The Alberta Association of Career Colleges’ 2025 Annual General Meeting, held on October 17 in Edmonton, brought together eighty-eight attendees, partners and sector contributors with a shared focus on strengthening a responsive, transparent and workforce-aligned private career education system for Alberta. The day demonstrated that progress in the sector continues to be grounded in collaboration, open dialogue and a commitment to learner success linked directly to provincial labour market needs.
This year’s AGM provided an opportunity for members to review association progress, stay informed on ongoing initiatives, and align on future priorities. Discussions centered on operational updates, shared challenges and collective actions aimed at maintaining strong regulatory compliance, enhancing sector communication and ensuring that learners continue to receive relevant, high-quality training. Throughout the event, speakers reinforced the importance of institutions working together and engaging community partners to support successful outcomes for learners and families across Alberta.
As part of forward planning, members identified four priority directions for AACC’s 2026 Strategic Plan: building trust and recognition through strong advocacy, ensuring sustainable membership value and sector credibility, expanding collaboration with employers and nonprofit partners, and improving communication and governance alignment across the system. These priorities reflect a sector focused on accountable, measurable progress.
Members also exercised their governance responsibilities through the election of two new Directors to the AACC Board. Tariq Elamm, Regional Student Finance Manager with CDI College and Reeves College (Campus Support), brings experience in student funding and operational support. Usman Sadiq, Education Leader at RCB College, emphasized the importance of highlighting the role private career colleges play in supporting Canada’s economy and addressing critical skill shortages. Their leadership will continue to advance advocacy and collaborative sector initiatives.
The Association formally welcomed Dmetri Berko as its new Executive Director. With leadership experience in enrollment, operations and student experience across Canada, his focus will be on strengthening member engagement, operational excellence and system innovation.
Read the announcement here
Breakout sessions throughout the day supported focused problem-solving on compliance, student supports and internal operations. Delegates worked together to identify practical solutions for advancement through committees and working groups, further demonstrating the sector’s strong foundation of shared experience and member-driven collaboration.
AACC expressed appreciation to the Private Career Colleges and Compliance Branch (PCCCB) for their participation, which supported productive dialogue around clarity, accountability and continuous improvement within regulated education. The Association also thanked Student Aid Alberta’s representatives for their continued collaboration, along with Dr. Sally Zhao, President and CEO of The Immigrant Education Society (TIES), for sharing community insights and reinforcing the importance of strong support systems for newcomers accessing training and funding pathways in Alberta.
A key operational update from the AGM was the launch of the AACC Job Posting Portal, a tool designed to connect skilled graduates with employers more efficiently, increase visibility of employment opportunities and support stronger workforce outcomes through direct engagement.
Access the portal here
The AGM concluded with a clear message of shared purpose. Alberta’s private career colleges remain dedicated to advancing learner success, supporting employer needs and contributing to a strong provincial workforce. Through united leadership and continued collaboration, AACC moves forward confidently on behalf of Alberta’s learners, communities and industries.
