New Education Act for Skilled Trades Proclaimed in Alberta
The Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education Act in Alberta, was proclaimed on June 29, 2022 and will come into force on July 20, 2022. According to the Government of Alberta, the new act provides a framework for Alberta to become a national and international leader in skilled trades and apprenticeship education through increased flexibility, modernized governance, and strengthened system roles.
Since June 2021, when the act received Royal Assent, Advanced Education has engaged in consultation with colleges, polytechnical institutions, employers, apprentices, unions, and associations (including HRAI) to develop regulations to support the act. There are three new regulations as a result of this work:
- The Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Education General Regulation
- The Apprenticeship Education and Industry Training Programs Regulation
- The Designated Trades and Restricted Activities Regulation
All three regulations have been structured to reduce red tape, streamline decision-making, and simplify administrative processes.
The new act also establishes a new Alberta Board of Skilled Trades, which will be responsible for consulting with industry on standards for trades and advising the Minister on the needs of the Alberta labour market for skilled trades professionals. The Minister has appointed 15 members to this board, and these appointments take effect on July 20, 2022.
The Apprenticeship and Industry Training website, Tradesecrets.alberta.ca, will also be updated with comprehensive information about processes and policies under the new act.
HRAI will monitor these new regulations and act accordingly and possibly with other associations that make up the Alberta Trade Contractors Coalition (ATCC) of which HRAI is a member.
For more information, email STAE.Act@gov.ab.ca with any inquiries, or contact Scott Papp, Key Account Manager, HRAI spapp@hrai.ca or (905) 602-4700 ext. 233.
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