It can be challenging to choose a career when you can’t experience it firsthand. Thankfully, Calgary Academy offers a way for students to get a taste of what universities and colleges offer through the dual credit program!

For Senior School students like Evan S. (currently in a pre-employment welding program), dual credit can help prepare them for the future workforce by allowing them to take college and university courses while still in high school.

What is Dual Credit?

For Senior School students, dual credit offers an exciting opportunity to experience post-secondary education before graduation. This program allows students in Grades 10–12 to take college-level courses while still in high school, earning both high school and post-secondary credits.

From health sciences and business to skilled trades and technology, dual credit provides hands-on learning, letting students explore their career interests. Whether learners are interested in medicine, aviation, IT, or welding, they can gain real-world experience, build confidence, and see what their future may hold.

Calgary Academy Career Counsellor Jessie Holwell understands the value of allowing students to explore their interests. For some industries, such as skilled trades, dual credit can help students enter the workforce sooner.

“If a student completes their pre-employment certificate in high school, they can enter the workforce and start counting their apprenticeship hours right after graduation, as opposed to having to do that the year after.” – Ms. Holwell

However, dual credit may not be available for everyone—there are general requirements for students joining the program, including:

• Requiring the average grade point average (GPA) or course requirements for the specific program a student is interested in.
• Receiving permission from the student’s parents to join the dual credit program.
• Being prepared for the expectations of post-secondary courses.

A Day in the Dual Credit Program

For students like Evan, dual credit isn’t just about earning extra credits—it’s about taking tangible steps toward their future careers. He has always been interested in the trades, advocating for a spot in the pre-employment welding program.

Evan’s (along with two other CA students’) school day starts early, at 8:30 a.m., at the SAIT campus. There, they spend three hours in theory and hands-on learning in their chosen trade.

By the afternoon, they’re back at Calgary Academy to complete their high school courses. While the schedule is demanding, the students are dedicated, work hard, and are passionate about their interests.

Evan notes how he has enjoyed building on the theory learned in his classes and seeing his improvements. He plans to continue his education at SAIT and recommends dual credit for anyone interested in the trades.

“It’s cool to watch yourself progress from the beginning… I was shocked that there was an opportunity to do this. If you like hands-on work, I definitely recommend it.” – Evan S.

So far, Evan has tackled coursework in tools and equipment, wire-feed welding, gases and maintenance, and apprenticeship safety—gaining skills that will serve him well.

For students wondering if dual credit is the right fit, the best first step is a conversation with their career counsellor, a teacher, or even a student already in the program. Ms. Holwell notes that dual credit is the perfect opportunity to try something new and see if a career is a good fit.

“My advice is to talk to me! But in a broader picture, jump in. You’re not going to know if you don’t try something… There’s no better way to see if a career is a good match for you than trying it out.”