Northern Lights College (NLC) has been awarded ongoing base funding to support an additional Early Childhood Education (ECE) program from the BC Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills.
These funds will help facilitate the development of a Work Integrated Learning (WIL) cohort-based model of delivery that will continue annually. Work Integrated Learning allows students to pursue their certification and education outside of the brick-and-mortar classroom by way of a hybrid set-up. Through the ECE-WIL program, students will complete their first 15 of 20 required courses while working a minimum of 20 hours a week.
"This base funding allows NLC to promote equitable access among urban, rural, and remote communities by creating accessible education opportunities for students in northern BC and around the province while they pursue employment", says Nicole Dahlen, Associate Dean, Academic and Vocational Programs, "the delivery of this program will also provide NLC the chance to help address ECE-related labour demands in the province."
"Expanding Northern Light College's ECE program through our Stronger BC: Future Ready Action Plan means more students will have greater access to education and employment opportunities in the North." said Selina Robinson, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. "The Work Integrated Learning program takes things a step further by providing future Early Childhood Educators with valuable, hands-on experience and addressing the immediate need for ECE support in these communities."
"We know that it can be hard for some ECEs to attend training while juggling other responsibilities. Work integrated learning programs like this one allow students to expand their learning while working at the same time. With such high demand for child care, this is one more way we are making it easier for more people to become ECEs." Says Grace Lore, Minister of State for Child Care.
Applications are being accepted for this ECE-WIL program, with a December 1, 2023, deadline. Courses are set to start in January 2024. There will be a new intake every January moving forward.
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