Alberta Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions, Kaycee Madu announced new funding for Apprenticeship Learning Grants at the NAIT campus in Edmonton on March 7, 2023. (Photo: Alberta Government)

By Sarah Jones

Alberta to bolster Apprenticeship Learning Grants with $15 million dollar investment

Mar 7, 2023 | 1:51 PM

EDMONTON, AB – Red Deer Polytechnic is among Alberta’s post-secondary institutions that stand to benefit from a funding boost announced by the province on Tuesday.

The Government of Alberta has promised to provide an additional $15 million over the next three years to the Apprenticeship Learning Grants through Alberta Budget 2023, meaning total funding will increase to $42 million in 2023-24.

An increase in demand for skilled trade workers has prompted the province to invest in the future of apprenticeship learning opportunities, say government officials.

The Apprenticeship Learning Grants at post-secondary institutions in Alberta helps deliver classroom instruction to complement on-the-job training.

Alberta Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions, Kaycee Madu, explained at a news conference, “This investment will help post-secondary institutions across Alberta create new spaces for students to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Strengthening our skilled labour force ensures that Alberta can respond to the needs of industry and the opportunities of our booming economy.”

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Student registration in Alberta’s apprenticeship programs increased to more than 15,600 in 2022 from 7,820 in 2020.

Funding is anticipated to create new seats that will be allocated to post-secondary institutions based on student demand and workforce data for in-demand skilled trades.

Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides said, “Apprenticeship education is an important part of our post-secondary system. 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.”

The province offers apprenticeship education opportunities in 47 different trades at 11 post-secondary institutions across Alberta.

Trevor Doucette, chair for the Alberta Construction Association noted, “Every new apprentice seat funded by this announcement supports a young Alberta family, builds community and strengthens the Alberta economy.”

“Investment in post-secondary education is a key driver of Alberta’s economic prosperity. The expansion of apprenticeship seats ensures Red Deer Polytechnic can address the increased demand for skilled labour and trades training as Alberta industry and business continue to grow and prosper,” says Stuart Cullum, president, Red Deer Polytechnic.

Alberta NDP Advanced Education Critic David Eggen issued the following statement in response:

“Since taking office, the UCP has cut funding for post-secondaries and increased costs for students.

“The UCP removed the tuition cap brought in by our government and increased rates on student loans, leading to massive tuition increases across the province and forcing students further into debt. Alberta now has the highest tuition increases in the country with many students seeing a 30 per cent tuition increase – or more – since the UCP formed government.

“Today’s announcement is merely an attempt to paper over how badly they have failed our future leaders.

“An Alberta NDP government will reinvest in our post-secondary institutions and make life more affordable for students so they can get the skills they need to get a good-paying job and we can build a skilled workforce for a resilient economy.”

Read more: UCP unveils budget it says secures Alberta’s future