More than 12,000 jobs are projected over the next 10 years for B.C.'s early childhood education and youth care sector.
The province's largest college, based in New Westminster and Coquitlam, believes it can meet the demand to fill those positions and is introducing a new pathway in hopes of breaking down barriers.
Douglas College recently received a grant worth more than $116,000 from the B.C. government to create a system to help prospective students improve their English proficiency "before pursuing the necessary" industry credentials.
The 15-week course English Upgrading program starts this fall, with winter and summer options available in 2025, according to DC's website.
It's goal is to make the early childhood education and youth care pathway as accessible as possible by offering a "high-quality, low-barrier" option, said Chris-Anne Stumpf, English Upgrading Instructor and Program Coordinator at Douglas College, in a release.
"Our class sizes are small, allowing students valuable one-on-one time with instructors in a confidence-building learning environment," she added.
The courses include reading and writing, covering skills from basic literacy to college preparatory courses.
DC hopes registered students will be able to develop confidence, gain initial experience through applied practices and create effective strategies that'll make the course transition as seamless as possible.
"This new program is increasing opportunities for people who have historically experienced barriers to accessing post-secondary education and training,” said B.C. post-secondary education and future skills minister Lisa Beare.
"Douglas is creating an important stepping stone so more students can pursue a meaningful career in ECE and CYC to help support B.C.’s labour market needs."
The English Upgrading pathway for early childhood education and child and youth care students is "tuition-free for domestic applicants," DC said in its statement.
For more information about DC's newest English proficiency path, you can visit the school's website.
