To meet the rising costs of providing quality technical training for a growing number of apprentices, tuition fees for technical training are being increased for the first time since 1999. For classes beginning in August 2003 to July 2004, tuition fees will be $65.65 per week ($525 for 8 weeks of technical training). Fees will then increase over the three years after that, as follows:

After 2006/2007, tuition fees for apprentices will be adjusted every year by the annual average change in the Alberta consumer price index (CPI) plus two percent. CPI is a measure of the cost of living. The average annual change in the CPI over the last ten years has been two percent. Apprentices, employers and institutions that deliver apprenticeship technical training were involved in discussions on these upcoming changes to apprenticeship tuition fees, and how they are set. The Alberta Government and the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board are fully committed to offering quality training that is accessible for all Alberta apprentices.

Apprentices who can demonstrate need may qualify for grants from the Skills Development Program of Alberta Human Resources and Employment to help pay for tuition, books, supplies and living expenses. Grants do NOT have to be repaid.