Rock-Solid Continuing Education Options Through Ashton College Deliver Quick, Focused Learning
Sometimes, the idea of getting an education can seem too complex or like more of a commitment than we are prepared to make. While many post-secondary schools offer multifaceted courses that can take months or even years to complete, there are other schools that provide courses that are flexible, shorter in duration, more focused on a core area of learning, and easier to fit into day-to-day life.
Ashton College’s new Continuing Education division was founded on the concept of adaptable, high value, specialized education. The continuing education courses allow individuals to explore a new career path, advance their existing knowledge or prepare for a life-changing exam.
There are numerous courses available in the Continuing Education area of the college with more being added all the time. One of the most important aspects of these courses, especially during COVID, is that they are all offered through Ashton’s Live Online platform that makes education flexible as well as connected on a range of levels.
The nearly 40 courses currently offered include:
Red Seal Exam Prep Courses
Red Seal certification is recognized across Canada and it sets you apart from uncertified tradespeople. Red Seal tradespeople earn higher wages and have greater access to employment opportunities. Experienced immigrant workers can challenge the Red Seal exam to prove their qualifications and bypass Canada’s lengthy apprenticeship program.
Ashton College’s prep courses for the Red Seal Trades Challenger Exam are scheduled in the evening to ensure the live online courses don’t interfere with students’ work schedules. People in this class have the ability to log in from any location that has access to a computer or internet-connected device. Courses vary from 16-20 hours total, completed over a period of 8 weeks. This flexibility makes learning much easier to embrace.
The nine Red Seal exam prep courses are available for the following trades: Industrial Electrician, Plumber, Automotive Service Technician, Carpenter, Construction Electrician, Cook/chef, Steamfitter/Pipefitter, Heavy Equipment Operator and red seal welder.
Home Inspection Courses
Home Inspection Courses are also offered online. Many individuals who pursue this course are also currently working in a trade or a construction-related field and need the ability to take their education at night in order to learn the skills to establish their own home inspection business. This course is recognized by the Home Inspectors Association of British Columbia and prepares students for the organization’s exam. In fact, individuals who complete this program are qualified to work as a home inspector in any province across Canada!
Financial Services
As the financial services industry continues to undergo massive changes, Ashton College’s Financial planning certification give students the knowledge they need to successfully advance their career in the financial services sector.
Their CFP Certification Education Program is accredited by FP Canada (formerly the Financial Planning Standard Council) and the course is the first step towards Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP) certification as well as CFP designation. Those who take the Harmonized Life Licence Qualification Program (LLQP) will be qualified to write the provincial insurance regulator’s exam in BC and acquire their life insurance licence.
Students who enrol in the Canadian Securities Course (CSC) will be able to write the CSC exams and apply for a mutual fund licence. The CSC course is also the first step towards a career as a Canadian investment manager or financial management adviser. The Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC), delivered in partnership with the IFSE Institute, is an excellent course to take alongside the CSC course. It provides in-depth knowledge of how to properly manage a mutual fund, which is invaluable information for people in the finance industry.
Human Services Courses
Human Services are near and dear to Ashton College with full-scale diploma programs Education Assistant Course and Community Support Worker program. However, there are six shorter-term, specific options in the Continuing Education division that can supplement a more advanced human services education or simply deliver education in one area a student is interested in. The Introduction to Therapeutic Recreation and Therapeutic Recreation course (Advanced) are particularly great for people working as recreational therapists, kinesiologists, and care aides as well as students looking to get into those lines of work.
Other courses offered in this category include: Autism and ABA Therapy training, Dyslexia and the Orton Gillingham training, Gerontology Course, Diversity and Inclusion Training Certificate.
Technology Courses
If any part of our life needs continuing education, it has to be technology! From robotics to understanding cloud computing, those working in technology and those who need to know more about it can gain the specific, focused learning they need through Ashton’s Continuing Education courses, several of which offer recognized certifications. The AWS Certification training (Cloud Practitioner and Security) BASICS, AWS security Certification ADVANCED courses have been provided by Amazon, which means the certification is recognized by Amazon, and any company that uses Amazon Web Services. Students can also get certifications recognized by Microsoft through the Microsoft Azure Certification BASICS and Microsoft Certification Advanced courses.
Other technology courses include: Machine Learning course, Introduction to Robotics course and Introduction to Cloud Computing course.
Immigration Courses
Individuals who are interested in the thriving business of Canadian immigration will see that Ashton College is leading the way with nine courses in the Continuing Education division that are focused on this field. With thousands of graduates from Ashton’s immigration programs over the years, their expertise is second-to-none.
Individuals who are currently working in immigration can further their knowledge through Ashton’s Immigration Practitioner Centre (IPC). The IPC promises lifelong learning for immigration practitioners to keep their minds sharp and their practice up to date.
These immigration courses include: Certificate in Immigration Tribunal Practice, Certificate in refugee Class Immigration Law, Certificate in Temporary resident Immigration Law, RCIC Entry-to-Practice Exam Prep Course, Paralegal Specialist Course: Canadian Citizenship Law, Paralegal Specialist Course: Immigration Law Principles, Paralegal Specialist Course: Permanent residents under Canadian Immigration Law, Paralegal Specialist Course: Temporary Resident under Canadian Immigration Law and Paralegal Specialist Course: Refugee Protection under Canadian Immigration Law.
CELPIP Preparation
If you’re looking to apply for permanent residency in Canada, you’ll need to provide language test results and the CELPIP is one option. Ashton College’s CELPIP Preparation Program outlines what test-takers can expect and helps prepare them for their CELPIP exam.
The flexibility of Ashton College’s Live Online platform brings all of this education to you conveniently through your own electronic device. Post-secondary education can be short term, and still exceptionally robust. Find your course through Ashton College’s new Continuing Education options.
