Trades and Careers

Career and Technology Studies (CTS) gives Grade 10–12 students the chance to learn through hands‑on, practical experiences. Courses are designed to be exploratory, allowing students to try different skills, tools, and technologies as they discover what interests them.

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Earn post-secondary and high school credits at the same time

ECSD’s Dual Credit programs let high school students take real post‑secondary courses while finishing high school. Students explore career pathways, gain early post-secondary experience, and build skills for life after graduation.

Flexible course options:

• Evening classes
• Thursday early‑dismissal afternoons
• Full‑year programs during the school day

Students can try post‑secondary learning without disrupting core classes.

Dual Credit Certificate Pathways (Cardinal Collins Academic Centre – Clareview):

• Administrative Professional Certificate
• Educational Assistant Certificate

Students can:

• Complete a first‑year NorQuest College certificate
• Earn major high school credits
• Gain consistent, college‑level experience

These programs are ideal for students ready to focus on a career field and get a head start on their post‑secondary journey.

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ECSD’s Dual Credit partnership with MacEwan University offers high school students an early start on a career in policing. Students accepted into the program receive academic instruction from MacEwan University and study criminology, investigative techniques, law, forensics, evidence collection, and more—building the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for future careers in policing and justice services.

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The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) allows high school students to begin apprenticeship training while completing their Alberta High School Diploma.

Key Student Benefits

• Become a registered apprentice
• Split time between an approved work site and school coursework
• Earn wages and apprenticeship hours
• Complete required core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies)

RAP is ideal for students committed to pursuing a skilled trade and ready for hands‑on workplace learning. Visit the RAP Program page for eligibility and application information by clicking the button below.

RAP Program page - Primary Small Button

Launched in the 2025–2026 school year, St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate expands career‑focused and skilled trades training for ECSD students.

Students gain early access to skilled trades while earning credit toward:

• High school graduation
• Apprenticeship certification

Current Apprenticeship Pathways

• Automotive Service Technician
• Cabinetmaker
• Hairstylist / Barber
• Pipe Trades
• Welding

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Trades and Careers Semester Programs

In partnership with The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF), this program provides high school students with hands-on learning and industry-based training in real-world trades environments.

Students gain:

• Practical experience
• Work Experience credits and safety credentials

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Trades and Careers Summer School

Edmonton Catholic Schools Alternative Education and TEPF also offer a Summer Trades Careers Program for high school students interested in hands‑on trades training.

Program highlights:

• Students earn work experience credits
• • 5 credits for most trades
  • 3 credits for the Boilermaker trade
• Training is delivered by certified journey‑person instructors in industry settings
• Students must complete HCS3000 and CSTS2020 before starting the program
  (Support is provided through the home school and Alternative Education.)

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• Edmonton Catholic Schools Alternative Education
• St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate