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Programs

Explore current post-secondary education opportunities

A Diverse Range of Local Learning Options

We work with institutional partners to deliver a growing roster of popular post-secondary courses locally - either at the Clean Energy Technology Centre or via remote learning sessions.

Browse the list of programs below. If you find a fit, and if you're unable to fully finance a given course through regular channels, submit your Zero Fee Tuition Program application form.

Olds College of Agriculture & Technology
Red Deer Polytechnic
Health Care Aide Program
Business and Administrative Studies
Health Careers
Human Service Careers
Pre-Employment Trades
Resource Technology
University Studies
Art & Design
Business Leadership
Environmental Studies
Health, Safety & Wellness
Indigenous Relations
Languages
Public Sector
Technology & Innovation
Writing and Communications
Bachelor of Nursing

Campus Alberta Central

Drayton Valley is proud to introduce its newest educational partner, Campus Alberta Central! Campus Alberta Central (CAC) is a joint venture between Olds College of Agriculture & Technology and Red Deer Polytechnic that provides post-secondary programs to communities throughout the central Alberta region. Student success is a high priority for Campus Alberta Central. Community Learning Partners within the region provide access to information, technology and support to help ensure students have a positive learning experience.

Apply for Funding

The Health Care Aide Academy

The Health Care Aide Program features hands on instruction at the Clean Energy Technology Centre with welcoming & approachable instructors. This program strives to offer its students the best opportunities at future employment by providing additional training & practicum placements at care facilities like Seasons Retirement Community.

Health Care Aide Program

The Health Care Aide Program features hands on instructor-led program at the Clean Energy Technology Centre (CETC). Program administrators strive to offer students the best opportunities at future employment by providing additional training and practicum placements at leading care facilities, including Red Deer Regional Hospital.

Graduation entails completion of nine courses plus the Provincial Comprehensive Exam. The Provincial Comprehensive Exam must be completed within 60 days of the successful completion of HLTH 2551.

Program Highlights

Next Intake: 

January 21, 2025 (blended)

April 8, 2025 (in-person)

Duration: 

8 months

Schedule: 

3 days per week: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (8:30 am – 4:00 pm)

Program Details
Apply for Funding

The program format, schedule and other details are subject to change at the discretion of the course provider. Please consult the Health Care Aide Academy website for up-to-date information on the course being provided.

Northern Lakes College

The Town of Drayton Valley is proud to partner with Northern Lakes College! Northern Lakes brings over 50 years of expertise to support the distance education needs in Drayton Valley and the surrounding area. NLC’s Supported Distance Learning (SDL) model ensures programs and services are accessible to students everywhere!

Northern Lakes College also offers Apprenticeship and Pre-Employment Trade opportunities, Continuing Education & Corporate Training, and Dual Credit for High School students. Explore the programming options below.

Business and Administrative StudiesTurn your dreams into reality and prepare for the highly competitive world of business through an office or business program at Northern Lakes College. We engage and collaborate directly with employers to determine exactly what students need to learn to be successful and tailor curriculum accordingly.Click the links below to explore the courses.

Business Administration »
Computer Network Specialist »
Human Resource Management Diploma »
Office Administration »
Health CareersBecome a vital member of a health care team. Our successful Health programs offer practical training with experienced professionals.

Health Care Aide »
Paramedic »
Practical Nurse »
Human Service CareersWe offer a range of Human Service programs that are in demand across Alberta and Canada. Graduates of Human Service careers have higher-than-average job earning growth projected over the next few years.

Addictions Counselling Diploma »
Early Learning and Child Care Certificate or Diploma »
Educational Assistant Certificate »
Social Work Diploma »
Pre-Employment TradesGet an advantage when competing for entry-level employment in the trades. Pre-Employment programs offer the theory portion of trades training in advance of obtaining the hands-on experience with an employer.

Pre-Employment Carpenter »
Pre-Employment Electrician »
Pre-Employment Heavy Equipment Technician (Mechanic) »
Pre-Employment Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) »
Pre-Employment Welder »
Resource TechnologyOur Resource Technology programs offer flexible learning options, providing students the opportunity to learn anytime and from anywhere there is an Internet connection.

Power Engineering 3rd Class »
Power Engineering 4th Class »
Power Engineering 4th Class Lab Certification »
Introduction to Surveying »
Survey Theory and Calculations »
University StudiesWe provide university level courses with transfer agreements to many post-secondary institutions across Alberta. We also offer College and Career Preparation courses, leading into a variety of Northern Lakes College career programs or university courses.

College and Career Preparation »
University Studies »
University of Calgary Community-Based Bachelor of Education »

Delivery Methods Explained

Face-to-Face: Courses where the instructor and the students are interacting at the same time, at the same physical location.

NLC LIVE Online™: Scheduled classes online, where students log in to a program with instructors and peers on the same day, at the same time.

NLC Anytime, Anywhere: Courses where you do not have scheduled classes, but where you log in to a program online at any time and do your work.

Blended: Courses where you have a combination of face-to-face and online (NLC Anytime, Anywhere and/or NLC LIVE Online™).

Dual Credit: Students in high school can experience College programs while earning post-secondary credits.

Program Dates

College and Career Preparation: 

September - June

University of Calgary Community-Based Bachelor of Education: 

September - June

University Studies: 

September - June

Program Details
Apply for Funding

The program format, schedule and other details are subject to change at the discretion of the course provider. Please consult the Northern Lakes College website for up-to-date information on the course being provided.

University of Alberta Online & Continuing Education

For over one hundred years, the Online and Continuing Education division has been extending the University of Alberta experience beyond the campus and the classroom to bring adult learners a wealth of continuing education, professional development, and lifelong learning opportunities. Since 2020, the Town has been a partner with the University of Alberta Online and Continuing Education in 2020 to support vocational and career development in Drayton Valley.

Art & DesignThe two hubs within the Art & Design area are the Residential Interiors and Visual Arts course collections. Whether you have a passion for interior decorating, are looking to further your career in UX/UI design, or are ready to unleash your inner artist, here’s where you’ll find an ever-growing portfolio of learning opportunities to channel your creativity into a new career or a personal exploration.

Residential Exteriors Certificate »
UX / UI Design Certificate »
UX / UI Research Methods Microcredential »
Visual Arts Course Collection »
Business & LeadershipOur Business & Leadership area has no shortage of programs, series, courses, and workshops to help you move your career forward. If a business skill is in demand in the workplace, you can learn it here. There is much to browse and find out, so take your time and check out the wealth of options we have to offer.

Business Analysis Certificate »
Business Seminars »
Business Strategy Series »
Certified Administrative Professional Designation »
Certified in Management Designation »
Change Management Series »
Communication Skills for the Workplace Certificate »
Construction Estimating & Planning Microcredential »
Construction Management & Administration Certificate »
Data Privacy and Security Microcredential »
Digital Marketing for Business Microcredential »
Human Resources Management Certificate »
Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate »
Leadership Certificate »
Management Development Certificate »
Management Development for APEGA Certificate »
Management Development for Police Services Certificate »
Professional Education for Executives »
Project Management Series »
Risk and Insurance Management (CRM) Designation »
SkillUp@UA On-Demand Courses »
Supervisory Development Citation »
Supply Management Training Diploma »
Technology & Innovation »
Environmental StudiesOur Environmental Sciences and Renewable Energy area has courses, series, and programs to help move your career forward. Join environmental professionals in Alberta and across Canada as you learn from our four specialized areas in Soil Science, Water Resource Management, Land Reclamation, and Environmental Remediation. We also offer four stackable programs in Renewable Energy, including Wind and Solar. Students who complete the Renewable Energy Technologies Certificate are eligible to write the Sustainable Energy Technologies Professional Exam. We also offer learning opportunities in geostatistics.­ 

Applied Geostatistics Citation »
Environmental Remediation Certificate »
Land Reclamation Certificate »
Renewable Energy Essentials Series »
Renewable Energy Technologies Certificate »
Soil Science Certificate »
Solar Energy Development and Design Series »
Water Resource Management Certificate »
Wind Energy Development and Design Series »
Health, Safety & WellnessBecome a registered professional and have an impactful career in workplace health and safety through the programs in our Health, Safety, and Wellness area. We offer a certificate and a professional diploma in Occupational Health and Safety, which provide students not only with highly respected educational credentials but also with a clear path for professional accreditation. You may also check out our Workplace Wellness Leadership series.

OHS Emerging Issues »
Occupational Health & Safety Diploma »
Occupational Health & Safety Certificate »
Workplace Wellness Leadership Series »
Indigenous RelationsThe University of Alberta and Yellowhead Tribal College (YTC) are pleased to announce a partnership to jointly deliver the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Community-Industry Relations certificate program.

This agreement brings together the knowledge systems of both institutions, their expertise and wisdom in their respective teaching areas, and their desire to work together for the provision of continuing education.

Indigenous Community-Industry Relations Certificate »
LanguagesLearn­ing a lan­guage is more than mak­ing unusu­al sounds and learn­ing a new alphabet. It’s about com­mu­ni­cat­ing and under­stand­ing — it is a cul­tur­al experience. Gain an edge on the expand­ing glob­al mar­ket and con­nect with new peo­ple through devel­op­ing com­pe­tence in a sec­ond language.

Communication Skills for the Workplace Certificate »
Public SectorThe programs within our Public Sector area prepare learners to find a career path in different areas and levels of government administration. The NACLAA certificates will help you get what you need for starting or advancing a career in local government; the IAPP certificate focuses on the administration of information access and privacy legislation; and the ALUP certificate supports professionals in municipal government planning and development.

Applied Land Use Planning Certificate »
Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate »
Local Authority Administration (NACLAA I) Certificate »
Local Authority Administration (NACLAA II) Certificate »
Management Development for Police Services Certificate »
Technology & InnovationOur Technology and Innovation programming area offers career programs for digital marketers, web developers, and UX/UI designers. We also teach languages like C#, JavaScript, HTML5 and Python, as well as skill-based courses focused on big data, analytics, managing IT projects, data science, and more.

Blockchain Fundamentals Microcredential »
C# Back End Web Development Certificate »
Data Privacy and Security Microcredential »
Digital Marketing Certificate »
Digital Marketing for Business Microcredential »
Front End Web Development Certificate »
Full-Stack Web Development Diploma »
Interaction Design and Prototyping for XR Microcredential »
Python Back End Web Development Certificate »
Renewable Energy Essentials Series »
Renewable Energy Technologies Certificate »
Social Media Certificate »
Solar Energy Development and Design Series »
Technology & Innovation course collection »
UX / UI Design Certificate »
UX / UI Research Methods Microcredential »
Unity Development Microcredential »
Wind Energy Development and Design Series »
XR Development with Unity Microcredential »
Writing and CommunicationsBeing an effective communicator is a must-have skill no matter what industry you work in. Our Writing and Communications area has a robust portfolio of courses that will help you excel in your written and oral communication skills. In addition, we offer content aimed at professional communicators, such as our Social Media certificate and many courses focused on the tools of the trade. Languages courses (French, Spanish, and others) are also grouped within this area.

Communication Skills for the Workplace Certificate »
Digital Marketing for Business Microcredential »
SkillUp@UA On-Demand Courses »
Social Media Certificate »
UX / UI Design Certificate »
UX / UI Research Methods Microcredential »
Program Details
Apply for Funding

The program format, schedule and other details are subject to change at the discretion of the course provider. Please consult the University of Alberta Continuing Education website for up-to-date information on the course being provided.

University of Calgary Faculty of Nursing

We're proud to be partnering with the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services to offer a Bachelor of Nursing program right here in Drayton Valley throug the university's Rural Community Route.  This program gives individuals a unique opportunity to become trained healthcare professionals in their hometown.  Gain a world-class education here in the community and find the opportunity to give back as a registered nurse. Explore the programming criteria below.

Bachelor of NursingInterested in making a difference where you live? Small towns across Alberta are becoming home to a unique undergraduate nursing program, one that is centered on providing a world-class nursing education directly in the local community.

Why choose Nursing?

Nurses ask questions such as: How do people respond to illness? In what ways are lives impacted by sickness? How are patients cared for when they are unwell? Nurses working in rural communities apply their skills and knowledge across a variety of clinical settings to support the health and wellbeing of their community members, all while building strong relationships with their colleagues and patients.

In the rural community route, you'll get the opportunity to learn where you live through a blended course delivery model that includes clinical placements in your community. You will participate in engaging theory courses as well as hands-on labs that support your learning, so you can apply your skills right away.

Check out this video to hear what students, alumni, and instructors are saying about nursing at UCalgary.

Program Highlights

Admission for Fall 2025: 

October 1, 2024 - March 1, 2025

  • 4 year degree program
  • September admission only
  • Clinical placements within the Drayton Valley area
  • Applicants must reside with 120 km of Drayton Valley and be Alberta residents
Program Details
Apply for Funding

The program format, schedule and other details are subject to change at the discretion of the course provider. Please consult the U of C Faculty of Nursing website for up-to-date information on the course being provided.

Student Success Story

Joshua always had a passion for mechanics. Realizing his natural aptitude at a young age, he enrolled in the Dual Credit Power Engineering program at Northern Lakes College. The Dual Credit program allows high school students to take college-level training while also gaining the credits needed for an Alberta High School Diploma.

Keep Reading

"The instruc­tors and the class mate­ri­als were great. I par­tic­u­lar­ly enjoyed inter­act­ing with a diverse group of indi­vid­u­als from so many work industries."

Occu­pa­tion­al Health & Safe­ty Certificate StudentOccu­pa­tion­al Health & Safe­ty Certificate StudentUniversity of Alberta

"Delmar doesn't just teach they mentor you as well. They guide through every step, they also help you find your independence and your confidence."

Clinical Esthetics Program StudentDelmar College

"The greatest benefit for me was the confidence I gained in starting a successful business out of nothing. I now know how to approach potential customers."

Business Administration StudentNorthern Lakes College

"The other students and I were really interactive, responding to posts and collaborating on projects online."

Dual Credit Program StudentNorthern Lakes College

"The instruc­tors and the class mate­ri­als were great. I par­tic­u­lar­ly enjoyed inter­act­ing with a diverse group of indi­vid­u­als from so many work industries."

Human Resource Management Certificate StudentUniversity of Alberta

"I real­ly enjoyed the flex­i­bil­i­ty to work and study at the same time. The evening class­es helped a lot."

Construction Management and Administration StudentUniversity of Alberta

Sponsorship Opportunities

By partnering with local industry stakeholders, we seek to ease reliance on taxpayer dollars and ensure the long-term viability of the Zero Fee Tuition Program. Such financial partnerships are critical, and they also help us tailor educational programming to the evolving needs and priorities of  the business community.

Through their ongoing support of this unique community catalyst, our industry partners demonstrate their commitment to building a robust and resilient Drayton Valley while reaping the direct benefits of talent retention, labour pool development, corporate goodwill, tax advantages and more.

Learn More
The Zero Fee Tuition Program facilitates local post-secondary learning opportunities for residents of the Town of Drayton Valley. The Town reserves the right to periodically evaluate the program and its funding criteria. Operation of the Zero Fee Tuition Program is subject to the availability of funding.
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