Ethan Vervoort, open house attendee, tries his hand at CPR while paramedic student Raquel Turnbull observes at the primary care paramedic program table during open house on Oct.22. Photo by Patience Omeruo.

Like many post-secondary institutions across Canada, Lethbridge Polytechnic is adapting to a shifting recruitment landscape. With international student numbers declining due to tighter caps on study permits, schools are placing a renewed focus on local students. Open house is quickly becoming one of the most important ways to reach them.

Cybil Cheung, manager of global recruitment at the polytechnic says open house is a key moment in the student recruitment journey.

“When recruiters go out to schools, that’s often the first contact but open house is the moment where students really start to connect with the programs, the campus and the people here,” said Cheung.

That focus on domestic engagement is also top of the agenda for institutional leaders.

Marko Hilgersom, registrar at the polytechnic says open house is vital for reaching local applicants.

“Open house is really for the domestic market. We need to grow that market,” said Hilgersom.

This year, the polytechnic leaned into a strategy that emphasized experience over information. New initiatives to the event included behind-the-scenes tours and try-a-skill experience added to several program areas.

The overall focus shifted from simply talking about the programs to immersing students in them.

Cheung says the team wants students to feel like they belong on campus.

“We definitely want them to choose Lethbridge Polytechnic but the way to do that isn’t just to say, ‘Apply here.’ It’s to help them imagine their potential, to see the spaces, meet the people and understand the support they’ll have. This is a small institution where students get real, holistic support throughout their journey,” said Cheung.

For many high school students, these kinds of experiences can help demystify post-secondary life and build excitement about what comes next.

Hilgersom says the registrar’s office sees an increase in applications around the open house.

 “We do discounted applications at open house. Some people know they can save some money, so we see a push. The students who apply during fall open house are often students who see us as their first choice and we do a good job converting those students,” said Hilgersom.

Some programs such as the bachelor of nursing and bachelor of nursing after degree continue to attract steady interest. Small class sizes, hands-on labs and a curriculum designed for real-world healthcare needs keep demand high.

Liz Cernigoy, chair of the bachelor of nursing and bachelor of nursing after degree says open house is still important to the success of these programs.

“Open house is a chance to meet future students face-to-face. Many of them apply to several programs, so this is where we can show them why they should choose us. They get to see the labs, talk to our students and really get a feel for what learning here is like,” said Cernigoy.

At this year’s event, the different program booths were staffed by faculty and students. Visitors toured simulation labs and tried their hand at basic clinical skills.

Cernigoy says she hopes the open house helps students feel more confident about their next steps.

“I hope that students walk away feeling curious maybe about nursing or even programs they hadn’t considered before. Whether they choose our program or another school, what matters is that they make the best decision for themselves,” said Cernigoy.

For the polytechnic, open house isn’t just a day to promote programs. It’s a chance to help students imagine their future. As families wander through the halls and future learners test new skills, they’re not just collecting information. They’re building connections, imagining possibilities and taking their first steps toward a future they can see themselves in.

Visit lethpolytech.ca/programs to learn about the programs.