”

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The remaining $13 million will be invested to create new apprenticeship learning opportunities across the province, focusing on high-demand sectors.

In order to get a piece of the funding pie, post-secondary institutions will need to present proposals and collaborate with industry in order to identify what skills are currently in demand, and what programs require further development.

President and CEO of NAIT, Laura Jo Gunter, told reporters that this funding will continue to ensure that Alberta workers are always on the cutting edge.

“This targeted investment into apprenticeship education ensures more students will have access to in-demand industry relevant programs,” said Gunter. “It also ensures industry will have access to the skilled workers they need to grow and thrive.”

The provincial government intends to issue a call for proposals in the near future, so funding decisions and program expansions can be developed over the coming months.

Christina Gray, NDP Critic for Labour, made the following statement on funding for apprenticeship expansion:

“Alberta’s NDP supports the growth of both post-secondary and apprenticeships in Alberta. Unfortunately, at a time when employers are struggling to find qualified individuals to meet their needs, the UCP has made it increasingly difficult for Albertans to advance their education or seek career training through massive overall cuts to post-secondary. The misguided approach of the UCP over the past few years is stifling economic potential today.

“This is why, just this week, Rachel Notley committed to a plan ensuring good jobs, with more opportunities for skills development, in a strong and resilient economy.  Alongside stable and predictable funding of post-secondary institutions, the NDP will support organizations like Building Trades of Alberta to train more apprentices than ever before, with dedicated funding to training facilities. This will close a funding gap that is unique to Alberta, and allow greater access to apprenticeship training, safety training, new credentials, and industry-standard upgrading.

“An NDP government will have a comprehensive strategy for workforce development, skills training, and investment attraction. We will invest in Albertans seeking employment training, make post-secondary more accessible, and support the workers who build our community and our economy.”

(With files from rdnewsNOW)