Through a new college partnership, Brock University is building on the success of its online programming and reaching out across the country to existing and aspiring adult educators in the trades and technology fields.

The University will enhance its online offerings and increase access to Adult Education as part of Okanagan College’s new Trades and Technology Teacher Education (TTTE) program launching in September.

Tradespeople with Red Seal Interprovincial Standards Program qualifications and industry experience entering the TTTE program at the British Columbia school will have the opportunity to complete a diploma and apply to instruct trades programs for adults in their industries.

TTTE diploma students will register with both Okanagan College and Brock University and take Adult Education courses through Brock. Those who complete the diploma may then apply the credits toward a three-year online Brock University Bachelor of Education in Adult Education.

“The beauty of the TTTE program is that it opens up convenient pathways to teaching trades and technology for people from many different backgrounds,” says Steve Moores, Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at Okanagan College.

The TTTE program also offers a certificate pathway for existing high school teachers seeking qualification to teach carpentry, electrical, metalwork, heavy mechanics, power mechanics, auto mechanics, robotics, electronics and drafting and design. These students will enrol only with the College.

“We’re excited to work with Okanagan College,” says Robert McGray, Associate Professor and Program Director of the Adult Education programs in Brock University’s Faculty of Education.

“We share OC’s commitment to equipping educators with the skills and knowledge they need, whether they’re new educators of adults or experienced teachers in high schools.”

The TTTE program includes online courses in communications, digital media, educational pedagogies, curriculum design and evaluation, conflict management, math for trades and technology, electronics, robotics and drafting and design. Students will also complete summer sessions on campus in Kelowna, B.C., to gain practical shop experience, safety training and knowledge of applied pedagogies.

Collaboration was critical when it came to designing a program that blends instructional and hands-on training for students from a wide range of fields and backgrounds.

“We wanted to ensure students could access training that is convenient for their lives and busy schedules – hence the online component – while also making sure those students get the hands-on skills they’ll need to be successful teaching a wide array of tools, techniques and technologies,” says Moores.

“Tapping into Brock University’s Adult Education teacher training curriculum provided the perfect means to augment the trades and technology training students will receive in person at OC.”

Brock University offers more than 100 online courses through dozens of departments within its seven Faculties.