November 20, 2024

Hello everyone,

The 2024-2025 academic year is well underway, and I thought I would take a few moments to discuss how Lakeland College aligns with the Government of Alberta’s (GOA) key priorities. The GOA is committed to providing an accessible, innovative and high-quality adult learning system for Albertans. Creative, passionate, and hardworking graduates help Alberta remain strong and competitive in a global environment. The GOA is well aware that Lakeland College is supporting these priorities.

Priority 1: Alberta 2030 – Building Skills for Jobs

A transformational vision, direction, and new way of working for the province’s higher education system.

• improve access and student experience by ensuring all Albertans have access to high-quality post-secondary opportunities and that the student experience is coordinated and integrated
• develop skills for jobs by ensuring every student has the skills, knowledge and competencies to enjoy fulfilling lives and careers and that they have greater transparency around labour market outcomes
• support innovation and commercialization and contribute to Alberta’s innovation capacity by supporting post-secondary research and strengthening its commercialization potential to create new knowledge, develop future skills, and diversify the economy.

How does Lakeland College align?

Lakeland’s Applied Research Team continues to seek opportunities to support Alberta’s plan.

Research initiatives at Lakeland College support the provincial and regional economy by advancing agriculture practices and technologies, transferring knowledge to agri-businesses and producers, and providing students with learning opportunities that build important skills. Students are engaged in experiences that bring together agriculture technology with ag production and business management. These initiatives align with Alberta’s Technology and Innovation Strategy.

Lakeland’s program offerings continue to support Alberta’s plan to move specific initiatives forward.

Lakeland College provides truly immersive learning experiences that shape futures and prepare students for the real world. More than 90 percent of programs include work-integrated learning opportunities. Lakeland’s focus on hands-on learning ensures students graduate with the skills, knowledge and competencies to join the workforce or continue their education.

Lakeland’s Belongingness Eco-system continues to support key areas the Alberta Government is focusing on.

The Belongingness Compass serves as a guiding framework to ensure that Lakeland College remains a place where everyone feels valued and included, contributing to a positive and productive community. It was developed to align with Lakeland’s core values, aiming to foster an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment for all its members. The Compass sets clear expectations for behavior, outlining commitments to foster a sense of value and respect and ensure that everyone feels they belong, regardless of their background or identity.

Priority 2: Alberta’s Skill Development and Apprenticeship System

The Skills for Jobs Task Force was appointed in Fall 2019 to evaluate and reimagine Alberta's skill development and apprenticeship system. The Trades and Apprenticeship Promotional Plan was developed to build awareness, understanding, and regard for apprenticeship education and skilled trades careers. Recommendations were:

• increase awareness of the value of skilled trades careers and strengthen enrolment in apprenticeship programs
• change student and public perception so apprenticeship education is seen to be as valuable as a university degree
• expand the apprenticeship model to other careers and occupations.

How does Lakeland College align?

Lakeland provides six of the ten trades in demand. The six “trades in demand” offered at Lakeland are automotive service technician, carpenter, electrician​, heavy equipment technician, steamfitter-pipefitter,​ and welder​. Lakeland College apprentice students consistently win medals at the Skills Alberta Provincial Competitions and Skills Canada National Competitions. These accolades testify to the high-quality education and training apprentices receive at Lakeland.

Priority 3: Economic Development in Rural Alberta

The Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan sets out a five-year commitment that is working towards the vision that Alberta’s rural community is resilient, innovative, and prosperous, providing sustainable economic opportunities for individuals, families, businesses, and visitors.

• support for the labour force and skills development
• enhance rural economic development through regional and targeted capacity building
• rural business support and entrepreneurship.

How does Lakeland College align?

Lakeland is collaborating with high school superintendents through the Highway 16 Initiative to “grow our own” for rural sustainability. ​

By educating our local and regional workforce, Lakeland plays a significant role in rural sustainability and economic development in Alberta. We put students in real-world scenarios, challenging them to think critically and learn through tangible experiences, supporting them as they become competent thinkers and doers.

Lakeland’s Applied Research initiatives support provincial and regional economies.

Applied research works with industry and public sector partners, expanding economic impact to local regions. Lakeland is committed to pursuing applied research projects that enhance teaching and learning and support regional economic development. Lakeland College has been named one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges.

Lakeland’s partnerships with local industries support Indigenous initiatives on campus.

Long-time Lakeland College supporters Scotiabank and Cenovus Energy have made significant donations to support Indigenous student success programs at Lakeland. Additionally, Lakeland has been recognized as an institution that inspires innovation through Indigenous-led activities.

In closing, Lakeland’s Vision 2030 supports the Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs strategy by providing hands-on training that prepares students to support Alberta’s employers and economy. This attentiveness will move Lakeland College into the future, supporting our mission to inspire lifelong learning and leadership through experience, excellence and innovation, as well as execute our vision of transforming the future through innovative learning. At Lakeland, we understand the importance of working with our government to meet their needs while supporting our students in gaining the education they need to develop the career of their choice.

Until next time,

Alice