How partnering with Vancouver Community College builds community and real-world change

Vancouver Community College (VCC) welcomes businesses, industry associations, nonprofit organizations and community groups to explore the power of partnership. Whether you’re looking to tap into a skilled talent pipeline, contribute to the community or co-design future-focused training for your employees, partnering with VCC means investing in real-world education with measurable outcomes. Here are five meaningful ways your business can get involved.

1. Co-create training to meet your workforce needs

“At VCC, we understand that the right training programs can enhance employee performance and strengthen an entire organization,” says VCC president Ajay Patel. “Our team can create courses for any sector, location or cultural context. We support companies to achieve their strategic goals with an eye for training approaches that are highly relevant, flexible and impactful.”

Two examples of this were VCC’s partnership with the Musqueam Nation to offer tailored and accessible Early Childhood Education upskilling training and a collaboration with the Vancouver Regional Construction Association to develop an Inclusive Leadership in Construction and Trades Digital Badge. To explore opportunities, contact the VCC Partnership Development Office at [email protected].

2. Hire job-ready talent and apprentices through VCC works

One of the most beneficial components of a post-secondary partnership is networking with the next generation of talent. Employers can access thousands of skilled students and alumni through VCC Works, a free job posting and career access platform. From entry-level staff to specialized tradespeople, VCC’s learners are trained in clinics, salons, kitchens and shops that replicate real-world environments—ready to contribute from day one.

3. Offer work-integrated learning (WIL)

“Another way employers can benefit from partnering with VCC is to get involved with our Work-Integrated Learning placements. In simple terms, it means you can bring our trained talent into your workforce and assess their skills prior to making any hiring decisions,” explains Patel.

“The bonus here is that our students gain job experience and your employees gain supervisory skills and the chance to be a mentor,” he adds. Employers can participate in WIL placements across programs like baking, dental, hairstyling, health, legal, hospitality and more.

4. Invest in the future of education

A corporate or philanthropic investment can be transformative for students and communities. VCC has several strategic capital projects underway at its Broadway campus, such as the Centre for Clean Energy and Automotive Innovation, a new purpose-built learning hub, a commercial grade kitchen renovation, and the expansion of the Health Simulation Centre to enhance hands-on learning in healthcare. VCC is also leading the way in training to support B.C.’s clean-tech economy through pioneering programs in zero-emissions vehicles and hydrogen fuel-cell technology.

“We’re excited about what we’re building at VCC,” says Patel. “Our new and revitalized spaces will promote industry collaboration, support program expansion and, best of all, equip our students with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market.”

The VCC Foundation continues to eliminate barriers to education by funding technology enhancements, food security initiatives, student awards and more. Every contribution counts.

5. Join a program advisory committee (PAC)

Program Advisory Committees are vital to ensuring the VCC curriculum stays aligned with workforce realities. By serving on a PAC, industry experts influence program design, equipment decisions and emerging skills development to support the up-and-coming talent in your field. Contact [email protected] to learn more.

Ready to make an impact?

“We know many business leaders support our model of creating hands-on, inclusive and future-focused education,” adds Patel. “Whether you’re hiring our talent, helping shape curriculum or aligning your objectives with evolving labour market needs, together we can build a stronger and more resilient B.C.”

Learn more at www.vcc.ca.

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