Red Deer Polytechnic Secures Tools and Equipment for Skilled Trades Training

Red Deer Polytechnic has received significant donations aimed at enhancing skilled trades education for students at Central Alberta Collegiate Institute (CACI). This year, more than 550 students will participate in skill development and career coaching programs at CACI, which is part of Red Deer Polytechnic.

A custom-built boiler unit, valued at approximately $13,000, was donated through a collaboration involving NTI, Impetus Media, and the EH TEAM. This boiler was originally constructed for a trade show with materials supplied by NTI and built by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), with the understanding that it would later benefit student learning. The EH TEAM specifically selected Red Deer Polytechnic from various institutions across Canada to receive this valuable educational resource.

Enhancing Hands-On Learning Opportunities

The newly donated boiler will serve as a practical teaching tool within CACI programs. It will be utilized in the upcoming three-credit Plumbing, Carpenter, and Electrician programs set to launch in mid-February 2024 at Red Deer Polytechnic. In addition to the boiler, tools worth $28,000 were donated by DEWALT, including skill saws, drills, and hammers. These tools will support apprenticeship training and CACI’s programming.

Students enrolled in nine dual credit programs, such as Plumber, Carpenter, Electrician, Automotive Service Technician, Heavy Equipment Technician, Parts Technician, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Welder, and Sprinkler Systems Installer, will directly benefit from these donations.

“We are very grateful for these generous donations which will impact both CACI students and RDP apprentices,” said David Pye, Dean of the School of Trades and Technology at Red Deer Polytechnic. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry partners in preparing students for leadership roles in the workforce and addressing labour market demands.

Growing Demand for Skilled Trades Education

Red Deer Polytechnic stands as Alberta’s third largest provider of skilled trades education. The institution anticipates educating and training over 1,600 post-secondary apprentices this year, marking an increase of more than 20 percent compared to the previous year.

CACI operates through a partnership that includes Red Deer Polytechnic, Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, Red Deer Public Schools, Red Deer Catholic Regional Schools, Wolf Creek Public Schools, Chinook’s Edge School Division, and CAREERS, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to connecting youth with employers.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment to fostering a skilled workforce, ultimately supporting economic growth and community development in the region.