Major Strategic Initiative 3 – Diversifying Programming

North West College has always had a reflective and continuous improvement approach to programming. We value innovation and excellence and understand the needs of rural learners. As leaders in adult basic education, the College has continuously reflected on learner success and made changes to delivery and added value to programs to maximize student potential. Last year, the College piloted a new approach to Level 2 and Level 3 program delivery on the Battlefords Campus. Due to the pandemic and lower than anticipated enrolments this past year, the pilot will be extended into 2022-23 and expanded to the Meadow Lake Campus. The College will refine the competency rubrics and checklists to support the show what you know concept before moving on to the next level. This competency based approach to learning outcomes will result in more focused training allowing students to transition towards their career goals more quickly.

The College strategic plan has a focus on developing a university strategy supporting laddering and pathways. In 2022-23, the College is working with the University of Regina to establish a degree program to be delivered in the northwest that provides three pathways – certificate, diploma and degree. The ultimate goal was to bring Social Work to the region given the demand for these professionals, however, the College wanted to provide an opportunity for students to gain knowledge and skills even if they were only able to complete part of the program. This unique offering of university programming will provide greater options to the region and higher certification levels.

North West College’s strategic plan also speaks to developing a micro-credential strategy. The College will begin this adventure in collaboration with the Ministry and their newly released framework on a pre-apprenticeship cooking program. The College became aware of some curriculum changes and programs that Saskatchewan Polytechnic was sun setting for the upcoming year that are frequently delivered in our region to meet labour demand and interest of First Nations partners within our region. NWC began our work in the fall to ensure a program solution exists and received support from Apprenticeship for our program. Recently, the Ministries of Advanced Education and Immigration and Career training recommended the approach to get the program a micro-credential from North West to improve credibility and viability of the program. This will be the first of many micro-credentials developed by North West College.