In its upcoming 2024 budget, Alberta is planning to invest $24 million per year over the next three years to create 3,200 apprenticeship seats at 11 post-secondary institutions across the province.
The new investment would bring the total funding through the Apprenticeship Learning Grant for the 2024-25 academic year to $78 million.
“When students join the skilled trades, they are entering well-paying jobs and starting a bright future in our province. 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,” Alberta Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney.
The Apprenticeship Learning Grant provides supplemental funding to support the delivery of apprenticeship classroom seats. The funding is intended to address demand throughout the academic year. In 2023-24, the government provided $54 million to 11 public post-secondary institutions through the grant.
The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum estimates that Canada will face a gap of more than 60,000 registered apprentices by 2025.
Currently there are about 61,000 registered apprentices in Alberta, a 28 per cent increase over the number of apprentices who progressed through Alberta’s system last year. In the last 12 months, more than 24,000 apprentices were registered. This increase in registration has led to a demand for more apprenticeship seats.
“SAIT is encouraged by the government’s ongoing investment in apprentice education throughout the province. A skilled workforce is key to Alberta’s economic well-being and to ensuring a prosperous future. By increasing access to world-class trades training, this funding will advance careers in areas critical to Alberta’s growth,” said David Ross, president and CEO, SAIT.
