Opportunities for youth in skilled trades will be supported by the Alberta government.
Through Budget 2023, the province is investing in $30.4 million over three years in CAREERS: The Next Generation and Skills Canada Alberta to support their efforts to empower youth to build rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
“Investing in the proven and complementary programs of CAREERS: The Next Generation and Skills Canada Alberta will help our youth discover engaging, high-demand careers that deliver an excellent quality of life and will keep our economic momentum going strong,” said Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions Kaycee Madu.
The apprenticeship learning model is a valuable form of work-integrated learning and a proven way to increase graduate readiness for the workplace.
Through targeted support for apprenticeship education, Alberta is helping students develop job-ready skills while strengthening the talent pipeline for business and industry.
A total of $23.5 million will go towards CAREERS: The Next Generation. A not-for-profit foundation, CAREERS connects high school students partaking in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) with employers. The organization also promotes apprenticeship education options for young Albertans.
Skills Canada Alberta, a not-for-profit perhaps best known for leading participation in the Skills Canada competition, will receive $6.9 million over three years. The organization creates opportunities for young Albertans to explore careers in trades and technology.
In 2022, CAREERS connected 372 schools with 1,344 employers to arrange 2,430 internships for high school students interested in a career in the skilled trades. Skills Canada Alberta works with about 19,000 students in 200 Alberta communities annually.
“We are excited for Alberta’s youth in this year’s budget announcement. Enabling our next generation to discover their career passion and become productive, motivated and innovative participants in the workplace is critically important to Alberta’s economic success,” said CAREERS President and CEO Andy Neigel.
Skills Canada Alberta Board President Ray Massey extended a ‘profound thank you’ to the government and their support of young people in trades and technologies.
“Their success is good for our province. Their success makes Alberta prosperous. This continuation of funding allows us to provide a platform for students who are about to begin their education and career journey with the experience and skill development that only our competitions can provide them,” Massey said.
To learn more about support being given to these organizations, read the original press release on the Government of Alberta website.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.
Budget 2023 secures Alberta’s future by transforming the health-care system to meet people’s needs, supporting Albertans with the high cost of living, keeping our communities safe and driving the economy with more jobs, quality education and continued diversification.