The Skills for Jobs Task Force explored ways to ensure Albertans have the education, skills and training they need to be successful after graduation and enter the workforce. The report will look at strengthening and improving apprenticeship education and skills development – and better recognize the important role of skilled trades professions.
“The Skills for Jobs Task Force was asked to find ways to modernize apprenticeship and recognize that a trades education is just as valuable as a university degree. With the highest youth unemployment rate in decades, we must do everything possible to give students the skills, knowledge and training they need for future careers. I want to thank the task force members for their time and service, including co-chairs David Ross and Glenn Feltham. I look forward to reviewing the recommendations and building a plan that will put student learning first.”
“The purpose of the task force was to reimagine Alberta’s skills development and apprenticeship model – we have worked hard to make this a reality. Our recommendations reflect a transformational vision for Alberta’s skills system. Let me offer a sincere thank you to task force members, those we consulted with, and those who supported us with their deep passion for our province and their insights on the role skills can play in creating Alberta’s future.”
“We are pleased with the work done by the task force and its focus to elevate the apprentice system in the province. With a renewed commitment of quality in skills development, we are creating an environment where an apprentice education has a parity of esteem with other post-secondary opportunities and more diverse pathways to success. SAIT is proud to be part of this effort which addresses today the future skills needs of Alberta.”
"NAIT was honoured to play a role in the task force. Education and skills training that actively involves our industry sector representatives and partners will position post-secondary institutions to prepare the workforce to meet future labour demands in the province. This includes everything from ensuring curriculum is relevant to the needs of industry through to the involvement of partners in valuable work-integrated learning and apprenticeship programs.”
“Thank you to the co-chairs, Glenn Feltham and David Ross, for listening and taking the time to put together a comprehensive report that involved many different voices, all working to increase job readiness among students. I would like to also extend a warm thank you to all the members on the Skills for Jobs Task Force for their time and commitment.”
The Skills for Jobs Task Force was appointed in September 2019 to find ways to expand and strengthen apprenticeship education and skilled trades opportunities so that Alberta could meet growing labour market demands. The 21-member task force includes representatives from post-secondary institutions, industry, labour, community agencies, and education leaders in K-12.
Alberta’s Recovery Plan is a bold, ambitious long-term strategy to build, diversify, and create tens of thousands of jobs now. By building schools, roads and other core infrastructure we are benefiting our communities. By diversifying our economy and attracting investment with Canada’s most competitive tax environment, we are putting Alberta on a path for a generation of growth. Alberta came together to save lives by flattening the curve and now we must do the same to save livelihoods, grow and thrive.
Quick facts
- The Skills for Jobs Task Force provided its final report to government at the end of September, and focused on four key objectives:
- Evaluate the current skills and apprenticeship system and best practices – in Canada and the world.
- Propose changes to strengthen the system.
- Examine ways to expand apprenticeship education to other careers beyond traditional trades professions.
- Improve the understanding that apprenticeship-based education holds as much value, merit, and worth as other post-secondary education, and trade careers are as valuable as other professions.
- Government actions in response to the work of the task force will be announced once a review of the recommendations is complete.
