News Archives: Dual Credit Program: Another Pathway to Success
Tuesday, September 6th, 2016
Alex Alvarez set a goal to start his future in Kelowna, B.C. and at only 18, he’s well on his way.
As a high school student in Whitecourt, AB, Alex Alvarez wasn’t sure what he was going to do with his life until he found the Dual Credit and Harley-Davidson® Technician programs at GPRC. Now he’s graduated from high school and is working at his dream job at a Harley-Davidson® dealership in Kelowna, B.C.
“The dual credit program option at GPRC is awesome,” says Alvarez. “I have an amazing job, and I’m on my way to an amazing life. I set a goal to finish the program and get a job in Kelowna, and I’ve done exactly that, thanks to the opportunity that Northern Gateway Public Schools and GPRC gave me.”
GPRC offers dual credit course options in most certificate, diploma and university-transfer programs, as well as gives high school students the opportunity to complete two different trade certificates, including the Harley-Davidson® Technician Certificate and Parts and Materials Technician Certificate. Dual credit students can also complete multiple safety courses.
“Enrolling in a dual credit course provides high school students with a lot of different beneficial opportunities,” says Marcia Aldred, GPRC Dual Credit Coordinator. “Students have an opportunity to get a head start and experience post-secondary learning before becoming a full-time student. A student can also test out a program they think they are interested in.”
Dual credit courses allow high school students to complete post-secondary courses while receiving credit at GPRC and on their Alberta High School transcript.
“By participating in dual credit, Grade 11-12 students are setting themselves up for success in their future post-secondary education,” says Aldred. “Students will already understand instructor expectations and the differences from a high school learning environment to post-secondary. This better prepares students for success in their classes and make their transitions much easier.”
Alex’s mother, Tanis Alvarez is extremely grateful to GPRC for offering these types of opportunities to students.
“We feel so much gratitude to everyone who played a part in initiating, directing and supporting our son on his journey,” says Tanis. “As a parent, it’s not easy watching your child struggle through high school, but the dual credit program sparked something in Alex. Although, it wasn’t easy letting him go at 17 to embark on this career path, the staff and instructors at GPRC made us feel so much better. We knew Alex was in good hands, and we also knew this was a golden opportunity for him. He’s so happy in his new job, and as a parent, that’s all you ever want.”
Enrolling in GPRC’s Harley-Davidson® Technician dual credit program was a perfect match for Alex.
“Most dual credit students are only able to enrol in one or two courses a semester, however, Alex had met all his high school requirements by January, and was able to move and stay in Fairview residence to enrol full-time during the winter semester,” says Aldred.
“It was a really cool experience moving to Fairview,” says Alex. “The way the program is set-up was really awesome to see. You get to learn both theory and practical training in the classroom, with lots of hands on work. When I started my new job, I was confident in my training, and I definitely felt well prepared.”
GPRC Harley-Davidson® Technician Instructor, Peter Sellers speaks highly of the dual credit option at GPRC and having determined students like Alex in his class.
“It’s really rewarding to see our students succeed, especially so young through dual credit courses,” says Sellers. “Alex is going to be a journeyman before he knows it. He’s got the skills and attitude to really succeed. He really found his calling, and I know the Kelowna shop is going to be a great fit for him.”
Sellers says with a program like the Harley-Davidson® Technician program after a while you start really functioning as a team, and Alex couldn’t agree more.
“I made a lot of friends in Fairview because we all had the same interests, and were working towards the same goals. I know if I need to call them for anything, I can and I’ll have these friendships for the rest of my life.”
“Most instructors tell us they can’t even pick out the dual credit students in their classrooms,” says Aldred. “It really puts these high school students in a situation where they can step up, and try new things.”
GPRC is working hard with high schools, parents and students to make sure the opportunities behind dual credit courses and programs are made well aware, and available for any interested student.
“Before learning about this program, I really didn’t know what I was going to do after high school,” says Alex. “This program offered me an opportunity to a career path that I may not have known was available and therefore wouldn’t have even considered. I would recommend enrolling in a dual credit program to anyone. I’m excited to start this next chapter.”