Continuous Learning made Possible with Flexible Education Options
Continuous learning is one of the nine essential skills acknowledged by the Government of Canada, which is an important for any job. Professionals and workers everywhere need an upgrade of their knowledge and skills, in order to stay up-to-date with industry trends and possibly, to gain promotions. Most of all, all individuals can expand their abilities through continuous learning and become a valuable employee, desirable job applicant, and highly relevant professional. This can be achieved through continuing education from a postsecondary school.
Regardless of your field of expertise, many educational institutions offer a variety of credential enhancement courses and programs that will help propel one's career. With over 160 certificate and diploma programs and at least 1,200 independent courses, Centennial College is the destination for many part-time learners who enroll at the School of Continuing Education.Benefits for part-time students extend outside of the classroom, where facilities and resources can be used to enhance their studies:
- Part-time students have access to the computer network, various computer programs, and the library and its resources, including the ability to check out some books and log in the campus online databases.
- Every Centennial faculty member is qualified to teach in their field, many whom have years of experience in the industry and are able to relate theory and translate them to real-life examples. They can be easily reached outside class hours and many offer individual mentorship.
- Campus events, such as career workshops and job fairs, welcome all Centennial students to participate and network with their peers and industry professionals. Some events are targeted to specific programs and may include industry leaders as guest speakers, where students can learn and ask questions related to their studies and career aspirations.
Many of Centennial's continuing education (CE) students are in the workforce, with 70% of students working full-time and 16% in part-time jobs. The college understands that flexibility is an important factor for many individuals to enhance their education successfully, so Centennial offers different platforms of learning:
- Night and weekend courses: These courses are offered after traditional working hours, on weeknights and weekends, so many office workers are accommodated. Depending on the courses, classes may take place as little as once a week for a period of a school semester.
- Print-based programs: Students can study at the comfort of their own home with this distance learning approach, where textbooks, assignments, and other course materials are mailed to them.
- Online programs: Another distance learning approach, online programs help part-time students pursue their education at a time and place that best works for them. Most of all, students can complete the programs at a slower or faster pace, depending on their preferences.
- Continuous intake program: Part of the CE studies, this mode is the opposite of part-time studies, as it is an accelerated program where students complete the curriculum faster than the traditional program time. Full-time programs in the continuous intake approach include Food Service Worker, Bookkeeping Certificate, and Addiction Studies.
Continuing education courses at Centennial College are diverse, that will help individuals upgrade their qualifications, or event help them enter a new field of studies. Many postsecondary graduates and working professionals enroll in programs to advance their skills and increase their career prospects. Centennial offers courses in Information Technology, business, transportation, hospitality, media and design, engineering and applied sciences, and health and community studies.
