Partners in the newly launched CIM to BA Degree Program were presented with the Canadian Institute of Management PRAISE (Performance Recognition for Achievement Innovation Service and Excellence) award: (left to right) Darcy Phillips (Manitoba Aerospace Human Resources Coordinating Committee), Annabelle Mays (University of Winnipeg), Harold Falk (MB Hydro), Stan Lazar (Boeing Canada Technology), Bruce Clarke (Standard Aero), and Rick Sproule (CIM).
A unique partnership between the aerospace industry and The University of Winnipeg was announced at a celebration at Boeing Canada September 28. The new innovative and flexible program, “Certificate in Management to BA” (CIM to BA), will provide industry with key succession planning prospects and middle managers with new opportunities for education and advancement.
“This program is cutting edge and a fine example of meeting the needs of non-traditional adult learners,” said Annabelle Mays, University of Winnipeg Dean of Education, Continuous Education & Teaching Innovation. “We are the first in the Province, and possibly the country, to conduct prior learning assessment of the certificate in management (CIM) program and give university credit for completed certificate courses.”
The initiative began when human resource representatives from Boeing Canada Technology, Manitoba Hydro, and Standard Aero Limited approached The University of Winnipeg and its Division of Continuing Education to determine if the University would support a prior learning assessment (PLA) process of the CIM program and apply CIM course credits towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business & Management Studies.
Stan Lazar, Director of Business Management, Boeing Canada Technology, noted that industry recognized that there was an obvious need for mid-level career managers to be able to increase and supplement their formal education and increase their credentials to be able to advance further in their careers.
“Their options were very limited as most degree programs must be completed during workday hours. This collaborative effort between industry and post-secondary education is helping meet the tough demands of industry today,” he said.
After a prior learning assessment evaluation-encompassing the CIM, workplace learning gained over 5 or more years in management positions, and other professional development- The University of Winnipeg agreed to grant 60 credits towards a 120 credit CIM to BA in Business & Management Studies to be completed at UWinnipeg. The Manitoba Aerospace Human Resources Coordinating Committee (MAHRCC) and Manitoba Advanced Education and Training have been instrumental in funding the program.
“Industry cooperation opens up the doors to many learning opportunities at the post-secondary level,” added University of Winnipeg President Lloyd Axworthy. “We are working to broaden the scope of opportunity at The University of Winnipeg. This is not a one-time experiment, but just the beginning. Flexibility is the watchword and through cooperation, we can design and tailor programs to fit students outside of the traditional university structure. It is the responsibility of the University to provide for the new face of education and learning.”
Bruce Clarke, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Standard Aero Ltd., called the new program a typical ‘Made-in-Manitoba’ solution and thanked The University of Winnipeg, CIM, and the Province of Manitoba for the creative initiative.
Jennie Grobb, a member of the first cohort of CIM to BA students who began studies last February, said, “I am honoured and have a sense of pride that my company (Standard Aero) is allowing me to take my education to the next level. It’s an incredible opportunity to work toward a BA degree and I will take my newly learned lessons back to my company,” she said. “It’s nice to have a certificate but it’s a degree that counts.”
The Honourable Diane McGifford, Minister of Advanced Education and Training, said the Province of Manitoba is committed to prior learning assessment and less orthodox routes to traditional patterns of post-secondary education, adding, “This program combines creativity with flexibility and is an important precedent.”
CIM to BA class representative’s speech (PDF 1 Page / 12 KB)
