Alberta is investing $300,000 in existing programs teaching carpentry, soldering, and woodburning at the Telus Spark Science Centre, a science museum in Calgary. The funding will support BluPrint exhibits where children can build items using real-world tools under adult guidance, as well as simulators for welding, cranes, and forklifts.
Minister highlights importance of trades
Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall emphasized the value of skilled trades for Alberta's economy. "A strong Alberta economy relies on skilled trades. From the homes we build to the infrastructure that powers our province, tradespeople are at the centre of our growth story," he said. "Young Albertans deserve to know that the trades offer rewarding, well-paying careers — and our partnership with Telus Spark Science Centre is an investment in making sure they do."
Programs and exhibits at the centre
The museum's BluPrint exhibits include a corner sponsored by the Calgary Construction Association, where children can design and build objects. The centre also features simulators for welding, cranes, and forklifts, along with a space for learning about water dynamics and engineering. Outdoor carpentry programs for ages five and above are currently running, along with daily classes on pipe and gas fitting, small appliance use, heavy duty machines, and electrical work.
Maddie Bemrose, senior manager of science experience at the museum, noted that the oldest programs were introduced in 2024 with funding from the province, the Calgary Construction Association, and Imperial Oil.
Broader context of trades investment
This latest funding follows a $30 million promise last year to help school boards build and renovate collegiate schools focusing on trade-related careers. Of that, $21 million was dedicated to renovating or building new spaces, such as carpentry workshops, film and media rooms, science laboratories, heavy equipment simulators, and aircraft hangars. School boards received an additional $6 million for startup costs, and over $4 million was committed to enhancing dual credit programs allowing students to earn both high school and post-secondary credits.
Labour shortages in skilled trades
The announcement comes amid ongoing labour shortages in skilled trades across Alberta. In 2022, 80 per cent of businesses reported a labour shortage in skilled trades, up from 40 per cent six years earlier — a trend exacerbated by the pandemic. In 2023, nearly three-quarters of businesses surveyed by the Alberta Chambers of Commerce found it very difficult to hire people with trades certificates, a 63 per cent increase from two years prior.
