Calmar Collegiate Secondary School celebrates grand opening of new trades-focused addition
Trustees, government officials, division and school administrators, industry and community members, and students have celebrated the grand opening of a new addition to Calmar Collegiate Secondary School (CSCS). The 5000-square-foot addition, and the equipment inside of it, will support skilled trades training for students.
“We are pleased to celebrate this new industry-standard facility,” says Michael Borgfjord, Superintendent, Black Gold School Division. “As it opens, we are anticipating the valuable experiences that will benefit students as they experience and prepare for careers in the skilled trades.”
“Thank you to the Alberta Government for its investment in this facility, in trades training, and in our students. We are excited about the opportunities this new facility will provide for our students as they gain skill and experience in the trades,” Devonna Klaassen, Board Chair, Black Gold School Division.
The cost of the building is $3.3 million. Industry-standard equipment inside the facility brings the project cost to almost $3.5 million total. The provincial government provided the funding. Students from across Black Gold, as well as from Wetaskiwin Regional Public Schools and Wild Rose School Division, will be able to access career pathways experiences at CSCS.
“The vision for this project started with the need for career pathways opportunities for students within their own communities,” says Justin Klaassen, Principal, CSCS. “We have created a program that starts with wide exposure to trades, and then refines the student experience when they learn what they are most interested in.”
In Grade 10, students visit industry sites to learn more about carpentry, electrical, and pipe trades as well as iron works, welding and brick laying. They receive high school and post-secondary credits at the completion of the class. In Grade 11, students experience hands-on learning within their new facility, with a refined focus on carpentry, electrical and pipe trades, while also earning high school credits. Grade 12 students take a class that focuses on single trade, and prepare to challenge industry technical exams. Instructors are journeymen from trade unions.
“We are grateful for our partnerships with industry partners and with our community,” says Erin Tisdale, Director of Curriculum Development, Black Gold. “Because of industry connections, students have access to high quality careers training without having to leave their home community.”
Currently 65 students are participating in the program, and it is anticipated the number will grow.
The name of the school has also changed to reflect the school’s trades focus. Calmar Secondary School is now Calmar Secondary Collegiate School. A collegiate program in Alberta offers specialized programming in a particular subject or field and provides all students with a clear pathway into post-secondary education and careers in their chosen field. CSCS will continue to provide excellent academic programming, in addition to specialized learning in the trades.
Before and after the Grand Opening event, students were able to access a job and career resource fair at the school. The Leduc / Nisku / Wetaskiwin Regions Chamber of Commerce organized the event in partnership with the school, to provide students with a chance to connect with industry representatives.
“Thank you to so many in our community who have supported us, our work in the trades, and especially our students. Your partnership is important and appreciated,” says Norm Dargis, Associate Superintendent, Black Gold.
