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Minister Rajan Sawhney
Rajan Sawhney was sworn in as Minister of Advanced Education on June 9, 2023.
Mandate letter
The Premier's mandate letter to the Minister of Advanced Education outlines the objectives and priorities of the work they will focus on in their role.
Accomplishments
This fall, we launched A career to be proud of to promote careers in the skilled trades and apprenticeship education.
In collaboration with Alberta Immigration and Multiculturalism, we hosted the Premier’s Summit on Fairness for Newcomers to support newcomer success and drive economic growth.
From 2022 to 2026, we are investing $312 million over 4 years through the Targeted Enrolment Expansion initiative to increase seats in high-demand post-secondary programs.
We established the Skilled Trades Youth Ambassadors advisory council and the Youth Skills Network to connect youth in the skilled trades with Alberta’s government.
Key information
- Apply for student aid.
- Tradesecrets
- How to start planning for post-secondary.
- Discover more about private career colleges.
- Resources and supports for students with disabilities exploring or attending Alberta post-secondary programs.
- Improve your reading, writing and learning skills through the Community Adult Learning Program.
- Resources and supports for Indigenous students in Alberta’s adult learning system.
- Foreign qualification recognition for newcomers in Alberta.
- Learn more about the trades offered in Alberta.
- Information for Albertans studying abroad and international students.
- Apply for Foundational Learning Assistance.
Our responsibilities
Prepares Albertans for lifelong success through education by:
- approving programs of study
- funding public post-secondary institutions and other adult learning providers
- providing financial aid for learners
- registering and certifying apprentices
- supporting academic research and innovation
Our programs and services are driven by 2 outcomes:
- Albertans have the education and skills required to secure rewarding careers in the current and future labour market to support a thriving economy and society.
- Alberta’s high quality adult learning system and professional regulatory environment attract, develop and retain a skilled and talented workforce.
In focus
Learn more about how the province is investing in post-secondary education and Alberta’s students.
Led by economist Dr. Jack Mintz, a panel of experts will assess key aspects of Alberta’s post-secondary system and ensure it remains competitive and aligned with current and future needs.
Scholarships are available for students, teachers, apprentices and occupational trainees.
This initiative is a transformational vision, direction and new way of working for our province’s higher education system.
Latest news
- May 9, 2025
Alberta’s government is supporting apprenticeship training with an investment of $25 million for the expansion of the W.J. Elliott building at Olds College.
- Apr 25, 2025
Alberta’s government is creating a new grant program through Budget 2025 that empowers trades unions to provide additional apprenticeship training.
- Apr 17, 2025
Alberta’s government is providing $4 million for the development of NorQuest College’s Career Skills Centre.