Over 170 signatures from 18 local businesses are accompanying a letter to deal with issues affecting apprentices in Lloydminster.
The letter is addressed to Alberta, and Saskatchewan apprenticeship bodies, and the City of Lloydminster.
Businesses on the Saskatchewan-side say they are facing the impact of apprentices having to train only in the province where they work.
“Since 2017 Lloydminster has had an apprenticeship problem. Saskatchewan based diesel repair shops are being forced to apprentice in Saskatchewan. Prior to this decision, apprentices were free to choose which province and schools they wanted to attend – with the overwhelming majority deciding to apprentice in Alberta and attend Lakeland College in Vermilion,” writes Luke Roper, operations manager with G Force Diesel.
The choice of where apprentices get their training has caused issues for businesses on the Saskatchewan-side.
“This has resulted in an economic disadvantage for Saskatchewan-based businesses within Lloydminster. It is extremely difficult to convince an apprentice to transfer to Saskatchewan Apprenticeship. It is easier for that same apprentice to get a job on the Alberta-side of town,” says Roper.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers is aware of the economic impact, adding that Lloydminster City Council will continue to advocate for local MLAs, ministers, and apprenticeship boards to address this issue.
“The City of Lloydminster has heard from local businesses about the challenges related to apprenticeship training for heavy-duty mechanics. Specifically, Saskatchewan businesses are seeking access to training at Lakeland College in Vermilion. Many apprentices prefer to travel to Vermilion rather than to Saskatoon for schooling,” notes Aalbers. “This issue is having a significant impact on Saskatchewan-based businesses and is hindering economic growth in the Saskatchewan portion of the city and surrounding areas.”
MLA Colleen Young says the apprenticeship file has been with her since she was elected, and over a year ago, she thought she was making headway to allow Lloydminster apprentices to train in Vermilion rather than having to move to Saskatoon.
“The Sask Apprenticeship and Trade Commission (SATCC) indicated they had sent a draft MOU and had Alberta Apprenticeship considering it in July 2024. Since then, SATCC has followed up with Alberta Apprenticeship but has not received an indication of interest in developing the MOU further or reaching an informal agreement to allow apprentices living and working within Lloydminster to register their apprenticeship contract with either province,” says Young, adding, “Alberta Apprenticeship changed their course content, somewhat, a couple of years ago, and shortened the length of the course. Saskatchewan did not change course content and the length of the course.”
Young concludes, “Unfortunately, Alberta Apprenticeship still does not have interest in continuing to develop the MOU.”
However, Alberta’s Advanced Education says in an email to MyLloydminsterNow that it’s “not prioritizing an MOU signing for a variety of reasons.”
“Specifically, under the Provincial-Territorial Apprentice Mobility Protocol, apprentices can relocate temporarily or permanently anywhere in Canada, including taking classroom instruction in another province. As it stands, there are no barriers or restrictions that exist preventing Saskatchewan apprentices from attending classroom instruction in Alberta.”
The Sask MLA strikes a positive note that Cenovus Energy has been working with Alberta and Lakeland College to help find a solution.
Young will also continue to advocate, adding, “I have asked the Minister of Advanced Education to work with Lakeland College, and Alberta Apprenticeship to consider funding additional seats at the Vermilion Campus.”
Follow-up: MyLloydminsterNow is continuing to follow-up with the respective departments on the issues affecting apprentice training.
