Students in Grande Prairie and surrounding communities will soon have expanded access to hands-on, career-focused learning through a new collegiate programming model launching this fall. The programming is a collaborative effort between Grande Prairie and District Catholic Schools, Grande Prairie Public School Division, and Peace Wapiti Public School Division.
Alberta Education recently approved funding associated with start-up costs for the Grande Prairie Regional Career Collegiate (GPRCC), which will offer students the opportunity to explore and begin careers in the skilled trades while remaining connected to their home schools.
The Collegiate programming will build upon the Intro to the Trades Dual Credit course delivered in partnership with Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP). Additional programming will continue to expand, including a Heavy Equipment Technician Period 1 apprenticeship course, launching in spring 2027 and delivered by a Red Seal Journeyman.
“We look forward to welcoming first-period Heavy Equipment Technicians to our new, purpose-built shop space within NWP’s Skilled Trades Training Centre later this year,” says Northwestern Polytechnic Vice-President Academic, Jodi Shultz. “Students will benefit from hands-on exposure to the latest tools and technologies of the trades.”
The collegiate model allows students to stay enrolled in their home schools while accessing specialized training through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience at NWP campuses, mobile learning labs, and local industry sites.
Students across all three divisions are already engaging in apprenticeship pathways such as welding, carpentry, and automotive service technician training. The collegiate will build on that foundation by broadening access to in-demand programs aligned with regional workforce needs and post-secondary opportunities.
Programming is designed to provide flexible scheduling options, including half-day and full-day experiences, allowing students to balance academic learning with real-world skills development.
The initiative is supported by strong partnerships with Northwestern Polytechnic and local industry leaders, including Brogan Fire and Safety and Triple Threat Diesel. Industry partners say the collegiate approach will help strengthen the local workforce by giving students meaningful, hands-on experience and clearer pathways into high-demand careers, while supporting long-term economic growth in the region.
Nolan Dyck, MLA for Grande Prairie, highlighted, “The skilled trades have long been the economic backbone of Grande Prairie, which is why this program is so important to our community. As opportunities in the trades continue to grow here in Alberta, it's critical that students are prepared to step into these in-demand careers. This project is a great example of what we can achieve when school boards work together, and I’m proud to have supported it.”
“Seeing the Grande Prairie Regional Career Collegiate move forward is incredibly exciting because it represents a real shift in how we prepare young people for the future,” said Dale Tiedemann, CAREERS: The Next Generation. “When students connect learning with hands-on experience and see a direct path into meaningful careers, they gain confidence and a stronger sense of what’s possible. This will ultimately have a lasting impact on communities across the region.”
The three participating school divisions will continue working together with education and industry partners to expand programming offerings over time, ensuring students and families in the region have access to relevant, future-focused learning opportunities.
Interested students can request an application form from their high school. Spots are limited, and students will be updated on the status of their application from their schools by mid-June.
