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A new 40,000-square-foot Skilled Trades Training Centre at Northwestern Polytechnic is expanding apprenticeship training opportunities in Grande Prairie as Alberta works to build the skilled workforce needed for the province’s growing economy.

The facility provides dedicated instructional space designed to reflect real-world job sites, giving apprentices access to hands-on, industry-focused training close to home.

The Alberta government says the centre is expected to support training for more than 4,500 apprentices over the next three years, significantly increasing Northwestern Polytechnic’s current capacity of about 1,100 apprentices.

“By investing in trades training in Grande Prairie, we're making sure young people don't have to leave home to build a good career, and that the businesses driving this region forward have the skilled workers they need for the future,” Premier Danielle Smith said.

Northwestern Polytechnic developed its programs in consultation with industry partners, with the goal of ensuring apprentices gain practical experience that prepares them for careers in Alberta’s workforce.

“Investments like this help ensure students gain practical, industry-relevant experience while they learn,” said Myles McDougall, minister of Advanced Education. “Northwestern Polytechnic graduates will leave this centre with the skills, confidence, and job-ready training needed to succeed in Alberta’s workforce.”

Dr. Vanessa Sheane, president and CEO of Northwestern Polytechnic, said enrolment numbers are already demonstrating the demand for trades training in the Grande Prairie region.

“Our enrolment numbers are already confirming the urgent need for this training in Grande Prairie,” Sheane said. “This centre, along with future planned developments, showcases our commitment to Alberta’s signature industries and our students who will go on to be significant contributors in our communities.”

Skilled trades play a major role in Alberta’s economy, providing workers needed to build and maintain homes, roads, schools, hospitals and other infrastructure.

The province says expanding access to high-quality trades training is particularly important in northern Alberta, where demand for skilled workers continues to grow.

The investment is also part of longer-term plans to expand trades education at Northwestern Polytechnic. Through Budget 2025, Alberta’s government provided $1 million for planning toward a planned 2028 development.

That additional centre is expected to include industry-focused training shops and introduce new programming to northern Alberta, including welding, refrigeration and construction.

For students and employers in the region, the expansion represents another step toward ensuring northern Alberta has the skilled workers needed to support its communities and industries for years to come.

For more information about apprenticeship and industry training in Alberta, visit the Government of Alberta website at tradesecrets.alberta.ca.

(Source: Government of Alberta)