Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is launching a whole roster of continuing and professional studies tailored to the needs of Metro Vancouver, its professionals and its growing number of lifelong learners.
The university announced the inaugural course catalogue which boasts a diverse range of programming in the areas of business, design, health, science and horticulture, and trades and technology. Dozens of new courses will be offered at the Surrey, Richmond and Langley campuses, with certain courses available entirely online.
“We have brought in a variety of courses that carry a strong professional focus. They’re new, they’re diverse, and a significant portion are exclusive to KPU,” said Jim Pelton, executive director of continuing and professional studies (CPS).
KPU’s new courses include the recently announced online course on eating disorders, which will be led by Dr. Laird Birmingham, an internationally recognized pioneer in disordered eating treatment.
The highly specialized course is tailored to professionals — from nurses to dieticians to counsellors — who directly deal with people suffering from eating disorders. It is the only course of its kind in Canada.
Through the KPU school of business, CPS has established the Contractor’s Academy — Western Canada’s only such school where contractors can learn the business skills needed to build their company.
“Right off the top, the courses we’re offering on building envelope design are unique. Our professional classes in nursing are unique. Both our highly specialized eating disorders course and the Contractor’s Academy are unparalleled,” said Pelton.
“Across disciplines, these courses are designed to update skillsets, enhance career prospects and enable lifelong learners to better help others, themselves and their businesses.”
In addition to specialized programming tailored to specific industries, CPS is offering a series of affordable courses on topics that include: how to integrate social media into your organization, creating visual presentations, how to utilize Google Analytics and mastering time management.
More than 65 new courses will be offered this fall, and Pelton says it’s only the first wave.
“We are going to continue to look at the needs of our communities, and the demands of business regionally, and see how we can meet those needs with top-notch programming,” he said. “This is just our first kick at the can, and the can is only going to get bigger.”
Registration is open for all KPU continuing and professional studies courses. For more information on CPS, visit: kpu.ca/cps.