3.3P Closing Session: Crossing Divides & Cultivating Futures

A resilient future requires innovation and collaboration within and among post-secondary institutions at all levels, and continuing education and workforce development units at colleges and institutions are uniquely positioned to provide the responsive and adaptable programming to grow skills and meet the needs of communities. In this presentation, a panel of continuing education leaders will introduce the multi-institutional collaboration model within continuing education in British Columbia (BC).

Deans and directors of continuing education have been working collaboratively in BC for many decades, and for the past 15 years as the Continuing Education and Training Association of BC (CETABC). Representing 14 colleges and regional universities across the province, CETABC provides a meeting place for members to discuss their passion for lifelong learning, share best practices, and collaborate on programming and special projects to advance collective work and reach within our communities within the vast geographic regions of our province.

Examples of the collaborative work that CETABC has undertaken over the fast decade includes shared curriculum development, program delivery partnerships, research, development of prior learning competency assessments, and organizing and annual forum.

The discussion will feature four panelists, each leaders in continuing education within their institutions, who will share insights into the association’s collaborative role in advancing skill development and lifelong learning. Key discussion points include fostering resilience in students and institutions, aligning education with rapidly changing industry needs, and showcasing innovative approaches in collaborative talent development to serve learners, workers, citizens, employers, and communities in our urban and rural centres.

Claire Sauvé
Associate Director, Continuing Studies | Vancouver Community College / Continuing Education and Training Association of BC (CETABC)

Chante Patterson-Elden
Dean of Continuing Education | Northern Lights College / CETABC

Bob Haugen
Director, Continuing Education and Contract Training | North Island College / CETABC