History

For more than 50 years, NorQuest College has helped learners reach their educational goals. We offer learning that transforms lives and strengthens communities. Our growth over the last five decades reflects upon who we are today: The Edmonton region’s community college.

Our diverse student population of approximately 17,592 students, 64% of whom are born outside of Canada, enjoy the wide selection of career and foundational programs we offer.

Take a journey with us since we opened our doors in 1965, and learn about our rich history and deep roots...

1960s

• The Government of Alberta approves the concept of Alberta Vocational Centre (AVC) Edmonton.
• AVC consists of four academic upgrading classrooms, a space housing 60 business education students, a barber shop, a beauty culture lab, and a welding and equipment maintenance shop.

1970s

• The Government of Alberta constructs a permanent 236,000 square foot building for AVC in downtown Edmonton. Today, this is NorQuest College’s Downtown Campus.
• AVC opens new Downtown Campus in the fall of 1971.
• Total student enrolment rises to 2,300 in 1972 from 550 in 1966.

1980s

• Demand increases for new quality programs in language training, employment preparation, and business and health careers.

1990s

• Alberta Vocational Centre renamed to Alberta Vocational College in 1990.
• Alberta Vocational College becomes a public, board-governed institution in 1998.
• Alberta Vocational College takes on new identity by officially changing its name to NorQuest College in 1999.
• NorQuest College opens Tutorial Centre for students, providing assistance in English, Social Studies, Math and Sciences.

2000s

• New partnerships with government, industry, business, and community organizations allow NorQuest College to better serve Albertans.
• The College announces multi-million dollar Downtown Campus Development Plan to accommodate new students.
• The NorQuest Reader Project begins in 2003 to provide literacy materials for adult students who are deaf and hard of hearing.
• The Government of Alberta selects NorQuest College as a regional steward to provide access to adult education in Edmonton and the surrounding region.
• NorQuest College expands programming in health and business careers.
• NorQuest College Practical Nurse diploma and Health Care Aide certificate programs become among the largest in Canada.

2010s

• NorQuest College holds its first college-wide convocation ceremony in 2010
• The 1000 Women: A Million Possibilities movement established
• Employee recognition awards began (Q Awards)
• NorQuest confers its first honorary diploma
• NorQuest launches a new brand identity in 2012 following extensive stakeholder consultation
• The Landmark Group Centre for Value Improvement opens
• NorQuest College opens the Alberta Aboriginal Construction Career Centre in 2014; renamed the Alberta Indigenous Construction Career Centre in 2017.
• The Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation Hospitality Institute is established
• NorQuest College breaks ground on a new building, later named the Singhmar Centre for Learning
• Unlocking Potential: NorQuest 2025 Strategic Plan (4.8MB pdf) is launched
• NorQuest College opens the Singhmar Centre for Learning in 2017.