Expanding apprenticeship education

Applying the apprentice learning model to meet learner and workforce needs

Alberta needs a strong supply of highly skilled and job-ready professionals to meet changing workforce demands. Advanced Education’s Industry Pathways program provides industry with flexible education and regulation approaches to address this need.

Using the apprenticeship learning model, industry groups can work with Advanced Education to develop new education and training programs for occupations beyond the skilled trades.  Pathways that can be established under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act include:

• Apprenticeship Education Program: Develops skilled professionals in any occupation using a combination of on-the-job education through mentorship combined with theoretical training at a post-secondary institution.
• Industry Training Program: Develops skilled professionals in any occupation using elements of the apprenticeship learning model with a focus on industry-led training.
• Designated Trade: Creates regulated standards for journeyperson certification and allows Alberta to regulate who can work in the trade.

In 2021, Advanced Education invested $6.4 million to support the development and delivery of 13 pilot programs that tested application of apprenticeship-style learning in occupations beyond the skilled trades. These programs are either in development or accepting student applications and have provided valuable learnings to the apprenticeship expansion and Industry Pathways initiatives.

Expanding apprenticeships is a key initiative in the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy and responds to the recommendations of the Skills for Jobs Task Force.