Province announces $25 million in funding for Olds College upgrades in apprentice training

Alberta Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney announced $25 million in funding for Olds College Friday.

The province announced $25 million in funding for Olds College to expand its apprentice and journeyperson training programs Friday.

The funding, which is part of a three-year, $63 million investment into Olds College, will be used to expand and renovate the W.J. Elliot Building at the campus.

In a media release, the province said that the upgrades will ultimately add more than 440 seats for trades programming, and 100 seats for dual-credit trades programs, including agricultural equipment technician, heavy equipment technician, welder and landscape horticulturist.

Alberta Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney made the announcement at a Friday event.

“The expansion of the W.J. Elliott building at Olds College will strengthen apprenticeship training and provide new learning opportunities in Alberta,” Sawhney said.

“By investing in apprenticeship education, we’re creating more career opportunities for Albertans, strengthening our workforce and growing our economy while meeting labour market demand.”

The renovations will add lifting equipment such as overhead cranes and vehicle lifts equipped with highway tractor alignments and wheel dyamometers, to improve the college’s trades programming.

“The enhanced W.J. Elliott building will allow us to deliver a best-in-class experience for students and partners,” said Olds College president and CEO Debbie Thompson. “With expanded classrooms, advanced labs and state-of-the-art equipment,

“Olds College will continue to meet the growing demand for skilled trades training while elevating the student experience and deepening industry collaboration.”

Construction is expected to start early this summer and be completed in spring, 2027.