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By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

New provincial task force to build connections ‘between schools and jobs’

Jul 8, 2022 | 11:23 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Government of Alberta has put a team together that will aim to strengthen student learning pathways.

Members of the Career Education Task Force have been named. The group will be chaired by Shane Getson, the MLA for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland.

Getson says the task force will focus primarily on career education in grades 7-12 and how to effectively prepare students for seamless entry into post-secondary studies or employment.

“By creating stronger connections between education and Alberta’s labour market, the task force will play a vital role in helping young Albertans become even more qualified, educated, and engaged to pursue rewarding career paths while supporting Alberta’s economic prosperity well into the future,” says Getson.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange adds that the task force will have several items on their agendas. This includes engaging with various stakeholders in education and industries, evaluating existing career education programming, and creating a provincial framework.

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“We are committed to improving career education and making sure it supports students’ interests while responding to labour market needs,” says LaGrange. “The task force will help determine the best approach to provide practical, foundational hands-on learning opportunities that enable students in grades 7 to 12 to transition into a chosen career pathway through post-secondary education or directly into the workplace.”

The full roster for the Career Education Task Force is as follows:

• Shane Getson, task force chair, Legislative Assembly of Alberta
• Marilyn Dennis, president, Alberta School Boards Association
• Jess Thomson, director of stakeholder and government relations, Women Building Futures
• Shauna Feth, president and CEO, Alberta Chamber of Commerce
• Stefan Rutkowski, operations director, CAREERS: The Next Generation
• Stephan De Loof, directeur exécutif opérations, infrastructure et transport, Le Conseil scolaire FrancoSud
• Kurtis Leinweber, vice president, The Association of Alberta Public Charter Schools and deputy superintendent and COO, Foundations for the Future Charter Academy
• John Jagersma, executive director, Association of Independent Schools & Colleges in Alberta
• Scott Morrison, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents
• David Price, director, Sunterra Group
• Holly Bilton, trustee, Chinook’s Edge School Division
• Patricia Nelson, manager, external training, Skills Canada Alberta
• Darren Roth, teacher, Black Gold School Division
• Chair, Alberta Board of Skilled Trades (will be appointed in July)
• More members to be added over the summer

The task force will hold its first meeting in September 2022 and will continue to meet and engage with stakeholders throughout the fall. It will deliver its final report by the end of the year.