Red Deer Polytechnic will add 360 apprenticeship spots after receiving $2.1 million in new provincial funding this year aimed at filling a gap in skilled tradespeople.
The Alberta government announced on Monday $12.4 million will be invested to create 2,000 new apprenticeship seats across the province. RDP is getting $800,000 of that to create 138 new apprenticeship spots.
The funding comes on top of $15 million over three years the province announced in June to create 1,000 new apprenticeship seats. That funding through the Alberta Learning Grant saw $1.3 million go to RDP for 222 new apprenticeship seats.
“At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are grateful for the Government of Alberta’s growing investment in skilled trades programming to help fulfill labour shortages,” said Lindsay Engel, RDP vice-president, academic and student experience.
“As Alberta’s third largest educator of apprenticeship programming, we are proud to train more than 2,000 apprentices this year, contributing to the economic prosperity of the province.”
RDP offers apprenticeship training in 17 skilled trades programs. Flexible learning options are offered that allow student to take courses and train in-person, online or in a blended format “to accommodate their learning preferences, work schedules, geographical location and life circumstances.”
Besides training at RDP, students also improve their skills and build professional relationships through work with industry partners. RDP has trained more than 20,000 apprentices over the years.
The Alberta government says the economy has momentum and to keep it rolling more skilled workers are needed, especially in the construction industry.
“With labour forecasts projecting continued growth well into the future, Alberta’s government remains committed to ensuring that there is space for everyone who chooses to pursue a rewarding career in the trades,” said Advanced Education Minister Rajan Sawhney, in the funding announcement.
In all, Alberta is committing $54.4 million for apprenticeship training in 2023-24.
“Apprenticeship programs are an essential part of Alberta’s education system. Increasing opportunities for young people to enter the trades not only sets them up for success but also supports Alberta’s diverse industries and economy with a highly skilled workforce,” said Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides.
Alberta Trade Contractors Council chairman Terry Milot said the funding is welcomed.
“With the economy growing so quickly, employers across many industries are in need of skilled labour. Whether just starting out, or nearly finished, apprentices are offered a great career opportunity.”
While Alberta accounts for 12 per cent of Canada’s labour force, the province has about 14 per cent of the country’s apprentices. Through the 47 one- to four-year apprenticeship education programs across the province, there are 53,922 registered apprentices in Alberta, an increase of 19 per cent from the end of 2022.
The funding was announced on Apprenticeship Day, which was created in 2022 and celebrates apprentices and recognizes the contributions the skilled trades have made in shaping the province.
