Local school divisions, Leth Poly team up to offer trades-based programming

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on June 28, 2025.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

This September a new collegiate will be founded that will offer students the opportunity to participate in three-year trades-based education programs with four key sectors.

The Medicine Hat Public School Division and Grasslands Public School Division have collaborated with Lethbridge Polytechnic to develop the new Prairie Sky Collegiate, designed to help students learn real skills and find a career as a skilled trades worker.

This fall the collegiate will offer programs in four sectors, including electric trades, transportation trades, culinary trades and construction trades.

All four sectors will be expanded upon during the programming.

Students enrolled in electrical trades will study to work with wind turbines and power lines. Transportation trades students will work in heavy duty mechanics and heavy duty agricultural mechanics.

The cultural trades programming will include baking arts, and the contractions trades programming will focus on carpentry, pipe trades and welding.

The collegiate program will provide students a high-quality experience as they will be taught by Lethbridge Polytechnic instructors, as well as local teachers and educational assistants who are also qualified journey persons or have their Red Seal certification.

“Prairie Sky Collegiate is a bold step forward in ensuring equity of access and excellence in trades education for students across southeastern Alberta,” said Tracey Hensel, MHPSD superintendent. “By joining together, we’re creating a workforce that is prepared. This allows us to open doors for students who may not have otherwise had these opportunities.”

During the first year of the program students will be exposed to 11 different trades areas, with most of the programming taking place at local schools.

Students will then narrow their focus to their favoured area during the second year of programming and will spend time at the polytechnic to expand their learning.

In the third year students will be ready for job placement within their community’s Registered Apprentice Program, and will participate in internships or supplemental programs to build job ready trade skills.

“Backed by strong community partnerships and industry support, Prairie Sky Collegiate is positioned to become a leading model for collaborative, student-centred education,” said Scott Brandt, GPSD superintendent. “We’re excited to watch this program thrive as students develop the skills that enable success in the workforce.”

In the 2026-27 school year the collegiate plans to expand to offer health science and criminal justice programs. Additionally the collegiate offers a Career and Technology Foundations program for middle school students Grade 7-9, aimed at exposing students to potential career pathways to help them make informed decisions about their futures.

“Lethbridge Polytechnic is proud to support collegiate schools that provide youth with hands-on, authentic career education pathways programs,” said Joelle Reynolds, youth initiative director. “We are thrilled to partner with Prairie Sky Collegiate to support youth as they explore the world of work and post-secondary education.”

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