St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate to Launch in the 2025-2026 School Year

Edmonton Catholic Schools is expanding career-focused learning with the launch of St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate in the 2025–2026 school year. Students will have the opportunity to get a head start in the skilled trades while earning credit towards both high school and apprenticeship training.

St. Eligius is the patron saint of metalworkers, making his name a fitting choice for a collegiate focused on skilled trades and hands-on careers.

Meeting Alberta’s Workforce Needs

Alberta continues to see growing demand in the skilled trades. Collegiate programs support student career goals and help address critical labour shortages across the province.

How Does the Collegiate Program Work?

Through St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate, students will take single-enrolled, dual-credit CTS Apprenticeship courses that are aligned with first period in-class apprenticeship training. Students will earn credit towards both high school and apprenticeship training (which is post-secondary education). All instruction is led by ECSD teachers who are also certified journeypersons in their designated trades.

Program Locations and Trades Offered

• Welding Apprenticeship at St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School (17760 69 Ave. NW)
   
• Pipe Trades at Archbishop O’Leary Catholic High School (8760 132 Ave. NW), which teaches concepts common to the trades of:
  • Gasfitter
  • Plumber
  • Sprinkler Systems Installer
  • Steamfitter-Pipefitter

These programs are supported by partnerships with:

• NAIT
• Boilermakers Lodge 146
• CLAC
• UA Local 488

Students in the St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate program will have the opportunity to make valuable post-secondary and industry connections, thanks to the above-mentioned partnerships.

How to Register

For more information or to register for either program, contact the school directly:

• Welding Apprenticeship – St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School  780-428-2705
• Pipe Trades – Archbishop O’Leary Catholic High School 780-476-6251

Funding for Collegiate Schools in Alberta

The Government of Alberta has confirmed a new round of funding for collegiate schools, including St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate, aimed at boosting hands-on career training and addressing critical labour shortages across the province. Read the full announcement here.

"We are grateful to Alberta Education and Childcare for funding this important initiative. Edmonton Catholic Schools is proud to offer this exciting collegiate opportunity to our students as one possible pathway in a well-rounded and excellent Catholic education. Through St. Eligius Catholic Collegiate, we’ll continue to nurture each student’s God-given potential as they pursue hands-on training for in-demand careers," shared Board Chair Sandra Palazzo