A circuit to success: Chinook's Edge students amped up by new skilled trades dual credit course
Chinook’s Edge high school students have access to a new, advanced level of a dual credit course for this semester. Readiness for the Skilled Trades in mechanics, hydraulics and electrical is now available at a level 2. The only Readiness for the Skilled Trades level 2 program offered to Chinook’s Edge students prior to this one is Welding 2167.
“We are pleased to see the success of this program for students, as it builds upon their shop programming in their schools and the dual credit we already offer,” says Brianne Fletcher, Career Coordinator, Chinook’s Edge School Division. “We know that as students connect a passion with a career, their success increases not only with their career path decisions, but also with their current high school course work. The level of excitement for these opportunities for students is infectious!”
The new dual credit course has 29 students enrolled from all over Chinook’s Edge. Career counselors and practitioners at each of the high schools make students aware of the opportunity, to see if it would fit with their schedule.
The course is offered at Olds College, where students learn onsite from Olds College instructor and journeyperson, Rob Schafer. Students receive high school and college level credits at the same time, as is the case for all dual credit courses.
There are two cohorts running currently - one in the mornings and one in the afternoons for 6.5 full days, and 11 half days. To qualify students must have completed Readiness for the Skilled Trades Level 1: TEC 1000 and Welding 1167. In the course, students learn more about electrical circuits, magnetism, test equipment, battery fundamentals and service, electronic control systems, and the fundamentals of hydraulic systems and their components.
Dane W. from Innisfail High School says his interest in the subject came from his Dad, who is a farmer, and seeing him work on machinery. “I have always wondered how he figures things out, and I am starting to see how fixing things on the farm will be useful. This course has been helpful. I’ve
enjoyed learning about troubleshooting electrical issues.”
Ryland M. from Olds Koinonia Christian School says he wants to be a heavy equipment technician, so the course seemed like a good start. “I’m learning a lot,” he says. “These are tough things to learn, so I am glad I am learning while I’m still in high school. It’s a learning curve for sure.”
Hudson F. from Spruce View School says he wants to be a heavy equipment technician. “The course is interesting,” he says. “So far, the electrical is the best since I’m constantly having problems with
electrical issues in my car.”
Austin S., from Delburne School, says he took the course out of personal interest. “It helps me with my vehicle,” he says. “I’ve enjoyed learning about batteries and alternators, and how they are built and how they work. I’m looking forward to hydraulics a lot.”