NANAIMO – New Democrat MLAs Sheila Malcolmson, Doug Routley, and Adam Walker say people in Nanaimo will be able to re-skill or upskill to prepare for high-demand jobs, thanks to a new micro-credential program being offered at Vancouver Island University. The course is a part of B.C.’s economic recovery efforts to help more people find their place in the post-COVID-19 economy.
“To help combat the virus now and help prepare for the future, we are funding this course at VIU to train people in enhanced and specialized cleaning techniques,” said Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo.
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 micro-credential course, Skills Development for Building Support Workers, that will be offered at Vancouver Island University, will provide training in enhanced specialized cleaning techniques and best practices during COVID-19 and other pandemics. The new course is one 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 Routley 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.
This announcement is in addition to the new Short-term Skills Training course to be offered at Vancouver Island University. The Microsoft Office Skills Training course is designed to meet the needs of people who lost their jobs due to COVID-19, particularly youth, women, and low-skilled individuals.
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:
Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan:
“I’m proud our government is continuing the important work of supporting people to pursue post-secondary education so they are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in successful careers.”
Adam Walker, MLA for Parksville-Qualicum:
“The pandemic has changed the job market but through our Economic Recovery Plan we are making it easier for people to get the skills needed to find meaningful work. Micro-courses are a really accessible form of post-secondary education, meeting people where they are at, while also giving the option to work towards certificates and diplomas.”
Learn more about micro-credentials: https://news.gov.bc.ca/23745
Learn more about Short-term Skills Training: https://news.gov.bc.ca/23731