Career Counsellor Newsletter

Gr. 12's attending post-secondary in the Fall of 2026 should apply for Alexander Rutherford Scholarship in August 2026 on the Alberta Student Aid website. Set up your Alberta.ca verified account to apply for student aid. Always use your personal email.

From electricians to bakers, carpenters to mechanics, pipefitters to locksmiths, and so many more, skilled tradespeople are in demand in nearly every industry across Canada.

In April, PM Mark Carney announced TEAM CANADA STRONG - a nationwide plan to recruit up to 100,000 skilled trades workers. By pursuing an apprenticeship education in the skilled trades, you are setting yourself up to succeed in a wide variety of jobs, where your skills are highly sought-after and respected. It is estimated that by 2033, Canada will need more than 1.4 million new trades workers for housing, transit, and energy infrastructure building across Canada. By completing 'Red Seal' certification, tradespeople are able to work across provinces and territories without additional training. The endorsement signifies a high-level of competence, representing a standard of excellence recognized by employers across Canada. Red Seal trades workers will be supported through salary, more modern apprenticeship training, and completion bonuses plus grant top ups as they complete this certification.

What does that mean for high school students? Consider the RAP program where you can earn up to 40 credits and a 1000 hours towards your first year apprenticeship. Also, challenge yourself with high school courses. The recommended path for high school course choices is highly suggested as apprenticeship period exams are demanding. Chat with your career counsellor about balancing your academic strengths with course success as you navigate your high school planning.

Start your journey in the trades today and build a dynamic, fulfilling career that grows with you. Learn more at Alberta.ca

The world is undergoing another technological revolution where Artificial Intelligence is out pacing careers, employment and government policy. AI proofing your career choice would be ideal, but does anyone have a crystal ball to predict what careers are protected? Advisors keep hearing that first line jobs in the trades will continue to be in demand, as well as the human services field (nursing, social work). Planning to improve skills over a few months rather than years will add to your hireability. Creativity and adaptablity are key traits moving into this next career revolution.

There is money out there but students need to be willing to do the research. Here are a few more local scholarships that we are away of. Watch the deadlines and be sure to gather your teacher references early! Check out the HS+ Webpage and 'Other Scholarships' or 'Local Scholarships' for more! Here are a couple of our larger scholarships available to BRSD students.

The Elmer and Ona Hansen Memorial Scholarship is open to all Alberta rural farm youth and is designed to help rural farm youth who must leave home to pursue a post-secondary education or trade. Please note that a rural farm youth is defined as a youth who has lived on a farm in Alberta for the majority of their life, and the farm is the primary source of family income.

If you know of students living in rural areas who plan to leave home and pursue post-secondary education, we hope you will pass this information along so that they do not miss out on this exceptional scholarship opportunity.

The following scholarship amounts will be awarded in 2026:

• One scholarship: $20,000

• One scholarship: $15,000

• One scholarship: $10,000

• Seven (7) scholarships at $5,000 each

Student Eligibility/How to apply:

• Must be enrolled as a first-year student at an acknowledged post-secondary institution and not have previously started or completed a post-secondary program.
• Must be a young Alberta rural farm person.
• Applicants must provide confirmation that they have or are currently living on a family farm, as well as provide the farm’s legal land description.
• Must have graduated from high school, have received their high school diploma, and be no older than 25 years of age. A copy of their high school transcript must be included with the application form.
• Must need to leave home to pursue a post-secondary education or trade. Proof must be provided that the student is not living at home, i.e., through a rental or dorm receipt.
• A photo of the applicant must be submitted with the application. The photo must be suitable for publication – a grad picture is ideal. Photocopies or proofs are not suitable. Quality scanned photos are acceptable.
• 4-H experience is NOT mandatory to qualify for this award.

We hope you can share this information with eligible students.

The application for the Elmer and Ona Hansen Memorial Scholarship will open on Friday, May 1, 2026 until Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Noon with the application available on the 4-H Alberta website. To go directly to the application, please click here.

For more info, you can reach us at scholarship@4HAB.com or call 639-638-2231.

Email: careercounselling@brsd.ab.ca
Website: High School Plus