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Edmonton... A $15-million boost to apprenticeship funding will help apprentices access the technical training portion of their apprenticeship program. This will help meet employers' needs for tradespeople in various industries and regions across the province. Nearly 3,000 additional in-class training seats will be available for apprentices.

"Increasing funding for the trades is a positive move toward addressing Alberta's growth pressures," said Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. "This financial support will open doors for even more apprentices to continue their training throughout the province. This is exciting news for all Albertans."

The investment, which is an increase of 53 per cent from last year's budget, will also fund learning resources, supplies and services to support the additional training seats. The new funding will be provided to institutions offering apprenticeship programs, in addition to base operating grants. Since March, government has added nearly 6,500 in-class seats to help address the demand for skilled tradespeople in Alberta.

"It's commendable that government is also focusing on ensuring apprentices receive the highest quality of training using up-to-date resources," said Brian Bickley, Chair of the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board. "We not only need to increase access to technical training, but also continue to maintain our province's first-class training reputation."

Apprentices and employers can find information about available technical training seats, and financial assistance for apprentices attending technical training at: www.tradesecrets.gov.ab.ca . The site also includes information for employers looking to develop skilled workers through apprenticeship programs to assure the future prosperity of their business and information about apprenticeship programs for people considering careers in trades. There are more than 60,000 apprentices in Alberta.

Addressing the need for skilled labour is one of the key actions under Premier Ed Stelmach's plan to manage growth pressures. Other priorities for the government are to govern with integrity and transparency, improve Albertans' quality of life, build a stronger Alberta, and provide safe and secure communities.

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Attachments: Backgrounder on new apprenticeship seats

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