The Ministry Responsible for the Status of Women, the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) have partnered to support the Management Development Program for Women, a new program designed for first time and middle managers, or women interested in advancing into management roles.
"This program is a first for UPEI and for the province," says the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State, (Veterans) (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). "UPEI is to be commended for taking a leadership role in the area of management development. Education and enhanced training are two of the strongest contributors to economic development through the creation of workforces with a stronger knowledge base."
The certificate program, aimed at women working in the private sector, government, non-profit organizations and the academic sector, provides in-class theory, as well as practical experience through workplace assignments.
"Women are participating in all sectors of the work force, including many areas which are non-traditional," says Pat Mella, Provincial Treasurer and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. "This program provides women with greater opportunities to gain knowledge and skills for management jobs and encourages them to take leadership roles in the workplace."
The course begins later this month with a maximum enrolment of 25 participants. Tuition will be subsidized for the first two years and will cost $1,500. The lower fees can be attributed to the financial support of organizations such as ACOA, the Office of Higher Education, Training and Adult Learning and UPEI.
Dr. Elizabeth Epperly, President of UPEI, says the key to the program's success is cooperation among the parties involved.
"There must be a mutual partnership between employer and employee for this program to be effective. It is designed to ensure women are supported by their employers and are given the opportunities to apply the skills they are learning in the classroom."
Women interested in applying for next year's program can request applications from the University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, C1A 4P3, Department of Extension and Summer Sessions, or telephone 1-800-270-4795. The three-day-a-month sessions run over a ten-month period beginning in January, with the exception of June and July. In-class sessions will be held once a month on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays on the UPEI campus.
The Management Development Program for Women was developed by the University of New Brunswick and is currently available at several universities across Canada.
For more information contact, Isabel Christian, Management Development Program Co-ordinator: telephone(902) 566-0355, fax (902) 566-0416.