Alberta announces $15 million to train more apprentices a $8 million for micro-credential programs

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

Alberta’s government is investing $15 million over three years to expand apprenticeship education at post-secondary institutions across the province.

“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,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, minister of advanced education.

$1.37 million will create an additional 300 apprenticeship seats in programs including $764,396 for new seats in pipe trades, electricians and power line technicians at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) and $421,000 for new seats in teamfitting/pipeitting and pre-employment training for heavy equipment mechanics at Portage College.

“Skilled tradespeople are integral to our province, our economy and our communities. This funding will allow more training opportunities provincewide, which in turn will produce more job-ready, skilled tradespeople who will contribute to the communities of Alberta and beyond,” said Matt Lindberg, dean, School of Skilled Trades at NAIT and member, Alberta Board of Skilled Trades.

Alberta has also announced $8 million over the next two years to fund new micro-credential programs, including several targeting the construction sector.

The short-term programs, funded through will create new opportunities for unemployed and underemployed Albertans to quickly re-skill or upskill in the province’s changing economy and become better equipped to meet industry needs when re-entering the workforce or pivoting in their careers.

“Micro-credentials empower Albertans to develop the job-ready skills they need to be successful and build new careers, while ensuring employers have access to the talent they need to grow their business,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, minister of advanced education.

“I’m thrilled we’re able to expand this program in a meaningful way that supports our students, post-secondary institutions, employers and industry to secure Alberta’s future.”

Funding comes from the Alberta at Work initiative introduced in Budget 2022 and builds on the $5.6 million used to launch a micro-credential pilot program in 2021. The program will support the development of 69 micro-credential programs at 21 post-secondary institutions across the province in the following sectors:

  • Aviation, aerospace and logistics – $512,050
  • Construction and manufacturing – $924,150
  • Technology and innovation – $2,399,070
  • Culture and creative (TV/film) – $330,000
  • Early childhood care – $242,000
  • Energy – $195,250
  • Finance and fintech – $603,250
  • Healthcare – $1,874,001
  • Other – $393,683

Micro-credential programs support the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy by providing students with flexible and innovative learning opportunities to help them develop skills for jobs.

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