Budd Coutt’s to offer new pilot program

By Brandie Majeau
As Alberta’s economy continues to grow and diversify rapidly, some industries and job
creators are experiencing a labor shortage in high-demand fields. The Alberta government is
exploring various channels to train students entering skilled trades to address this issue and
create opportunities for rewarding careers.
Under a new pilot program, the Alberta government will provide $350,000 in funding to
support the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 955 Trust Fund. This
significant investment will enable the trust to deliver training for the Crane and Hoisting
Equipment Operator – Mobile Crane Operator apprenticeship program. The pilot program, set to
take place at the Budd Coutt’s Apprenticeship and Education Centre training facility, offers a
promising path for Albertans pursuing apprenticeship education in the Crane and Hoisting
Equipment Operator field.
The IUOE (International Union of Operating Engineers) facility has been providing a
wide range of training courses to thousands of workers in diverse sectors, including construction,
transportation, and manufacturing. The courses are designed to equip trainees with the
knowledge and skills required to excel in their respective fields.
The facility has also been actively involved in assisting workers to find employment with
client employers through its placement services. This has helped many workers secure
meaningful and sustainable employment while also contributing to the growth of the economy.
The pilot program will offer four sessions for the 2024-2025 academic year, offering a
total of 40 training spaces for crane and hoisting equipment operators in the province. In addition
to the Budd Coutt’s Apprenticeship and Education Center training, NAIT, SAIT, and IUOE will
offer more than 300 Mobile Crane 1 training seats in the upcoming academic year. This will
enable more workers to receive quality training in a safe and conducive environment, using state-
of-the-art equipment and facilities. The additional training spaces will also help to address the
growing demand for skilled crane and hoisting equipment operators while also promoting safety
and efficiency in the workplace.
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education, stated, “Apprenticeship education is an
affordable and rewarding post-secondary option for learners. As demand for skilled tradespeople
continues to grow, I am committed to ensuring that we have the workers we need to reach our
potential and build our province’s economic future. That is why Alberta is collaborating with a
private sector union to provide hands-on training in apprenticeship education. This is a historic
moment for skilled trades training in Alberta.”