Alberta Government Funds CLAC Dual Ticketing and Upskilling Project

The Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), whose members build major capital and infrastructure projects across Canada, commends the Government of Alberta for its commitment to supporting innovation in skilled trades training and certification. On June 3, 2026, the Alberta government publicly announced $4 million in funding for CLAC's Dual Ticketing and Upskilling Pilot Program.

The Honourable Joseph Schow, Minister of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, and the Honourable Myles McDougall, Minister of Advanced Education, made the funding announcement at the CLAC Calgary Member Centre. 

This program, supported by PCA, will help more skilled tradespeople expand their qualifications, strengthen Alberta’s workforce, and support the growing demand for skilled labour across the province.

Alberta, like other provinces across the country, faces significant challenges in securing the skilled trades workforce needed for current and upcoming private and public construction work. In this province alone, and with the prospect of major projects reaching final investment decisions, Alberta must contend with 245,000 retirements in the skilled trade sector by 2032, resulting in a shortfall of over 60,000 tradespersons. 

Governments, contractors, unions, and training providers must continue to work together to attract Canadians to training and credentialing opportunities in the skilled trades. In addition, we have a major opportunity to innovate within our apprenticeship systems to provide pathways for vocational students and Red Seal ticket holders to upskill and earn additional Red Seal certifications.

“Alberta is leading the way in exploring advances in adult learning theory which enable skilled tradespeople to challenge for secondary Red Seal certification in trades occupations. Success in this area will bolster occupational pathways for workers and address critical trades shortages," states Paul de Jong, President & CEO of PCA.