(TORONTO) – George Brown College (GBC) is launching an online micro-credential program called Essential Employability Skills Basics in partnership with Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) and the Pinball Clemons Foundation (PCF).
The program aims to create accessible, career-focused education for marginalized youth, with the goal of helping them secure meaningful employment.
Academic institutions are increasingly adopting micro-credentials—also known as digital badges, credentials, certificates, or alternative credentials. These credentials not only provide pathways to enrollment, but also help individuals retrain and upgrade their skills to find new employment. In doing so, they offer valuable upskilling opportunities for students.
The Essential Employability Skills Basics micro-credential program will be delivered virtually to seven cohorts of students across Canada. The program commences in Fall 2024 and runs through Spring 2025.
Sponsored by PCF, the program will support cohorts in Toronto, Winnipeg (in partnership with RRC Polytech), and students living in Edmonton and Calgary (in partnership with Bow Valley College). Each cohort will participate in a mentorship and job placement component, facilitated by The Whiteboard Collective.
George Brown College
“George Brown College is proud to join forces with the Pinball Clemons Foundation and RRC Polytech to offer this program, furthering our shared commitment to fostering student success and career mobility,” said Susan Toews, Dean, Centre for Preparatory and Liberal Studies, George Brown College.
RRC Polytech
“RRC Polytech is committed to creating more learning opportunities that meet the current and emerging needs of students, employers, and communities. When we strengthen academic pathways for students to achieve their fullest potential, we not only help them compete in industry, but we nurture the importance of lifelong learning. We’re thrilled to live our commitment to students’ growth alongside our partners at the Pinball Clemons Foundation and George Brown College," said Dr. Christine Watson, Vice President, Academic, RRC Polytech.
About George Brown College
Toronto’s George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples.
George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 28,500 full-time students and receives more than 53,600 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca
About RRC POLYTECH
Red River College Polytechnic (RRC Polytech) is Manitoba’s only Polytechnic and largest institute of applied learning and research, with more than 200 full- and part-time degree, diploma and certificate options. Through hands-on learning opportunities and state-of-the-art instruction, we prepare more than 22,000 students annually to become leaders in their fields – while also ensuring they can meet changing industry demands and contribute to the province’s economic growth.
