Polytechnic education provides a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities for students, developing valuable skills that can be used throughout a career. By focusing on practical training in high-demand fields, these institutions not only ensure that graduates are prepared to meet the needs of the evolving job market but also support the province's economic growth and innovation.
Lethbridge College officially became Alberta's newest polytechnic institution, Lethbridge Polytechnic, on Sept. 3. On Oct. 23, the redesignated institution officially celebrated its new status and unveiled its new logo at a gathering of students and administration, community supporters and other dignitaries.
"Seeing the exciting, new visual identity really brings home the fact that this is the start of a whole new era for Lethbridge Polytechnic. Students in southern Alberta will have new options to pursue polytechnic education programs without having to travel to our province's largest centres. This will help them reduce living costs while they study and lessen their time away from family and familiar support networks. And they will have expanded career options in their own region upon graduating."
Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education
"I'm thrilled to see Lethbridge College become Lethbridge Polytechnic. This will help create even more opportunities for students to gain the skills and knowledge they need for success. As an alumnus myself, I know just how valuable and important this institution is to our community."
Nathan Neudorf, MLA for Lethbridge-East
The new name and visual identity reflect a changing mandate. As Lethbridge Polytechnic, the institution has an expanded capacity to create career-focused degree, diploma, certificate and apprenticeship education programs. The new designation also gives Lethbridge Polytechnic greater flexibility to align more effectively with local student and business needs.
Since it was established as Lethbridge Junior College in 1957, Lethbridge Polytechnic has played a key role in the economic, social and cultural life of Lethbridge and surrounding area. The transition to Lethbridge Polytechnic enhances the post-secondary system in southern Alberta, adding its own distinct programming to existing university, college and First Nations College programs to meet the diverse needs of the region's communities.
"The unveiling of our new logo is about more than just a new design. It symbolizes our transition from Lethbridge College to Lethbridge Polytechnic, marking our evolution as an institution that's forged on providing industry-driven, hands-on education. This transition represents the spirit of innovation, collaboration and community that runs through everything we do."
Michael Marcotte, board chair, Lethbridge Polytechnic
"The logo is the result of talking to people who know our institution well. The result speaks to our past and future, and the caring, inclusive environment students say they find here."
Brad Donaldson, president and CEO, Lethbridge College
The redesignation of Lethbridge Polytechnic is aligned with the goals of the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy. The institution will offer an environment for applied research that aligns with high-demand industries in Alberta. Alberta's government continues to work with Lethbridge Polytechnic to ensure a successful transition to polytechnic status.
Quick facts
- Polytechnic institutions in Alberta must offer apprenticeship education, and diploma and certificate programs. They are also able to offer degree programs.
- Polytechnic status in Alberta supports the advancement of applied research and industry-driven results.
- The Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy is a transformational vision and direction for Alberta's higher education system, which will develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, strengthen innovation and commercialization of research and forge stronger relationships between employers and post-secondary institutions.
Related information
Related news
- Enhancing post-secondary learning in Lethbridge (June 25, 2024)
