By Chris Brown

Renewing and transforming

Province to ensure post-secondary system sets students up for the future

Jun 12, 2020 | 3:04 PM

Alberta’s minister of advanced education says the province needs to increase its efforts to better connect post-secondary students to jobs now and in the future.

The Alberta 2030: Transforming Post-Secondary Education will see government post-secondary education system and develop a long-term plan to enhance student experiences and connect education to jobs, says the province.

The government will work with a leading research and consulting firm to search for practical solutions that will ensure the adult learning system is affordable, accessible and reflective of the future needs of the economy.

“Today is the beginning of an exciting and ambitious project to renew and transform post-secondary education in Alberta,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Advanced Education in a release. “As we move forward with Alberta’s economic recovery, it is essential that we double down on efforts to build a highly skilled and competitive workforce, strengthen the commercialization of research, reduce duplication and forge stronger relationships between employers and post-secondary institutions. We must do everything possible to ensure that when a student graduates from an Alberta post-secondary institution, they are equipped with the skills, knowledge and competencies they need to succeed in a future economy. In short, we must begin to train the workforce of tomorrow, today.”

Dr. Neil Fassina, chair, Council of Post-secondary Presidents of Alberta, said today’s announcement marks an important milestone.

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“Together, Alberta’s post-secondary system offers enriching and diverse learning opportunities as well as cutting-edge research and innovation, all of which strengthen the economic, social and cultural fabric of Alberta,” she said. “In collaboration with this new partner, we have an important opportunity to enhance the role of our higher education system for all Albertans as we overcome challenges and seize opportunities in building a vibrant and resilient future.”

Government will collaborate with employers, industry, students, post-secondary institutions and other stakeholders to:

• Ensure students have the skills and education to solve emerging problems and adapt to changing demands and opportunities.
• Increase access to post-secondary education and encourage a wider range of potential learners to participate.
• Increase the level of collaboration between institutions so that students have more options to transfer credit.
• Forge stronger relationships between employers and post-secondary institutions to help guide educational programming and work placement opportunities.
• Improve governance and financial sustainability for the system, and empower institutions to become more entrepreneurial and seek new sources of revenue.

The final report is expected in late 2020, with the development of an implementation roadmap expected early next year.