Thanks to a new $450,000 investment from RBC Foundation, Bow Valley College is taking action to bridge the gap between industry needs and newcomer talent.
Workforce Development Lab an initiative designed to close Calgary's labour gaps and unlock opportunities for newcomers the College is well-positioned to meet the changing demands of industry needs through our programs and graduates. Every year, tens of thousands of immigrants arrive in Alberta more than 60,000 in 2023 alone with hopes of building meaningful careers. Yet many face barriers: international credentials aren't always recognized, Canadian work experience is often required and professional networks can be limited. Meanwhile, employers across health care, technology, manufacturing and hospitality struggle to fill critical roles, leaving skilled newcomers underemployed and jobs unfilled.
The Workforce Development Lab
This transformative investment builds on RBC Foundation's long-standing partnership with Bow Valley College, with lifetime giving now surpassing $1 million. It reflects a shared commitment to creating inclusive pathways that prepare people for the future of work in a rapidly changing economy. According to a 2023 diversity and labour market report from Toronto Metropolitan University, Racialized Canadians and Newcomers - Foundational and Transferable Skills, the unemployment rate is higher for immigrants in Canada 7.7 per cent compared to 6.4 per cent for Canadian-born workers. Statistics Canada data further shows that in 2021, among immigrants who arrived within the previous decade, only 44 per cent were employed in jobs matching their education level, compared to 64 per cent of Canadian-born workers aged 25 to 34.
Through the Lab, students will gain employer-validated training through short, targeted micro-credentials and work-integrated learning opportunities. These flexible, accessible programs will help newcomers build the skills that Alberta's industries need most in fields such as AI-integrated business administration, cybersecurity, digital design, health and hospitality. By equipping learners with these in-demand skills, the Lab directly addresses Alberta's growing need for talent in technology, health care, manufacturing and hospitality.
This approach offers a practical, accelerated pathway into the labour market for those who may lack Canadian work experience or recognized credentials.
"This gift directly strengthens the programs that connect learners to opportunity," said Dr. Misheck Mwaba, president and CEO of Bow Valley College. "Through the upskilling and reskilling we provide, individuals will gain employer-validated skills that open doors to new careers. With RBC's support, we are guiding more learners from aspiration to employment."
Building on the Pivot-Ed Academy The Lab expands on the success of the RBC-funded Pivot-Ed Academy, which has helped young newcomers gain micro-credentials in areas such as cloud computing, cybersecurity and digital design. Since its launch, the Pivot-Ed Academy has supported more than 100 participants in developing job-ready skills, with several graduates securing employment directly linked to their new credentials. One participant credited the Digital Design program with helping them land a summer position and immediately apply their skills by creating logo designs for real clients.
The Workforce Development Lab will also serve as an innovation hub, using real-time labour market data to anticipate emerging skills needs. Each year, it aims to enroll 60 participants, engage 20 employer and community partners and launch three new micro-credentials in priority fields.
A framework for career success
This initiative also advances Bow Valley College's strategic plan pillar, Dynamic Ecosystem for Career Success a commitment to building a robust career development framework that provides learners with lifetime access to career development services and resources. By connecting education to industry needs, the Workforce Development Lab brings this vision to life, helping Albertans prepare for success in a changing economy.
The RBC Foundation investment aligns directly with its community investment priorities helping people prepare for a changing world of work by building in-demand skills, gaining meaningful work experience and earning industry-recognized credentials.
"We value our 20+ year partnership with Bow Valley College and appreciate their meaningful impact on students and education over the years," said Kirk Muise, regional president, RBC, Alberta and Territories. "We are pleased to be able to support newcomers and others in building for a thriving future by combining technical training with work-integrated learning. At RBC, we want our communities to keep pace with the changing world of work to drive mobility, innovation and resilience, especially the practical approach offered by our partner Bow Valley College."
Bow Valley College extends its sincere appreciation to the RBC Foundation for its visionary investment in the future of Calgary's workforce. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, innovation and lifelong learning, creating pathways that build skills, strengthen communities and prepare more Albertans for success in the workforce.
