Sept. 13, 2021

Wilfrid Laurier University’s Office of Continuing Education is now opening registration for a suite of four Microsoft courses. The online programming is offered in partnership with Microsoft and includes specialist courses in business analytics, Excel, PowerPoint and Word taught by industry professionals.

“Participating in Microsoft’s Canada Skills Program is exciting as Laurier continues to provide relevant, in-demand training that helps learners to advance in their personal and professional goals,” says the acting Director of the Office of Continuing Education Lindsay Tayler. “The skills and knowledge provided through Microsoft partner programming will ensure Laurier Continuing Education participants are able to thrive in their workplace today and in the future.”

The three Microsoft Office specialist courses include:

• Excel Associate: Gain competency in managing worksheets and workbooks, applying formulas and functions, and creating charts and objects.
• Word Associate: Get the most out of the principle features of Word, including creating, editing and managing documents for individual and collaborative work environments.
• PowerPoint Associate: Develop your capacity in creating, editing and enhancing professional presentations and slideshows.

In addition to the Office-related offerings, Laurier Continuing Education is introducing a Data Analyst Associate course focusing on Microsoft Power BI. Power BI is a business analytics service used by data professionals to visualize, analyze, and share organizational data.

Laurier’s Information Technology Service experts are teaching the courses in the fall term. Courses range from 15 to 30 hours of instruction and self-study activities.

Launched in fall 2020, Microsoft’s Canada Skills Program aims to bring in-demand cloud, data and Microsoft Office skills to students to enhance their employability. Information technology companies across Canada report being understaffed and programming like this serves to address this challenge.

“This collaboration with Microsoft enhances our ability to connect lifelong professional learners with quality training opportunities that meet their needs,” says Laurier’s Vice-Provost: Teaching and Learning Mary Wilson. “This is also a recognition of the vital role that Laurier plays in cultivating the next generation of tech talent in and around our campus communities.”

The first course begins on Thursday, October 14. Complete registration details and course schedules are available on the Continuing Education portal.