Province plans to create 3.2K trade-school spaces
Approved budget would add extra $24M for next three years amid labour shortfall
The Alberta government is providing funding to help create 3,200 new apprenticeship seats at 11 post-secondary institutions across the province, amid growing concerns about labour shortages in the skilled trades.
Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney announced Friday that the government plans to spend an extra $24 million annually for the next three years to create new spots to support thousands of students training to be electricians, plumbers and carpenters, among other career paths. The funding, contingent on the approval of the province's budget next week, would be in addition to existing government grants, bringing the total to $78 million yearly.
“This investment in apprenticeship education shows our clear commitment to the needs of industry and the enormous potential of our students,” Sawhney said during a news conference at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary. “It also demonstrates our faith in the value of skilled trades and the career options they offer to Albertans.”
The supply of skilled workers across the country has diminished in recent years. The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum estimates a gap of more than 60,000 registered apprentices across the country by 2025, and a 2024 outlook survey by Manpowergroup found 80 per cent of Canadian businesses anticipate struggles in finding skilled workers this year.
According to the province, there are 61,000 registered apprentices in Alberta — a 28 per cent increase over 2023 — 24,000 of whom were registered within the past year. The province says that increased registration has led to a need for more apprenticeship seats.
“Apprenticeship graduates enjoy a rich and rewarding learning experience. They hit the ground running in their careers and learn in-demand skills for a range of future prospects,” said Sawhney. “The sheer diversity of careers in the skilled trades means amazing opportunities for personal fulfilment and quality of life.”
Heather Magotiaux, SAIT'S vice-president of external relations, said the added seats will allow more students to pursue careers in the trades and help meet demand in several industries.
“We're encouraged by the government's investments in further elevating our trades programs,” she said at Friday's news conference. “Together, we're shaping the future of Alberta's workforce and ensuring a prosperous tomorrow for our province.”