Specialized industries bank on specialized workforces, and specialized workers need specialized training — of a type not always available at your friendly neighbourhood polytechnic. That’s the string of logic that underpins a fledgling grant program looking to once again partner with industries and their organizations to help the province meet skills shortages. Up half a million dollars over a pilot round launched in 2024, the Alberta Industry Skills Grant is accepting proposals until Oct. 30 for shares of $5.5 million. Providers serving small-town Alberta shouldn’t be afraid to get in on the act, said Joseph Schow, whose ministry includes jobs, trades and the economy. Part of the grant’s role is to make sure companies like Forma Steel and Structural Truss in Fort Macleod “have what they need” for staffing, the minister told The Macleod Gazette. “Rural Alberta always punches well above its weight, and companies like this are an example of what happens when a community rallies behind an industry and they’re able to supply it with workers,” said Schow, who represents Cardston-Siksika under the UCP banner. “It really comes down to, are you getting the skills you need for hands-on work and the experience you need to stay at the job you’re at or to transition to a new role?” the minister explained. Schow said the pilot program proved its worth with awards made after a 2024 call for proposals. Successful applicants focused on the aviation, thermal insulation and ultrasonic testing industries, and areas like finance, management and marketing for emerging tech companies. The Alberta Aviation Council received $1.5 million for a project that allowed it to certify 266 workers. “That’s 266 individuals who are going to get mortgage-paying, grocery-buying jobs from the skills that they’ve received through this program,” Schow said. “This grant has seen tremendous success.” The grant supports collaborative, industry-led training initiatives that respond to evolving workforce needs, the government says. It’s designed to complement existing workforce development programs through the support of practical, industry-driven solutions. There’s time to arrive at an idea today and create a proposal, the minister emphasized. Supported programs aren’t expected to begin offering actual training until 2027. The province has scheduled virtual information sessions on Sept. 21 at 1:30 p.m. and Sept. 22 at 10 a.m. to guide prospective applicants through the submission process. Visit alberta.ca/alberta-industry-skills-grant to register. The competition is open to for-profit employers, industry or sector associations, employer or community economic development organizations, unions, post-secondary institutes, private career colleges and training providers. “It’s really for the jobs you don’t think a lot about,” said Schow. “But these are the same jobs that we depend upon heavily on a day-to-day basis for society to function.” The province is accepting questions about the grant until 3 p.m. Oct. 7. All questions and answers will be added to applicant guidelines on Oct. 9. George Lee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Macleod Gazette
