Career education enables students to have hands-on, experiential learning experiences that can lead to rewarding career opportunities in Alberta's growing job market. Dual credit programming enables students to pursue career education by providing them with the opportunity to explore their career interests in a variety of industries and professions while earning high school and post-secondary credits at the same time.
With growing demand for experiential learning, Alberta's government is strengthening dual credit programming by advancing the recommendations of the Career Education Task Force to establish a new Dual Credit Review Advisory group. The advisory group will review dual credit programming and identify opportunities for enhancement to ensure that students are equipped with the skills and opportunities they need to pursue post-secondary education and careers after high school.
"Alberta's government is making sure every student has the opportunity to pursue their career interests and succeed in Alberta's dynamic job market. That's why we are continuing to strengthen dual credit programming. The advisory group's work will help more students prepare for careers in our growing and diversifying economy and fill much-needed positions across the province to further boost the economy."
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education
The new advisory group consists of representatives from school authorities across Alberta, industry, post-secondary institutions and career organizations. The members are from geographically diverse areas and represent various school authorities, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit, collegiate schools and independent schools that are involved with or interested in dual credit programming.
"Dual credit learning is a transformative educational experience that empowers students with knowledge, skills and confidence for the transition from high school to higher education or skilled employment. Dual credit allows students to explore career options and jump-start their future."
Bradey Thompson, principal and co-founder, Fusion Collegiate
"This advisory group will enhance the importance of hands-on experiential learning, that through dual credit, empowers high school students to explore interests, develop skills and earn credentials towards their pathway to journeyperson status."
Matthew Lindberg, dean, School of Skilled Trades, NAIT
In addition to the advisory group, education partners and stakeholders, including school authorities and post-secondary institutions, will be invited to complete a targeted survey in June to provide input on Alberta's current and future dual credit programming. Survey results, along with feedback from advisory group meetings, will be summarized in a report that will be released in the fall.
Albertans can view the full list of members online.
Quick facts
- As part of Budget 2024, Alberta's government is investing $4.45 million into dual credit grants for the 2024-25 school year to help attract young Albertans to in-demand careers.
- The Career Education Task Force was created in July 2022 and provided its final report to Alberta's government in April 2023, which included a recommendation to review current dual credit programming and find opportunities for enhancement.
- The Dual Credit Review Advisory Group will meet to gather input on:
- the dual credit funding model and programming;
- accessibility, transportation and equipment barriers;
- transferability between post-secondary institutions;
- the role of collegiate schools in dual credit delivery;
- course offerings and instructional models; and
- increasing access to off-campus education.
- In July 2023, the minister of education received a mandate letter from the Premier outlining a commitment to enhance dual credit grant programs and to make more funding available for new dual credit programming and equipment.
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