The Alberta Legislature has passed a new law that will revamp
Alberta's apprenticeship system: the Skilled Trades and
Apprenticeship Education Act (the "Skilled
Trades Act").1 The Skilled Trades Act is
not currently in force, but once it receives Proclamation, this new
legislation will repeal and replace the Apprenticeship and
Industry Training Act (the "Apprenticeship
Act"), which was enacted in 1991.2 It is
anticipated that the Skilled Trades Act will come into
force in 2022, but the exact date is not yet known.
Changes under the new Skilled Trades Act will include
expanding apprenticeship education to professions outside the
skilled trades and ensuring that post-secondary institutions are
more responsive in meeting the needs of Alberta's industries.
Post-secondary institutions, employers, and workers in all
industries should take notice of these significant changes.