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Enhanced career training coming to more Alta. High schools

EDMONTON, Alta. — Alberta high school students are getting more opportunities to gain meaningful experience in the trades through career-based programming.

The Government of Alberta announced its expansion of the dual credit grant program for the 2023-2024 school year. The grant money will total $3.6 million distributed across 47 school authorities to create new dual credit programming or expand existing dual credit classes.

The program provides career-based courses to students in Grade 10, 11 and 12, giving them an opportunity to earn credits that count towards both high school and a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. The courses also give students an opportunity to learn career skills before graduating.

New or enhanced dual credit opportunities in the trades include carpentry and welding apprenticeships, among others.

Alberta Minister of Education Demetrios Nicolaides says the program will help give students needed skills to transition into the next phase of their life, while provided much needed workers to an economy overburdened by a labour shortage.

“Alberta Education is committed to empowering students to pursue various career paths to support success inside and outside the classroom,” he said.

“Enhancing these opportunities is essential to encouraging high school completion and building a skilled, educated and engaged workforce to support Alberta’s growing economy.”