The province of Alberta’s Advanced Education program will invest $8 million over the next two years to fund new micro-credential programs, including several targeting the construction sector.
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The short-term programs aim to create new opportunities for unemployed and underemployed Albertans to quickly re-skill or upskill in the province’s changing economy so that these workers are better equipped to meet industry needs when re-entering the workforce or pivoting in their careers.
“Micro-credentials empower Albertans to develop the job-ready skills they need to be successful and build new careers, while ensuring employers have access to the talent they need to grow their business,” stated Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education. “I’m thrilled we’re able to expand this program in a meaningful way that supports our students, post-secondary institutions, employers and industry to secure Alberta’s future.”
The funding comes from the Alberta at Work initiative that was introduced in Budget 2022 and builds on the $5.6 million used to launch a micro-credential pilot program in 2021. The new funding will support the development of 69 micro-credential programs at 21 post-secondary institutions across the province.
Construction-related programs will share some $924,150 of the funding support and include such training as construction management programs at NAIT and SAIT.