Tools for Success Northwestern Polytechnic is focused on delivering a timely skilled trades solution for students, communities, and industries. Skilled Trades Workforce Forward: Impactful Grande Prairie Additions NWP is consolidating apprenticeship and trades programs in Grande Prairie to create a centralized training model with modern facilities, coordinated support, and stronger connections to industry.This timely and continuous expansion will provide high-quality training, help address workforce gaps in the north, and strengthen opportunities for students and communities alike. Phase 1 / Campus Upgrade (Fall 2025) Optimizing our footprint and elevating training potential with a leading-edge build-within-a-build strategy that included the:• Launch of $16.3M Spartan Controls Northwestern Centre for Industrial Automation & Innovation.• Establishment of the 5,000 square foot CDN Electrical Education Centre. Program Impact 3rd Class Power Engineering Instrumentation and Control Technician Electrician Benefits Industry-replicated training environment improves workplace readiness. Insight from industry ensures training matches “real-world” needs. Phase 2 / Campus Training Centralization (Fall 2026) Strategic realignment to leverage resources and facilitate inter-program collaboration. More seats, less waiting, and an unmatched training environment. We are focused on meeting student demand and preparing the workforce of tomorrow. Brand new apprenticeship pathways in Grande Prairie with modern labs for hands-on learning and real-world skills. Benefits Shared labs, tools, and equipment to maximize space and equipment. Improved scheduling efficiency and reduced resource duplication. Lower long-term maintenance and facility costs. Purpose-built, modern learning environments that support effective instruction and learner outcomes. Expanded capacity to deliver currently waitlisted programs aligned with demonstrated student demand and regional labour market needs. Phase 3 / Grande Prairie Skilled Trades Centre Development Our commitment to regional advancement continues with the establishment of a dedicated skilled trades centre, empowering local students with modern and industry-replicated training environments, strengthening industry pathways, and cultivating the next generation of talent in one of Alberta’s fastest-growing cities. Northern Alberta’s largest post-secondary institution has acquired a 30,000 square foot facility located at 112 Street and 100 Avenue, which will soon become home to a range of in-demand apprenticeship and trades training. Benefits Centralized delivery of training and certifications to improve access, consistency, and oversight. Prominent, high-visibility location that reinforces awareness of education pathways and supports ongoing industry partnership. Revitalization and renewal of a previously underutilized local asset. Flexible training and decanting space to support multi-phase expansion and development priorities. Enhanced industry support and regional competitiveness through collaboration and partnership. Phase 4 / Northern Edge Skilled Trades Centre Establishment (2028) The culmination of our vision: a flagship Skilled Trades Centre that serves as a central lynchpin for all programs, partnerships, and facilities. This innovative new build will become the heart of hands-on learning, workforce training, and regional innovation for years to come. Program Impact Expanded offerings and increased capacity to meet industry demand. Introduction of new training pathways into the region, establishing Grande Prairie as a location of choice. A purpose-built and highly specialized construction hub, complete with advanced learning labs that bring disciplines together, supporting blended projects and cross-training. Benefits Modernization and innovation with the integration of the latest training best practices, tools, and technology. Solid workforce pipeline. New net-zero building, totalling over 50,000 square feet. Increased access for more than 600 additional students annually. Economic growth and business attraction. Coordinated industry-education partnerships that include Dual Credit, Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), and Work Integrated Learning (WIL). Mimics real-world job sites, improving workplace readiness. Expanding Skilled Trades Skills Deficit With a growing workforce gap across North America, and a challenging labour market outlook within Northern Alberta’s signature industries, Northwestern Polytechnic is taking action.Together with our local partners and industry champions, we have collaboratively identified emerging needs and formulated a strategic approach that will help address the persistent talent shortages that continue to impede hiring efforts. Expanding Skilled Trades Building Prosperity Northwestern Polytechnic is seeking a $69.9M investment from the Government of Alberta to support high-priority infrastructure development on our Grande Prairie campus.This tactical financial outlay will supercharge NWP’s capacity to train the workforce of the future, and deliver valuable returns within Alberta for years to come.Our new Northern Edge Skilled Trades Centre will contribute to enhanced:Skilled trades awareness and explorationRegional competitivenessEconomic growth and long-term sustainabilityEmployability and labour productivityIndustry innovation and advancementNorthwestern Polytechnic recognizes the importance of carving out new spaces for hands-on training and world-class skill development. Our goal is to design and deliver a new net-zero building, totalling over 50,000 square feet, by 2028.This new flagship facility will support enhanced training across disciplines, as well as evolving industry-specific needs within Continuing Education. This development will build on current Electrician, Millwright, and Instrumentation program enhancements, while optimizing our campus footprint and increasing access for more than 600 additional students annually.Development HighlightsHighly specialized Construction hub that will empower advanced skill development. Be it for residential dwellings or developing community infrastructure, students will hone their craftsmanship skills in a safe, supportive, and hands-on workshop. This buzzing training facility will provide added space for apprenticeship, diploma, and micro-credential students. Productive Environments NWP is expanding access for students while strengthening high-impact industry partnerships, creating a true competitive advantage for our region. There has never been a better time to pick up the tools for success. Applications for all skilled trades apprenticeship programs open in Spring 2026. Find a Program Apply Industry Investment Partnership Profile The CDN Electrical Education Centre, a Hoffmann Family of Companies Community Commitment, will carry the naming rights for NWP’s state-of-the-art Electrical Education Centre on the Grande Prairie campus, and will serve as lead supporter for Skilled Trades Dual Credit Pathways, giving high-school students an early jumpstart on their careers in the electrical and instrumentation fields, among others.Read the News Release “This partnership with Northwestern Polytechnic represents an investment in the next generation of skilled tradespeople who will drive our industries forward and strengthen Alberta’s economic future. We share NWP’s commitment to equipping students with the hands-on skills and experience needed to meet growing industry demand. Together with Hoffmann Family of Companies, we believe in making purposeful investments that deliver lasting value to the communities where we live and work. We’re proud to support this initiative and excited to see the impact it will have across the Peace region.” Dean FraserCDN CEO "The CDN Controls investment in Skilled Trades Dual Credit Pathways at Northwestern Polytechnic creates opportunity for students in our community. These innovative partnerships between industry and education allow students to earn post-secondary credit while still in high school and get an early start on a career in the trades. Our school division is grateful to CDN Controls for their community leadership and helping to provide opportunities for youth in our community." Alexander (Sandy) McDonaldSuperintendent of Schools, Grande Prairie Public School Division Hands-on Opportunity Working with our local industries, surrounding communities, and government partners, we are committed to attracting, training, and retaining the next generation of skilled trades professionals in Northern Alberta. Please reach out to President@NWPolytech.ca for more information about this essential investment in our collective future.