For 50 years, high school students across Alberta have had the opportunity to gain hands-on skills in agricultural careers while earning credits toward through the Green Certificate Program. For Shaye Guinand, a Grade 12 student at J.A. Williams High School in Lac La Biche, the program was a natural fit.
Guinand was already working on his uncle's ranch when he heard about the program from Missy Jacknife, the school's First Nations, Metis and Inuit Graduation Coach.
"It sounded good and I figured if I was already doing the work, I might as well get credits for it," Guinand said. He completed his first unit close to the end of calving season and hasn't looked back.
The Green Certificate Program is almost entirely hands-on. After completing safety training, students work through modules supported by on on-site supervisor. Guinand has already completed several units, including modules focused on cattle behaviour.
By the time he graduates this spring, Guinand will have earned 16 credits through the program. He has already applied to the Agriculture Management program at Olds College and plans to pursue a career in ranching.
"It's a great program. It has helped me a lot," he said.
The Green Certificate Program is one of many dual credit opportunities available to NLPS high school students. This year there are six students registered in the program.
"These programs allow students to explore careers, gain hands-on experience, and sometimes credentials or even college and university credits, while also earning credits towards high school graduation," explained Karen Draycott, Director of Learning - Grades 7 to 12 Instructional Support. "We have many students who have been able to kickstart their future careers by taking part in dual credit programming in high school."
Providing access to dual credit programming, including agricultural pathways like the Green Certificate Program, is an important component of Northern Lights Public Schools' commitment to improving student achievement and ensuring students have meaningful pathways to success.
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