Calgary's Educational Landscape Must Evolve to Support City's Growth
As Calgary prepares to reach a population of 2 million residents in the coming years, educational institutions must adopt more flexible and responsive approaches to meet the changing needs of students and employers. Dr. Misheck Mwaba, president and CEO of Bow Valley College, emphasizes that traditional semester-long courses and rigid schedules are no longer sufficient for today's diverse student population.
The Need for Adaptable Workforce Development
A larger population requires a more educated and skilled workforce, with individuals needing continuous upskilling and reskilling throughout their careers. Dr. Mwaba, who is participating in a virtual think-tank as part of Postmedia's Countdown to 2 Million project, stresses that the choices made now will significantly shape Calgary's future. Many students today balance work, family responsibilities, and financial pressures exacerbated by rising housing and transportation costs.
"If Calgary is to thrive at 2 million residents, education must become more flexible, responsive and deeply connected to the realities of modern life," Dr. Mwaba asserts.
Competency-Based Education and Practical Learning
At Bow Valley College, course offerings are designed to be fast, focused, and flexible. The institution prioritizes competency-based education, which:
- Provides an effective and practical way to assess skills upfront
- Grants credit where competency can be demonstrated
- Targets skills development in areas where competency has not yet been achieved
This approach is particularly beneficial for newcomers, such as through the expanded bridging program for Internationally Educated Nurses (IENs). This program recognizes existing abilities and aligns them with Canadian standards through the Foreign Credential Recognition Program.
Innovative Training Methods and Workforce Integration
The college incorporates cutting-edge training methods, including:
- Micro-credentials in emergency and in-patient care
- Geriatric and palliative care training
- Chronic disease management programs
- Simulation-based learning and virtual reality
- High-fidelity labs for hands-on experience
Work-integrated learning and apprenticeship-style programs are mandatory components of every Bow Valley College program, placing students with employers during their studies. This ensures graduates enter the workforce with practical experience, which Dr. Mwaba describes as an absolute necessity in today's ever-changing economy.
Future-Focused Strategic Initiatives
Bow Valley College's strategic plan, Launch | Advance | Evolve, positions the institution as a dynamic ecosystem for accessible, high-quality, and future-oriented education. The college is actively anticipating community needs as Calgary grows, with a particular focus on health-care programs.
One significant initiative is the proposed Health Care Centre of Excellence in downtown Calgary, which will further enhance the institution's capacity to prepare students for critical roles in the health-care system, especially in rural acute care and continuing care settings.
Dr. Mwaba concludes that apprenticeship models should extend beyond traditional trades, reflecting a broader shift in educational philosophy that prioritizes practical skills and real-world application to support Calgary's continued growth and prosperity.
