Nicolaides Emphasizes Career Pathways for Alberta Students
At the Calgary Board of Education’s Career and Technology Center, Alberta’s Minister of Education, Demetrios Nicolaides, highlighted the government’s strategic investment in career-focused education, aimed at preparing students not only for post-secondary education but also for direct entry into in-demand careers.
Central to this educational shift is the expansion of the Collegiate school model, which combines specialized programming with traditional high school courses. Since its inception in 2021, the demand for Collegiate programs has surged, leading the Alberta government to allocate over $64 million in the 2024 budget to support the creation of new Collegiate schools and programs across the province.
This school year, seven new Collegiate schools will open, including three in Calgary operated by the Calgary Catholic School District, the Calgary Board of Education, and Fusion Collegiate. The remaining four will open in Canmore, Peace River, Grimshaw, Coleman, and Dunmore.
“By focusing on enhancing career education, we are not only setting our students up for success today but also investing in the future prosperity of our incredible province,” Nicolaides said.
The Collegiate model bridges the gap between secondary education and the workforce, offering students pathways aligned with Alberta’s labor market needs. Programs within these schools focus on hands-on, experiential learning in fields with strong demand for skilled workers.
For example, the Calgary Board of Education’s Digital Future Pathways Collegiate allows Grade 10 students to explore cutting-edge technologies like robotics, engineering, and web development. The program, which has enrolled over 190 students, reflects the growing interest in technology-driven careers. Through partnerships with institutions like the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), students gain valuable experience and can participate in dual credit opportunities, earning post-secondary credits while still in high school.
Similarly, the Calgary Catholic School District’s new Collegiate program, Our Ladies of the Rockies Collegiate School, set to open in January 2025, will offer specialized education in areas such as science, engineering, aviation, and business.
“These new Collegiate programs will not only enrich our educational offerings but also strengthen our communities by preparing a skilled, capable workforce ready to contribute to Alberta’s growing economy,” said Lori Ivanelli, Vice Chair of the Board of Calgary Catholic.
As the new school year begins, Alberta’s students have more opportunities than ever to pursue their passions and prepare for rewarding careers. The province’s investment in career education is not just an investment in its youth; it is an investment in Alberta’s future.