RDP's Career Education and Experience Development Centre connects learners with employers and regional organizations

Red Deer Polytechnic has reimagined the way that it provides learners with applicable volunteer, learning and employment opportunities, along with career guidance, through the Career Education and Experience Development (CEED) Centre.

With the efficient combination of several RDP departments such as Career Services and Work-Integrated Learning, the CEED Centre is a comprehensive, centralized hub on main campus that offers career education services to help meet the needs of students, alumni, employers, and organizations. The CEED Centre’s resources and free services, which include workshops and resumé building, are offered on campus and virtually. 

“The valuable services provided through the CEED Centre complement Red Deer Polytechnic’s industry-relevant programming and range of credentials,” says Dr. Paulette Hanna, Interim Vice-President Academic. “The dedicated staff within the CEED Centre facilitate collaborative connections between students and organizations, which further prepare learners to become successful leaders in their careers.”

Along with partnering with employers and industry, the CEED Centre collaborates with faculty and staff across the Polytechnic to help students obtain skills, workplace experiences and jobs. Through the Centre, students are matched with appropriate work-integrated learning opportunities, including internships, co-ops, and required professional practices with regional industry. These opportunities are beneficial to students, organizations, employers, the region and the province. 

“The CEED Centre provides a direct link to our communities by bridging the gap between learners, employers and organizations,” says Stuart Cullum, President of Red Deer Polytechnic. “Regional organizations and employers can use the services of the CEED Centre to help fill organizational needs and to help address labour shortages. These collaborative partnerships will help to prepare a new generation of workers and contribute to the prosperity of Alberta.”

Through the Centre’s services, resources and connections, Red Deer Polytechnic is also able to focus on many of its institutional priorities. These priorities include concentrating on applied learning, responding to industry and communities, flexibility and lifelong learning, and strengthening the economic and social interests of Alberta. 

In addition to the ongoing services offered through the CEED Centre, Red Deer Polytechnic will provide more opportunities for students, employers, and organizations to connect at its Education and Career Expo on Thursday, April 27.