EDMONTON (Rajeev Sharma): Alberta students returning to classrooms this fall will have access to expanded career-focused education, with the provincial government adding new collegiate schools and expanding existing programs across the province.
Four new collegiate schools and 14 expanded collegiate pathways are being introduced during the current school year, bringing Alberta’s total to 32 collegiate schools operating across 55 locations.
The programs are designed to give students greater exposure to careers and industries while they complete high school. Students can take part in hands-on training, workplace learning and off-campus education, while some programs also provide opportunities to earn post-secondary credits.
Education and Childcare Minister Demetrios Nicolaides said the expansion is intended to connect classroom learning with practical opportunities beyond high school.
Collegiate programs are delivered by school boards in collaboration with post-secondary institutions and industry partners. Depending on the program, students can explore fields including skilled trades, science and technology, health care, agriculture, energy, aviation and advanced manufacturing.
The expansion includes programs such as the South Alberta Flight Academy and the Yuill School of Agriculture, which are providing students in southeastern Alberta with opportunities to gain industry-related experience while still in secondary school.
Prairie Rose Public Schools board chair Patty Rooks said partnerships involving schools, industry, post-secondary institutions and government can help students develop practical skills and explore potential careers before graduation.
Collegiate programming is also expanding in the Peace River region, where students can receive earlier exposure to skilled trades and related training. Peace River School Division chair David Rushton said the initiative gives students an opportunity to connect their high school studies with potential employment and apprenticeship pathways.
Career-focused education is available to Alberta students through a range of programs beyond collegiate schools. These include dual-credit courses, off-campus education, Career and Technology Foundations (CTF) and Career and Technology Studies (CTS).
Together, these initiatives allow students from Grades 7 through 12 to explore career interests, gain practical experience and develop skills that can support different paths after high school, including post-secondary education, apprenticeships and employment.
With the latest expansion, Alberta’s collegiate network is continuing to grow, giving more students opportunities to combine traditional high school studies with practical career preparation.
