Collaboration Delivers Hands-On Learning, Modern Labs, and Early Apprenticeship Opportunities for the Next Generation of Industry Leaders
ALBERTA (Dec. 12, 2025) – CDN Controls, a Hoffmann Family of Companies portfolio company, has announced a landmark partnership with Northwestern Polytechnic (NWP) to launch the CDN Electrical Education Centre, a Hoffmann Family of Companies Community Commitment, a state-of-the-art facility designed to strengthen skilled trades education and create new opportunities for students across the Peace region through 2033.
The nearly 5,000-square-foot centre, located on NWP’s Grande Prairie campus, will feature modern labs, advanced simulation technology, and collaborative workspaces that immerse students in real-world electrical and instrumentation training. This initiative reflects a shared commitment to building a strong talent pipeline for Alberta’s growing energy and industrial sectors.
Empowering the Next Generation of Skilled Trades Professionals
The partnership goes beyond bricks and mortar. CDN Controls will serve as lead supporter for NWP’s Skilled Trades Dual Credit Pathways, enabling high school students to begin apprenticeship-style training early and earn credits toward both high school and post-secondary programs. This accelerated pathway gives students a head start on careers in electrical, instrumentation, and related technical fields.
“This partnership with Northwestern Polytechnic represents an investment in the next generation of skilled tradespeople who will drive our industries forward and strengthen Alberta’s economic future,” said Dean Fraser, CEO of CDN Controls. “Together with Hoffmann Family of Companies, we believe in making purposeful investments that deliver lasting value to the communities where we live and work.”
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Calgary, CDN Controls has long been a trusted provider of electrical and instrumentation solutions for Western Canada’s oil and gas industry. Its expertise spans automation, fabrication, telecommunications, renewables, and solar projects, with a strong focus on emissions reduction and major project construction.
Since joining the Hoffmann Family of Companies in March 2024, CDN Controls has expanded its footprint significantly. In December 2024, CDN and HF Companies acquired Superior Optimization, a leading energy services provider in Texas and New Mexico. Over the past seven months, the team has streamlined operations, developed growth strategies, and introduced CDN’s global brand as CAVIS Energy.
Building Community Through Education
For NWP, the CDN Electrical Education Centre represents a major step forward in its skilled trades expansion initiatives, complementing recent enhancements to Electrician, Millwright, and Instrumentation programs.
“We are grateful for this timely support, which will give students hands-on learning experiences and open doors to careers in the skilled trades,” said Dr. Vanessa Sheane, President and CEO of NWP. “When community partners step forward, they help shape a pipeline of skilled talent that will drive innovation and economic growth across the province.”
Looking ahead, this partnership underscores a shared vision: placing students at the heart of innovation and connecting education to real-world opportunities. By creating dynamic training environments and accelerating pathways to employment, CDN Controls and NWP are helping to secure Alberta’s economic future.
