Author of the article: Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Publishing date: Apr 28, 2021 • 1 hour ago • 2 minute read • Article content Alberta’s government knows that apprenticeship learning has every bit as much value as academic learning and that skilled trades have just as much worth as university degrees. In the coming years, skilled trades workers in Alberta will be in higher demand than ever as we continue to see a shortage in these crucial areas of our workforce. According to BuildForce Canada projections, Alberta’s construction and maintenance industry will need to hire almost 65,000 workers over the next decade to meet growth and replace an estimated 41,500 workers expected to retire.