These Canadian colleges produce versatile graduate talent

20 May 2019

The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) report on The Future of Jobs carefully outlines the workplace of the future. Recognising how the Fourth Industrial Revolution is merging with a range of socioeconomic and demographic factors, shaking up business models across all countries and industries, the report seeks to empower a dynamic and mobile workforce who are the future of our world.

In an era dominated by the vast capabilities of virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), automation and other pioneering technologies, the jobs we are recruiting for today may be unrecognisable tomorrow, and graduates must be prepared.

In the report, the WEF surveyed 350 executives across nine industries in 15 of the world’s largest economies, striving to map out both the future of jobs and skills. According to their findings, these skills will be most desired by global employers as we soar into 2020:

Complex problem-solving – 36 percent of all jobs across all industries will soon consider this a core skill when reviewing potential candidates.
Critical thinking – while they may have the analysis down, important details can be missed without the implementation of inherently human capabilities – like debate and conversation.
Creativity – four years ago, this skill could be found much further down the list, but with the constant flow of new technologies and the demand for brand-new products and services, recruiters are eager to hire those with an innate creative flair and an eye for innovation.
People management – survey respondents stated they would favour people with the ability to motivate people and nurture talent.
Co-operation – this is all about collaboration and your ability to adapt to the needs of others. Future employers will look to hire skilled social beings; people who are able to lead and work effectively as part of a team falls under this umbrella.

If you’re looking to study abroad, the best thing you can do is choose a school that not only acknowledges, but responds, to the needs of the future workplace. Makes sense, right? To help you on your way, we’ve chosen four Canadian institutions that are known to produce agile graduate talent.

CANADORE COLLEGE

Since Canadore College opened its doors in 1967, it has been whole-heartedly committed to student success and graduate triumph.

Above all else, this is an education that values individual experience. Here, tailored support serves the requirements of each unique learner and truly allows them to shine. It’s the best of both worlds: an education that leads to a lasting career and a support structure that cares about you.

As a college that maintains a lead over the Provincial average for quality of learning experience, Canadore consistently meets the demands of students and the global market.

Source: Canadore College

Committed to breaking boundaries in the classroom, the college provides a wealth of hands-on experience in real or simulated learning environments. Whether it occurs at the college, in the community or in a field related to workplace or industry, these opportunities are specifically designed to prepare students for the workforce.

This school is dedicated to closing gaps and helping students achieve their best. It really is the quintessential Canadian learning experience, producing graduates who seamlessly adapt to changes in our fast-paced world.

BRITISH COLUMBIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (BCIT)

As the BCIT website clearly states, there’s a reason why 96 percent of its degree graduates find employment soon after graduation.

Whether your passion lies in health sciences, engineering, natural science, computing, business or transportation, this college is set on bringing your dreams to fruition.

For more than fifty years BCIT has educated career-ready graduates. Today, the institute is recognised as one of British Columbia’s largest post-secondary education providers.

Source: British Columbia Institute of Technology

Every programme has been put together with strategic advice and assistance from alumni, employers and other industry professionals. Students stay on the cutting-edge of developments, learning everything they need to hit the ground running and get hired.

Here, education extends far beyond the classroom, incorporating the people, environments and ideas found out in the world. Project-based learning, independent research and relevant internships will give you a competitive edge, and you’ll know what to expect from a real-world working environment long before you enter it.

SOUTHERN ALBERTA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (SAIT)

Built on the passion of students, faculty and staff, SAIT shapes new worlds for entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and community leaders.

Located in Calgary and established in 1916, SAIT trailblazes applied education, offering more than 100 dedicated career programmes, 1,300 continuing education courses and corporate training programmes to more than 200 companies each year.

SAIT students enrol within eight academic schools: Business; Construction; Energy; Health and Public Safety; Hospitality and Tourism; Information and Communications Technologies; Manufacturing; and Automation and Transportation.

Here, hands-on learning in unique labs and classrooms, alongside solution-focused research and enterprising collaborations with industry partners, ensure SAIT students leave ready to thrive in their dream career once they graduate.

Source: Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

And with its status as the third-largest post-secondary institution in Alberta, it’s 90 percent graduate employment rate, and the fact that 96 percent of graduates would recommend the institute to a friend, it’s no surprise that global learners love to study at SAIT.

BOW VALLEY COLLEGE

Teaching 15,000 students who represent 148 countries and speak a total of 98 languages, Bow Valley is fundamentally international and programmed to the modern world.

Many of the college’s career programmes provide integrated work experience, while a range of post-diploma certificates instil current, focused skills that help graduates progress in their career.

Experienced instructors are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals – that’s why 89 percent of Bow Valley graduates can be found in work or further study within six months of graduating.

“From start to finish, your career path will be an adventure. You’ll encounter twists, turns, and surprises along the way,” the Bow Valley website explains.

“Count on Bow Valley College to help you reach your next triumphant milestone. Starting with one of over 40 career diplomas and certificates, academic upgrading or English language classes, you’ll be prepared for success. Beyond graduation, take your career even further with post-diploma certificates and continuing education courses.”

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International