[4] In the 2011-2012 Annual Report, the department's stated goal was: to support high quality adult learning and post-secondary education that meets the needs of all Manitobans.The listed acts provide the structure under which the department has operated:[5] The 2021 mandate of the Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration is to promote access to advanced education opportunities for Manitobans through strong, competitive post-secondary universities and colleges providing the quality education and skills development for today’s and tomorrow’s workforce, and that supports new economic and social opportunities for Manitoba graduates and immigrants.
In 1965, construction began for the Northern Manitoba Vocational Centre (now University College of the North) in The Pas.
As the community colleges were established and grew, the Directorate focused its resources on planning, construction, and program development for these institutions.
The creation of this new division reflected the increasing need for technical training in Manitoba as labour demands of the economy grew.
[9] In 1976, the Department of Continuing Education and Manpower (French: Département de formation permanente et de main d'oeuvre) assumed the functions of the Department of Colleges and Universities Affairs, taking on the responsibility for post-secondary education and labour training in Manitoba.
[11] In 1989, the Manitoba Literacy Office was created and became part of the Post-Secondary, Adult and Continuing Education Division.
This strategy would be mandated to promote private-sector involvement in Manitoba's human resource development and workplace training.
[12] In 1993, the Post-Secondary, Adult and Continuing Education Division would undergo a major reorganization to consolidate skills training initiatives from across the provincial government.
[18] Alum was replaced by Peter Bjornson on 3 November 2014, but returned to the office and served until 3 May 2016, when the Department of Advanced Education and Literacy was dissolved.
[1][19] The Manitoba cabinet was reorganized after the provincial general election of 2016, and the Department's responsibilities formed part of the new Education and Training portfolio under the direction of Ian Wishart.
[20] In 2021, the Pallister government introduced the new Department of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration, under the control of Wayne Ewasko.