New Learning Space Unveiled for CACI at Red Deer Polytechnic

Middle and high school students involved in the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI) now have access to a state-of-the-art learning space at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). The facility, which officially opened on January 26, 2024, is designed to provide students with hands-on skills and career coaching aimed at preparing them for in-demand positions in skilled trades.

The collaborative initiative includes several educational institutions, such as Olds College of Agriculture and Technology, Red Deer Public Schools, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Wolf Creek Public Schools, Chinook’s Edge School Division, and the nonprofit organization CAREERS. These partners have come together to create a robust educational framework for students, focusing on practical learning experiences.

Lindsay Engel, Vice-President of Academic and Student Experience at RDP, expressed enthusiasm about the new facility’s potential. “We are excited to unveil this newly renovated space that will enhance the education and training of CACI students,” Engel stated. She emphasized that the partnership addresses a critical need in Alberta’s labor market by preparing students for careers in skilled trades.

Enhanced Facilities and Diverse Learning Opportunities

The upgraded learning environment features modern classrooms located in the polytechnic’s Four Centres, alongside significant shop improvements. These enhancements were made possible through a substantial investment of $2.6 million from the Government of Alberta.

Tracey Millar, CACI program co-ordinator, highlighted the program’s focus on a hands-on learning approach. “At CACI, ‘engage, explore and experience’ represents a deliberate progression of learning,” she noted. Millar explained that students will engage in various projects designed to introduce them to different trades pathways, allowing them to narrow their focus as they progress.

Students currently benefit from nine dual-credit programs at RDP, including plumbing, carpentry, welding, and sprinkler system installation. Additionally, starting in February, the institution will launch three-credit CACI programs specifically geared towards plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work.

Growing Participation and Future Goals

The CACI program has seen a significant increase in student enrollment over recent years. In the 2023-24 academic year, approximately 190 secondary students participated. This figure jumped to around 350 in 2024-25 and has now exceeded 550, marking a remarkable 58 percent increase from the previous year. Millar indicated that the goal for the upcoming academic year is to enroll more than 1,000 students.

In conjunction with these developments, RDP has announced the Central Alberta Trades Strategy, which aims to enhance collaboration among educators, employers, and policymakers. This strategy underscores the commitment to expand access to skilled trades education throughout the region.

The opening of the new learning space at RDP represents a significant step towards equipping the next generation with essential skills and opportunities in the workforce. Through innovative partnerships and strategic investments, CACI is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing labor market demands and fostering student success in skilled trades.