More career education for students

Posted on Apr 09, 2024

Alberta’s government is investing more than $4 million into dual credit grants to support young Albertans as they transition into post-secondary, trades or the workplace.

Career education enables students to have hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that can lead to rewarding career opportunities. 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.

Dual credit courses are optional, career-based courses in grades 10, 11 and 12 that allow students to earn both high school credits and credits that count toward a post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree. During the 2022-23 school year, more than 50 school authorities partnered with post-secondary institutions to provide students the opportunity to gain the talent they need to pursue their chosen career. Funding meant that each school authority and post-secondary institution partnership could provide new or enhance existing dual enrolled, dual credit programming for more than 2,100 high school students.

“Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring students have every opportunity to pursue their interests and succeed in Alberta’s dynamic job market. Dual credit programs provide students with meaningful pathways to post-secondary education, trades or directly into the workplace. Expanding these opportunities for students not only brings value to their high school education but also prepares them for success in whichever career they choose.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education

“Funding from the province will help enable students at Edmonton Public Schools to benefit from hands-on learning, explore career opportunities and enhance pathways for success.”

Julie Kusiek, board chair, Edmonton Public Schools

“We are witnessing exciting growth in the talent pipeline offered by Alberta’s young learners, and we believe this improvement is driven through support of youth programs by our local school districts, colleges, industry representatives, and government. As a leading manufacturer, ITB has helped to shape the next generation of industry-ready trade specialists through hands-on learning. We are proud to support dual credit programs that empower students to gain real-world experience alongside our skilled employees in the trades.”

Randy Van Seters, general manager, Intercontinental Truck Body (ITB)

Of the total funding, Alberta Health is providing $450,000 per year for three years to support health care aide dual credit grants. Health care aides are respected members of Alberta’s health care system who play an important role in supporting Albertans to receive quality, person-centred care. Targeted funding for health care aide dual credit grants aims to increase the number of students pursuing a career in the health care sector and help alleviate growing workforce pressures. This funding is part of Alberta Health’s $1-billion investment to support continuing care transformation.

“Health care aides are an essential part of Alberta’s health care system. Our funding provides opportunities for young Albertans who are looking for fulfilling careers that they can start training for even before they graduate high school. This is also an excellent career pathway to pursue further studies and training in health care, adding to the overall strength of our province’s health care workforce.”

Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Health

For the 2024-25 school year, school authorities across Alberta can apply for one or both of the following grants:

Dual credit start-up grant of up to $50,000
Dual credit enhancement grant of up to $100,000

School authorities have until May 3 to apply. Successful applicants will receive funding in the 2024-25 school year.

Budget 2024 is a responsible plan to strengthen health care and education, build safe and supportive communities, manage the province’s resources wisely and promote job creation to continue to build Alberta’s competitive advantage.

Quick facts

Since 2013, more than 9,000 high school students participated in at least one dual enrolled, dual credit course.
From 2013 to 2023, about 1,200 students, involving 40 school authorities and 137 schools, participated in health care aide dual credit programming.
Health care aides provide basic health services, assistance and support with daily living for Albertans who have medical conditions or functional limitations in hospitals, continuing care homes, home care and other health care settings.

Related information

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