(Medicine Hat, AB) A new partnership between Lethbridge Polytechnic, Grasslands Public School Division (GPSD) and Medicine Hat Public School Division (MHPSD), has given rise to Prairie Sky Collegiate (PSC). Prairie Sky Collegiate is a new collaborative program starting in September that is designed to help students learn real skills, find the right career and support local communities with strong, skilled trades workers. 

Prairie Sky Collegiate will offer a three year trades-based education program to GPSD and MHPSD high school students across four key areas: 

•    Electrical Trades – including Electrician, Wind Turbine and Powerline Technician

•    Transportation Trades – including Automotive Technician, Heavy Duty Mechanics and Heavy Duty Agricultural Mechanics

•    Culinary Trades – including the Culinary Arts and Baking Arts

•    Construction Trades – including Carpentry, Pipe Trades, Welding

PSC will be implementing a key and innovative approach to course delivery.  Leveraging the expertise of local teachers and educational assistants who are journeyperson and/or Red Seal certified alongside Lethbridge Polytechnic instructors and curriculum, students will receive high quality experiences in their own community. To support this exciting program, GPSD and MHPSD will upgrade eight learning spaces and plan for more growth in the future.  

Year 1 will provide all students with a taste of 11 different trades areas with much of the lab programming taking place within Grasslands or Medicine Hat Public. In year 2, students narrow their focus to their favoured area, spending time at the polytechnic learning the basics of each area within their stream. In year 3 students are ready for placement within their communities in the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), internships or supplemental programs. Students build job ready trade skills in a supportive environment, ultimately choosing the trades pathway that best aligns with their interest and goals.  

"Lethbridge Polytechnic is proud to support collegiate schools that provide youth with hands-on, authentic career education pathway programs," says Joelle Reynolds, Youth Initiatives director at Lethbridge Polytechnic. "We are thrilled to partner with Prairie Sky Collegiate to support youth as they explore the world of work and post-secondary education."  

In addition to trades, Prairie Sky Collegiate has plans to expand into health sciences and criminal justice in 2026-2027. Prairie Sky Collegiate also offers Career and Technology Foundations programming for grades 7 to 9, aiming to expose middle years students to career pathways early to help them make well-informed decisions about their futures. 

“Prairie Sky Collegiate is a bold step forward in ensuring equity of access and excellence in trades education for students across Southeastern Alberta,” says Tracy Hensel, Superintendent at MHPSD. “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.” 

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

For more information, please contact: 

Sam Sasse,
Media Relations Specialist, Lethbridge Polytechnic
sam.sasse@lethpolytech.ca 

Rayne Makin,
Manager of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement, Grasslands Public School Division
rayne.makin@grasslands.ab.ca 

Lee Krasilowez,
Communications Manager, Medicine Hat Public School Division
Lee.krasilowez@sd76.ab.ca