High Prairie School Division is expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students through a new skilled trades partnership with Heart River Housing.
District Principal of Collegiate Planning and Special Projects Brennan McDonald announced the initiative at the Division’s January 20 board meeting. The partnership will provide apprenticeship opportunities in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical trades.
As part of the program, Heart River Housing will designate a rental home for renovation by students working under the supervision of a certified carpenter. Participants will earn Registered Apprenticeship Program hours while gaining practical, job-ready experience. The program is in development and scheduled to launch in September 2026.
Superintendent Murray Marran said the initiative benefits both students and the community. “Students gain valuable career experience while contributing directly to their community,” said Marran.
The program will begin in High Prairie, with plans to expand to Falher and Slave Lake. Students will be selected through a job interview process focused on accountability and commitment.
The announcement follows Alberta Education’s approval of HPSD as a Collegiate School in June 2025. Since then, the Division has expanded post-secondary partnerships and micro-credential offerings aligned with Career and Technology Studies pathways.
HPSD currently partners with Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Olds College, Northwestern Polytechnic, NorQuest College, and Portage College.
Since November, 80 students have participated in micro-credential programming, with an 80% completion rate. McDonald said the program allows students to explore career pathways while earning credits and job-ready credentials.
“This is opening doors for students to explore what they enjoy as a career,” said McDonald.
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