Calgary’s high schools just got a significant boost to their skilled trades programs, thanks to a major investment by one of Alberta’s energy giants. As someone who’s been covering our city’s education landscape for years, I find this partnership particularly promising for our youth.
Suncor Energy announced yesterday a $260,000 funding commitment to the Calgary Board of Education (CBE), specifically targeting career and technology programs across multiple high schools. The money will enhance training facilities and purchase specialized equipment for students interested in careers ranging from welding to automotive technology.
“This isn’t just about writing a check,” explained Tanya Johnson, Suncor’s Community Investment Director, during yesterday’s announcement at Ernest Manning High School. “We’re investing in Calgary’s future workforce while addressing the critical skills gap we’re seeing in Alberta’s energy and manufacturing sectors.”
I’ve visited several CBE schools with career technology programs over the years, and the difference between well-equipped and underfunded facilities is stark. At Ernest Manning, where part of this funding will be directed, students demonstrated how they’re already using industry-standard welding equipment – the kind of hands-on experience that directly translates to job readiness.
CBE superintendent Dr. Mark Wallace confirmed this funding will benefit approximately 3,800 students across seven high schools. “These programs create pathways to meaningful careers for students who might not be university-bound,” Wallace noted. “The skilled trades shortage is real, and these students will graduate with certifications that make them immediately employable.”
The timing couldn’t be better. According to recent data from the Alberta Labour Market Information Service, the province faces a projected shortage of nearly 40,000 skilled tradespeople by 2030. Meanwhile, these jobs offer starting salaries averaging $58,000 annually – significantly higher than many entry-level positions requiring university degrees.
Grade 11 student Alicia Mercer shared her experience in the welding program at Ernest Manning. “Before this, I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation,” she told me after the announcement. “Now I’m already certified in basic welding techniques and planning my apprenticeship path.”
What struck me most about yesterday’s event was the practical approach. Rather than vague promises about future opportunities, students were connecting directly with Suncor employees who had followed similar educational paths. Several program graduates now employed at Suncor returned to demonstrate how their high school training translated to their current positions.
This isn’t Suncor’s first investment in Calgary education. The company has contributed over $2 million to various educational initiatives across the city over the past five years. However, this represents their largest single commitment to skilled trades training at the secondary school level.
Principal Cara Johnson of Ernest Manning High School emphasized how these programs often reach students who might otherwise disengage from traditional academic settings. “We’ve seen attendance rates increase by 22% among students enrolled in our career technology streams,” Johnson noted. “They’re finding purpose and direction that translates to improved performance across all subjects.”
Not everyone is completely sold on the corporate-education partnership model, however. I spoke with education advocate Terrence Wong, who expressed some reservations. “While any investment in public education is welcome, we need to ensure these programs serve student interests first, not just industry needs,” Wong cautioned.
It’s a fair point, though CBE officials insist the curriculum remains firmly under their control, with industry partners providing equipment, expertise, and potential employment pathways rather than dictating educational content.
For students like 17-year-old Marco Delgado, who demonstrated automotive diagnostic techniques during yesterday’s event, the practical benefits are clear. “I’ve already been offered a summer position at a local garage,” he said. “My parents didn’t have these kinds of opportunities when they were in school.”
The funding will be distributed over three years, with implementation beginning next semester. Schools receiving portions of the investment include Ernest Manning, James Fowler, Lord Beaverbrook, Jack James, Forest Lawn, Crescent Heights, and Nelson Mandela High Schools.
As our city continues navigating economic diversification, investments like this highlight the evolving relationship between Calgary’s traditional energy sector and our educational institutions. Whether these students ultimately work for companies like Suncor or forge their own paths, the practical skills they’re gaining provide options in an increasingly unpredictable job market.
Having covered education in Calgary for over a decade, I’ve seen numerous initiatives come and go. What gives this one particular promise is the combination of substantial funding, specific focus, and clear pathways to employment. In a city still recovering from economic volatility, that’s something worth watching closely.
