Alberta to Invest in Apprenticeship Seats Through 2024 Budget
February 23, 2024
Through their Budget 2024, Alberta’s government would invest an additional $24 million per year over the next three years to create 3,200 apprenticeship seats at 11 post-secondary institutions across the province. The new investment would bring the total funding through the Apprenticeship Learning Grant for the 2024-25 academic year to $78 million.
Apprenticeship education is an affordable post-secondary option for learners. In addition to the job opportunities available upon completion, sponsored apprentices are employed and paid wages for more than 75 per cent of their program.
The Apprenticeship Learning Grant provides supplemental funding to support the delivery of apprenticeship classroom seats. The funding is intended to address demand throughout the academic year. In 2023-24, the government provided $54 million to 11 public post-secondary institutions through the grant.
The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum estimates that Canada will face a gap of more than 60,000 registered apprentices by 2025.
Currently there are about 61,000 registered apprentices in Alberta, a 28 per cent increase over the number of apprentices who progressed through Alberta’s system last year. In the last 12 months, more than 24,000 apprentices were registered. This increase in registration has led to a demand for more apprenticeship seats.
“SAIT is encouraged by the government’s ongoing investment in apprentice education throughout the province. A skilled workforce is key to Alberta’s economic well-being and to ensuring a prosperous future. By increasing access to world-class trades training, this funding will advance careers in areas critical to Alberta’s growth,” commented David Ross, president and CEO, SAIT.
