Red Deer Polytechnic grows apprenticeship training

With two recent investments by the Government of Alberta in skilled trades programming, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) will add 360 apprenticeship seats, helping to address labour market demand. 

On September 25, the Government of Alberta announced $12.4 million in funding to create almost 2,000 new apprenticeship seats across the province. Red Deer Polytechnic received almost $800,000, supporting 138 additional seats for students. 

This is in addition to the almost $1.3 million that RDP received in June as part of the Apprenticeship Learning Grant (ALG) to support the delivery of instruction for high-demand programs during the Fall 2023 Term. Through the ALG, RDP has added 222 new seats for apprentices. 

“At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are grateful for the Government of Alberta’s growing investment in skilled trades programming to help fulfill labour shortages,” says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience. “As Alberta’s third largest educator of apprenticeship programming, we are proud to train more than 2,000 apprentices this year, contributing to the economic prosperity of the province.” 

Red Deer Polytechnic offers diverse apprenticeship programming in 17 skilled trades programs that meet the changing needs of industry and students. With flexible learning options at RDP, apprentices can take courses and train in-person, online or in a blended format to accommodate their learning preferences, work schedules, geographical location and life circumstances. 

Along with receiving high-quality instruction at the Polytechnic, apprentices grow their knowledge, skills and professional relationships through collaboration with industry partners. Through engaging learning environments and partnerships, Red Deer Polytechnic has trained more than 20,000 apprentices who are now alum. The Polytechnic’s reputation and impact in training skilled trades workers continues to grow across Alberta and Canada.