Saskatchewan, Alberta sign apprenticeship agreement for heavy-duty technicians

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Regina, Sask. (Rural Roots Canada) – The governments of Saskatchewan and Alberta have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), making it easier for heavy-duty equipment technician apprentices in Lloydminster to access training across the provincial border.

Under the agreement, Saskatchewan-based apprentices employed in Lloydminster will be allowed to register as Alberta apprentices and attend technical training in Alberta while remaining closer to home.

The agreement also allows employers and apprentices on either side of the Lloydminster border to register apprenticeship contracts in either province, regardless of where the apprentice lives or where the employer is located.

“Saskatchewan has a long-standing cooperative relationship with Alberta,” Saskatchewan Immigration and Career Training Minister Eric Schmalz said in a release. “This agreement also ensures Saskatchewan employers are not at a disadvantage when hiring in the region, helping to secure a more stable labour force within the Heavy-Duty Equipment Technician trade.”

The Saskatchewan government said it will provide financial compensation to Alberta when Saskatchewan-based apprentices register in Alberta.

Alberta Advanced Education Minister Myles McDougall said the agreement would give employers and apprentices more flexibility while helping strengthen the skilled trades workforce.

“By cutting red tape and making cross-border registration easier, this MOU helps strengthen the skilled trades workforce and the industries that rely on it,” said McDougall.

Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young said demand for heavy equipment apprentices remains strong and the agreement could encourage more people to pursue a career in the trade.

The MOU took effect on April 1, 2026.

The post Saskatchewan, Alberta sign apprenticeship agreement for heavy-duty technicians first appeared on Rural Roots Canada.