University of Lethbridge, Leth College and Med. Hat College get funding for ‘high demand programs’

Posted on 17 May 2022 by Prairie Post

Contributing 

The Alberta at Work initiative will create more than 180 new seats in high-demand programs at Lethbridge College, Medicine Hat College and the University of Lethbridge. 

This investment of $5.3 million supports about 184 new seats over three years in programs including agriculture, health care, science and IT. The Alberta at Work initiative is making strategic investments in high-demand programs to meet labour demands, ensuring students have more opportunities to train close to home in the programs they choose, and supporting industry with the highly skilled and talented workforce they need for the future.

In the southern region, the targeted enrolment expansion program will invest in six programs at these post-secondary institutions:

• Lethbridge College: $1.2 million

• Medicine Hat College: $324,000

• University of Lethbridge: $3.7 million

“It has been a privilege to travel across the province the past two weeks to deliver the news of these investments. Alberta’s economy is on the rise, and with this rapid pace of growth comes a growing need for highly skilled and talented workers. These investments are giving confidence to employers that regional workforce needs will be met, and provides reassurance for students pursuing fulfilling careers in high-demand industries.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education

“These investments in the University of Lethbridge and Lethbridge College are coming at an important time. Alberta is dealing with a skilled labour shortage and strategic investments like this will make sure southern Alberta is equipped with the talent it needs to thrive in an ever-changing economy.”

Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East

“With over 180 new seats added to post-secondary institutions, this government is setting up Albertans for success. Alberta’s recovery is well underway, and I’m excited to see these seats occupied, beginning this fall. I’m pleased to see Alberta’s government investing in southeastern Alberta’s economic recovery and am grateful for the minister’s continued support of Medicine Hat College.”

Michaela Frey, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat

“The targeted enrolment expansion program is great for Alberta. Investing in programs that help Albertans gain in-demand skills will help facilitate economic growth and produce a workforce that can meet labour market demands. This program provides progress and stability that Albertans deserve after an unpredictable two years.”

Grant Hunter, MLA for Taber-Warner

“The Alberta at Work initiative is incredibly important right now as Alberta’s economy is growing rapidly. This funding creates more spaces for students in high-demand programs at institutions that are close to home. This will allow more students to have the opportunities to pursue higher education and enter highly skilled industries in the future. This funding will strengthen both our local economies and our communities, something I am incredibly passionate about.”

Joseph Schow, MLA for Cardston-Siksika

“This investment creates more than 180 new seats in high-demand programs in southern Alberta. It supports our industries that need it most and helps to create a highly skilled workforce. I am glad to see this investment into southern Alberta institutions, which will allow students from rural communities to pursue higher education while staying close to their families and communities. I am looking forward to seeing the continued economic growth this program will support.”

Roger Reid, MLA for Livingstone-Macleod

“Lethbridge College takes great pride in preparing students for meaningful careers that contribute to the regional and provincial economy. We are thankful for this additional funding, which helps make that education more accessible for more students and provides important support to Alberta’s health care and skilled trades sectors.” 

Paula Burns, president and CEO, Lethbridge College

“Graduates from Medicine Hat College have vital roles in creating and sustaining the vibrant economy and communities of southeast Alberta. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve more students at our Brooks campus, and appreciate the government’s role in making college education even more accessible.”

Kevin Shufflebotham, president and CEO, Medicine Hat College

“Investments in post-secondary education are critical in ensuring the economic and social success of Albertans. Providing resources to expand high-demand programs will ensure more students have access to the University of Lethbridge, which in turn supports our regional communities and beyond.”

Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor, University of Lethbridge

Most of the programs are ready to start accepting more students this fall.

Alberta at Work is a more than $600-million investment over the next three years in new and existing initiatives to help Albertans gain in-demand skills that will support economic growth and attract investment now and in the future. It features investments that support Albertans from primary school to post-secondary skills training, as well as retraining for changing career paths and finding well-paying jobs.