NORTHERN LAKES COLLEGE
Northern Lakes College's Mobile Training Lab (MTL) is on the move - and bringing new opportunities with it

In partnership with the Town of Drayton Valley, the Mobile Training Lab will arrive in the community this summer and will be located at the Town of Drayton Valley Public Works site. The Mobile Training Lab will deliver Pre-Employment Carpentry programming beginning September 1, marking an important step toward expanding access to skilled trades education in Drayton Valley and surrounding areas.

The initiative is designed to provide students with practical, hands-on training close to home while helping address the growing demand for skilled trades professionals across the region. In addition to the initial carpentry offering, Northern Lakes College and the Town of Drayton Valley are exploring the addition of electrical offerings in the winter term. As part of the initiative, program delivery will be supported by two contracted instructors while the lab is operating in the community. Preference will be given to qualified local instructors, reinforcing community participation while contributing to regional workforce development.

We are very excited for the opportunity to bring trades education to Drayton Valley. By offering trades programming, we are working together to build a skilled trades workforce and enhance our communities by supporting regional economic growth and long-term workforce sustainability.

-Angie White, Interim Dean, Trades and Resource Technology

Bringing the Mobile Training Lab to Drayton Valley is an exciting step forward for our community and one that we've been working towards for many years. Through this partnership with Northern Lakes College, we're making hands-on trades training more accessible right here at home so our residents can build the skills they need without having to leave the community. By supporting local students and engaging instructors, this initiative helps strengthen our workforce, support local industry, and invest in the future of Drayton Valley.

-Mayor Nancy Dodds, Town of Drayton Valley

The Mobile Training Lab also creates dual credit opportunities for high school students to begin exploring careers in the skilled trades while earning both high school and post-secondary credits. By expanding access to hands-on learning opportunities in the region, Northern Lakes College and the Town of Drayton Valley are helping local students build pathways to rewarding careers close to home.

Residents interested in Pre-Employment Carpentry programming are encouraged to keep an eye out for registration details and upcoming announcements from Northern Lakes College. In addition, Cenovus Energy is generously providing $10,000 toward tuition assistance specifically for students attending programming through the MTL. Students interested in applying for funding should watch for updates on the Drayton Valley TAB Program website.