Dual Credit program gives students career-ready business skills

A message from Edmonton Catholic Schools:

Anna Maslii came to Canada full of hope and ambition. She arrived from Ukraine in Grade 9 and spent her first two years taking English as a Second Language courses to help get her up to speed. While she quickly grasped the language, she found herself struggling to earn enough credits to graduate on time. That changed when she met teacher Leo Cuciz, who encouraged her to explore the Administrative Professional Dual Credit program.

Dual Credit programs give students the opportunity to learn new skills while earning high school and post-secondary credits at the same time. The Administrative Professional Dual Credit program, run in partnership with NorQuest College, offers a condensed, one-year certificate program, where students will develop invaluable business skills.

"It allows students to learn about business, digital marketing, accounting, and the Microsoft Office suite, while in an environment that is essentially built like a real office space," said Cuciz.

For Maslii, the program opened the door to endless possibilities, as she was able to earn 40 credits in the program. "It gave me the chance to graduate on time."

Students can take the program in the morning or afternoon, giving them maximum flexibility to work part-time or upgrade in other traditional courses. "A number of students come in not knowing what they want to do," said Cuciz. "But they realize without the pressure and financial burden of a traditional college, there may be a career in this or a pathway to other opportunities."

Upon completion, students earn an Administrative Professional certificate, allowing them to seamlessly transition from the classroom into the workforce.

Following graduation, Maslii was hired by Edmonton Catholic Schools to work in One World… One Centre, which supports students and families who have recently arrived in Canada — a full-circle moment. At the age of 17, she had graduated and launched her career in a year.

"It was a great way to try business and the different ways to work in it," said Maslii. "If you're thinking of taking this Dual Credit program, take the opportunity. The skills you learn there will help you in any career path."

Learn more about Anna's story and the Administrative Professional Dual Credit program by watching this video.