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Alberta is looking to invest an additional $24 million per year over the next three years to create 3,200 apprenticeship seats at 11 post-secondary institutions across the province. (Photo 113995223 © Visivasnc | Dreamstime.com)

Alberta investing to expand opportunities in trades in Budget 2024

Feb 23, 2024 | 12:21 PM

The province is looking to expand work in the trades.

Alberta is looking to invest an additional $24 million per year over the next three years to create 3,200 apprenticeship seats at 11 post-secondary institutions across the province.

The funding would be implemented as part of Budget 2024 if passed. With the funding, the province’s Apprenticeship Learning Grant for the 2024-25 academic year would be brought up to a total of $78 million. The previous year, the province provided $54 million to post-secondary schools with the program.

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education said, “When students join the skilled trades, they are entering well-paying jobs and starting a bright future in our province.”

Sawhney added, “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.”

The province says the investment comes as the demand for skilled workers in Alberta increases. The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum estimates that Canada will face a gap of more than 60,000 registered apprentices by 2025.

In the last 12 months, more than 24,000 apprentices are registered in Alberta.