Courses focus on sustainability in construction, transportation, agriculture, and clean tech. Photo credit: Quick Train Canada
Quick Train Canada, a new program led by Hamilton’s Mohawk College, has been offering fully funded training for upskilling and reskilling workers across Canada.
Quick Train Canada was initially launched in January 2023 and 1,800 learners have reportedly already completed various courses.
Since courses are fully funded there is no upfront cost to participants.
The courses are for workers who are looking to “upskill for their existing jobs” or for those who are interested in “reskilling for a new career.”
There are more than 100 training courses that will be offered through a network of community colleges across the country.
Quick Train Canada calls the courses “microcredentials.”
The training courses are grouped into six different job sectors: Agriculture and Agri-Food, Clean Tech, Construction, Industry Development, Natural Resources and Environment, and Transportation.
There are currently 11 different colleges across Canada that are offering courses under the program, including Hamilton’s Mohawk College.
The program was created by a newly formed coalition of 14 post-secondary institutions called Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2) which was co-founded by Mohawk College President and CEO Ron J. McKerlie.
McKerlie explains his rationale for creating C2R2 and Quick Train Canada in a recent press release:
“As smart technology advances and the net-zero economy rolls out across the country, existing industries are adapting to remain competitive and new industries are gaining a strong foothold in the economy. Quick Train Canada gives workers an opportunity to prepare themselves today to be forerunners in the workforce of tomorrow.”
Courses offered locally by Mohawk College include 3D Visualization Modeling and Rendering Tools, Building Information Modelling, EV and Hybrid Vehicle Service Training, and Introduction to Green Building Technologies.
Programs through other partner schools include courses on carbon capture technology, sustainable agriculture, surveying, and housing construction.
Some of the courses are also offered online, while others have hybrid formats or are in-person.
Canadians can register for courses through www.quicktraincanada.ca.
It should be noted that some courses have prerequisites.
The program is welcoming learners back once again this fall. Some courses have start dates coming up throughout the months of October and November.
Within the next six months, 110 courses will be delivered across Canada.
So far, Quick Train Canada says that 65 per cent of their learners are currently working full-time while they study.
While the program is open to all Canadians over the age of 18, they say that so far 66 per cent of learners are between 31 and 54 years of age.
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