COLD LAKE – Partnerships between Assumption Junior/Senior High School, Portage College and local industry are creating new opportunities for students to explore skilled trades and connect their learning with future education and career pathways.

Assumption teacher Kaden Murray has been working to expand trades experiences for students, including strengthening connections with Portage College and local businesses.

Through the school’s Intro to Trades program, students explore carpentry and construction, welding, electrical, mechanics and pipe fitting while developing foundational hands-on skills that can be applied across the skilled trades.

Through practical projects and exposure to industry equipment and practices, students also build transferable workplace skills, including safety awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, precision and tool care.

For Assumption Principal Elaine Ernst, the value of these partnerships extends beyond any one course or career.

“Education becomes incredibly powerful when students can see a clear connection between what they are learning today and where it could take them tomorrow,” Ernst said. “By bringing together our teachers, Portage College and local industry, we are creating opportunities for students to explore their strengths, understand the pathways available to them and make more informed decisions about their futures.”

Portage College has become an important partner in that work. Intro to Trades Instructor Rob Ganter and Trades Coordinator John Hunter have shared their expertise and helped connect Assumption students with additional resources, including two Lincoln welders on loan, cutting tables, oxy torch carts and steel for students to practise their skills.

“There is tremendous value in giving students opportunities to experience the skilled trades while they are still in high school,” said John Hunter, RSE, Coordinator, Trades and Technology. “Working with Assumption allows us to connect students with post-secondary training and industry, while helping them understand the pathways available through apprenticeship, further education and careers in the trades. We are proud to invest in Assumption students and help strengthen skilled trades opportunities in our region.”

For Murray, bringing these opportunities into the school gives students another way to discover what they are capable of.

“Hands-on learning gives students the opportunity to learn by doing,” Murray said. “Trades education provides another avenue for students to build confidence, develop practical skills and recognize their own strengths.”

Local industry is also helping make these experiences possible. MPI, Jacknife Oilfield and Midfield Supply have contributed equipment, materials and supplies that support students as they build their skills and gain experience in a trades environment.

Lakeland Catholic School Division extends its sincere gratitude to Portage College and these community partners for helping strengthen skilled trades opportunities for Assumption students and connecting them with meaningful hands-on learning and future pathways.

Christ our model. Children our focus.