Transitioning from the Classroom to the Workplace
Choosing a Path
The goal of Abbotsford Career Programs is to connect secondary students to training for high-opportunity occupations. As the labour market and employment outlook in our province changes, our programs have evolved to meet new demands.
Career Programs offers academic dual-credit and university transition programs such as Aviation Ground School and Architectural Drafting, and in February 2021 the first Palo Alto Cybersecurity cohort was launched. Beginning in September 2022, we are proud to offer a new pathway towards certification for Early Childhood Education (ECE). In this pathway, Grade 12 students will complete three 100-level ECE courses and a 100-level Communications course at UFV and earn Grade 12 elective credits toward Graduation. Students will also be eligible to find employment as an Early Childhood Education Assistant prior to Graduation.
In September 2019, Aviation Ground School joined Chinook Helicopters as a new community partner. Since then, over 20 Abbotsford students, including four from the International Program, have completed Ground School alongside classmates from a diverse array of backgrounds, ages, and experience. Chinook Helicopters also offers the flexibility of multiple intakes throughout the year.
Watch our new Aviation Program video!
Our Secondary Fire Academy (SFA) is another program that has evolved. SFA grew from a one-week experience at Spring Break for 4-8 cadets into a once-per-week training opportunity to 10-12 cadets from around the district for their entire Grade 12 year. Since September 2018, this unique year-long program has given our students the chance to participate in a career simulation through authentic training exercises, job shadowing, and mentorship with members of Abbotsford Fire Rescue Service.
Transitioning from secondary school to post-secondary can be a time of excitement and uncertainty for our students and their families. Joining a career program can help make this a smoother and more successful transition for our students.
Learn more about Career Programs