LAKELAND - Starting this fall, Grade 11 and 12 students in the Lakeland region can get a head start studying post-secondary education studies on health care, education, and skilled trades, with the establishment of the Northeast Alberta Collegiate Institute (NACI) thanks to a $2.3 million grant from Alberta Education.
NACI is a collegiate school formed in collaboration between Northern Lights Public Schools, St. Paul Education, Conseil scolaire Centre-Est, Lakeland Catholic School Division, and Portage College.
Collegiate schools are formed in partnership between secondary and post-secondary educational institutions that offer programs in specific subjects outside of the regular secondary school curriculum.
"NACI is a game-changer for Lakeland students," Peter Barron, superintendent at St. Paul Education, told Lakeland This Week.
"By earning college and high-school credits at the same time, and doing it right here in our own communities. our young people can see a clear, affordable pathway into teaching, health care, or the trades," he said. "We’re thrilled to partner with [NACI] because it keeps talent local, meets real workforce needs, and proves that big opportunities don’t only live in big cities."
Sylvie Smyl, chair of the board of trustees at St. Paul Education, said that the NACI providing additional education for students is crucial, especially as Northeast Alberta is seeing a lot of growth. "It is only through educating our students and our people that we will be able to really see our communities thrive," said Smyl.
Pathways in education and health care will begin in September, while trades training, including electrical, welding, and heavy equipment technician programs, will roll out in February 2026.
Most of the coursework will be offered online to fit around students’ schedules, with in-person, hands-on training to follow, especially for trades.
“Now more than ever, we need to ensure the kids are given exposure to trades careers while they are in school. "Nancy Broadbent, president and CEO of Portage College, in a June 13 news release said,
"Portage College is so honoured to be a partner in this collaborative opportunity with the four school divisions. Many thanks to the Government of Alberta for funding this regional approach," she said.
NACI is among the 16 new collegiate schools funded by the province to meet the growing demand for skilled workers as Alberta's economy grows.
"Collegiate schools help students connect what they learn in the classroom to real-world careers," said Minister of Education and Childcare Demetrios Nicolaides. "By expanding this model, we are ensuring young Albertans can access specialized training, explore in-demand careers and graduate with a clear path to further education and meaningful employment."
