Alberta has declared Monday, Sept. 26 as Apprenticeship Day

    Apprenticeship Day is the latest announcement demonstrating the government’s commitment to increasing awareness of apprenticeship education and its benefits to the economy.

    The Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy established a clear path forward for apprenticeship education programs and skilled trades in Alberta. Since then, the government has taken the following steps to support apprenticeship training:

    • Budget 2022 invested $30 million over three years to enhance apprenticeship programs and opportunities.
      • About $15 million will help students acquire skills for the emerging technology sectors and other in-demand occupations.
    • In June 2022, the Skills Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act was proclaimed and the Alberta Board of Skilled Trades was created.
    • In July 2022, government announced $3.2 million in funding to train more Albertans for good-paying jobs in the construction industry.
      • This pilot project is a partnership with the Alberta Construction Association, End Poverty Edmonton and the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers.
    • In September 2022, Alberta’s government announced $15 million over the next three years to expand apprenticeship education.
      • $1.37 million will be used to create 300 new apprenticeship seats at NAIT, SAIT and Portage College.
      • The remaining funds will be allocated in consultation with post-secondary institutions and industry partners.
    • In July 2022, Alberta’s government announced the creation of a Career Education Task Force to review career education programming and provide strategic advice and recommendations that will help strengthen student learning pathways.
      • The task force will focus primarily on career education for grades 7-12 and how to effectively prepare students for seamless entry into post-secondary studies or employment. The task force includes leaders from industry, labour, the education system, post-secondary institutions and government departments.

    For full Release, click here.

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