Alberta has announced significant support for the skilled trades sector today in a pre-budget news release indicating the government will create 3,200 additional apprenticeship seats at 11 post-secondary institutions across the province. These additional spaces are much needed to address the ever-growing industry demand for skilled workers in our economy.
Today’s announcement by Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney would see the government invest an additional $24 million per year over the next three years. This brings the total funding for apprenticeship training to $78 million for the 2024-25 academic year.
With a significant portion of Alberta’s skilled tradespeople entering retirement in the coming 5-10 years, the need to train and employ thousands of new apprentices is more urgent than ever, particularly as the provincial population continues to grow.
The CLRA agrees with Minister Sawhney of Advanced Education: “Investing in apprenticeship education will supply Albertans with in-demand skills, nurture homegrown talent and support our labour market with world-class skilled tradespeople who keep our economy moving.” CLRA is doing our part to address this issue with by encouraging students to consider a career in skilled trades through our WorkAlbertaTrades.org and #BuildYourFuture public education campaign.
Read the government’s full announcement here.
