To help ready a post-pandemic workforce to support a new climate-focused economic recovery, Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) is teaming up with a group of colleges, institutions, polytechnics and CEGEPs from across Canada.
The group of eight climate-action leading institutions from all regions of the country has launched Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery. It will champion projects across Canada to support a recovery that delivers jobs, supports the environment and addresses socio-economic inequality.
By joining forces with this national post-secondary education group, NSCC is able to augment its work on sustainability and support urgent environmental and economic work and foster our students in the area of sustainability so they to enter the labour force prepared to make a positive impact through their work.
"It's essential for our mission as Nova Scotia's community college that we answer the global call for climate action - an area the federal government is predicting will help create a million jobs across Canada," says Don Bureaux, president of NSCC. "In doing so, we will help position our graduates for a bright future in the post-pandemic world and serve as an action hub' to support a resilient, climate-ready recovery."
Bureaux noted that at NSCC, sustainability is included in everything the College does. "It's part of curriculum learning activities, our applied research and daily practices - from diverting waste on campuses, to encouraging active transportation and healthy living." From 2017-2019, the College was rated as the overall top sustainability performer among associate colleges worldwide through STARS - the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE).
The Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery came together to take meaningful action on the 5 bold moves and 22 recommendations of the Task Force for a Resilient Recovery The task force recommended a $55.4 billion strategy for a green recovery in Canada. By working together, the group will help to:
- rapidly train workers to meet skills gaps for a climate-resilient economy;
- revive and develop Canadian businesses through applied research solutions; and
- serve as demonstration sites, living labs, for climate change solutions.
Supporting its commitment to student engagement, Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery has partnered with Student Energy, a global youth-led organization, empowering young people to accelerate the sustainable energy transition. Through their involvement, students will offer feedback and advice to help shape the initiatives of the college partners.
Ron McKerlie, president of Mohawk College and project lead, says, "We believe that colleges are in an ideal situation to support a sustainable economic recovery in Canada. We are working together to ensure we are ready to respond to emerging workforce training needs as soon as a post-pandemic recovery begins."
The initial group of colleges in Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery includes:
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Holland College
- Mohawk College
- Nergica, a Renewable Energy Research and Innovation College Centre
- Nova Scotia Community College
- Okanagan College
- Seneca College
- Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
For more details on Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery. For more information on sustainability initiatives at NSCC.
About NSCC
NSCC is committed to building Nova Scotia's economy and quality of life through education and innovation, transforming Nova Scotia one learner at a time. NSCC offers more than 130 career-oriented programs throughout the province at our 14 campuses, including our online eCampus. Programs are offered through five academic schools - Access, Education and Language; Business and Creative Industries; Health and Human Services, Technology and Environment; Trades and Transportation - and reflect the labour market needs and opportunities in Nova Scotia. NSCC's primary goal: student success. An annual survey of College graduates shows that 90% are employed one year after graduation, most in their field of study, with 91% of those employed living and working in Nova Scotia.
