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By rdnewsNOW staff

$27.5 million

Province invests into collegiate schools to help meet need for in-demand jobs

Jun 20, 2025 | 4:26 PM

The Government of Alberta has announced a total of 20 collegiate schools, 16 new and four improved, will prepare students with the needed training for in-demand jobs.

Provincial officials say the demand for skilled workers has risen and to help meet that, the government has expanded collegiate schools across the province with a $27.5 million investment included in the 2025 budget. This includes $6 million for operational costs and $21.5 million for school improvements.

“Collegiate schools help students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world careers,” said 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 schools will prepare students with hands-on training and direct pathways to post-secondary education and employment.

“Fusion turned my passion for aviation into a real path. They helped me explore my options and confidently choose a career direction,” said Brock Foster, student, Fusion Collegiate. “From ground school to career connections, they’ve supported me every step of the way. Thanks to this grant, more students will see the cockpit not just as a dream – but as their future. Fusion is an incredible transition from high school to what comes next.”

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In the upcoming school year, the government says 16 new collegiate schools will offer specialized programming in science, aviation, technology, engineering, agriculture, business, information communications and the trades.

The new collegiate schools include:

In addition to the 16 new collegiate schools, four existing collegiate schools will receive funding to improve and expand their facilities, note provincial officials. Funding is expected to support the development of specialized learning spaces, such as film and media studios, skilled trades labs and more.

The four collegiate schools receiving enhancement funding include Calgary Trades & Technologies Collegiate, Fusion Collegiate Aviation, South Alberta School of Agriculture and The Central Alberta Collegiate Institute.

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