Top Ten
March 3, 2020
NADC’s LEARN initiative releases report examining skills, training needs in northern AB
Labour Education Applied Research North (LEARN), an initiative created by the Northern Alberta Development Council, has published its report for 2020. On behalf of LEARN, Academica conducted a literature review, a labour market and job posting analysis, and industry consultations to investigate skills and training needs in the region. The research found that the region had been disrupted by changes in technology, resulting in an increasing demand for IT skills across nearly all industries in the region, especially related to cloud computing, cybersecurity and data analytics. The report made seven recommendations that focused on creating open communication channels between industry and postsecondary institutions, exploring short-term learning opportunities, and incorporating technology into the learning process. NADC (Report) (AB)
CNA, NL announce $10.3M funding for health science program creation, expansion
The College of the North Atlantic and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador have announced the creation of enhanced health science programming to meet health care sector training needs. Beginning in September 2020, 116 practical nursing seats will be added throughout the province, as well as 96 personal care attendant seats. CNA will also introduce a new Advanced Care Paramedicine Program, meaning that paramedics looking to upgrade their skills will no longer have to leave the province for such training. "The next few years will see a significant improvement in the availability of highly skilled graduates from our school of health sciences thanks to today's announcement," said CNA President Bruce Hollett. CNA | CBC (NL)
ON increases funding for Indigenous Institutes by $1.8M
The Government of Ontario has announced increased funding to Indigenous Institutes by $1.8M to help them provide education that responds to community and local labour market needs. "Indigenous Institutes are a critical part of our public education system because they provide a culturally holistic learning environment that prepares learners for success in the workforce," said ON Minister of Colleges and Universities Ross Romano. "By increasing support to Indigenous Institutes, we will help hundreds of Indigenous learners access the education and training they need to get good jobs and make Ontario open for business." ON (ON)
BC launches Access Grant for low-, middle-income students
The Government of British Columbia has announced the launch of the BC Access Grant to help low- and middle-income students pay for postsecondary education. The grant will offer up to $4,000 of non-repayable funding per year and will be made available to students in programs under two years in length, such as certificate and diploma programs. These grants will also be available to students at the beginning of their studies to help with up-front tuition costs, rather than at the end. “The new B.C. Access Grant will positively impact the lives of many VCC students,” said VCC Interim President Ajay Patel. “It removes financial barriers and provides opportunities for those looking to change careers or upgrade their skills. We thank the provincial government for this additional support in helping B.C. students reach their goals.” VCC (BC)
How to be personal, but professional in higher ed job interviews
During a higher ed job interview, writes Lauren Easterling, "it may be uncomfortable, difficult, impossible or even dangerous to share certain aspects of our lives." How, then, is an applicant to know what information should and should not be shared during a job search process? Although the author foregrounds that all applicants should make themselves aware of the types of questions employers can legally ask during an interview, she offers five helpful tips for governing more subjective aspects of interview processes: be as honest as possible; learn about an institution's hiring culture and expectations; share the parts of you that you can live with sharing with your coworkers every day; be mindful about how you tell your personal story; and try to find balance in a sharing situation. Inside Higher Ed (International)
Ontario Tech launches initiative for skills development
Ontario Tech University has launched the Ontario Tech Talent initiative, which aims to provide students and new graduates with opportunities to enhance their job readiness skills and improve employment prospects. Ontario Tech Talent will work with students and employers to identify skills gaps and develop flexible programming. “This new organization changes how we think about higher education’s role in essential skills, as we focus on our priority to re-imagine learning,” said Ontario Tech President Steven Murphy. “We will work closely with industry to help our graduates be relevant today and throughout their careers. Co-creating this program with industry and community partners allows our students and alumni to become, and remain, job ready.” Ontario Tech (ON)
331 students affected by funding shortage that will put a pause on MB ECE programs
Over 300 students enrolled in distance education programs for early childhood education in Manitoba have had their programs put on pause due to funding shortages. Assiniboine Community College told CBC that the pause on certain students' registrations happened because a subsidy provided by the province for distance education courses has been used up after enrollment numbers swelled. Students enrolled in distance education for early childhood education, educational assistant, and early childhood program management must now wait until July to register for new courses. A provincial spokesperson told CBC that, "this is temporary. The program will continue, they'll be able to finish their program, but when you're in a high-demand program sometimes you have to wait to get into it." CBC (MB)
Camosun, South Island Partnership to deliver dual credit technology program
Camosun College and South Island Partnership have created a dual credit program that will allow local Grade 11 and 12 students the chance to explore careers in technology. The full-time program is set to run at Camosun’s Interurban campus for one semester from September 2020 to January 2021. “Over five months, eligible high school students will have the chance to jump-start their education by earning dual credits for both high school and college, while expanding their skills in computer science, electronics, engineering, math and physics,” said South Island Partnership Director Nicola Priestley. Camosun (BC)
Carleton, Ericsson partner to advance wireless communications research
Carelton University and Ericsson have announced a multi-year partnership to advance talent development programs for engineers and computer scientists. The Ericsson-Carleton University Partnership for Research and Leadership in Wireless Networks will fund research projects, graduate student internships, an Ericsson fellowship program, and experiential learning opportunities for Computer Science and Engineering students. The partnership will also establish a new centre of excellence and associated laboratories for 5G wireless networks research in Carleton’s ARISE building. “We are always seeking partnerships that are relational and wholistic rather than transactional, and the Ericsson team has been absolutely forward-thinking and visionary in their approach,” said Carleton President Benoit-Antoine Bacon. Carleton (ON)
UQÀM, CollègeBdeB partner to offer history pathway
The Université du Québec à Montréal's Faculté des sciences humaines and the Collège de Bois-de-Boulogne have partnered to create a pathway between BdeB's Histoire et civilisation program and UQÀM's baccalauréat en histoire. Beginning fall 2020, Parcours HC-BAC en histoire will allow BdeB students simplified admission process to UQÀM, as well as the recognition of three credited courses, substitution of a methodology course, and mentoring for DEC integration courses. The agreement will also give students the opportunity to enroll at UQÀM summer schools and attend lectures from the Faculté des sciences humaines. UQÀM (QC)
