I’m working on a report examining the digital transformation of Education in Canada, and more specifically in BC. I thought others might be interested in relevant information that is contained within the 2018/19 – 2021/22 service plan produced by the BC Ministry of Advanced Education, Skills and Training.

The service plan includes the following relevant goals and objectives

  • Goal 2: Learners are supported to achieve their full potential with accessible, affordable and equitable education and training opportunities
    • Objective 2.1: Ensure affordable access to post-secondary education and skills training
    • Objective 2.2: Respond and adapt to the diverse and changing needs of learners
  • Goal 3: Ensure a high quality and relevant post-secondary education and skills training system that provides the services people count onfor good-paying jobs and opportunities to reach their full potential
    • Objective 3.1: Build on current strengths to enhance the quality and relevance of the post-secondary education and training system
    • Objective 3.2: Empower learners, educators, industry and government to make informed decisions

Relevant strategies listed include include the following

  • Ensure access to post-secondary education by providing operating funding to support public post-secondary education delivery throughout the province.
  • Provide tuition-free Adult Basic Education and English Language Learning programs for domestic students.
  • Continue to advance the development of free digital open textbooks and open education resources.
  • Provide learners hands-on experience to explore a variety of careers, as well as valuable information on high-demand jobs offered by employers in specific regions and throughout B.C. through the Find Your Fit Tour
  • Leverage digital technology options to cost-effectively expand the ability for post-secondary institutions to deliver education and training programs to more rural and remote communities
  • Support B.C.’s comprehensive transfer system that enables students to easily transfer courses and credits across the public post-secondary system.
  • Continue to ensure a seamless transition of students from the K – 12 system into post-secondary education and training.
  • Maintain a two per cent annual cap on tuition and mandatory fee increases at all public post-secondary institutions.
  • Provide programs, services, tools and resources for those who are struggling to gain a foothold in the job market through targeted programs for youth, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities and women in the trades to help them to gain needed skills and secure sustainable employment.
  • Under a new Canada-B.C. Workforce Development Agreement ensure vulnerable, unemployed, and under-employed people can access skills training needed for good paying jobs.
  • Develop, in partnership with the post-secondary system, a single, unified application system to make it easier for students to plan, search and apply to public post-secondary institutions in B.C.
  • Partner with employers and economic sectors to deliver skills upgrading to employees.
  • Work with other provincial ministries and partners to ensure B.C. students have the skills, experience and creativity that they need for careers that support the tech industry
  • Ensure the best available labour market information is used to align skills training priorities with labour market needs.
  • Continue to share labour market information on WorkBC.ca using innovative platforms and social media to help all British Columbians make informed education, training and career decisions and to promote entrepreneurship