Jul 31, 2024 Sparking kids’ interest in the skilled trades 43085
Alberta’s government and Calgary's TELUS Spark Science Centre are joining forces to get young people excited about pursuing a career in the trades.
As Alberta’s economy continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled tradespeople, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to apprenticeship education. There are more than 60,000 registered apprentices in the province, representing a 28 per cent increase over this time last year as demand for skilled workers rises.
To support innovative approaches to highlighting the trades, Alberta’s government is investing almost $900,000 in funding announced Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney on July 31, 2024, to the TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary.
The funding will help create a series of exploration spaces designed to encourage young people to pursue a career in the trades. The spaces will educate youth about trades-based science concepts in a fun and engaging way. There will be hands-on activities related to carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades.
The funding from Alberta’s government will support the BLUprint space, which stands for “Building, Learning and You”. This name encompasses the skilled trades and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education.
Phase 1 of the exploration spaces soft-launched on July 11 and is now open to the public. Albertans of all ages are invited to come and explore the outdoor space and take part in activities related to skilled trades exploration.
Phase 2 will launch in December and includes indoor exhibits that will delve into the trades using a blend of virtual reality job simulators and hands-on activities to meet the interest of kids of all ages. (photography by Chris Schwarz/Government of Alberta)
Jul 31, 2024 Sparking kids’ interest in the skilled trades 43085
Alberta’s government and Calgary's TELUS Spark Science Centre are joining forces to get young people excited about pursuing a career in the trades.
As Alberta’s economy continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled tradespeople, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to apprenticeship education. There are more than 60,000 registered apprentices in the province, representing a 28 per cent increase over this time last year as demand for skilled workers rises.
To support innovative approaches to highlighting the trades, Alberta’s government is investing almost $900,000 in funding announced Minister of Advanced Education Rajan Sawhney on July 31, 2024, to the TELUS Spark Science Centre in Calgary.
The funding will help create a series of exploration spaces designed to encourage young people to pursue a career in the trades. The spaces will educate youth about trades-based science concepts in a fun and engaging way. There will be hands-on activities related to carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades.
The funding from Alberta’s government will support the BLUprint space, which stands for “Building, Learning and You”. This name encompasses the skilled trades and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) education.
Phase 1 of the exploration spaces soft-launched on July 11 and is now open to the public. Albertans of all ages are invited to come and explore the outdoor space and take part in activities related to skilled trades exploration.
Phase 2 will launch in December and includes indoor exhibits that will delve into the trades using a blend of virtual reality job simulators and hands-on activities to meet the interest of kids of all ages. (photography by Chris Schwarz/Government of Alberta)