Human Resources College Program Teaches Critical Skills

“It’s a wonderful program. It’s all about educating students for success in the field of human resources,” says Linda Trail an instructor in Centennial College’s Human Resource college program (officially known as Business Administration – Human Resources Co-op) of its benefits. “…Human Resources Management is about helping students to learn how to help organizations really compete effectively through their people. … What’s unique about it is that our program really builds on helping our students understand how to recognize the competing priorities that businesses have to address while still balancing the needs of their people — and somehow pulling them together. Not only are you getting the core fundamental skills … but we are preparing you with the basic critical thinking skills, research skills, team work and conflict resolution skills that I believe will take our students to their career goals.”

This overview is a great look into this Human Resources college program, but let’s take a closer look the specifics. First and foremost, applicants are required to have completed at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must possess the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and the Math 11C, M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Once they are accepted, students of this Human Resource college offering cover all major areas of human resource management such as: human planning, recruitment, selection, orientation, employee training and development, occupational health and safety, compensation and benefits, employee relations, labour relations and human resource management systems. This is achieved through a unique teaching approach, which incorporates current trends in the strategic management of human resources, the affirmation of diversity and human rights and the promotion of positive union and management relations. The Human Resources college program also emphasizes the ability to analyze and interpret financial and accounting information for decision-making purposes as well as legal issues, from a proactive perspective. Finally, taught is the use of integrated human resource systems software and computer skills to manage information and support decision-making.

To apply what they have learned, Human Resources college program students attend co-op placements in semesters three, four and five, that provide hands-on experience by seeing them work as paid employees in their field. Prior to beginning co-op, the following is required: completion of employment pre-placement, completion of eight out of 10 courses in semesters one and two, a minimum C grade in COMM-170/171, and minimum GPA of 2.5. Co-op is the standout feature of this Human Resources college program.

Human resources college program graduate requirements include a minimum C grade average (2.0 GPA). Eligible students may continue their education by participating in an articulated program with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. The Human Resources Management college program’s partners include: Athabasca University, Lakehead University, Northwood University U.S.A., Royal Roads University, Ryerson University, and University of Lethbridge.