Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) will become Alberta’s newest polytechnic, providing residents of the Peace Region access to a broader range of learning and employment opportunities. 

This new designation will support the development of a highly skilled and competitive workforce. Polytechnic status enables GPRC to create programming that will better support students, businesses and local industry – including apprenticeship education, certificate and diploma programs and high-quality degrees. 

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education, says, “I am thrilled that Grande Prairie Regional College will become a polytechnic institution. This move will ensure students will be able to meet their educational needs in their own backyard. Empowering students with job-ready skills helps grow the community, and attracts new investment to the province.” 

Located in the heart of the Peace Region, Grande Prairie has been a key economic and social hub for northwestern Alberta for more than a century. Alberta’s government, in partnership with GPRC and student leaders, determined a polytechnic model would best serve the needs of northwestern Alberta. Polytechnics offer a wide range of programming, including degree programs, and play a leadership role in delivery of apprenticeship education. 

Glenn Feltham, acting president and CEO of GPRC, says, “Today is a momentous day for GPRC, and for the communities we serve! Polytechnic status will empower GPRC to expand our program offerings. We will grow. It positions our institution to meet the labour market needs for highly skilled graduates, and to support the broader aspirations of northwestern Alberta. My thanks to all those who made today possible, with special thanks to Minister Nicolaides.” 

GPRC has two vibrant campuses in Grande Prairie and in Fairview, where students can obtain diplomas, certificates, apprenticeship training and select collaborative degrees. As a polytechnic, Grande Prairie Regional College will broaden its programming with an increased focus on polytechnic programming and degree offerings that will support the province’s economy. 

An official new name for the institution has not yet been chosen but is expected to be announced in the coming months. Alberta’s government will continue to work with GPRC to ensure a successful path to polytechnic status. 

Information provided by the Government of Alberta.  

Watch the announcement here: