Alberta's government is investing more than $900,000 to expand trade seats so more Albertans can access apprenticeship programs and keep Alberta's economy growing.
Alberta's economy has momentum, and the government is focused on even more job creation and diversification as Alberta continues to be the economic engine of Canada. Skilled trades offer valuable, well-paying jobs and are critical to the province's diversifying economy.
Alberta's government is investing $900,140 through the Apprenticeship Learning Grant (formerly the Technical Training Grant) to fund 134 new trade seats at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) so more students can start a rewarding career in Alberta's talented skilled trades workforce.
"Alberta's skilled trades are recognized nationally and internationally for excellence. Graduates from apprenticeship education programs start their careers making a good wage and are able to contribute to productivity in the workplace from Day 1. We are committed to expanding apprenticeship education to meet the needs of industry and get more Albertans working in great jobs."
Kaycee Madu, Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions
Apprenticeship education empowers Albertans to quickly gain valuable work experience, expands Alberta's talent pipeline and provides employers with trained workers who can hit the ground running. Having students learn directly from mentors and seasoned industry professionals, and applying what they've learned in a real-world setting, is one of the best ways to set them up for success in their future careers.
"SAIT is a proud partner in building Alberta's skilled workforce through world-class apprentice education and pre-apprenticeship training in more than 30 different trades. As a leading Alberta polytechnic, SAIT is committed to advancing careers that make critical contributions to communities across the province and to our economy."
David Ross, president and CEO, SAIT
"As a proud alumnus, I have experienced first-hand the world-class and relevant applied education provided by SAIT. That commitment to my future set me up with the knowledge, confidence and skills I needed to be successful long term. This investment from the Government of Alberta to create additional apprenticeship seats will enable SAIT to prepare even more students for careers that are vital to our economy."
Mike Hughes, interim academic chair, SAIT School of Transportation
The new seats at SAIT support the goals of the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy by providing more students with flexible and innovative learning opportunities that help them develop skills for jobs.
Quick facts
- The Government of Alberta offers apprenticeship education programs in 47 designated trades.
- In addition to the 134 new seats, SAIT currently offers 6,000 apprenticeship education seats in 30 programs.
- The additional seats will be distributed as follows:
- cook - 12 seats
- crane and hoisting equipment operator - 16 seats
- heavy equipment technician - 24 seats
- millwright - 34 seats
- machinist - 10 seats
- plumber - 12 seats
- recreation vehicle technician - 12 seats
- welder - 14 seats
- The additional seats will start being offered in the 2022-23 academic year.
