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By rdnewsNOW staff

Alberta

Amplifying young voices in the skilled trades

May 28, 2024 | 6:25 PM

Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney has appointed an Advisory Council of Skilled Trades Youth Ambassadors (STYA).

To build housing, expand infrastructure and address workforce shortages, government officials say Alberta needs more skilled trades workers. Over the past two years, apprenticeship registration in Alberta has been rising sharply, officials point out. Hearing the voices and experiences of young adults in the skilled trades, says the government, will support efforts underway to encourage more students to enter high-demand programs and begin rewarding careers.

Officials say STYA aims to help promote the skilled trades and provide advice to Alberta’s government to support the increasing number of apprentices and journeypersons. Hearing directly from young adults in the skilled trades is one more way that Alberta is working to attract and retain the talent needed to continue to build Alberta’s economy in the decades to come, say provincial officials.

“Alberta’s young adults have so much to offer our growing province,” says Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education. “The advice of young apprentices and journeypersons will give us valuable insight as we look for more ways to grow and promote the skilled trades. I look forward to this exciting opportunity to collaborate with a strong group of ambassadors.”

The government says the 12 ambassadors are forward-thinking youth actively engaged in the skilled trades. Officials say each has been nominated by their post-secondary institution based on performance excellence on their apprenticeship path. They are expected to help inform government on issues, challenges and opportunities affecting the skilled trades. The government says each ambassador will serve a term of six months.

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“Having youth involved in a conversation with our ministries to provide feedback about the apprenticeship system in Alberta and about their own personal journeys is absolutely vital to making the provincial apprenticeship system even better than it is today,” adds Dennis Beaudoin, dean, School of Trades and Skills, Olds College. “Our youth are the up-and-coming skilled trades workforce, and their voices should be heard and valued.”

“Skills Canada Alberta is proud to have members of our exceptional alumni serving on the Advisory Council of Skilled Trades Youth Ambassadors Group. As champions and leaders among their peers, they will be able to offer unique insights, raise the parity of esteem, and inspire Alberta’s future workforce to pursue rewarding careers in the trades,” shares Patricia Nelson, secretary, Skills Canada Alberta and technical training manager, Finning Canada.

“Deploying Skilled Trades Youth Ambassadors is a brilliant way to promote skilled trades and technologies in Alberta’s growing economy,” states Dennis Perrin, chair, Premier’s Council on Skills. “Young journeypersons and apprentices are in the best position to understand the interests of other young professionals, and will greatly enhance the knowledge and awareness of skilled trades among their peers.”

Ambassadors

Alberta government quick facts

• Alberta delivers 47 apprenticeship education programs in the skilled trades.
• Through Budget 2024, Alberta’s government is investing an additional $24 million per year over the next three years to create more seats in apprenticeship classes at public post-secondary institutions.
• In Budget 2023, Alberta’s government invested $44.2 million over three years in direct support to CAREERS: The Next Generation, Women Building Futures and Skills Canada Alberta.