"Skilled tradespeople are integral to our province, our economy and our communities”
Starting Sept. 26, NAIT is set to open 132 seats across five trade programs thanks to funding from the Government of Alberta.
The Ministry of Advanced Education has committed $764,395 to boost apprenticeship enrolment for
Currently, there are students on waitlists to enter these programs.
“This targeted investment into apprenticeship education ensures more students will have access to in-demand, industry-relevant programs,” said NAIT president and CEO, Laura Jo Gunter, who spoke at the announcement of the funding at Main Campus on Sept. 23.
“It also ensures industry will have access to the skilled workers they need to grow and thrive.”
"Industry will have access to the skilled workers they need to grow and thrive.”
The funding is part of the Government of Alberta’s Alberta at Work initiative, a collection of strategic investments to help Albertans develop new skills and grow their careers.
Matthew Lindberg (Plumber ’01), dean of NAIT’s School of Skilled Trades, says that this funding is also an important step toward building a brighter future for the province.
"Skilled tradespeople are integral to our province, our economy and our communities,” says Lindberg. “This funding will allow more training opportunities province-wide, which in turn will produce more job-ready, skilled tradespeople who will contribute to the economic prosperity of Alberta and beyond."
For tradespeople like Brennen Walker, the funding represents an opportunity for a rewarding and meaningful career. A recent graduate of the Plumber and Gasfitter programs, Walker says his education from NAIT instructors allowed him to pass difficult red seal exams for both trades on the first try. He’s pleased that more students will get similar opportunities.
“Tradespeople are the backbone of everyday life, and I am very proud to be one of them,” says Walker.
“This funding announcement is exciting news for young tradespeople in Alberta. The Government of Alberta’s commitment to supporting training opportunities by funding institutions like NAIT means more skilled tradespeople will be in our communities making a difference.”
The new seats will begin to be filled as early as November 2022.