Alberta is increasing its financial support for apprentices. Under the Apprentice Training Award, they will now receive $1,500 during their classroom instruction period, up from $1,000 offered since the program began in 2016.
“Skilled tradespeople are the backbone of Alberta’s economy,” said Paul Verhesen, partner at Clark Builders. “Their work has been critical to several essential sectors during the pandemic, and they will continue to support the Alberta economy as it moves towards economic recovery. This investment will help apprentices continue their classroom training so they can get back to work.”
The financial support is designed to assist apprentices who are unemployed to continue in their apprenticeship program. The funds are to help apprentices manage costs like tuition, books, material fees, tools, transportation and living expenses during their classroom instruction period.
“Fostering careers in the skilled trades is incredibly important for both Alberta’s economy and our communities,” said Terry Parker, executive director of Building Trades Alberta. “The Building Trades of Alberta is pleased the province will increase the Apprenticeship Training Award, which will further assist thousands of apprentices in Alberta as they continue their paths to becoming certified journeypersons in the trade of their choice.”
Eligible apprentices will be notified about how to apply for the Apprentice Training Award once they begin their classroom instruction. Eligible apprentices will begin receiving the increased award in September 2020. Information is available at www.tradesecrets.ab.ca.