The BCIS Employment team has been working with the Medicine Hat College – Extended Learning Unit to come up with unique ways to alleviate some of the pressures in our local Labour Market. The obvious skill mismatch has left employers frustrated and job seekers defeated. This cross-sectoral strategic partnership is formed to have a grassroots and relevant approach to relieving pain points employers and job seekers are experiencing.
The BCIS Employment team met with the Extended Learning Unit of the Medicine Hat College in September of 2025 to discuss trends, challenges, opportunities, and updates on new programming since the last meeting in 2023. As a result, it was decided that planning a tour of the Medicine Hat College Brooks Campus for our employment clients who are looking for upskilling would be a fantastic opportunity. With that, we knew that majority of our clients do not drive and most have language barriers. We discussed a possibility of having transportation provided and bringing volunteers with us for the purposes of oral interpretation. The employment team then looped the Volunteer Coordinator into this initiative.
The college’s open house took place on November 5. The BCIS employment team, along with a few dedicated volunteers, and excited clients got on a school bus to attend the event. The school bus was fully paid for by the team from the Medicine Hat College.
The tour consisted of labs for Practical Nursing, Healthcare Aide, and Computers. There were various departments with information about the college’s offerings. Between the staff and volunteers there were 5 languages for the purpose of oral interpretation. Staff and volunteers went with clients to the labs and the respective departmental tables.
Though having a school bus to take clients to the college was one small, perhaps, a tiny piece of the puzzle, we view it as a crack in a door that barriers had sealed shut. The bus symbolized a world of opportunities that typically felt out of reach for majority of our clients. We recognize that not all clients are ready to join a college level education. However, many of them now have direction as to how to reach their goal.
The BCIS Employment team will continue to partner with the Medicine Hat College – Extended Learning Unit as well as other departments and organizations for the purposes of creating unique and lasting solutions to local hiring challenges.
