OLDS — Officials at the Olds College of Agriculture & Technology are welcoming the provincial government’s decision to pump $63 million into renovation and expansion of its W.J. Elliott Trades Building.
The government announced that funding in its provincial budget, announced Feb. 29.
The money is planned to be phased over three years, with $13 million anticipated this year and $25 million provided in each of the following two years.
Planning for the project is underway, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2025.
“This investment is a significant step towards enhancing student spaces and supporting the growing demand for skilled trades education in Alberta,” a news release issued by Olds College said.
“These upgraded facilities will enable Olds College to elevate its student experience and industry partnerships, thereby nurturing the development of a skilled workforce.”
The release said the announcement fits with another announcement by the provincial government to provide funding for 3,200 more seats for apprenticeship programs.
The college described the funding as “a resounding triumph,” as it represents “a substantial 90 per cent of the requested funding.”
The budget announcement comes on the heels of “continuous discussions between Olds College and the Ministry of Advanced Education regarding the need to modernize infrastructure to strengthen apprenticeship and trades training.”
"We extend our deepest gratitude to (Advanced Education) Minister (Rajan) Sawhney for her unwavering support and advocacy for Olds College and our trades training specifically," college president Ben Cecil said in the news release.
"This substantial funding embodies a shared vision that promises to shape a vibrant future for our province and its industries."
Dennis Beaudoin, Dean, Trades & Skills at Olds College, also praised the province’s announcement.
"The renovation of the W.J. Elliott Building will not only provide an enriched learning environment for our students but will also meet the growing demands of industry as we add qualified apprentices into Alberta’s skilled trades workforce," he said in the release.
“With improved facilities made possible by this funding, Olds College will be able to support our industry partners in the way that they have always supported us.”
