Last spring, Fort Vermilion School Division added the new priority Career Paths.
Giving our students the EDGE for success:
E - Explore Occupations | D - Develop Industry Skills | G - Grow Knowledge | E - Experience Chosen Career Paths
February 2024 will see the opening of Building Futures Collegiate and the beginning of a new education model designed to better support students in achieving success in their chosen career or life path.
Over the last year FVSD has engaged in consultations with staff, local business communities, and industry leaders to determine where gaps exist between the skills/credentials students are leaving high school with and what employers and local businesses require.
Under this education new model, students will have the opportunity to obtain college credits or credentials before they even leave high school, giving them a head start on achieving their goals. Building Futures Collegiate will also connect students to local employers, opening up pathways for students to begin their careers at home.
As they complete their high school journey, students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the requirements of local employers and in turn help grow our economy.
What will success look like for students completing high school?
- Finish with a traditional high school diploma, enter post-secondary program;
- Finish with a high school diploma and credits for the first year of a post-secondary program, enter directly into the second year of post-secondary program;
- Finish with a high school diploma or certificate of completion and credits/hours for the first year of a registered apprenticeship or internship with a local employer;
- Finish with a high school diploma or certificate of completion and the credentials/certificates required to move directly into employment.
Priority #4: Career Paths
All students will explore, develop, grow, and experience chosen career paths.
How Will Programs/Courses Be Delivered?
Facility & Classroom Space
Building Futures will operate in conjunction with existing FVSD high school buildings and utilize space in three new facilities:
- Sipiwan Center 15, 4507-45 Street, Fort Vermilion
The name refers to the deep Cree and Metis roots of many in the community (Metis District 15), and to the mighty Peace River that flows through the landscape. - Gramson Center, 10505-96 Street, High Level
Located in a prime spot within walking distance to High Level Public School, this building was named in honor of long-time resident and local businessman, Doug Gramson. - De Oabeit School, 9601-99 Street, La Crete
Influenced by local Mennonite culture, the name means "work" school in Low German and reflects a strong work ethic in the community and surrounding area.
High school students will be able to access programs/courses at any of the three facilities, regardless of the community they live in.
Post-Secondary
& Industry Partnerships
We have established partnerships with Northern Lakes College, Olds College, Lethbridge College, and SAIT with more partnerships being worked out to expand future programming.
Working closely with Careers, students are connected with local employers through internships, work experience programs and apprenticeships.
Access to Technology
& Hands-on Learning
As much as possible, programs/courses will be delivered in person, however some may be delivered through online instruction.
Each new facility will feature a technology lab with equipment simulators, shop space, and multi-use classrooms.
Flight simulator and equipment simulators are already in use in La Crete. Machinery will also be purchased, allowing students the opportunity to train on live equipment.
Questions? Check out our Collegiate FAQ to find more information!
It is the goal of the Fort Vermilion School Division that every child has the opportunity to acquire credits or credentials within their chosen career path.
Collegiate Pathways
Click on each pathway below for more information and a list of potential careers that each pathway could lead to.
What is being planned for the first year?
Construction & Design Academy: Starting in Quad 2 (Nov 2023) will be our first home build at the Sipiwan Center in Fort Vermilion. Moveable tiny home builds will begin in Quad 3 (Feb 2024) at La Crete Public School. Pre-Employment Carpentry and Welding Programs are scheduled for the second semester (Feb 2024) at De Oabeit School in La Crete.
Automotive Academy: Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician is scheduled for the second semester (Feb 2024) at De Oabeit School in La Crete.
Health & Bioscience Academy: An FVSD Health Care Aide Cohort will begin the program in the second semester (Feb 2024).
Purchasing of equipment and technology will continue throughout the first year as we complete each facility, ensuring that students have access to the tools they need to be successful.
This pathway will give students the opportunity to attain credentials towards design, drafting, pre-engineering, carpentry, electrician, plumber, gas fitter, and exploring green energy.
Students will be guided by Journeyman instructors to build mini homes for sale publicly, and to provide the School Division with teacher housing. The goal of the homes is to achieve net zero energy status.
Potential Careers:
- Shop Hand
- Tool Sales
- Home Builder
- Home Inspector
- Cabinet Maker
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Heating & Gas
- Pipe Fitter
- Welder
- Project Manager
- Consultant
- Business Owner
This career path allows students to gain experience in achieving a Professionals Driver’s License in Class 1, 2, 3, and 5, Defensive Driving, and Driving under the Influence Education Training.
Fort Vermilion School Division currently owns and operates a full Driving School.
Potential Careers:
- Transport Truck Driver
- Public Transportation Operator
- School Bus Driver
- Delivery Driver
- Driver Training Instructor
This career path explores the arts. Students will be involved in a full movie production focusing on the North, and the amazing cultures that exist here, using their skills in drama, music, writing, producing, directing, computer graphics, and promotion.
With the release of the movie Guitar Lessons the Fort Vermilion School Division believes it can produce small budget films to develop skills with students and leverage the needs of the north.
Potential Careers:
- Actor
- Singer/Songwriter
- Author
- Producer
- Director
- Graphic Designer
- Art Director
- Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Director
- Content Creator
- Artist
- Illustrator
- Editor
This career path explores all dual credit options in Health and Social Work. Students will be able to complete their Health Care Aide Certificate, Unit Clerk Designation, start LPN or Social Work Diplomas.
Potential Careers:
- Health Care Aide
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Registered Nurse
- First Responder
- Doctor
- Radiologist
- Lab Technician
- Occupational/Physical Therapist
This career path allows students to get practical and hands on training in the Logging and Road Construction industries. The Fort Vermilion School Division currently has two simulators where students gain knowledge on operations of all machinery in both fields. Students within the collegiate will also receive training on live equipment.
Potential Careers:
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- General Labourer
- Logger
This career path allows students access to industry in the fields of Coding, Engineering, Environmental Services, Computer Technician and Entrepreneurship.
Potential Careers:
- Tech Support
- Workplace Information Technician (IT)
- Computer Network Specialist
This career path allows students to complete their Early Childhood Certificate, Educational Assistance Diploma, begin their Education Degree, or begin University one year into a BSc or BA program.
Potential Careers:
- Daycare Provider
- Preschool Teacher
- Youth Leader
- Educational Assistant
- Teacher
- Respite Care
This career path allows students to begin attainment in small engine mechanics, Automotive Technician, and Heavy Duty Mechanics.
Potential Careers:
- Shop Hand
- Tool Sales
- Equipment Sales
- Small Engine Mechanic
- Automotive Mechanic
- Heavy Duty Technician
- Business Owner
This career path allows students to obtain credentials for work in the Tourism and the Hospitality industry. Students have been successful in completing Best Western University, as an example.
This path will also explore the area of Culinary Arts.
Potential Careers:
- Hotel Manager
- Events Planner
- Guest Services Manager
- Director of Operations
- Restaurant Manager
- Restaurant Owner
- Chef
- Hotel/Motel Owner
This career path allows students to obtain their Recreational Pilot’s License or enter the field of Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Students currently have access to one simulator in one school and are completing Ground School.
A partnership with the flight school in Grande Prairie is being discussed.
Potential Careers:
- Recreational Pilot
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
- Business Owner
This career path will lead students into the Agriculture Industry. Students will be able to obtain degrees and certification in Crop, Animal Husbandry, Elevator Operators, Train Conductors, Fertilizer Plants, and Seed Cleaning Facilities.
Potential Careers:
- Veterinarian
- Vet Tech
- Agronomist
- Ag Tech
- Ag Fieldman
- Elevator Operator
- Feed Specialist/Salesman
- Farmer
- Forester
- Forestry Tech
This career path is for students that want to earn a degree towards Human Resources. Students will be able to obtain all Microsoft credentialing at a university level, Business Administration Diploma, Insurance Certification, Appraisal Certification, or Real Estate Licensing.
Students will also be able to obtain work experience in government administration offices such as: Band Administration, Parole, Courts, and Paralegal.
Potential Careers:
- Office Manager
- Payroll Clerk
- Administrative Assistant
- Accounts Receivable/Payable
- Customer Service
- Marketing
- Bookkeeping/Accounting
- Banking Finance