The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) is transforming how students prepare for their careers by providing hands-on learning experiences, industry connections, and career-focused opportunities. Through its partnership with Fusion Collegiate, TEPF ensures that students don’t just graduate—they graduate with purpose, confidence, and a clear pathway into the skilled trades.

“This partnership has the potential to change lives. The 28 students who participated last year walked away with confidence about their futures,” said Bradey Thompson, Co-founder and Principal of Fusion Collegiate. “76% of the students who sought employment are now working in first year apprenticeships and we’re hopeful that the rest will find employment in the near future.”

“At TEPF, we believe in equipping students with the tools to build meaningful careers,” added Barb Simic, President & CEO of TEPF. “Our Trades Careers programs provide real-world exposure, allowing students to explore their passions and take actionable steps toward building their future careers in the trades.”

Blending Education with Career Exploration

By bridging the gap between high school and industry, TEPF empowers students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue meaningful careers.

With its strong focus on career readiness and industry engagement, Fusion Collegiate was a natural fit for TEPF’s mission. The school’s approach—post-secondary preparation, pathway learning and industry engagement—aligns with TEPF’s commitment to preparing students for in-demand fields.

“This partnership makes sense because we share the same vision,” said Barb Simic. “By working together, we’re ensuring that students don’t just learn about career paths—they experience them firsthand and gain the tools they need to succeed.”

Fusion Collegiate, a forward-thinking high school, was built on the belief that “Calgary is the classroom.” Instead of being confined to traditional education models, students engage in immersive, hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications.

Bradey’s passion for career-focused learning is deeply personal. He has witnessed firsthand how career exposure can shape a student’s future. Not every student will pursue skilled trades, but the lesson remains the same—exposure is key. Many students overlook careers in the trades simply because they haven’t had the chance to explore them.

“Figuring out what you don’t want to do can be just as important as figuring out what you do want to do,” Bradey said. “Through TEPF’s programs, students have the chance to explore different career paths in a supportive environment and make well-informed choices about their futures. Recently we worked with a student who was pursuing medical studies with a focus on surgery at University of Calgary. Through an immersive opportunity at the Foothills hospital the student was able to discover that they really didn’t like the feel of scrubs, or the lighting in the OR, or the sound or smells of a hospital. We helped that student build connections in the healthcare field and transition to a new focus. They are now pursuing psychology as their chosen pathway.”

TEPF’s programs ensure students get that opportunity early, helping them discover rewarding career pathways with confidence.

From Learning to Action

Through TEPF’s partnership, students aren’t just exploring careers—they’re stepping into them. Over 70% of Trades Careers graduates are now working as first-year apprentices.

“One student who enrolled in a heat and frost insulator program is now preparing to enter the workforce,” Bradey shared. “He told me, ‘Fusion Collegiate and TEPF have given me hope, a plan, and the tools to be successful.’”

Beyond technical training, TEPF’s programs instil confidence and self-belief.

“Students walk a little taller,” Bradey noted. “One student, who was walking into the Carpentry classroom with a huge smile on his face said to me… Of course I’m smiling… I’m getting ready for the rest of my life as a skilled professional.”

Through TEPF’s extensive industry partnerships, students gain direct mentorship and hands-on experience. One aspiring carpenter had the opportunity to connect with professionals in the field, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges and rewards of the trade—an experience that reinforced his decision to pursue a skilled trades career.

A Partnership That’s Changing Lives

Through this partnership, TEPF is ensuring students don’t just graduate—they graduate with a plan. By integrating career exploration into high school education, TEPF helps students transition into skilled trades apprenticeships with work-ready credentials, confidence, and direction.

Fusion Collegiate’s first year focused on gap-year students—Grade 12 graduates seeking clarity on their next steps. With TEPF’s support, some of these students have explored trades careers, connected with industry mentors, and discovered career paths that align with their skills and interests. Next year, Fusion Collegiate’s programs will expand to include Grade 10, 11 and 12 students.

Beyond career exploration, TEPF actively connects students with companies, follows up on their progress, and provides bursaries to remove financial barriers to apprenticeships. This ongoing support ensures that students not only gain industry connections and real-world experience but also have the resources they need to complete their training and build sustainable careers.

As Fusion Collegiate expands to include Grade 10 students this year, TEPF’s programs will continue introducing students to high-demand trades careers, equipping them with the tools for long-term success.

“TEPF’s programs have been a game-changer for our students,” Bradey said. “They leave not just with a diploma, but with hands-on experience, industry connections, and a clear path into the trades.”

Together, TEPF and Fusion Collegiate are shaping the next generation of skilled trades professionals—helping students build careers and futures in industries that need them most.

Support the Future of Skilled Trades Education

To support programs like these, consider donating to TEPF. Learn more about Fusion Collegiate’s innovative approach at fusioncollegiate.ca