For the first time ever, RRC Polytech is proudly delivering a customized version of its Human Resource (HR) Management Certificate program to students in Nunavut. Over the next 13 months, RRC Polytech's Corporate Solutions team will deliver 10 courses - that include both online and in-person training in the capital city of Iqaluit - to provide critical HR training that was previously unavailable to a class of Inuit learners aged 19-75.
"It's so rewarding to lead this groundbreaking initiative for the College that contributes to our Indigenous community on a national level," said Georgette Rochon, Business Development Manager, Corporate Solutions at RRC Polytech. "Our team is committed to building these relationships, breaking down barriers to education and creating customized training that can benefit all communities and organizations, regardless of their location."
The Government of Nunavut (GN) partnered with RRC Polytech to fully fund the cost of tuition and is providing support to the cohort of just over thirty of its employees working in a variety of positions across numerous departments. The partnership ensures the talented and motivated professionals working in Canada's northern-most territory no longer have to leave their homes, families and support systems to pursue the HR training they need to be eligible to waive the National Knowledge Exam® - the recognized industry standard required for designation by CPHR (Chartered Professionals in Human Resources) Canada.
"It's a super intense course that these students of all ages are choosing to do while still working at their jobs, so it speaks volumes to their level of commitment to their education, careers and their region as a whole," said Rochon.
Students like Laura Nowdluk, who says a recent lesson on recruitment really piqued her interest and has her feeling optimistic that the strategies and processes they are learning will ultimately lead to increased efficiency right across their government.
"It was great, I loved every minute of it, actually," said Nowdluk, following the second full week of in-person classes. "It was a lot of information at first, but it was very hands on which I liked."
Born and raised in Iqaluit, Nowdluk moved south to Kingston, Ontario a year after graduating high school to study computer science and biotechnology but eventually returned home. She is currently working as a Human Resources Coordinator in the GN Department of Justice and had no formal HR training, so she jumped at the opportunity when her manager suggested it.
"I feel I've learned so much already," said Nowdluk. "I could use it to develop and further my HR career, especially up here, there's a lot of potential to grow and I think this training could help with that."
One of her additional highlights so far has been the connection her fellow students have made with their instructors and facilitators. Whether it's working together to overcome minor hurdles involving technology or language, incorporating local governance into the curriculum, or simply sharing their unique customs and traditions, she says the class appreciates their engaging and respectful nature and eagerness to learn as much as they teach.
"They just have a really friendly aura, they're very helpful and understanding of the work-life balance as well," said Nowdluk. "I like it when people are interested in learning not only about the culture from like an Indigenous aspect, but just about day-to-day life in a northern community, how different the norm is up here."
Given the impactful life experience for everyone involved and the shrinking of a critical gap in educational options in the North, RRC Polytech's Corporate Solutions team is exploring other opportunities to collaborate with the Government of Nunavut so this mutually beneficial partnership can grow and thrive. "By making our training flexible and customizable and living our commitments, we can help everyone feel comfortable and supported throughout their learning experience - which we know increases student success," said Rochon. "I cannot wait to return to Iqaluit and continue working with such driven professionals."
