The Alberta Government has announced it's investing $15 million towards expanding apprenticeship programs. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

By Drew Stremick/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Alberta government investing $15 million in apprenticeship programs

Sep 23, 2022 | 11:44 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Alberta Minister for Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides announced $15-million in funding to bolster apprenticeship programs in the province.

The funding will be administered over the next three years, with $1.37 million of those funds being used to add an additional 300 seats at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), the Southern Alberta Insitute of Technology (SAIT), and Portage College in the following programs.

• NAIT – $764, 396
  • Seats for pipe trades, electricians, and power line technicians.
• SAIT – $187,810
  • Seats for automotive service and autobody technicians.
• Portage College – $421,000
  • Seats for steamfitting/pipefitting, heavy equipment mechanics, and pre-employment training.

According to Nicolaides, this investment is part of how the UCP plans to continue to grow Alberta’s success.

“Apprenticeship education is an important part of our post-secondary system,” says Nicolaides. “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.”

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The remaining $13 million will be invested to create new apprenticeship learning opportunities across the province, focusing on high-demand sectors.

In order to get a piece of the funding pie, post-secondary institutions will need to present proposals and collaborate with industry in order to identify what skills are currently in demand, and what programs require further development.

President and CEO of NAIT, Laura Jo Gunter, told reporters that this funding will continue to ensure that Alberta workers are always on the cutting edge.

“This targeted investment into apprenticeship education ensures more students will have access to in-demand industry relevant programs,” said Gunter. “It also ensures industry will have access to the skilled workers they need to grow and thrive.”

The provincial government intends to issue a call for proposals in the near future, so funding decisions and program expansions can be developed over the coming months.