Northern Lights Public Schools (NLPS) is enhancing its commitment to providing students with valuable hands-on learning experiences as part of its 2024-2027 Education Plan, with a renewed focus on expanding apprenticeship opportunities.
"We have some exciting developments in NLPS when it comes to apprenticeships, dual credit programs, and other career pathways," said Karen Draycott, Director of Learning - Grades 7-12 Instructional Support. "By collaborating with community partners and post-secondary institutions, we're working to create even more options for students, and we're eager to see our high school programming continue to grow."
In Summer 2024, NLPS introduced a new dual credit program in partnership with Portage College, aimed at exposing students to various trades and apprenticeship programs. Nine students completed the "Introduction to the Trades" course over the summer, earning a total of 45 high school credits.
"Introduction to the Trades allows students to explore four trades," Draycott explained. "The course includes eight days of instruction at the Portage College trades lab, and students earn high school credits, as well as college credits for completing the course."
The trades covered in the program included carpentry, steamfitting/pipefitting, welding, and power engineering. This introduction allows students to make informed decisions about their future career paths in the trades.
For students who already have a clear direction, the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) offers an opportunity to gain real-world experience. Through RAP, students earn apprenticeship hours while still attending high school, giving them a head start in their careers. NLPS is working closely with local employers to expand the number of placements available, addressing the growing demand from students.
"We're seeing increasing interest in RAP, and we're excited to work with local employers to create more opportunities for students who are keen to start their apprenticeship journey," added Draycott.
This year, NLPS is also exploring opportunities for students to complete their Period 1 trades training while still enrolled in high school. This initiative would give students a head start in their trade careers, and the division is excited about the potential to offer this valuable opportunity in the future.
In celebration of Alberta Apprenticeship Day on September 23, NLPS is proud to recognize the importance of apprenticeship programs in building strong career pathways for students. Alberta Apprenticeship Day highlights the value of skilled trades and the key role they play in the province's economy. NLPS remains committed to expanding these opportunities for students and supporting their pursuit of fulfilling careers in the trades.
