As Alberta's economy continues to grow and diversify, so does the need for more skilled tradespeople to continue building the province. Alberta's government is addressing the labour market demands of today and tomorrow through strategic investments to increase training capacity in high-demand areas, helping students get the skills and knowledge they need to enter Alberta's workforce.
Through Budget 2025, if passed, Alberta's government is investing $20 million in continuing funding for the Advanced Skills Centre at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), as part of a three-year total investment of $43 million for pre-construction planning and design. Once operational, the centre is expected to train an additional 4,200 apprentices per year, helping to meet Alberta's growing demand for skilled workers.
"By investing in skilled trades and apprenticeship education, Alberta is responding to the needs of industry and targeting our investments in ways that support the economy. Projects like the Advanced Skills Centre exemplify our commitment to helping ensure students are able to make the most of opportunities in high-demand fields and get the skills they need to be successful in Alberta's workforce."
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
The new facility will add 640,000 square feet of state-of-the-art learning space to NAIT's main campus. The Advanced Skills Centre will deliver comprehensive, leading-edge apprenticeship and technology-based education to help meet the needs of industry by targeting four key sectors: construction, transportation, manufacturing and energy.
"Alberta's economy is built by skilled tradespeople, and this investment ensures more Albertans can access the training they need to secure stable, high-paying jobs. The Advanced Skills Centre will help meet workforce demands in key industries, keeping our province competitive and prosperous for many years to come."
Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade
The Advanced Skills Centre is now in the planning and design phase and is anticipated to be fully operational by 2029. As part of the centre, NAIT has proposed a 10,000-square-foot space for trades and technology skills exploration, which will serve as a hub for K-12 partners, community groups and industry to receive hands-on training opportunities.
"The Advanced Skills Centre will build the skilled workforce needed to build Alberta's future. The Government of Alberta's latest investment will accelerate getting this all-important project shovel-ready. NAIT would like to thank the Government of Alberta for its continued trust and partnership. Together, we will confidently create new economic opportunities for the next generation."
Laura Jo Gunter, president and CEO, NAIT
"Growth in Edmonton's construction industry, and our regional economy, depend on ECA members' ability to hire and retain skilled trades workers. The ECA welcomes the Government of Alberta's investment in the Advanced Skilled Centre, and pledges continued support to grow NAIT's ability to attract, train and educate tomorrow's construction workforce."
Matt Schellenberger, director of corporate development, Edmonton Construction Association
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta communities with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick facts
- The investment of $20 million for pre-construction planning and design of the Advanced Skills Centre is part of a three-year total investment of $43 million, first announced in 2024.
- The yearly funding breakdown from Alberta's government is as follows:
- $2 million in 2024-25
- $20 million in 2025-26
- $21 million in 2026-27
- Through Budget 2025, if passed, Alberta is also investing an additional $78 million per year over three years for seats in apprenticeship programs at 11 post-secondary institutions across the province.
- Each year, 30,000 to 40,000 students are enrolled in programs across NAIT's campuses.
- Of those students studying in full-time programs, more than 30 per cent are enrolled in apprenticeship and skilled trades programs.
- Demand for seats and apprenticeship registration has increased over the last three years and is expected to continue rising due to Alberta's growing economy and vacancies created by retirees.
- As of February 2025, there were more than 73,000 registered apprentices in Alberta, representing an increase of 19 per cent compared to last year.
Related information
- Information about apprenticeship and the skilled trades is available at tradesecrets.alberta.ca.
