Loyalist College awarded $250K for development of industry-focused training programs

Loyalist College is proud to announce it has been selected to develop five rapid training programs, funded by a $250,000 investment from the Ontario government through the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund. The micro-credentials will bridge the gap between post-secondary education and the demands of the local workforce by equipping learners with the skills employers need.

Micro-credentials offer targeted training on career-specific skills, providing students with a competitive edge and preparing them for the challenges and opportunities of the current workforce. These credentials take less time to complete than diplomas or degrees, offering accelerated solutions for individuals seeking entry-level knowledge and for those with existing experience who are ready to upgrade their expertise.

“With the generous investment by the Ontario government, Loyalist College is thrilled to offer a suite of new micro-credentials, developed by working hand-in-hand with industry experts and local partners to address their immediate training needs,” says Loyalist College President and CEO Mark Kirkpatrick. “Micro-credentials empower learners to swiftly gain specialized expertise to unlock the next level of success in their careers. These agile learning experiences offer more accessible, flexible education options for our community, allowing a broader segment of the workforce to benefit from upskilling opportunities.”

The five projects approved for development are:

Trauma-Informed Care and Mindfulness Practice: Designed to address skills gaps for individuals working with children and youth – including early childhood educators, social service workers, personal support workers, developmental services workers, child and youth care workers and professionals in the youth justice system – this course will support increased attention, awareness and resilience in the workplace.

Facilities Supervisor: This credential provides essential training to support facilities management at recreation centres, hospitals and schools. It focuses on expanding the knowledge and competencies required for staff within facilities services departments.

Land Surveying Fundamentals: Entry-level positions in land surveying, like survey assistants and field team members, are pivotal to the industry’s functionality. This micro-credential aims to deliver foundational training customized to meet employers’ needs and align with the requirements of the local and regional job markets.  

Intro to the Skilled Trades: Addressing the urgent need for skilled trades workers in Ontario, this program offers participants a foundational understanding of the skilled trades suitable for entry-level positions across various sectors.  

Child Protection Worker Authorization: Child welfare professionals administer and implement a variety of social assistance programs and community services. This course is designed for child protection workers who require credentialing for employment in mandated Ontario child protection agencies. 

“We are excited to see the development of these new, flexible, industry-relevant training solutions by Loyalist College,” adds Chris King, CEO, Quinte Economic Development Commission. “These initiatives will build vital skills and support Bay of Quinte workers across various employment sectors. The delivery of micro-credentials offers innovative training opportunities that precisely meet the needs of employers and the workforce.”

Discover more workforce development solutions at Loyalist Training and Knowledge Centre.

About Loyalist College 
Loyalist College is built upon the lands governed by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. We affirm and thank the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabeg and Huron-Wendat nations for their continued caretaking of the land. At Loyalist, we empower our students with wraparound support services and hands-on training to succeed on any path they choose. Our academic programs are responsive and innovative, designed to solve pressing social and economic challenges and meet the evolving needs of our regional industry and community partners. Our graduates enter the workforce equipped with the knowledge they need to be better global citizens, and with future-focused skills to lead change in their fields. With a presence in Belleville, Bancroft, Port Hope, Tyendinaga and Toronto, we believe our institutional responsibility extends beyond the classroom to seeing the big picture for the communities we serve. Our expertise in applied research and deep connections to local industry support economic development, to the benefit of businesses, entrepreneurs, changemakers and innovators. Our commitment to decolonization, and the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable world, means we hold ourselves accountable to the diverse perspectives, cultures and experiences that shape our communities. 

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Contact: 
Hannah Brown
Director of Marketing and Communications
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com