Upskilling & Continuing Education
Noam Raiter
We sat down with influencer and resident doctor, Noam Raiter to learn more about her continuing education journey and how she balances it all.
What are your career goals and how can continuing education help you achieve your goals and career advancement?
One of the main reasons I love family medicine is the ability to continuously develop new skills and shape my practice over time. As I hope to plan my residency graduation this summer, I plan on taking advantage of my increased schedule flexibility to continue my education in a variety of different fields using online courses, conferences, and certifications. Some avenues that I have been exploring getting further training in are psychotherapy and taking online courses in lifestyle medicine. Also, I have always wanted to get my yoga teacher's cer-
tification. Although this may not directly tie into my medical education, I believe that exploring a variety of interests as an adult will help me become a more well-rounded physician in the future. I am excited to continue to learn, hone my passions, and make a well-informed decision on the direction I want to take my career.
How do you keep yourself challenged and continue learning?
A quote that I always come back to is: “You did not come this far to only come this far”. We live in a society that is changing so rapidly and that means there is always room for growth and innovation. To me, continuing education does not only entail studying didactic material or adding more degrees to your name. It means approaching every day and every situation with “what can I learn or gain from this moment” to be a better version of myself tomorrow. So much learning
Continuing Education Can Help You to Level Up Your Career
Continuing education can help learners to achieve career goals and acquire the skills and knowledge needed in today’s changing job market.
In this fast-paced world, rapidly evolving technologies including advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming the workplace. Employees need to be prepared with the skills and knowledge required in today’s labour market to get ahead and level up their careers.
No matter what stage you’re at in your professional journey, there are many flexible continuing education choices that allow you to upskill or learn new knowledge to meet your needs and help you be competitive in the workforce. The Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE), Canada's sole national association for continuing education, represents member units that offer a wide array of professional programming through numerous institutions. These programs and courses, known for their accessibility and short-term nature, provide the flexibility to complete your studies either in person or online, helping you to prepare for the future and to be career-ready.
Gain the benefits of lifelong learning
There are many benefits of working toward the completion of a course, certificate, or microcredential.
Universities’ continu -
ing education offerings are designed to empower Canadians, newcomers, and international learners to achieve socioeconomic advancement through specialized programs. These initiatives focus on upskilling and reskilling for workforce enhancement, academic upgrading, university preparation, community engagement, and supporting undergraduate and graduate studies.
happens outside of the textbooks. Reminding myself of this has been so important for me to maintain my love of learning and my motivation to wake up and study every morning. Learning is not something that you have to do but something that you get to do!
What advice do you have for prospective students thinking about going back to school?
There is no such thing as being “late” to your own timeline... Someone can graduate by 21 years old only to be burnt out and resent their career by the age of 25. Meanwhile, someone else can switch their major twice and graduate at 25 but then be working the job of their dreams by the age of 26. The time will pass and you will get older either way either way. So, you may as well work towards a goal in the process.
This approach not only enriches professional and personal development but also expands social and professional networks, enhancing resumes and career satisfaction through diverse learning opportunities.
Earn credits on your schedule
Elizabeth Eberts, a lifelong learner, reflects on her career growth with the help of continuing education programs. Her career, which started in an entry-level administrative position, has evolved into bigger opportunities thanks to her learning different skills and earning credentials over time through courses that interested her.
“The beauty of lifelong learning through continuing education is that you can morph your professional portfolio quickly and often with flexibility without completely putting your life on hold,” says Eberts. Eberts knew that she wanted to add
skills in the areas of finance. During the height of COVID and with a young baby at home, Eberts was able to earn a certificate in bookkeeping, learning remotely while on her own schedule. With the flexibility of her courses, earning a certificate was attainable during this season in her life. She’s now looking to learn more and to add to her resume, and is looking toward continuing education courses to help make this possible.
Pivot your career
It’s never too late to pursue your goals by taking a continuing education program where you’ll acquire the knowledge and in-demand skills that employers are looking for now, helping yourself to stand out from the rest. Pursuing higher education is a big step but it’s an investment in your future self. Select from a plethora of program choices and resources to support you. You may find yourself discovering new passions.
Shannon Koumphol & Elizabeth Eberts
Employers across sectors, big or small, are challenged by labour shortages and skills gaps. The Diversity Institute’s research with the Future Skills Centre suggests that not only is there insatiable demand for people with deep technology skills but also for those who can match technology to organizations’ needs or even use technology effectively. The labour shortages and skills gaps employers report are particularly acute among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
It’s estimated that SMEs missed $38 billion in revenue opportunities last year because they had to turn down or postpone contracts or sales due to labour shortages.
It’s expected to get worse as 50 per cent of the workforce will need to reskill within the next five years and we will need 250,000 additional digital economy jobs by 2025.
But the story does not end there. Skilled trades, and labour more broadly, are also in demand, and we are competing globally for talent. All workforce growth will come from immigration, with a majority of these newcomers being racialized. As our population becomes more diverse, we need to ensure inclusion is at the core of our labour market and skills strategy, and that employers double down on equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The need for foundational and digital skills
“Skills for success” (reading, writing, num-
How The Diversity Institute Is Helping To Close The Skills Gap And Addressing Labour Shortages
Discover how labour shortages impact small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs), what the skills for success are, and how AI and the transition to net zero offer new opportunities.
eracy, communication, problem-solving, adaptability, collaboration, creativity and innovation, and digital skills) remain foundational given the rapid rate of change. While digital skills are often associated with science, technology, engineering, and math, emerging AI technologies are rapidly transforming the very notion of digital skills.
Today there are more digital jobs outside of the information, communications, and technology (ICT) sector than within it because all jobs — from health care to retail, finance, or even transportation and logistics — rely on technology. The Diversity Institute continues to create innovative programs that expand opportunities that bridge the digital divide, upskill, and reskill diverse people. These programs provide much-needed other supports and include Advanced Digital and Professional Training (ADaPT), ADaPT4Success, ADaPT For Black Youth, Pathways To Employment for newcomers and refugees, and MyStartr.
Working towards a green workforce
The other big trend reshaping opportunities will be the transition to net-zero and the “greening” of the economy. Regardless of the pace, the direction is clear. As with digital jobs, “greenification” will require people with a range of skills. Not just scientists and green technology entrepreneurs, but also those who know how to assist organizations in developing new approaches through their
entire value chains, from procurement, to product design, to operations, to sales and marketing, to logistics and services. SMEs account for almost one-half of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada — far more than the oil and gas sector — and we need people who understand how to drive innovation among SMEs to meet our net-zero goals. We also need to recognize the unique skills and perspectives women and Indigenous Peoples bring to sustainability.
The Future Skills Centre has supported the development and evaluation of innovative employer-led initiatives in collaboration with businesses of all sizes across the country, working with associations in every sector: construction, agriculture, ICT, manufacturing, hospitality and tourism, arts and culture, and more. It has doubled down on training and support for SMEs, the engine of growth in our economy. Employers are at the centre of what we do. With programs tailored to their needs, whether hiring new talent, upskilling and reskilling existing talent, or supporting best-in-class workplaces, we have the tools and programs to help them bridge these gaps.
Wendy Cukier, Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute and Academic Research Director, Future Skills Centre
Introducing Humber's New Certificate in ResilienceBuilding Leadership
Humber College’s new Certificate in Building and Leading Resilient Teams is a transformative seven-week virtual training for supervisors, managers, and senior leaders.
In today’s working world, resilience is needed more than ever. The professional landscape is continually and rapidly evolving due to technological advancements and innovation, globalization, and economic fluctuations, requiring employees and leaders to quickly adapt to new tools, processes, and market conditions. An increasingly unpredictable world adds to the challenge — many of today’s workers have had to navigate a pandemic, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions that impact businesses, and more. The demands of work-life integration has heightened awareness of mental health concerns in professional settings, while the evolving nature of careers has led to traditional paths being replaced by more dynamic and uncertain career trajectories. These trends underscore the critical importance for modern professionals to embody resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.
Seasoned, new, and aspiring supervisors, managers, and senior leaders alike need the essential skills to navigate uncertainty and change effectively, cultivate team resilience, and drive organizational success. Resilience is a crucial quality to develop, yet acquiring the proficiency that forms its foundation can be challenging. Humber’s new training program has broken down this key competency, making it accessible and attainable for existing and aspiring leaders across industries and professions.
A powerful leadership style
“Resilience-building leadership is a contemporary approach that emphasizes a leader’s ability to
adapt, persevere, and inspire during adversity and change,” says Frank Cappadocia, Dean of Continuous Professional Learning at Humber College. “This leadership style fosters a culture of resilience within organizations, enabling teams to thrive in the face of challenges.”
As a global leader in polytechnic education, Humber College provides in-depth practical and theoretical learning, hands-on work-integrated experiences, and applied research opportunities to students at three central Toronto locations and beyond. The school recently partnered with the Resilience-Building Leader Program (RBLP®) to launch a new Building and Leading Resilient Teams Certificate of Accomplishment, which provides the knowledge and skills required to build and lead resilient teams in organizations of any size in any industry. The Building and Leading Resilient Teams Certificate comprises seven modules delivered over a seven-week virtual training period, offering a flexible and work-friendly schedule.
Building stronger teams Participants will gain a skill set that can be applied immediately to enhance their team’s ability to overcome adversity, problem-solve, adapt, and grow together.
“Leaders need to know how to pull a team together to respond quickly to changing circumstances and, even more importantly, convert adversity into opportunity,” says Cappadocia. “Employers in all industries increasingly look to leaders who can build and lead resilient teams to ensure their organization’s shortand long-term success in today’s highly competitive landscape. Here
at Humber, we’re dedicated to teaching learners these invaluable skills.”
Completing Humber’s Building and Leading Resilient Teams Certificate satisfies the training requirements for all three RBLP® designation levels. Upon completion, learners will be prepared to sit for the certification exams for frontline supervisors, middle managers, and senior leaders.
Empowering today’s leaders "We chose to partner with Humber because they recognize the importance of cultivating and leading resilient teams,” says Gene Coughlin, Founder and CEO of RBLP®. “Resilient teams are the key to both individual and organizational resilience. Resilient teams are stronger together, and they make learning and change possible. We look forward to making leader training and certification benefits available to their continuing learners.”
Humber is the exclusive RBLP® Training Partner in Ontario, providing learners with select, elite knowledge and skills they can’t get anywhere else. This program will help these leaders stand out and their teams thrive. Today’s leaders can’t afford to sleep on this knowledge and skills. “Resilience-building leadership generates enhanced agility, innovation, and employee well-being,” says Cappadocia. “By prioritizing resilience, leaders can effectively navigate uncertainties and inspire their teams to achieve their full potential, even in the most challenging circumstances.”
Tania Amardeil
Your path. Your success.
Are you waiting for the right time to take your education further? The right time is now with SLC+ Continuing Education.
Whether you are exploring new horizons or enhancing existing skills, our courses ensure you are on the right path.
Flexible learning options
Hundreds of courses available
Quick and convenient registration
Personalized support from our Continuing Education team
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