October 11, 2012 – The Wood Buffalo Apprenticeship Forum announced that Stephen Khan, Enterprise and Advanced Education minister, will be headlining the inaugural apprenticeship conference slated for October 15-17 at the Suncor Community Leisure Centre.

The conference “The Future Works Here”—now sold out—will be an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate and examine the overall health of apprenticeships in Alberta and produce recommendations for possible solutions, as well as celebrate current successes, say organizers. The skilled labour shortage in Alberta will be a main focus of the conference.

“We know that, in partnership with industry, we will need to hire and train more apprentices to build a skilled workforce for the future,” said Khan. “The Alberta government is proud to be working with industry, training providers and others to increase opportunities for Albertans who want to become apprentices.”

Deputy Mayor Russell Thomas, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, will be among the speakers, which include Kara Flynn, VP government and public affairs, Syncrude Canada Ltd.; Andy Carter, manager tailings operations, Shell Albian Sands; Dr. Kevin Nagel, president & CEO, Keyano College; and Mike Heck, general manager upgrading maintenance, Suncor Energy.

“The apprenticeship conference directly speaks to our shared recognition that addressing Alberta’s skill shortage is top priority,” said Thomas. “Making sure our apprenticeship processes are cohesive and strong will go a long way to bridging the gap. It is very encouraging that multiple organizations have collaborated to make this event possible.”

Nagel believes this event will be “an opportunity to learn more about the role of apprenticeship in economic development; the strategies that are being deployed by leading oil sands companies as well as apprenticeship initiatives launched by post-secondary educational institutions”.

Alberta’s Apprenticeship Conference is organized by the Wood Buffalo Apprenticeship Forum, which consists of representatives from industry, education, and government. CLICK HERE for the complete conference agenda.