VICTORIA – New Democrat MLAs Murray Rankin, Lana Popham, and Mitzi Dean say people in Greater Victoria will be able to re-skill or upskill to prepare for high-demand jobs, thanks to new micro-credential programs being offered at the University of Victoria, Camosun College and Royal Roads University. The courses are part of B.C.’s economic recovery efforts to help more people find their place in the post-COVID-19 economy.
“We are supporting people to get the skills they need to find good jobs close to home,” said Rankin, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. “These micro-credential courses are extremely accessible educational opportunities that will help launch students into successful careers.”
Micro-credentials are short courses that help people gain specific skills for high-demand careers. The short duration makes it easier for people to fit in learning around their work and family commitments.
The new courses are some of 24 new micro-credential programs being offered at 15 of B.C.’s public post-secondary institutions, supported by a total investment of $4 million ($2 million from the Province and $2 million from the Canada-BC Workforce Development Agreement).
MLA Dean says people whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19 will particularly benefit from these opportunities, designed to help them upskill in their current field or reskill to embark on a new career path.
These investments are part of B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan, to help people, businesses and communities recover and come out of COVID-19 stronger and better prepared. B.C.’s total provincial response to the COVID-19 pandemic exceeds $8.25 billion.
Quotes:
Lana Popham, MLA for Saanich-South:
“Through our Economic Recovery Plan we are helping people get the training they need to enter and thrive in the job market. The course being offered at Camosun will provide credentials in clean energy and efficient building design, preparing people for a meaningful career in our joint battle against climate change.”
Mitzi Dean, MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin:
“The courses at Royal Roads University will help students to lead online projects and expand their digital and social media communication abilities. These skills are so important in the modern workplace, and the pandemic has highlighted the challenges and opportunities to upskill and reskill.”
Background on courses being offered in Greater Victoria:
University of Victoria
- Essential Skills for Data Literacy – Introducing learners to the basic skill level in data literacy and the fundamental skills required to work effectively with data and business intelligence.
- Skills to Support Independent Living (SAIL) – Upskilling and incorporating skills for home-care aides to prevent falls among frail older adults and persons with disabilities who live in their own homes and receive home support services
Camosun College
- Advanced Skills for Clean Energy and Efficient Buildings – Designed to provide short, relevant credentials in clean energy, efficient building design and high-performance building construction
Royal Roads University
- Workplace Communications Skills – Skills in writing, supervision, decision making and digital and social media communication.
- Leading Projects in a Digital Environment – Fundamental skills, concepts, tools, and techniques to successfully manage and lead digital transformation projects and teams through changing conditions in a digital environment.
Learn more: https://news.gov.bc.ca/23745