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A number of students who participated in career pathway learning opportunities during their time in Chinook’s Edge, are now pursuing further post-secondary training in the skilled trades.
Because of strong Career and Technology Studies (CTS) and dual credit programming, these students have already completed a significant portion of training required for employment.
“This is incredibly exciting for us to see,” says Brianne Fletcher, Career Connections Coordinator for Chinook’s Edge School Division. “Our efforts as a school division to make a difference for these students is succeeding. Students in our career pathway programs are experiencing success, building skills, and gaining the confidence they need to transition to further post-secondary learning.”
Of note, the industry average in Alberta for a person entering the trades is about 25 years old, and seven years after high school graduation. Because of the opportunities to participate in career exploration and career building experiences during their high school years, Chinook’s Edge students who participate in CTS and dual credit learning are significantly ahead of the Alberta average, with many of them completing entry level requirements before high school graduation.
“Our collective success matters, but also when you consider each student’s individual story you see the positive power of our focus on career pathway learning opportunities,” says Fletcher.
Justin Campbell is a Chinook’s Edge alumni who is using his previous career pathway learning as a springboard into further training. During his time attending Ecole Olds High School (EOHS), he participated in Readiness for the Skilled Trades classes - level 1 and level 2. He also completed Pre-Employment welding at Olds College of Agriculture and Technology.
After graduating from EOHS in June 2024, Campbell is now enrolled at Olds College in the welding program and enjoying the experience.
Brielle Underhill graduated from Sundre High School in June 2024, after having participated in dual credit learning. She took Readiness for Skilled Trades level 1 and 2, as well as Pre-employment Welding at Olds College. She also placed 4th at last year’s provincial Skills competition.
Underhill is now enrolled in welding as an Olds College student and is also completing an apprenticeship at Farmer Built Structures, an agriculture-based construction company located in Bowden where Underhill completes farming and industrial fabrication, quonsets and hay sheds.
Cabri Nesbitt graduated from Ecole Olds High School in June 2024. During his high school years, Nesbitt completed his required high school courses, along with four dual credit learning opportunities: Readiness for the Skilled Trades levels 1 and 2, Exploration of the Pipe-Trades (offered through TEPF and Local 496 in Innisfail), and Pre-Employment Welding at Olds College.
Nesbitt is now enrolled at Olds College in welding, and he is completing an internship at Spearhead, a “high-tech, full-service manufacturing facility” located in Olds.
Ecole Olds High School graduate (2024), Slade Bales is now enrolled in the Heavy Equipment Technician program at Olds College. During his high school years, he completed Readiness for the Skilled Trades level 1, and Pre-employment Welding.
Bales says he grew up on a ranch, and was around heavy equipment, and had a natural knack for ‘wrenching’. Then EOHS Vice Principal, Kent Lorenz, talked about dual credit with Bales.