Olds College of Agriculture and Technology will receive $63 million from the provincial government for the renovation and expansion of the W.J. Elliott Building.
The Government of Alberta released Budget 2024 on Thursday. If approved, Olds College will receive capital funding over three years: $13 million this year and $25 million in each of the next two years.
The decision to invest in renovating the W.J. Elliott Trades Building stems from continuous discussions between Olds College and the Ministry of Advanced Education regarding the need to modernize infrastructure to strengthen apprenticeship and trades training, the post-secondary institution said in a media release on Friday.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Minister (Rajan) Sawhney for her unwavering support and advocacy for Olds College and our trades training specifically,” said Dr. Ben Cecil, Olds College president.
“This substantial funding embodies a shared vision that promises to shape a vibrant future for our province and its industries.”
The institution stated that these upgraded facilities will enable Olds College to elevate its student experience and industry partnerships, thereby nurturing the development of a skilled workforce.
The $63 million represents 90 per cent of the requested funding. The institution notes that investment mirrors the government’s recent commitment to augment apprenticeship seats by 3,200.
“The renovation of the W.J. Elliott Building will not only provide an enriched learning environment for our students but will also meet the growing demands of industry as we add qualified apprentices into Alberta’s skilled trades workforce,” said Dennis Beaudoin, dean of Trades and Skills at Olds College.
“With improved facilities made possible by this funding, Olds College will be able to support our industry partners in the way that they have always supported us.”
Planning for the project is underway with construction anticipated to begin in early 2025.
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