Humber College is a member of a coalition of Canadian colleges that have received funding from the Government of Canada to offer micro-credentials that upgrade skills for workers in the low-carbon economy.

The Government recently announced an investment of $46.5 million in Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2). It’s a coalition of colleges, cégeps, institutes, and polytechnics led by Mohawk College, which is focused on developing demand-driven workforce training solutions for a clean economy through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program.  

The investment has led to C2R2 launching Quick Train Canada, which offers micro-credentials from select accredited institutions across Canada targeted at upgrading skills in crucial sectors for Canada's low-carbon economy. These micro-credentials are offered at no cost and provide workers and employers with options to update skills quickly. This can increase job security and participation as the country’s economy transitions to more sustainable, low-carbon practices.

Humber will be a delivery partner for the micro-credentials later this year.

“Participation in this national coalition aligns with Humber's values of innovation, equity and sustainability as well as multiple strategic pillars, namely accessible education and creating career-ready citizens,” said Kimberly Carter, associate dean, Continuous Professional Learning at Humber. “Being able to offer fully subsidized micro-credentials to a national audience is an initiative Humber is proud to be part of.”

Carter sits on C2R2’s steering committee.

Quick Train Canada is for those who are experienced tradespersons upgrading their skills to adapt to evolving green construction techniques, new graduates improving their understanding of sustainable manufacturing, or those planning for future clean-tech or electric vehicle-focused job opportunities.

“It’s wonderful that Humber is involved because this is the work that has to be a priority – reskilling for the low-carbon economy – as it’s one of the ways we can really contribute to a better future,” said Lindsay Walker, associate director, Sustainability at Humber.

Thomas Mueller, president and CEO of the Canada Green Building Council, said the training offered by Quick Train Canada comes at an important time as demand for workers in the low-carbon economy grows.

"As Canada strives to meet its 2050 net-zero emissions target, there will be significant demand for professionals skilled in green building design, construction and deep-carbon retrofits," said Mueller. "With jobs in the sector poised grow to 1.5 million by 2030, access to training for existing workers or new entrants to the sector is critical. Quick Train Canada can play an important role by making training accessible to more Canadians and help grow the workforce needed for the low-carbon economy."  

For more information, visit Quick Train Canada’s website.