Keyano College expanding Dual Credit Program to include more trades

Posted On Monday December 16, 2019
Kory
Fourth year electrical student Kory Conner Patzer was in the first Dual Credit Program at Father Mercredi. After high school, he enrolled to Keyano College and now, at 20 years old, is earning his journeypersons ticket, fire alarm ticket, and interprovincial qualification.

Keyano College is expanding its Dual Credit Program to include more trades as options.

The initiative, offered in partnership with high schools in the Fort McMurray Catholic and Public school districts, was first launched in 2016. Eight high school students were enrolled in that first intake, which focused on residential electrical installation. The program has since expanded to 16 students.

“Last year, we had students representing Holy Trinity, Father Mercredi, Composite, and Westwood High Schools onsite at Keyano College enrolled the program,” said Craig Cail, Construction Trades Chair.

With the success of this course, the Dual Credit Program is expanding in March to include welding.

During the 16 week program at Keyano’s Clearwater Campus, the high schoolers become fully engaged in the college environment. Upon successful completion, graduates will have their first-year technical qualifications as well as 24 credits towards their grade 12 diploma.

“So when they go to an employer they’re not just saying, ‘I’d like to be an apprentice’, they can say, ‘I can be an apprentice because I have these qualifications,’ says Tim Thomas, Electrical Instructor.

Fourth year electrical student Kory Conner Patzer was in the first Dual Credit Program at Father Mercredi. After high school, he enrolled to Keyano College and now, at 20 years old, is earning his journeypersons ticket, fire alarm ticket, and interprovincial qualification.

Father Mercredi Off-Campus Coordinator Lynda Cachia notes the program is a huge opportunity for high school students to be exposed to the atmosphere and workings of a college.

“The Keyano partnership is instrumental in the success of all these programs. If it wasn’t for the passion on the College side, none of this would be possible,” said Cachia. “In terms of the facility, quality of the instructors, excitement of the instructors, the effort they put into the younger students, that means everything.”

Check out this video on our Facebook page to hear more from our instructors about this program.