Alberta Premier Rachel Notley announced that her government is creating 400 tech spaces for Alberta post-secondary students while speaking at the U of A’s Artificial Machine Intelligence Institute. CTV News photo.
“Well-educated, talented workforce will help us diversify”: Rachel Notley
The Government of Alberta says it is paving the way for the future of Alberta’s burgeoning tech sector by investing in short-term, high labour demand post-secondary programs across the province.
As part of a five-year, $50-million investment, the provincial government is creating more than 400 tech seats for Alberta post-secondary students this fall, with 169 seats in Edmonton alone.
“Supporting tech education at our post-secondary institutions will ensure Albertans can get the skills they need for the jobs they want in the exciting world of tech,” said Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.
“This investment helps us ensure that we have a well-educated, talented workforce to help us diversify and build an economy that lasts.”
David Turpin, president and vice-chancellor, University of Alberta says “there’s enormous potential for growth in Alberta’s tech fields and industries, and that begins with educated people”.
According to the province, by 2023, there will be at least 3,000 new tech-related seats added to post-secondary institutions across the province.
Minister of Advanced Education Marlin Schmidt says “Alberta’s tech sector is growing quickly, and we have to prepare students with the expertise and skills to work in a modern and diverse economy”.
“Investing in more seats at the University of Alberta will help graduates find good jobs in the growing tech sector.”
The recently established Talent Advisory Council on Technology (TACT) will work with the tech industry, students, labour and post-secondary institutions to advise government on the best training opportunities to prepare Albertans for a more diversified and tech-savvy economy.
Michael Phair, board chair, University of Alberta, says that adding 25 more seats to the U of A’s computer science after degree program fits with the board’s direction. “We have some of the most innovative learning facilities that will help prepare these students for a career in the science and technology sector.”
The Growth and Diversification Act is part of the Notley government’s commitment to create an economy built to last, and is an example of how the province is preparing Albertans for a more diversified economic future.
Also included in the act are a number of tax credits to stimulate additional job creation in the tech sector.
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