Red Deer Polytechnic Secures Major Donations for Skilled Trades

Students at the Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI) will receive a significant boost in resources aimed at advancing their careers in the skilled trades. This year, over 550 students will participate in skill development and career coaching programs at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP), thanks to generous equipment and tools donations.

A custom-built boiler unit valued at approximately $13,000 has been donated through a collaboration involving NTI, Impetus Media, and the EH TEAM. Initially constructed for a trade show by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), the boiler was created with materials supplied by NTI and was designated for educational purposes thereafter. The EH TEAM selected Red Deer Polytechnic from institutions across Canada to receive this valuable resource, recognizing the institution’s commitment to skilled trades education.

The boiler will serve as a hands-on teaching tool for students enrolled in various CACI programs, particularly those in the three-credit Plumbing, Carpenter, and Electrician courses set to commence in mid-February 2024. In addition to the boiler, tools totaling a retail value of $28,000 were donated by DEWALT. These include essential equipment such as skill saws, drills, and hammers, which will benefit students engaged in nine dual credit programs, including Plumber, Carpenter, Electrician, Automotive Service Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician, Parts Technician, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Welder, and Sprinkler Systems Installer.

David Pye, Dean of the School of Trades and Technology at RDP, expressed appreciation for the contributions, stating, “We are very grateful for these generous donations which will impact both CACI students and RDP apprentices. In collaboration with industry partners, RDP helps prepare students to be leaders in the workforce while addressing the demands of the labour market.”

RDP is the third-largest provider of skilled trades education in Alberta and is expected to train over 1,600 post-secondary apprentices this year, marking an increase of more than 20 percent from the previous year. The partnership between Central Alberta Collegiate Institute, Red Deer Polytechnic, and other local educational institutions, including Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and various school boards, aims to connect students with opportunities in the trades sector.

This collaborative effort not only enriches the educational experience for students but also addresses the growing demand for skilled trades professionals in Alberta’s economy. With resources like the donated boiler and tools, students at CACI are better positioned to transition into successful careers in the skilled trades.