For immediate release

May 21, 2009
 

Kwantlen joins government/community initiative to provide skills training

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) Kwantlen Polytechnic University has teamed up with community partner Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS) in a joint provincial and federal government initiative called SkillsPlus to provide essential employment skills training for British Columbians to succeed at their jobs.

Kwantlen’s role is to provide training to support the retail sector in the community of Surrey. Through a pilot project called Guildford Unique Essential Skills Training for Sales (GUESTS), Kwantlen will collaborate with employers at Guildford Town Centre to offer underemployed employees training opportunities to enhance their workplace skills through customized on-the-job training, one-on-one tutoring, and group workshops.

“This project exemplifies Kwantlen’s commitment to reach out beyond its campuses to ensure that people in our region have access to the training and support needed for success in today’s economy,” remarked Geoff Dean, Kwantlen academic and career preparation faculty. “Employees will be better able to advance in their jobs, and employers will be able to grow their businesses.”

Kwantlen Polytechnic University brings with it a tradition of providing access pathways for students with different talents and abilities, and opportunities for all who are willing to work hard to realize their goals. Key to Kwantlen’s new mandate is an enhanced capacity to integrate research and external community engagement within a learning environment that places students at the centre of all that the university does.

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For more information about the SkillsPlus Training program and volunteer tutoring opportunities at Kwantlen, contact:
Judith McLean
Regional Literacy Coordinator,
Tel: 604.599.2324
judith.mclean@kwantlen.ca

OR

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Peter Chevrier
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2286
peter.chevrier@kwantlen.ca