Alberta 2030 strategy to transform higher education (video)

Provincial Press Release April 29, 2021 @ 9:19am published at 11:10am

The Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy sets the road map for a re-envisioned post-secondary system focusing on high-quality education and the skills and training needed for Alberta’s future.

The strategy presents clearly defined goals, objectives and initiatives to achieve a common vision for higher education in Alberta. It was developed following extensive research, consultation and stakeholder engagement over the past year, and is the most significant adult learning initiative Alberta has undertaken in more than 15 years.

“Alberta 2030 is a long-term strategic plan for Alberta’s post-secondary system. At its core, the strategy will work to build skills for jobs to ensure that Albertans develop the knowledge and competencies they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world.” Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education

The strategy establishes six goals:

• Improve access and student experience

• Develop skills for jobs

• Support innovation and commercialization

• Strengthen internationalization

• Improve sustainability and affordability

• Strengthen system governance

Each of these goals works in the service of building a world-class post-secondary system that draws and nurtures talent, creates opportunities for business and industry to thrive and invest in our province, and ensures current and future generations have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.

“Alberta 2030 responds to the changing needs of our students, communities and industry, and charts a new path that recognizes the key role Alberta’s post-secondary sector plays in driving economic and social innovation. We look forward to working with the Government of Alberta and our post-secondary and industry partners to deliver on the promise and potential of Alberta 2030 to educate the workforce of tomorrow and support the economic recovery and diversification in the province.” Bill Flanagan, president, University of Alberta

“The Alberta 2030: Skills for Jobs Review addresses some students' concerns surrounding the rising costs of tuition and insufficient financial aid in Alberta. The Alberta Students’ Executive Council is encouraged that the review has called for predictable tuition with reasonable increases and, following the 2022 academic year, the minister has committed to keeping these increases tied to inflation. As costs continue to rise for students, the additional commitment to student aid will be essential in helping support students throughout their journey in post-secondary and their transition to the workforce after.” Brittany Lausen, chair, Alberta Students’ Executive Council and president, Students’ Association of Red Deer College

“The Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs Review gave post-secondary students the opportunity to be involved in improving Alberta's post-secondary sector. The Alberta Students' Executive Council values work-integrated learning opportunities and a closer connection between higher education and the economy through micro-credential programs that are accessible, affordable and high-quality. This is an innovative step in modernizing Alberta’s advanced education system.” Michael Frankiw, director, Alberta Students’ Executive Council and former president, Students’ Association of Olds College

Implementation of initiatives under the Alberta 2030 strategy will begin in 2021, with additional engagement to occur as necessary.

Quick facts

Extensive engagement on the strategy included:

• More than 115 one-on-one interviews to gather initial hypotheses, perspectives and concerns

• 10 guiding coalition meetings

• Almost 5,700 online survey submissions

• More than 200 workbook submissions

• Almost 1,500 participants in six telephone town halls

• 31 roundtable sessions

• Numerous direct submissions from stakeholders

The government recently made a number of financial commitments in areas related to the Alberta 2030 initiative:

• A $15-million investment over three years through a partnership with Mitacs to support more than 3,800 internship opportunities, helping promising students gain world-class research skills from experienced industry professionals. This is expected to leverage matching investments of almost $22 million in federal funding and $27 million in funding from participating organizations.

• More than $20 million as part of the Skills for Jobs plan to increase direct support for apprentices and invest in the organizations that promote apprenticeship and help these students gain critical on-the-job experience.

• $714,000 to support the veteran-friendly campus program at the U of A. The two-year pilot initiative will provide specialized on-campus supports and resources to help veterans achieve their educational goals and build new careers once their service has ended.

• A commitment of more than $25.8 million over the next three years to support healthy campuses and student mental health.