CONTINUOUS LEARNING

By: Nicole Laidler

A RBC labour force study found that more than 25% of Canadian jobs will be heavily disrupted by technology in the coming decade and a half will go through a significant overhaul of the skills required.

According to the study, learning new, transferable skills is one of the best things Canadian workers – and their employers - can do to keep up with the pace of change.

Successful organizations recognize the need to allow workers to learn and grow. That’s why many – including Western University – make professional development available to their employees by providing an annual educational allotment.

THE VALUE OF LIFELONG LEARNING

John De Heus is another Western University employee who sees the value in lifelong learning. He has completed his Professional Certificate in Leadership and his Professional Certificate in Conflict Management Alternative Dispute Resolution, both through Western Continuing Studies.

As an academic advisor in Western’s Faculty of Science & Basic Medical Science, De Heus says he uses the skills he learned at Western Continuing Studies daily.

John De Heus, Academic Advisor and lifelong learner

"When advising and counselling students there are times you need to hold to a position that the student may not agree with. I have been able to strengthen certain skills to better manage and navigate those situations and provide more successful outcomes and resolutions for both parties,” he explains.

De Heus says Western Continuing Studies makes combining work and continuing education easy. In many cases, courses can be completed in a few weeks online.

“The instructors are thorough experts in what they do. They have been in the industry for many years,” says De Heus. “As a student, you get quality education delivered promptly.”

And thanks to the educational allotment provided through Western University, classes are advanced funded for Western employees.

“It’s a great opportunity,” De Heus says.

Taking courses through Western Continuing Studies can help you develop a broad range of professional skills and keep you engaged at work. When your employer invests in you, it energizes employees.

This comes as no surprise.

When it comes to employee engagement, research clearly shows that providing opportunities for professional development consistently ranks near the top of the list. Millennials in particular, are looking for employers who value learning and development.

Supporting employees who want to grow and learn also benefits organizations in other ways.  

Employees who are active in their learning and development also tend to be highly productive at work – even if they spend a few days or weeks each year in the classroom. The students in programs at Western Continuing Studies come from diverse backgrounds and professions. Continuing education allows employees to see outside their organization and to bring that innovation back into the workplace.

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