11 new job training programs will help 1,100 unemployed Albertans, province says

Albertais spending $10 million over the next two years to expand its employment training programs, adding 11 programsacross the province that it says willhelp about 1,100 unemployed or underemployed people learn new skills.

"Education and skills training are among the best investments we can make to ensure a strong and diversified economy," Labour Minister Christina Gray said at an announcement in CalgaryatMotive-ActionTraining Foundation, one of the province's partners.

The new "Integrated Training" programs will be located in a number of different communitiesand will beoperated for the province by several private agencies.

They will give participants hands-on learning experience, including at least one work placement opportunity.

That was good news for KarlHerzog, the executive director ofMotive-Action Training Foundation.

The agency works with unemployed youth who lack education, experience and contacts.

"Integrated training programs provide an opportunity for these youth to develop the skills and attitudes needed to build a better life, support their families and contribute to their communities," he said in a release.

The new programs will be tailored to the specific labour market demands in each community, the province says.

• Calgary:Construction pre-trades program offered by McBride Career Group Inc.
• Calgary:Youth entry level trades offered byMotive-Action Training Foundation.
• Calgary:LevelUp leadership skills for supervisory roles offered byWCG International Consultants Ltd.
• Cardston, Lethbridge,Pincher Creek:Agriculture, construction, oilfield and truck driving offered byTraining Inc.
• Edmonton:Professional insurance agentoffered byBallad Consulting Group.
• Edmonton: Building information modelling offered byBredin Centre for Learning.
• Edmonton: Early learning and child-care development (ELCC) offered byMcBride Career Group.
• Lethbridge:Building futures construction offered byTeamwork Training.
• Lethbridge:Office administration and accounting offered by Teamwork Training.
• Lloydminster:Office administration and skill development offered by3A Academy.
• Medicine Hat and Brooks:Commercial Driver Training and Industry Preparedness offered byConnections Career and Safety Services.

• MORE ALBERTA NEWS|'I want to help save lives': Man who wants to treat addictions in his home appeals for neighbours' support
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS|Effortless IVF opens its first low-cost fertility clinic in Canada in Calgary