Labour College of Canada
2014 Intensive Program Dates
To be announced.
For more information:
Telephone: 613-521-3400 Extension 555
E-mail: labourcollege@clc-ctc.ca
A College for Workers
The Labour College opened its doors to workers in 1963. Today, it offers a four-week Intensive Program of post-secondary learning for union activists who want to enhance their leadership capacities.
The Labour College Intensive Program begins with a two-week session in-residence at the CAW Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario. During the following three months the students conduct a research project in conjunction with their union. The project should take approximately 24 hours of their time. Having completed their project, students will reconvene at Port Elgin for a final two week in-residence session.
Attending the College provides a unique opportunity to learn and work with union activists from across Canada. Valuable networks are formed on which students will draw from in their union work at home.
Education builds leaders and leaders build the union. Activists who attend the College leave empowered and better equipped as leaders to continue the struggle for social and economic justice in the years ahead.
The College learning experience offers a variety of readings, assignments, lectures, discussions, plenary sessions, research, and examination of the role of activists in the union. The combination of practical experience and new learning results in a valuable learning experience for everyone and benefits the labour movement.
Who Should Apply?
The Labour College of Canada is for you if:
- You are committed to building a strengthened labour and broader social justice movement.
- You want to be part of an activist network, and develop research and strategic planning skills.
- You are an activist with demonstrated commitment to playing a leadership role in your union.
- You think you need a better understanding of the forces that shape our lives
- You want to expand your leadership and strategic planning skills and you just love learning.
Student Evaluation
A student’s attendance, participation and effort, readings and written assignments are part of the evaluation criteria used to determine successful completion of the program. Students are required to complete all assignments in a timely manner and demonstrated effort is required and expected in every subject.
The Application Process
Prospective participants apply directly to the Labour College of Canada where their applications will be assessed against defined criteria. The College will send the assessment to each candidate’s union. In turn, each union will advise the College of those candidates that they will sponsor for the 2014 session of the College. Unions may have different internal approaches for selecting participants but all are committed to equity and regional representation.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Labour College is based on the premise that practical experience in the labour movement combined with high motivation will enable workers to meet the challenge of the Labour College Intensive Program.
Your application gives the College insight into your strengths. Each application will be assessed by the College according to the following criteria:
- A commitment to using your experience at the College within your union.
- The ability to think and write in a logical and coherent manner as evidenced by the two short essay questions in the application.
- Engagement and leadership in the union, the labour movement and social and political movements.
- Experience in union education.
- Basic computer skills.
Individual Learning Outcomes
The goal of the Labour College Intensive Program is to ensure that students obtain the following learning outcomes:
- Improved analytical skills through social, economic, historical and political research and analysis
- Increased capacity and confidence to be active and engaged in the movement
- Increased awareness of and commitment to diversity and equality
- Strengthened leadership and communications (oral, written, interpersonal) skills
- Enhanced ability to set goals, reflect and assess progress
The Learning Environment
The Labour College provides a healthy learning and living environment for students, faculty and administrative staff. Given the labour movement’s commitment to equality, the cornerstones of this positive environment are respect, equality, dignity and the full enjoyment of human rights. At the beginning of College all students participate in a workshop exploring these issues and on developing the foundations for a healthy and respectful learning environment.
Board of Governors
The Labour College of Canada is governed by a Board of Governors comprised of the Executive Committee of the Canadian Labour Congress and the Registrar of the Labour College of Canada.
Registrar
On a day-to-day basis the College is under the direction of the Registrar. The program of the College reflects the commitment of the labour movement to providing advanced level education and leadership opportunities to union members.