Published on September 25, 2023
NAIT will add more than 500 apprenticeship seats thanks to a recent Government of Alberta $4.9 million investment.
The $4.9 million will see seats expanded across 16 different programs:
The increase allows NAIT to provide training for 9,500 apprentices for the 2023/24 academic year.
The additional seats come at an important time. Apprenticeship and skilled trades are tightly linked to Alberta’s economy; as the economy strengthens, the demand for labour increases. There are 53,922 registered apprentices in Alberta, an increase of 19 per cent from the end of 2022.
Overall, the Government of Alberta is investing $12.4 million to create nearly 2,000 apprenticeship seats across the province. This funding is in addition to $15 million over three years the government announced earlier this year, which added more than 1,000 additional apprenticeship spaces; bringing the total funding for apprenticeship training in 2023-24 to $54.4 million.
The announcement was made at NAIT in celebration Apprenticeship Day in Alberta—a day created in 2022 by the Government of Alberta to celebrate apprentices and recognize the contributions the skilled trades make in shaping the province.
Quick facts
- While Alberta has 12 per cent of Canada’s labour force, the province has approximately 14 per cent of the country’s apprentices.
- Alberta has 47 Apprenticeship Education Programs, each of which has one to four periods.
- There are currently 53,922 registered apprentices in Alberta as of September 2023.
Quotes
“As the leading provider of apprenticeship education in Alberta, this investment demonstrates this government’s commitment to ensuring the province has the skilled talent needed to drive Alberta’s economic growth. As we celebrate Apprenticeship Day and acknowledge the value of skilled trades education as a pathway to a meaningful career, today’s funding ensures the availability of seats in high-demand apprenticeship programs across critical sectors such as construction, manufacturing and transportation.” – Laura Jo Gunter, NAIT President & CEO
“With today being Apprenticeship Day, we are celebrating those tradespeople who have and continue to build this great province. Every Albertan knows at least one tradesperson – and their career started with an apprenticeship. 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.” - Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
“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. Our government remains committed to expanding apprenticeship education and promoting its parity of esteem with other post-secondary education.” - Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education
About NAIT
The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and skilled trades. With over 34,000 credit and non-credit students and a 98 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads help fuel the economic engine of the province. NAIT also contributes to Alberta's prosperity by helping businesses and communities become more competitive through industry-driven research and corporate training. Recognized as one of Alberta's top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, industry partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.
Media inquiries
Nicole Graham
NAIT Media Relations
C 780.916.8307 E media@nait.ca
NAIT receives $4.9M to add more than 500 apprenticeship seats
Funding allows more apprentices to pursue education during the 2023/24 academic year
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