NWP Secures Additional Funding for In-Demand Degrees, Diplomas, & Certificates in the North

Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) is expanding opportunities for students to pursue careers in high-demand fields, with eight programs selected to receive funding through the Government of Alberta’s Targeted Enrolment Expansion (TEE) program.

The funding will support enrolment expansion in several new and existing programs in Grande Prairie, including:

• Bachelor of Education – Elementary
• Bachelor of Education – Secondary
• Bachelor of Engineering – University Transfer
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography Diploma
• Expedited Teaching Certificate
• Medical Laboratory Assistant Certificate
• Practical Nurse Diploma
• Social Work Diploma

“We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for this timely investment in students and in the future of northern Alberta,” says Dr. Vanessa Sheane, NWP President and CEO. 

“This funding gives more students the opportunity to pursue education and careers that are essential to our region, while helping build the talent pipeline our communities and signature industries need to grow and thrive.”

The investment comes as NWP continues to expand its programs, training capacity, and facilities in response to student demand and regional workforce needs. The Polytechnic recently opened an independently funded $29M, 40,000-square-foot Skilled Trades Training Centre, boosting skilled trades training capacity in Grande Prairie to more than 1,500 seats.

The next phase of this growth is the proposed Northern Edge Technology Centre, a 59,000-square-foot facility that will bring together health care diagnostics, engineering and technology, and skilled trades training. The facility is designed to create capacity for more than 600 additional learners annually and build on NWP’s recent program and facility investments. 

“The demand for education and training is clear, and these investments are about making sure we have the capacity to respond,” says Dr. Jodi Schultz, NWP Vice-President Academic. 

“TEE funding helps us expand opportunities in programs where there is a demonstrated need, while our plans for Northern Edge will provide the space and specialized learning environments needed to support future growth.”

The TEE investment builds on Alberta’s previous investments in NWP, with more than $3M provided through the first two TEE rounds to expand access to high-demand education and training across northern Alberta.

Learn more about how NWP is increasing community capacity at NWP.me/NorthernEdge.