To help address the rising demand for skilled tradespeople, the Alberta government is investing even more in trades education. The CLRA is pleased to hear that the GoA has recently committed $1.5 million over three years to support Trade Winds to Success, an Indigenous-led non-profit that has helped over 3,000 Indigenous students pursue careers in the skilled trades since 2005. This funding will help Trade Winds to Success continue offering valuable training programs; their Residential Construction Program is one such example, where students receive foundational training and hands-on experience in constructing eco-smart homes in Indigenous communities. Upon completion, students gain hours toward their first-year apprenticeship in Alberta’s carpenter program, guiding them toward successful, long-term careers in the trades. Over 150 participants are expected to enroll in this program over the next three years. For Trade Winds to Success, this funding is seen as an important step in reconciliation. It provides the organization with the resources needed to continue advocating for Indigenous student success in the workforce. With the backing of Alberta’s government, the program will help meet the province’s growing need for skilled labour while offering Indigenous students the tools to build lasting careers and contribute to their communities and

“The Alberta economy continues to move forward but with the headwinds of a poor Canadian economy, more cracks are appearing in its armour.” So begins the Business Council of Alberta’s latest economic update, the Winter 2024 Alberta Snapshot. This report highlights the both the challenges and prospectives the province has encountered over the last quarter. Some key findings are as follows: unemployment has risen to 7.3%, signaling a sizable slowdown in work opportunities such that there are at least three jobseekers for each job vacancy. Despite 13,000 additional jobs last month, job creation growth is still only 1% annually. Recent immigrants are particularly feeling the effects of this weak labour market, with unemployment among newcomers a steep 15%. Many sectors are struggling – especially those serving the domestic market – as weak consumer spending takes its toll. In terms of housing, the outlook for residential construction is less optimistic long-term due to recent federal immigration cuts. Albertans face declining purchasing power, with discretionary spending taking a hit. And although severe financial troubles like bankruptcies and mortgages in arrears haven’t materialized yet, they could if the labour market worsens, particularly as oil and gas revenues come under pressure as commodity prices

CLRA supports the Alberta government’s recent decision to invest $21.5 million in the start-up and expansion of collegiate schools across the province, part of a $64.3 million investment over the next three years. As the demand for career education grows – alongside related job opportunities post-graduation – increasing the number of schools offering these programs will help more Alberta youth jumpstart pathways to rewarding, stable, and well-paying trades careers. Collegiate schools – either public or independently accredited – have seen a recent boost in interest, with 12 schools already established since their introduction in 2021. Through partnerships with post-secondary institutions like SAIT and NAIT, collegiate schools offer students career-focused education, hands-on apprenticeship programs, and the chance to earn post-secondary credits while in high school. The knowledge and technical skills gained by these students truly accelerate the trajectory of their work life and earning potential. Since they join the workforce earlier and gain valuable real-life experience, these students gain a competitive edge by enjoying more time to grow and succeed in their chosen fields. Applications for new collegiate schools for the 2025-26 school year are due by January 31, 2025. Read the government’s full announcement here, and check out our trades