Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) and its partners celebrated the grand opening of a new Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI) learning space on RDP's main campus. This new learning space, providing dedicated space for dual credit middle school and high school learners at RDP, signals an important step in bolstering Alberta's future skilled trades workforce.
(l-r): Chris Good, Associate Superintendent, Student Services, Red Deer Public Schools; Tim De Ruyck, Superintendent, Wolf Creek Public Schools; Stefan Rutkowski, CEO, Careers; The Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services and MLA, Red Deer-North; Stuart Cullum, President, Red Deer Polytechnic; Dr. Ryan Sawula, Superintendent of Schools, Chinook's Edge School Division; Dr. Rhonda Nixon, Superintendent of Schools, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools; Guy Pelletier, Chair, Board of Governors, Red Deer Polytechnic
CACI represents a forward-thinking collaboration between Red Deer Polytechnic, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, Red Deer Public Schools, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Wolf Creek Public Schools, Chinook's Edge School Division and CAREERS, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to connecting youth with industry. Together, these partners create a powerful pathway that equips middle and high school students with hands-on skills, mentorship and career coaching, helping them confidently work toward rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
"We are excited to unveil this newly renovated space that will enhance the education and training of CACI students," says Lindsay Engel, Vice President, Academic and Student Experience, Red Deer Polytechnic. "Through our CACI partnership, we are preparing students for in-demand careers in the skilled trades while addressing a vital need in Alberta's labour market."
The upgraded learning spaces for CACI include classrooms in the Polytechnic's Four Centres on the east side of main campus, along with significant shop upgrades. These improvements were made possible through a $2.6 million investment from the Government of Alberta, ensuring CACI students gain industry-ready skills in modern and well-equipped environments.
"At CACI, engage, explore, and experience represents a deliberate progression of learning. This new collegiate space, made possible through this investment and strong post-secondary and industry partnerships, allows students to deepen their learning, apply their skills in authentic ways and begin building meaningful pathways beyond high school," says Tracey Millar, Program Coordinator, Central Alberta Collegiate Institute.
Students in middle and high school currently have access to nine dual credit programs at RDP, including Plumber, Carpenter, Electrician, Automotive Service Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician, Parts Technician, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Welder and Sprinkler Systems Installer. Program options for secondary students continue to grow. In mid-February, RDP will launch three-credit CACI Plumbing, Carpenter and Electrician programs.
Over the past few years, student participation in CACI at the Polytechnic has grown steadily. In 2023-24, 190 secondary students took part in CACI learning opportunities. That number climbed to roughly 350 learners last year. This year, participation has surpassed 550 students, representing a 58 per cent increase from the previous year.
This momentum aligns with the recently announced Central Alberta Trades Strategy, which emphasizes collaboration to expand access to skilled trades education and strengthen coordination among educators, employers and policy makers.
Through CACI, the Central Alberta Trades Strategy and 17 apprenticeship programs offered by RDP, the Polytechnic plays a vital role in preparing Alberta's skilled trades workforce.
For more information about RDP's trades and apprenticeship programming, visit: rdpolytech.ca/trades.
