Beyond the classroom: How off-campus learning helps you discover what's next
What if you could step into your future career, before graduation?
For many Foothills School Division students in grades 10 through 12, that question is answered with off-campus learning.
Imagine spending part of your school week earning high school credits while crafting the perfect filet mignon alongside a red-seal chef, developing a valuable work ethic and skills with a local business, experiencing the hard work and rich rewards on a ranch, mastering the perfect bead in welding, or training with seasoned firefighters in the Foothills Emergency Services Program. Instead of only reading about careers, and wondering what it might be like, FSD students get to experience them firsthand. That's what off-campus learning is all about. It connects classroom learning to the real world and helps students discover where their interests, talents, and goals can take them.
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Through programs like Work Experience, the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), Green Certificate Program, Dual Credit opportunities, and community partnerships, students explore possible careers while also earning high school credits.
But the biggest lesson isn't just about a job—it's about confidence.
Here’s what some of the recent off-campus learning students had to say:
- "One thing I’m proud of is how much more confident I feel now compared to when I started. I’m more comfortable taking on tasks and don’t feel like I need to ask for help with everything."
- "Really every job I complete there I am proud of. It’s exciting and always changing. Overall, I love the experience and learning and I’m exciting for what’s ahead."
- "I have enjoyed RAP. It fits real life. I learned that you have to give 100% to your job as they do not give second chances always. Safety is the number 1 thing and that perseverance is important when you don’t feel like working on something."
- "I earned my CWB welding certificate and have done thermal cutting, measuring, reading a blueprint, pipe fitting, welding prep, maintaining shop space like keeping the shop clean."
- "This placement has taught me that being a good leader does not always mean being the person in charge. Sometimes it means being a good example, helping others, listening, and making sure everyone is ok."
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These are just a few voices from the 328 students who participated in off-campus learning in the 2025-2026 school year. An additional 125 students participated in Work Experience and RAP through FSD Summer School in July and August.
Those students explored career interests, applied classroom learning in real situations, built workplace, technical and safety skills, earned graduation credits, and have a plan for their future.
Even more, off-campus learning students have established positive relationships with industry leaders. Employers who partner with Foothills School Division for off-campus learning have the amazing opportunity to be a part of a student’s future and help to shape the quality of the incoming workforce. When reflecting upon their student hire, one employer shared, “[student] is a dependable team member who consistently shows up ready to work with a positive attitude. She is eager to learn, takes direction well, and applies feedback effectively. She is a reliable member of the team who can be counted on.”
Students graduate with more than credits. They leave with experience, confidence, connections, and a better understanding of who they are and where they want to go. For FSD students, the sky’s the limit. Why? Because sometimes the best classroom doesn't have four walls.
Off-campus Learning Facilitator, Lori Isberg, shares, “Off-campus learning helps high school students make decisions for their future with real experiences to support them in those decisions. We see that students gain more than credits. While on the job site they get to discover what they want to do –and what they don't want to do--for a career before they graduate. It is pretty incredible to watch students build their self-esteem, increase employability skills, and really take pride in what they are learning beyond school walls.”
To learn more about Off-Campus Learning and the career pathways available through Foothills School Division programs, visit foothillsschooldivision.ca/career-education, contact the Division Off-Campus Learning Facilitator, Lori Isberg, or connect with your school’s Academic & Career Advisor.
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