new career and technology programs expand across alberta
changes include online offerings, expanded dual credit programs or new tech classes within existing high schools, and new charter school openings
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alberta minister of education demetrios nicolaides, left to right, calgary catholic school division vice-chair lory iovinelli, calgary board of education vice-chair nancy close, and sait vice-president of academics dr. janet welch pose for a photo following a press conference at the career and technology centre in calgary on tuesday, september 3, 2024.
brent calver/postmedia
up to seven new “collegiate” programs have opened to high school students across alberta this fall, hoping to better prepare them for careers in the fast-changing technology and trades sectors. while some will be online offerings, expanded dual credit programs or new tech classes within existing high schools, some are also new school openings such as the fusion collegiate charter school in northwest calgary.
alberta education is committing $64.3 million over three years for the unique programming, hoping to help create foundations for jobs in engineering, aviation, digital communication, skilled trades and other technology-related fields.
“career education is fundamental for supporting alberta’s students as they transition into adulthood,” education minister demetrios nicolaides said at a media event in calgary on tuesday.
“our commitment to expand collegiate programming across the province will help students build the skills and abilities they need to be successful after graduation and throughout post-secondary studies.”
three of the seven new programs are opening in calgary in the next year, including the calgary board of education‘s new digital futures pathway program offered to 190 students across several high schools, teaching robotics, computer programming, website design, videography and animation.
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and in january 2025, the calgary catholic school district will expand its existing career and technology programming at their lady of the rockies high school, formerly bishop grandin, with its new “collegiate school in innovation technology and design.”
both the cbe and ccsd programs are partnering with sait and other post secondaries allowing students to earn dual credits in both high school and college as they prepare for future careers.
“sait is pleased to partner with cbe, ccsd and the government of alberta to create pathways that encourage more students to consider careers in the trades,” said janet welch, vice-president of academic at sait.
“these programs are a valuable element in building a skilled workforce that will support the future prosperity of alberta and canada.”
as well, a new charter school called fusion collegiate has opened its doors to 100 high school students near the university of calgary, supporting them in high school and the gap years beyond, to train or upgrade for future careers.
programs there range from auto-service technician to business and entrepreneurship, and include post-secondary partnerships.
also sharing in this fall’s provincial investment are four other collegiate programs in northern and southern alberta communities including calmar, peace river, coleman and dunmore.
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“this investment will help students find and pursue their passion and will lead them to be more engaged in school and find more pathways to post secondaries,” nicolaides said.
“and it will ultimately equip them with the skills and abilities they’ll need for life after school.”
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