July 4, 2024 – Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) has published new professional development modules for construction trades instructors to help them “effectively integrate climate change awareness, eco-friendly approaches, and Indigenous perspectives into their courses”.

“As Canada faces significant housing shortages, these training modules are a timely resource, equipping educators to teach sustainable construction practices and innovative solutions that can accelerate the development of affordable and net-zero housing,” said CICan president & CEO Pari Johnston.

The online modules are open educational resources covering key homebuilding trades (e.g. carpentry, electrical, landscaping, and HVACR) and, with open access, the content can be freely repurposed and integrated into existing courses.

Derek Kochenash, co-chair of the National Council of Deans of Apprenticeship, Trades and Technology (NCDATT), says these “open resource training modules will ensure that colleges and polytechnics have current and consistent resources to support their faculty”.

Developed over two years, the peer-reviewed training modules were created by trades educators from Selkirk College, Vancouver Island University, Red Deer Polytechnic, Canadore College, Sault College, Conestoga College, Collège Boréal, and La Cité, in consultation with various consultants and subject-matter experts.