Chinook’s Edge School Division Career Pathway Programming success

Chinook’s Edge students gain confidence and head start in skilled trades careers
Chinook’s Edge is pleased to see a number of students who participated in career pathway learning opportunities during their time in Chinook’s Edge, 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 says Chinook’s Edge skilled trades learning expands horizons
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.

He says taking welding in high school confirmed his career direction. “Welding gives so many different directions - structure, inspections, etc.,” says Campbell. He says students who are considering a dual credit opportunity should, “just try it! It opens so many opportunities, whether you pursue a trade career it will expand your horizon”.

Key in Campbell’s success was his Dad’s encouragement, as well as then EOHS Vice-Principal Kent Lorenz, who helped him navigate the completion of core classes, so there was room in his schedule for dual credit learning opportunities. Campbell also completed summer school learning for the same reason.

Brielle Underhill already employed in a welding apprenticeship
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.

Underhill says “Not everyone fits the mold of school. Dual credit programs allow you to follow your passion.” She encourages other students to “find a motivator to get through high school academics. Mine was having the chance to chase the trades and learn with my hands.”

Underhill’s interest in welding was inspired, in part, through family. Her grandpa welded in the army on big pieces of equipment, and great grandpa also did some welding. Underhill started welding at a field lot as well as fixing fences. When she heard about dual credit opportunities it piqued her interest.

Underhill says, “Learning in a career pathway gave me further confidence and also pushed me out
of my comfort zone. It was a good way to build my skills.”

Cabri Nesbitt says finding a job and building experience was his driving force
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.

When he was younger, Nesbitt used to work with his grandpa doing blacksmith work. The dual credit program in school allowed him to build skills that employers would be looking for. Nesbitt says he worked hard to find a job, because he wanted to build shop time experience and skills. “This was my driving force,” says Nesbitt.

“The world of trades should not be considered as a backup plan,” says Nesbitt. “Start these courses or job placements right away as they provide an opportunity to learn and follow what you are doing. Also, you are earning credits towards your high school diploma in an area that you thoroughly enjoy.”

Career pathway learning gave Slade Bales confidence to pursue post-secondary skilled trades training
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 Heavy Equipment Technician.

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.

“It showed me the basics of career level hand tools and safety. It gave me general knowledge. After the pre-employment course I am confident to take on [post-secondary level] courses,” says Bales. “Sitting in school or an office was something I could never do. I knew I was bound for a career in heavy equipment.”

Bales says to other students still in high school, “pay attention and study! College is harder than high school.” He says, “Dual credit opportunities allow you to get your foot in the door. They also let you know what to expect once you are out of high school. Don’t think about it. Take the leap and worry about what you want now. If you enjoy doing it, you will never work a day in your life.”