Not sure what you would like to study? This Holland College program will help you identify your strengths and interests

Holland College’s Pathways to College & Workplace Success program gives individuals an opportunity to explore some courses and get work experience, support and guidance.

Up to five credits earned in the Pathways to College and Workplace Success program may be transferable to other Holland College programs of choice.

“This program will help graduates get a stronger sense of direction and help them gain insight into their strengths and interests, which will help them identify the Holland College program that is the best fit,” says Heidi Morgan, Program Manager, Holland College West Prince Campus.

This full-time Holland College certificate program had its first intake of learners in September 2024. The program has 12 individuals in Charlottetown and 11 in Summerside who are on track to graduate in May 2025. About six have already been accepted into Holland College programs for the fall of 2025.

Heidi says the idea for the program started in 2021 with a conversation about students who need an opportunity to make more informed decisions about their future careers.

Before working at Holland College, Heidi worked for 11 years as a high school teacher and seven years as a principal. “I noticed that some students knew exactly what they wanted to do after graduation, but many struggled to determine their next steps. They were really stressed in their grade 12 year, because they didn’t know what they wanted to do.”

“My class has a huge range of ages, from 18 to 40, with a mix of paths and experiences and personalities,” says Craig St. Jean, Learning Manager for the program in Summerside. “It is a small class, and we have all gotten to know each other.”

Program topics

• Career Exploration focuses on information about careers, the labour market, and professionalism in the workplace.
• Professional writing and communication
• Computer essentials – this is a required course for over 30 programs at Holland College and therefore may count as a credit when students enter Holland College programs in the future.
• Personal and professional development
• Inquiry studies – preparing for the job placement.

“In the second semester, they get ready for their job placement,” says Angela Larter, Learning Manager for the program in Charlottetown.

“They do a three-week job shadowing placement, come back to class to review their experiences, and prepare to go out for a second placement or return to the same one. After the placements, they go back to the classroom to confirm their interests, do a self-assessment, and make a decision on what program to take in the future.”

“They narrow down their focus on where they would like to be and choose Holland College courses that will hopefully translate into an area where they are going or strengthen their application to a competitive program,” says Heidi. “Students can choose courses in communication, trades, technology, human services, and many more.

“As they choose their electives, there is also an opportunity for mentoring, so that students can have an open and honest conversation about where they want to go and what they want to be.”

Goals of the program

• Graduates will be more informed about who they are, what they want, and how to get there.
• Graduates will be in a better position to enter a Holland College program, take Adult Education or upgrading, or enter the workforce.

Who is this program geared for?

• There is no age limit, but it is generally geared for those 18 to 24 with limited work experience.
• Individuals who need some guidance and support to choose a career direction.
• Individuals who are in a position to enter post-secondary education. “They should have a high school diploma or equivalent because the goal of the program is to prepare for further education with Holland College or another educational institution,” says Heidi.
• Individuals who can benefit from the college’s support but can also work independently and have a good work ethic.

The next intake for the Pathways to College & Workforce Success program, which will be offered in Charlottetown and Summerside, will be in September 2025. Applications are open now. For more information, click here.