Alberta announces funding to address labour shortage through skills training

The Government of Alberta says it’s adding more funds for “micro-credential programs” to improve access to skill training for quick career paths.

This comes amid an ongoing labour shortage, which the province hopes to address by targeting key economic sectors, including finance, technology, software development, and energy

“Micro-credentials are short-term, documented learning experiences that recognize specific skills and competencies and create new opportunities for unemployed and underemployed Albertans to quickly re-skill or upskill to better meet industry needs, re-enter the workforce and quickly pivot in their careers,” according to a government release.

The Alberta government invested $8 million earlier this fall to create 69 “micro-credential programs” over two years. It says an additional $270,000 will help create five more programs.

“I’m pleased we were able to deliver funding for five additional micro-credential programs before the end of the fiscal year,” said Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides. “These unique opportunities allow Albertans to develop the job-ready skills they need to be successful, and build new careers while building up the workforce in high-demand sectors.”

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According to the release, the new programs include funding for Burman University, Keyano College, Lethbridge College, Lethbridge College, and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).

“By further bolstering the industry-focused micro-credential programs available at SAIT, we are providing the tools Albertans need to remain relevant and competitive in the workforce,” said SAIT CEO David Ross.

Meanwhile, Brad Donaldson, CEO of Lethbridge College, says the two new micro-credential programs they have will help Alberta’s emerging game industry.

In response to the government’s “micro-credential” funding for post-secondary education, Alberta’s NDP issued the following statement.

“The UCP are making it more difficult for Albertans to advance their education or seek career training. They have instituted devastating cuts, resulting in Alberta having the highest tuition increases in the country,” said David Eggen, NDP critic for advanced education.

“The Alberta NDP supports micro-credential programs, but the program is a tiny fraction of the $690 million worth of cuts they have imposed on post-secondary schools. This government’s policies leave Albertans behind. Students could have been developing job-ready skills now, with options available to them sooner, graduating from programs and building their communities.”

“During the largest affordability crisis we have seen in 40 years, the UCP has made it increasingly difficult for Albertans to advance their education or seek career-training. The misguided over the past three years is stifling economic potential in Alberta today.”