Supporting our economy and students with new seats

Alberta’s economy is taking off. Everywhere you look, whether in technology, film and television, agriculture, or oil and gas, you see strong signs of economic growth. Alberta’s economy is forecast to finally return to levels not seen since 2014, and many analysts are predicting Alberta will lead Canada in economic growth this year.

While this is an exciting time, it is important to note that a rebounding economy doesn’t come without some challenges – one being a shortage of skilled talent. Businesses and regional leaders need talent to meet regional workforce needs. And students need access to high-demand post-secondary programs in their communities.

Total Funding and Seat Increases by Region

That’s why we are investing in programs that will provide the high-quality education, training and skills needed to succeed in tomorrow’s economy. Through the Targeted Enrolment Expansion program, which is part of the Alberta at Work initiative, Alberta’s Government is investing $171 million over 3 years to create almost 10,000 additional spaces in our post-secondary institutions. These seats expand capacity in high-demand programs in key economic areas such as aviation, business administration and management, engineering, healthcare and technology.

Total Funding and Seat Increase by Economic Sector

This is, without question, the largest targeted enrolment expansion in Alberta’s history. As a result, there will soon be more graduates with the skills and training that employers are looking for to support the growth of these industries. Students will have more pathways to successful careers, and our economy and communities will benefit.

Under this program, all 26 publicly funded post-secondary institutions were asked to submit proposals to expand capacity in their highest demand programs. Advanced Education received 121 proposals from 23 institutions.

Each proposal was scored against a rigorous evaluation method, which considered alignment with workforce needs in key sectors, learner demand, financial implications, cost per seat, regional need, work-integrated learning pathways and the ability to get students into programs this fall. Proposals were also evaluated for labour market demand using provincial data sources, institutional employment data and Advanced Education’s own data and analysis.

Total Funding and Seat Increase by Post-Secondary Institution

I want to thank our post-secondary institutions for working with us on this exciting program. Our initial goal was to create 7,000 new seats. I am thrilled that we were able to exceed this goal, creating nearly 10,000 new seats, while remaining within our planned budget of $171 million.

Enrolment Increase Year Over Year

With this investment, we are supporting industries that need it most and ensuring Albertans have the high-quality education, skills and training they need for today and the future.

Total Funding and Seat Increase by Post-Secondary Institution and Program