New campaign promotes Alberta’s skilled trades

Posted Oct 2, 2024

September 06, 2024 Media inquiries

Alberta’s government is launching a new campaign to highlight the important role of apprenticeship education and skilled trades in the province to encourage more students to begin in-demand careers.

From homes to highways, skilled tradespeople build Alberta’s landscape and play a pivotal role in upholding and advancing industry standards. They are highly valued individuals that go on to become leaders, innovators, business owners and educators in various industries.

Alberta’s government is launching an advertising campaign and website to champion apprenticeship education and emphasize the value skilled tradespeople bring to our province. Apprenticeship education is post-secondary education and any effort an individual takes to build skills, whether through an apprenticeship or a university education, will set them up for economic success and career satisfaction.

“With the world around us consistently changing, Alberta’s government is committed to helping our post-secondary students get the skills they need to succeed in the economy of tomorrow. By championing apprenticeship education and careers in the skilled trades, we can inspire future apprentices and attract more skilled tradespeople to our province.”

Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education

In 2024-25, Alberta is investing more than $117 million in apprenticeship programming. This includes $78 million for seats in apprenticeship programs in 11 post-secondary institutions around the province, an increase of $24 million over last year.

When considering apprenticeship education, students are considering a high-impact, low-cost investment in their future with a wide range of opportunities to contribute to Alberta’s growing economy. From carpentry to hair styling, Alberta currently offers 47 different apprenticeship programs to choose from.

Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring all underrepresented groups, such as women, newcomers and people with disabilities have the opportunity to pursue a career in the skilled trades.

Promoting skilled trades and apprenticeships

Alberta’s commitment to advancing apprenticeship education and the skilled trades has been supported by investments in institutions such as the NAIT Advanced Skills Centre and the Apprenticeship Learning Grant, and partnerships like BLUprint (TELUS Spark Science Centre) and Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator training (International Union of Operating Engineers).

Alberta is committed to reaching students in various ways, including physical outreach opportunities. This summer, Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) hosted information booths at two of Alberta’s most popular summertime events: the Calgary Stampede and K-days. Advanced Education will also be visiting high schools in the fall to reach potential apprentices and ensure information is available for those hoping to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities.

Alberta is amplifying the voices of young adults in the skilled trades through the Skilled Trades Youth Ambassador advisory council and the Youth Skills Network, and has also partnered with Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skill Development, signing a memorandum of understanding to define a framework for international credential recognition and post-journeyperson certification.

By making targeted investments that increase apprenticeship seats and programs in high-demand sectors, Alberta’s government is connecting students to fulfilling career paths that are key to boosting the province’s economy.

Quick facts

Budget 2024 invests an additional $24 million per year over the next three years to create 3,200 more seats in apprenticeship classes across the province.
Alberta offers 47 apprenticeship education programs and registrations have been rising sharply over the past two years.
Alberta’s apprenticeship programs include about 80 per cent on-the job learning through paid employment under the instruction of a qualified mentor and 20 per cent classroom instruction, which involves structured learning in classrooms and labs at public post-secondary institutions in Alberta.

Related information

Mackenzie Blyth

780-293-1745
Press Secretary, Advanced Education