Trades exploration and health care aide education are two new opportunities available to students in the Medicine Hat Public School Division (MHPSD) through Medicine Hat College (MHC) starting this September.
These dual credit programs make it possible for students to pursue areas of interest and discover career pathways, completing postsecondary courses, while earning college and high school credits.
"The Medicine Hat Public School Division is thrilled to partner with Medicine Hat College to offer these exciting new dual credit programs," says Corey Sadlemyer, Associate Superintendent of Learning for MHPSD. "These opportunities allow students to explore their passions, gain valuable skills, realize significant cost savings and get a head start on their careers. Whether in the field of healthcare or through diverse opportunities in trades, these programs empower students to travel the pathway to success."
Trades programming will include independent study and experiential labs delivered on campus by MHC faculty. Students are introduced to seven different trades disciplines in Grade 10 before having the opportunity to narrow their focus the following year. The final year of high school can involve pre-employment or registered apprenticeship programming (RAP).
"We look forward to growing educational opportunities for high school students in our region, helping them access new pathways to careers," says Dr. Morgan Blair, dean of the School of Trades and Technology at MHC.
The college's highly successful Health Care Aide certificate program will also be available to MHPSD students this fall, providing training for a career that is in high demand. Prioritizing flexibility, most of the program is taken online, with local opportunities for hands-on learning and lab work as the course progresses.
Dr. Jason Openo, dean of MHC's School of Health and Community Services, says the partnership is a way of starting students in a rewarding career and supporting the demand for health care professionals.
"Across Alberta, there is a great need for health care aides, and we are struggling to find enough of them. We're excited that this partnership will allow high school students to accelerate their entry into healthcare careers. This partnership with MHPSD ensures we are working together to fill an important workplace need in our region."
A student career opportunities information session for students and their parents will be held at Medicine Hat High School on Thursday, May 23 from 7 - 8 p.m.
