PSD part of provincial collegiate pathway plan
Monday, June 23, 2025 - The Alberta Government has announced it is expanding its collegiate schools program across the province, which will include Parkland School Division (PSD).
Collegiate schools will offer hands-on training and direct pathways to post-secondary education and in-demand jobs in the province.
“Collegiate schools help students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world careers,” explained Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare. “By expanding this model, we are ensuring young Albertans can access specialized training, explore in-demand careers and graduate with a clear path to further education and meaningful employment.
The 2025 Alberta Budget invests $27.5-million to support this expansion, including $6-million for operational costs and $21.5-million for school improvements.
“We were issued an announcement regarding the collegiate programming and so that’s a huge success for us and it brings to light and enhances another of the board’s priorities of providing student access to purposeful, relevant and authentic learning opportunities. We’re really excited to see all the opportunities we can provide through that collegiate programming,” PSD Superintendent Shauna Boyce told the Board of Trustees at the June 17, 2025 Regular Board Meeting.
The Parkland School Division program will be known as PSD Collegiate School.
Initial short-term launch plans include collaboration with PSD’s current partners (NAIT, Norquest, and Myshak Group of Companies) offering initial pathways to be developed through dual credit opportunities, industry-aligned internships, and experiential learning:
- Administrative Professional
- Welding
- Business and Industry Services (growth-oriented pathway with future expansion potential)
There will be a concerted effort to develop additional pathways that represent interests, passions, and skills of students and Alberta labour demand. Primarily focused on high school although we will have introductory experiences for our junior high school sites.
The long-term plan includes pursuing meaningful opportunities in eight major career pathways.
- Health and Public Safety – e.g., nursing, physiotherapy, emergency services, policing
- Trades and Construction – e.g., welding, electrical, HVAC, carpentry
- STEM and Technology – e.g., AI, IT support, robotics, machine learning, engineering
- Creative Arts and Media – e.g., graphic design, film production, marketing
- Finance and Business – e.g., accounting, entrepreneurship, office administration
- Legal and Education – e.g., early childhood education, legal assistant, teaching pathways
- Environmental and Natural Resources – e.g., conservation, energy, forestry, agriculture
- Hospitality and Tourism – e.g., culinary arts, hotel management, event planning
Pathways will be supported by dual-credit offerings, industry internships (from 25-250 hours) and the potential for PSD, partner issued, industry specific micro-credentials and certifications.
The Alberta Government said Parkland School Division will receive $800,000 for the new program, which will see $625,000 for capital, which will be used to create spaces and modernize equipment, as well as buying tools and other technology or equipment. Another $175,000 of the funding will be used for operations, which will include staffing, partnership development and staff development.
The province said expanding access to collegiate schools is a key part of their goal to improve career pathways in schools and help students transition into post-secondary education or careers after graduation.
Some of the specialized programs the province announced include aviation, agriculture, business, engineering, information communications, science, technology and trades.
The province said these programs are designed with industry and post-secondary institutions to help students prepare for future careers, explore career pathways and gain hands-on experience.
For further information, contact:
Parkland School Division
Phone: 780-963-4010
Email: DivisionOffice@psd.ca