The Black Gold School Division’s Board of Trustees joined elected officials and educational and industry partners at a groundbreaking ceremony on August 1, 2024, to mark the beginning of construction of a new addition to Calmar Secondary School, which will provide local and area students with clear pathways into post-secondary education and careers in the skilled trades and other fields. 

“The Board’s goal is to increase career exploration and awareness, and create opportunities for our students to take courses in the skilled trades,” said Board Chair Esther Eckert. “Reducing barriers to entry into apprenticeships can lead to highly rewarding and meaningful careers for students in the trades, which are desperately needed to support Alberta’s growing economy.”

“The groundbreaking of Calmar Collegiate Secondary School showcases our United Conservative government’s commitment to ensuring Albertan students have access to quality education and the necessary opportunities to live fulfilling lives,” said MLA Andrew Boitchenko (Drayton Valley-Devon). 

“The Town of Calmar is honored to have been the chosen destination for the introduction of a new collegiate type school format,” said Mayor Sean Carnahan. “Calmar Secondary School already houses a nationally recognized machining program with many local students standing on the podium in national competitions. The addition of carpentry, electrical and plumbing trades will make the school a well-rounded educational institution that will support education in both academic and vocational studies. We look forward to this new partnership and the successes it can bring all future students in their career aspirations and goals.”

The new Calmar Collegiate Secondary School will be equipped with industry-standard equipment and resources to support both academic and skilled trades education, ensuring that all students receive a well-rounded and future-ready education. 

The school will provide specialized programming for students in grades 7-12 for careers in the skilled trades (enhanced career explorations, work experience and/or registered apprenticeship programs) as part of their high school graduation requirements. 

High school students looking to pursue careers in the skilled trades will be offered specialized programming to help them complete their first period Apprenticeship training. They can earn both high school credits and post-secondary credits through Northern Lakes College.

“We’ve had a strong, ongoing partnership with the Black Gold School Division for a number of years offering dual-credit opportunities for their students,” said Dr. Puneet Arora, Dean of Business, Academics, Trades and Regional Stewardship at Northern Lakes College. “Our partnership is now at a new stage with the school division entering into a collegiate model in that we will now  be able to offer students with pre-employment programs in the trades, especially in carpentry and electrical. We are also exploring the opportunity to offer a plumbing program, and in the future we hope to offer these programs to the adults in the community as well.” 

The school’s initial focus will be on the carpentry, electrical, and plumbing skilled trades. Students will participate in work experience and registered apprenticeship programs, so partnerships with business and industry are critical to student success. 

“Engaging our students in work that gives them relevant experience at a business or job site is a key factor in supporting successful transitions from school to well-paid, meaningful careers,” said Superintendent of Schools/CEO Michael Borgfjord. “We are working to develop solid, mutually beneficial partnerships with regional manufacturers, industries and businesses so that appropriate work placements can be made available for our students.”

Calmar Collegiate Secondary School will continue to provide excellent academic programming in addition to its robust skilled trades programs. Students not pursuing the trades will have access to courses in business, finance, management and entrepreneurship, as well as fine arts and design studies, sports, technology, and more. They will also play a central role in the marketing of the projects created by their peers.

For more information about the upcoming school, please visit: css.blackgold.ca/calmar-collegiate