Alberta’s government is strengthening career education programming based on recommendations from the Career Education Task Force.
Preparing Alberta students for careers in the province’s growing and diversifying economy is crucial to fill much-needed positions across the province and further boost the economy. Throughout November and December 2022, the task force travelled across Alberta and heard from students, teachers, education partners and industry leaders to determine how government can help improve access and limit barriers to career education.
Their recommendations included increasing access to off-campus education, reducing financial and accessibility barriers, expanding teacher training opportunities, creating scholarship opportunities and ensuring effective program evaluation. Creating more opportunities for hands-on learning experiences for students while helping to relieve employment pressures for industry will keep Alberta’s economy moving forward for decades to come.
“Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring students have every opportunity to pursue their career interests and succeed in Alberta’s expanding job market. Thanks to the valuable advice of the Career Education Task Force, we have a plan to improve career education that will set students on the path to success, in the workplace and beyond.”
Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education
“It was an honour and a privilege to be asked to lead such a highly skilled and motivated group of task force members by the minister of Education. The feedback our task force received from various stakeholders regarding career education and how it connects post-secondary and industries was instrumental for the recommendations we provided to the minister. The task force has made recommendations that are relevant and timely which, in combination with a framework, will allow students to discover their career paths in an efficient and meaningful way. This will allow them to realize their full potential in Alberta’s vibrant and diversified economy for years to come.”
Shane Getson, MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland and chair, Career Education Task Force
The task force’s final report was developed after a comprehensive review of career education programming currently available and engagement with education partners, business and industry partners, and Albertans. The report includes recommendations to strengthen career education programming for students across the province. Alberta’s government will immediately address five recommendations while evaluating the others for future consideration:
- Increasing ease of access to off-campus education for all students regardless of where they attend school.
- Reviewing dual credit programming to remove financial, accessibility and awareness barriers.
- Developing and funding teacher training opportunities for career and technology studies and career and technology foundations programming.
- Developing and promoting career education scholarships for students.
- Enhancing how career education programming is measured and evaluated.
“Practical hands-on learning is a proven way to increase graduate readiness for the workplace or future education, which is what makes it vital for Alberta’s students. These recommendations will help us create a more modern education system that better reflects the needs of Albertans and helps students develop the skills they need to be successful.”
Kaycee Madu, Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions
“Our government continues to invest in Alberta’s future and create new opportunities for young Albertans. The Career Education Task Force’s work will reduce barriers to learning and help students learn the skills they need to build successful careers.”
Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education
“Forecasts confirm that there will be up to 100,000 available skilled trades positions in Alberta over the coming decade. With the Career Education Task Force providing information and supports to younger Albertans, we’re setting up many current students for future success in the other four-year degree skilled trades.”
Brian Jean, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development
Over the coming weeks, Alberta Education will work with education partners and cross-ministry working groups to develop and implement these recommendations. Implementing these recommendations will build on work already being done in Alberta classrooms. Some aspects of career education are addressed through the new K-6 Physical Education and Wellness curriculum. For example, in K-3, students will learn about roles in work situations and how these connect to life and career stages. In grades 4 to 6, students will learn about career experiences and volunteerism.
“We are experiencing rapid change in all sectors of the economy, creating many new opportunities and careers for Albertans. The task force report contains the framework and the recommendations to respond with greater collaboration of stakeholders. We look forward, as businesses and employers, to expanded partnerships, providing hands-on learning for students as they consider pathways to their careers.”
David Price, director, Sunterra Group
“My personal involvement on the task force gave me unique insights into the necessity of quality career education and the opportunities that exist to better meet students’ needs in this area. The report will enhance our focus on this vital area.”
Scott Morrison, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents
“Opening trades training paths for young women in Alberta also opens exceptional careers and related economic security. The Career Education Task Force has identified barriers on those paths that can keep young women from reaching their potential, and I am confident with action that there is a better future ahead.”
Carol Moen, president and CEO, Women Building Futures Society
To address a number of the task force recommendations, the government will be working with CAREERS: The Next Generation on grant funding to support increased participation in off-campus programs and improve internship support and coordination. CAREERS will be engaging with school authorities to collaborate through shared resources to help students access internship placements with employers.
“For the past 25 years, CAREERS: The Next Generation Foundation has been working with schools and industry to provide our youth with career experiences through paid workplace internships. We fully support the recommendations from the Career Education Task Force that provide direction on increasing the opportunity for many more students to participate in work-integrated learning in finding their career passion. Strengthening career education through these recommendations will position Alberta as a leader in preparing the next generation for success.”
Andy Neigel, president, CAREERS: The Next Generation
The final report includes a provincial framework that sets the direction for future career education development and delivery in Alberta. The framework will improve students’ access to practical, foundational learning opportunities that will boost Alberta’s economy. It highlights seven desired outcomes for career education programming, including the simplified delivery of career education and collaborative partnerships that align education and employers.
Quick facts
- In November and December 2022, the task force engaged with education partners, business and industry stakeholders and Albertans to understand their unique perspectives and local insights on career education programming.
- Career education programming is currently available to students in the K-12 education system, with a strong emphasis on grades 10 to 12. Programming includes five components:
- Career and Technology Foundations (CTF), where students in grades 5 to 9 explore their interests by learning about various career possibilities and exploring different occupations.
- Career and Technology Studies (CTS), where students take courses to develop practical skills and enhance their employability and/or post-secondary prospects.
- Dual Credit, where high school students take courses that help them discover their career interests while earning both high school and post-secondary credits.
- Knowledge & Employability Occupational Courses, where students develop employability skills to become active and responsible citizens, achieve their educational and career goals and positively impact their communities.
- Off-campus education that enables students to acquire knowledge and skills related to work and other life roles by participating in out-of-class study, observation and/or performance at community-based work sites (volunteer or paid). Off-campus education programs include career internships, Green Certificate Program, Registered Apprenticeship Program, Work Experience, Work Study and Workplace Readiness and Practicum.
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Red Deer-North constituents with questions, concerns or comments can reach out to the local constituency office. They can do so via the form on the contact page or by phoning (403) 342–2263.