If Budget 2025 is passed, the Government of Alberta will spend $20 million toward the design of Northern Alberta Institute of Technology's (NAIT) proposed Advanced Skills Centre.
The 640,000 square feet proposed centre, planned to be added within NAIT's main campus, is currently in the planning and design phase and is anticipated to be fully operational by 2029, according to the Government of Alberta. The $20 million contribution is part of a three-year $43 million commitment toward the planning of the centre.
So far, $2 million has been given, and the remaining $21 million is expected to be given out next year.
According to the provincial government, the funding is part of a plan to help address labour market demands by increasing "training capacity in high-demand areas, helping students get the skills and knowledge they need to enter Alberta’s workforce".
If the centre do get constructed, the government is expecting it to be able to train 4,200 more apprentices every year.
Each year, NAIT has about 30,000 to 40,000 students enrolled in its programs, with over 30 per cent of full-time students enrolled in apprenticeship and skilled trades programs, according to the provincial government.
Across Alberta, there are over 73,000 registered apprentices as of February 2025, an increase of 19 per cent from last year.
“By investing in skilled trades and apprenticeship education, Alberta is responding to the needs of industry and targeting our investments in ways that support the economy," said Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education. "Projects like the Advanced Skills Centre exemplify our commitment to helping ensure students are able to make the most of opportunities in high-demand fields and get the skills they need to be successful in Alberta’s workforce.”
Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, echoed a similar message.
“Alberta’s economy is built by skilled tradespeople, and this investment ensures more Albertans can access the training they need to secure stable, high-paying jobs," he said. "The Advanced Skills Centre will help meet workforce demands in key industries, keeping our province competitive and prosperous for many years to come.”
Laura Jo Gunter, NAIT president and CEO, said, “The Advanced Skills Centre will build the skilled workforce needed to build Alberta’s future." Gunter added, the government's "investment" will accelerate the proposed project closer to the construction phase.
