As Alberta's economy continues to grow and diversify, so too does the demand for post-secondary opportunities. Through Budget 2025, Alberta's government is investing $4 million in the planning and design of the new Career Skills Centre at NorQuest College. When finished, this centre will help NorQuest College accommodate the significant growth in their student enrolment.
NorQuest College envisions a 35,000 square metre facility designed to accommodate up to 4,000 additional full-time learners. When completed, the new building will expand space for NorQuest College's four core faculties - Faculty of Skills and Foundational Learning; Faculty of Health Studies; Faculty of Business, Environment and Technology; and Faculty of Arts and Science - and would include research hubs, community spaces and enhanced student amenities. Construction is anticipated to begin as early as 2027 and be completed as early as 2029.
"Alberta's government is committed to supporting projects like this that expand enrolment capacity and help create modern learning environments for students. We applaud NorQuest College's vision for the Career Skills Centre and look forward to seeing its continued development. This investment will help ensure that Alberta is meeting the labour market needs of today and into the future."
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
The Career Skills Centre would also serve as the new home of the Indigenous House of Learning and Indigenous Career Centre, which helps Indigenous job seekers gain access to meaningful employment training, supports and mutually beneficial employer partnerships across sectors.
"The Career Skills Centre will be a beacon of opportunity, empowering and connecting Indigenous job seekers with skills and support to thrive in today's workforce. The Indigenous House of Learning and the Indigenous Career Centre will help position Indigenous talent into meaningful employment across a number of Alberta's core industries, transforming lives and fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all."
Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations
Additionally, the new Career Skills Centre will act as a modern research hub to help students develop responsive solutions to the most pressing problems facing Alberta's industries and communities.
"In recent years, NorQuest has more than doubled the number of learners our campus was designed to serve. The Government of Alberta's $4-million investment will help ensure the college continues to meet the growing demand for workforce-ready skills through the development of the new Career Skills Centre in the heart of Edmonton's Education District."
Carolyn Campbell, president and CEO, NorQuest College
"NorQuest College plays a foundational role in the continued revitalization of Edmonton's downtown. The college attracts thousands of staff and students to our downtown while ensuring local employers have access to workforce-ready graduates. The Downtown Revitalization Coalition is delighted to see the Government of Alberta's commitment to the vibrancy and success of Edmonton's downtown by investing in NorQuest's Career Skills Centre."
Cheryll Watson, chair, Downtown Revitalization Coalition, and president & CEO, Junior Achievement Northern Alberta.
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick Facts
- NorQuest's enrolment has tripled since 2010, with the equivalent of more than 10,000 full-time learners on a campus built for 5,000.
- Projections suggest that by 2030, enrolment will exceed 15,000 full-time learners.
- The total project cost is between $240 to $250 million.
