Selkirk College Community Education Always Available for a Lifelong Learning Spark
By Bob Hall
The bustle in the Selkirk College hallways and classrooms slows during summer, but the excitement of educational opportunities never takes a break thanks to Community Education & Workplace Training (CEWT).
Each year across the West Kootenay-Boundary region, Selkirk College offers hundreds of classes through its CEWT programming. From jewelry basics to accounting and beekeeping to first aid, qualified experts teach courses 12 months of the year at the college’s eight campuses and learning centres.
“Community Education & Workplace Training is a vital link to the people of our region,” says Jennifer Wetmore, CEWT Coordinator at the Grand Forks Learning Centre. “The variety of courses, classes, workshops and citations that we offer is impressive. There is always something new to explore and there is truly something for everybody.”
Many of the CEWT classes have been part of Selkirk College programming for decades, offering important training for residents of the region to expand their knowledge and skills. Others are one-time offerings that respond to current needs or capitalize on opportunities to bring in locally-based instructors who design the courses to fit.
This summer the East Shore of Kootenay Lake will be abuzz with one of the latest CEWT offerings being put together in partnership with community organizations.
“This July and August we are offering three weeks of art, languages, dance and theatre for all ages at the East Shore Summer School at Crawford Bay,” says East Shore CEWT Coordinator Laverne Booth. “This is a great opportunity for people to visit this beautiful part of our region and ensure this is a summer to remember.”
All CEWT classes are developed on a cost recovery model and don’t run if registration falls short. Due to the ebb and flow of interest in courses and different offerings, it is vital that those interested in courses sign up quickly to ensure enrolment is adequate to offer the course.
“Most of our courses run without any issues,” says Susan Chew, CEWT Coordinator at Selkirk College’s Trail Campus. “The odd time there will be disappointment when not enough people register for a class and it’s just as disappointing for us. That’s why ensuring you register for classes early is important so we can make sure everyone gets what they want.”
Selkirk College summer programming is taking place in all communities around our region and Kaslo is one where CEWT has helped put together a wide variety of options.
“We are happy to be working with other community organizations offering a wide range of youth programming throughout the summer break,” says Dawn Lang, CEWT Coordinator at the Kaslo Learning Centre. “Kids can play soccer, join a bike camp, learn about parkour, make a Lego robot, drop in at the Youth Centre or enjoy the efforts of a local youth research residency through the Langham Cultural Centre. For those seeking a longer adventure, there is also a two-week youth day camp being offered in early August.”
Explore a wide variety of options at all campuses and learning centres by heading to Selkirk College’s Community Education & Workplace Training webpage at selkirk.ca/ce. Kids summer programs can be found at selkirk.ca/ce/courses/children-youth
