Alberta campaign highlights skilled trades in the province

Alberta is highlighting the skilled trades in the province in hopes of attracting more workers into the field.

Recently, the provincial government launched the “A career to be proud of” webpage to champion apprenticeship education and emphasize the value skilled tradespeople bring to the 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, the provincial government noted.

“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,” said Rajan Sawhney, minister of advanced education. “By championing apprenticeship education and careers in the skilled trades, we can inspire future apprentices and attract more skilled tradespeople to our province.”

Earlier this year, Alberta launched the third phase of its “Alberta is Calling” recruitment campaign, looking to entice skilled trades workers from other provinces with a $5,000 refundable tax credit.

Apprenticeships in Alberta

Alberta currently offers 47 different apprenticeship programs to choose from. The province’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.

In the campaign webpage, Alberta noted: “By mastering a trade, you'll gain transferable skills that make you in-demand and essential to businesses of all shapes and sizes across Alberta’s vibrant and expanding economy. These skills are in greater demand than ever today, with many industries facing labour shortages and an urgent need to fill roles with qualified professionals.”

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.

Also, 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 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.

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.

In June, Ontario announced it is investing over $4.7 million to prepare Ontarians for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.