Alberta pledges $25M for trades training facility expansion

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta’s government is investing $25 million as part of a larger $63 million initiative to expand the W.J. Elliott building at Olds College, enhancing apprenticeship and dual-credit trades training.
• The expansion will add over 440 seats for trades programming and 100 for dual-credit programs, with upgraded facilities including new equipment like overhead cranes and vehicle lifts to improve hands-on learning.
• This investment aligns with Alberta’s strategy to meet labour market demand by strengthening its skilled trades workforce and creating more career opportunities through improved apprenticeship education.

The Whole Story:

Alberta’s government is supporting apprenticeship training with an investment of $25 million for the expansion of the W.J. Elliott building at Olds College.

The funding is part of a $63 million total investment over three years beginning in 2024. Upon completion, this project will add more than 440 new seats for trades programming, as well as 100 seats for dual-credit trades programs, including Agricultural Equipment Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician, Welder and Landscape Horticulturist.

“The expansion of the W.J. Elliott building at Olds College will strengthen apprenticeship training and provide new learning opportunities in Alberta,” said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education. “By investing in apprenticeship education, we’re creating more career opportunities for Albertans, strengthening our workforce and growing our economy while meeting labour market demand.”

Officials say the expansion will increase apprenticeship learning opportunities for students by enhancing student spaces, ensuring more Albertans are equipped with the skills and training needed to meet the workforce demands of tomorrow.

Since 1971, the W.J. Elliott building has served as a home to trades programming at Olds College. The renovations will include new collaborative student and staff spaces as well as adding lifting equipment, such as overhead cranes and vehicle lifts equipped with highway tractor alignment systems and wheel dynamometers, to improve trades programming. Construction is set to begin early this summer and is expected to be complete by spring 2027.

Alberta has 59 designated trades, 47 of which have associated apprenticeship education programs regulated under the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act.