Exploring Education & Training
In the dynamic landscape of employment, the importance of lifelong learning cannot be overstated. As industries evolve and technology advances, staying relevant and adaptable is key to professional success. Lifelong learning ensures that individuals not only acquire new skills but also stay on top of emerging trends, making them valuable assets in a competitive job market. Additionally, ongoing training refines and updates your existing expertise, keeping professionals agile and well-equipped to meet the ever-changing demands of their respective fields. Embracing a commitment to lifelong learning is not just an investment in personal development; it is a strategic approach to thriving in a dynamic employment landscape where adaptability and continuous improvement are the cornerstones of sustained career growth.
Skills Enhancement Services
Skills Enhancement Services can help you build your skills and unlock exciting new opportunities.
Whether you're considering Adult Basic Education, Academic Upgrading, Short Duration Training, or Occupational Skills training (typically lasting 12 months or less), these services help eligible job seekers access a wide range of programs designed to guide them toward long-term sustainable employment.
If you're a case-managed client of WorkBC, you're eligible to apply, and their dedicated Employment Counsellors are there to support you every step of the way. They can refer you to a Skills Enhancement Information session, help determine if funded training is the right next step for you, and verify that you, your chosen course and training provider all meet eligibility criteria.
If your application is approved, you may be eligible to receive financial support (tailored to your needs), which can help cover tuition, books, commuting costs, and even living expenses—though keep in mind some support limits apply. Skills Enhancement programs/training can be delivered in-class, virtually, or via a combination of the two as long as it is provided through an accredited post-secondary institution.
Take the leap and invest in your future with the Skills Enhancement Services that can help you thrive!
Here's a great place to get started: WorkBC: Explore Training and Education
Identify Your Learning Strengths
These quizzes and questionnaires can provide insights into how you learn best. Understanding your learning style is essential because it
helps you tailor your study methods to maximize comprehension and retention. Having this knowledge allows you to take a more
personalized approach to acquiring knowledge and that means you are much more likely to retain it.
Multiple Intelligences Assessment
This website - Multiple Intelligences for Adult Literacy and Education, applies Dr. Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences to adult learning.
There are eight different types of intelligence. No one uses just one type of intelligence; we all use several in our daily lives.
It's helpful to determine your top intelligences and tailor your learning and study methods to best meet your particular combination of strengths.
Everyone has a style of learning which works best for them. Most people have one style which is strongest but they can exhibit other styles in
any given situation. To see what your main learning style is take our learning styles quiz.
Index of Learning Styles Questionnaire
The Index of Learning Styles is a questionnaire designed to assess an individual's preferred learning style based on sensory modalities, providing
insights into whether they lean towards visual, auditory, read/write, or kinesthetic learning.
Users answer 44 a-b questions and submit the survey. Results can be copied or printed out immediately.
*Results are not retained. Once the report window is closed, the results cannot be re-opened.
Virtual Learning
Goodwill Community Foundation® - GCFLearnFree.org
Learn for free online! For more than a decade, the GCFLearnFree.org program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills
they need to live and work in the 21st century. From Microsoft Office and email to reading, math, and more, GCFLearnFree.org offers
125 tutorials, including more than 1,100 lessons, videos, and interactives, completely free.
Coursera is a leading online learning platform that offers a wide array of courses, specializations, and degree programs from top
universities and organizations worldwide. With a user-friendly interface, Coursera provides accessible and flexible education,
allowing learners to enhance their skills or pursue new interests at their own pace.
Has more than 210,000 online courses to choose from. Costs are dependent on courses selected
Providing online employment, self-employment, and IT skills training programs across the nation, Make A Change Canada is now in its 18th year of providing online programs and services.
Their online programs are available 24 hours a day across Canada and can be accessed from anywhere that has steady internet access.
Private & Post Secondary Education Resources
Helps with the cost of post-secondary education through student loans, grants, and scholarships. Also has programs that help with loan repayment.
Canadian government site with a wealth of financial information for financing and planning for school
Information on undergraduate program availability, application dates, tuition costs, admission requirements, lengths and much more at BC's 25 public post-secondary institutions
BC Transfer Guide in BC Post Secondary Systems
Students can quickly and easily see how their courses transfer between post-secondary institutions. Being able to transfer credits between institutions lets students attend more than one institution without having to repeat courses unnecessarily.
Search their database for universities, colleges and career colleges. Get program information and browse school profiles.
This site offers a comprehensive resource and information guide for current/prospective university and college students, including a directory of Canadian, American & International universities and colleges as well as information on internships, scholarships, grants and financial aid. Includes links to help you find a job with your training and education.
Sign up to search through their extensive database to find scholarships, bursaries and grants. You'll also find information about student loans, applications and budget planning.
Search their database for Canadian scholarships and awards. Canada's FREE financial resource.
Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB)
The Private Training Institutions Branch (PTIB) of the Ministry of Advanced Education administers the Private Training Act & associated regulations. Contains a directory of all recognized training programs offered by private colleges and other training organizations/providers.
Vancouver Island Colleges & Universities
The University of Victoria is renowned for its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and academic excellence. Nestled on Vancouver Island, the campus offers a picturesque setting for students & has a strong emphasis on research, diverse programs, and a vibrant community that fosters both personal and academic growth.
Vancouver Island University, situated in Nanaimo, British Columbia, is a dynamic institution known for its emphasis on student engagement, applied learning and community collaboration. With a focus on experiential education, VIU provides a supportive environment, offering a range of programs and opportunities that prepare students for success in their chosen fields.
Royal Roads University, located in Victoria, British Columbia, is distinctive for its innovative approach to education, integrating practical, hands-on learning with academic rigor. Known for its dynamic programs in fields such as business, leadership, and environmental scienceRoyal Roads University provides a unique learning experience set against the backdrop of a historic and scenic campus.
NIC is a community college committed to high quality and excellence in our programs and services. Offers a wide range of program options that are supported by a dedicated faculty, staff and administration - all working together to help you achieve your goals.
Discovery College is a fully accredited private learning institution utilizing the latest technology and fully qualified, professional staff to give you the advantage you need in today's competitive job market.
Excel Career College offers a wide range of Diploma and Certificate programs as well as individual courses, each designed with student needs and the current labour market in mind. Campus locations are in Courtenay, Campbell River & Port McNeill. Excel Career College is fully accredited training institution with Private Career Training Institutions Agency (PCTIA).
- Biggest trades school on Vancouver Island with 2,500 students in 30+ pre-apprentice and apprenticeship programs
- Women and Indigenous Peoples in trades exploration programs are breaking down barriers and opening the doors to careers in the skilled trades for under-represented group
- The B.C. Office of Human Rights Commissioner has granted 12.5% of seats in the School of Health and Human Services as dedicated, reserved for Indigenous applicants
- Largest business school on Vancouver Island and the first college in B.C. to have a degree approved under the applied model with professional accounting in 2005
- The only institution in B.C. offering Massage Therapy as an academic credit-based program
- Largest and most comprehensive sport school of any college in the province