Prince Edward Island residents can now access fully funded microcredentials to help to increase skills and competencies and prepare them to meet the needs of Canada’s shifting economy.

Yesterday, the Government of Canada announced it is investing $46.5M in Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2). Holland College is a founding partner in C2R2, a coalition led by Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology focused on developing demand-driven workforce training solutions for a clean economy through the Sectoral Workforce Solutions Program (SWSP). As a result of this investment, C2R2 has launched Quick Train Canada, offering microcredentials from select accredited institutions across Canada targeted at upgrading skills in crucial sectors targeted at Canada’s low-carbon economy - all at no cost to learners.

“The transition to the new low-carbon economy will demand a well-trained workforce and Canada’s colleges and aligned institutions are well-equipped to develop and deliver the programs to prepare people for those exciting new careers,” said Ron J. McKerlie, President and CEO of Mohawk College, where C2R2’s administration and secretariat are managed. “The Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery coalition has developed Quick Train Canada to provide Canadians with a direct link to thousands of training and research opportunities to help Canadians access good jobs. We are excited to support the transition to the low carbon economy while fostering inclusion, diversity, and equity throughout the process.”

Quick Train Canada provides Canadian workers and employers with options to update skills quickly, increasing job security and participation as Canada’s economy transitions to more sustainable, low-carbon practices.

Whether students 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 job opportunities, the comprehensive offering of courses provides flexible, targeted upskill opportunities for all Canadians.

“Holland College values its membership and the opportunity for national collaboration in the Canadian Colleges for Resilient Recovery (C2R2) network. Our ability to leverage local and national partnerships and support from Employment & Skills Development Canada will enable us to develop quality training opportunities in professionalizing our workforce. Building Envelope Science, our first microcredential under the project, will equip the residential construction sector with enhanced knowledge and skills to contribute to increasing energy efficient builds in PEI and across the country. Holland College is looking forward to this microcredential and our continued participation in this project,” says Alexander “Sandy” MacDonald, President of Holland College.

Five additional Holland College short-course offerings under the Quick Train Canada brand are in development now in collaboration with industry partners. Curriculum for these offerings will include technologies to map & measure ecosystems, watershed management, carbon sequestration in watershed buffer zones, the capture and reporting of carbon offsets, and food processing and packaging for a clean economy. The five additional microcredentials will launch in the Spring of 2023.

For more information, visit: www.hollandcollege.com/ct www.quicktraincanada.ca 

About Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2)
Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) is a coalition of 14 highly aligned colleges, cégeps, institutes, and polytechnics across Canada with an established commitment to sustainability. The coalition members have come together as a driving force, providing the skills required to transition to a clean economy in Canada. They are positioned to support workforce upskilling and bridge the skills gap across Canada. C2R2’s administration and secretariat are through Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario.