The Alberta government is investing $4 million into a new two-year pilot program aimed at helping skilled trades workers fast-track their certifications while staying on the job.
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On June 3, the province announced it’s partnering with the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) and Canadian training provider Built To Learn to launch an adaptive online learning platform.
The software assesses what workers already know and customizes the remaining curriculum to focus strictly on their knowledge gaps.
Officials say the program will target at least 200 workers in high-demand economic sectors, including welding, ironworking, steamfitter-pipefitting and instrumentation.
“With new investment comes new demand for skilled workers to build the projects that choose Alberta,” said Joseph Schow, minister of jobs, economy, trade and immigration. “This program builds up our existing workforce and puts us even further ahead.”
The government noted that the program will not change existing Red Seal or provincial qualification standards. Instead, it is designed to eliminate the financial barrier of leaving the workforce to study.
The pilot program runs until March 27, 2028, and is open to individuals registered under Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training’s Trades Qualifier Program.
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