CCDC Welding Program Set to Grow Thanks to Provincial Investment

EDMONTON—The CLAC Career Development College (CCDC), located in Edmonton, is pleased to announce it has received $581,076 through the Alberta Union Apprenticeship Grant Program (UAGP) to expand its welder apprenticeship training.

This investment allows CCDC to now offer all three periods of welder apprenticeship training—making it the latest training provider in Edmonton to provide a comprehensive apprenticeship program that is fully aligned with the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT) welding curriculum.

This funding directly supports CLAC’s ongoing efforts to increase training capacity and meet the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across western Canada. As the need for skilled tradespersons continues to rise, this expansion of the CCDC will not only decrease wait times that delay apprentices’ progress, but it will also meet industry demand for skilled welders and help ensure a steady pipeline of job-ready apprentices for employers across the province.

“This funding represents a significant step forward for apprenticeship training in Alberta,” says Brad Bent, CCDC president and director of CLAC Training, Apprenticeship, and Jobs – West. “By expanding welder apprenticeship training at CCDC, we are improving access, reducing barriers, and supporting the many employers who rely on skilled trades to keep major projects moving. We are grateful for the province’s confidence in our vision, and we remain committed to developing the next generation of highly trained, job-ready welders.”

By increasing the availability of training seats, CCDC will help apprentices complete their apprenticeship training sooner, reduce workforce disruptions, and keep construction and other major projects on schedule.

“Skilled trades are the backbone of our operations, and expanding training opportunities, especially for welding apprenticeships, ensures we have the talent needed to meet our growing demand,” says Michelle Goudreau, labour relations manager, Bird Nason Contracting Group. “Having the ability to expand welding apprenticeship training means we can give more people the chance to build rewarding careers while meeting the growing needs of our projects. CLAC’s commitment to filling additional seats in this program means we can build a stronger, more capable workforce for the future.”

“Skilled trades programs like this welder apprenticeship training do more than prepare people for good jobs—they help grow our economy,” says Ryan Hodgson, senior vice-president of industrial, Ledcor. “When young workers get the practical training and experience they need, it helps fill important labour shortages in construction and other skilled trades in Alberta and across Canada. Having a strong, well-trained workforce improves productivity, supports new infrastructure, and strengthens communities. Investing in training now helps ensure we have the skilled people we need to keep our industry competitive and resilient in the years ahead.”

By expanding its training and offering welders another avenue for completing their apprenticeship training, CLAC is empowering apprentices to advance their careers, secure higher wages, and ultimately contribute to long term employment opportunities for tradespeople across Alberta.

This initiative will have a direct impact on CLAC members, Alberta’s construction sector, and the provincial economy. It will provide workers with the skills they need to thrive in the skilled trades and contribute to a more stable workforce.

For more information on CCDC’s welder apprenticeship training programs, or to inquire about enrolment, please visit claccareercollege.ca.

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