The Alberta government has invested $4 million in a new skilled trades training initiative aimed at expanding certification pathways and addressing labour shortages in the province’s construction sector.
The funding supports the CLAC Dual Ticketing and Upskilling Pilot Program, delivered through the Christian Labour Association of Canada. The announcement was made June 3, 2026 at the CLAC Calgary Member Centre by the Honourable Joseph Schow, minister of jobs, economy, trade and immigration, and the Honourable Myles McDougall, minister of advanced education.
The program is designed to help skilled trades workers obtain additional qualifications, including pathways to multiple Red Seal certifications. It is intended to strengthen apprenticeship and upskilling opportunities as demand for construction labour continues to rise across Alberta.
According to labour market projections cited in the announcement, Alberta could see 245,000 retirements in the skilled trades by 2032, contributing to a forecast shortfall of more than 60,000 workers. Industry stakeholders have identified training capacity and credential recognition as key pressures as major infrastructure and private-sector projects move ahead.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by government, industry and training providers to expand access to apprenticeship and upskilling programs and support workforce development in the construction sector.
The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada noted the investment aligns with ongoing efforts to improve training pathways and help address skilled labour shortages, particularly through expanded certification options for trades workers.
“Alberta is leading the way in exploring advances in adult learning theory which enable skilled tradespeople to challenge for secondary Red Seal certification in trades occupations. Success in this area will bolster occupational pathways for workers and address critical trades shortages,” said Paul de Jong, president and CEO of PCA.
