Career Development Practice Certificate Programs

How to apply to a Career Development Practice Program

Career Development Practice Programs

"Douglas College certainly stands out because you make it about what's right for the student,"
-Career Development Practice Student

The Career Development Practice Certificate Programs (Part-time and Advanced) provide training for new practitioners and people currently working in the career, employment, and rehabilitation fields. These programs are offered on the New Westminster (700 Royal Avenue) Campus and are a combination of face to face (on campus) and online. 

Student Success Stories

"I was offered a more senior position than I had applied for after I presented my portfolio to the interview panel.  They were very impressed! I thank Douglas College for offering the CDP Program."  RM, CDP Student

Matthew and Jennifer, CDP Intensive Certificate Graduates 2010

Lilia R. CDP Graduate 2008

What You'll Learn

You will develop career practitioner competencies, knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary to work effectively with a diverse client population. Students will learn techniques to work with both individuals and groups and how to use assessment tools. Labour market trends, career transitions, resource materials, the Canadian Standards and Guidelines and the Blueprint for Life Design are part of the program content.

CDP Part Time Program Outline

The CDP part time program consists of eight courses plus one elective. You must successfully complete all the requirements to receive a certificate.  All courses are aligned with the Canadian Standards and Guidelines. 

• Ethics for Career Development Practices
• Resumes & Cover Letters 
• Introduction to Career and Employment Counselling
• Theories, Models and Strategies
• Career Decision Making
• Career Transition Management
• Group Employment Counselling
• Introduction to Vocational Rehabilitation 
• One of two elective courses: Instructional Skills  or Labour Market Information
• Practicum (Optional)  

Tuition Fees  CDP Part time Program (2011-2012)

$3375 Total Tuition: Pay per course
Text Books and Course Materials approx $500

Textbooks and Course Materials

Please note that tuition fees do not include the costs of textbooks and course packages (unless otherwise noted). Purchase textbooks/materials from the Douglas College Bookstore, New Westminster Campus.  The Bookstore has extended hours beginning each term - check the website for hours douglascollege.ca/bookstore

Bookstore Tel: 604 527 5015.  Email: bookstore@douglascollege.ca

Entrance Requirements

   Currently working in the field of career, employment or rehabilitation for a minimum of one year

OR

   A college or university diploma or degree in a related field

         OR

   One year of paid or voluntary work in a human service field related to working directly with clients

         PLUS

   Demonstrated interest and experience in human services and/or customer service (transferable skills)

   Suitability for working in an employment services environment

   Good oral and written knowledge of English.

How to Apply to a Career Development Practice Program

1. Attend a program information session. 
2. Submit a completed Program Admissions Application including:
   
   
   1. A resume, including relevant work history (paid and/or volunteer) and copies of professional or para-professional credentials (relevant experience for this program means direct experience in providing services to others in a help/counselling role).
   2. One letter of reference from an employer or someone working in the field attesting to your suitability for working in the career practitioner field. Guidelines for the letter of reference: from a current or previous supervisor or employer (paid or volunteer work), or a case manager.  It is helpful to provide your referee with some information about the CDP programs (full-time or part-time) and your letter of intent.
   3. A letter of intent, why you want to the part-time or full-time program, how you will use the program in the future and your personal goals and your vision.  Guidelines for the letter of intent:  1 page

Submit an application package to:

Dr Cheryl Jeffs
Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies
Continuing Education, Douglas College
PO Box 2503
New Westminster, BC, V3L 5B2
phone 604-527 5479 

Course Exemptions

If you have taken equivalent courses (same content, number of hours and documented with a transcript) you may apply for exemption for a maximum of two courses in the program. Call 604-527-5479 for Exemption Request forms and fees.

CDP Part-time Program Transferability

1. University of the Fraser Valley offers 12 credits for completion of the CDP Program towards a degree in Adult Education.
2. Credits towards courses in the Community Social Service Work Diploma program at Douglas College.
3. Vocational Rehabilitation Association of Canada (VRA) has approved all courses for continuing education towards the RRP Designation.

BCCDA Certificaton (CCDP) Pre Approved Courses

Ethics and Theories courses in the CDP program meet the minimum education requirements for CDP certification (CCDP) and are pre-approved by BCCDA. See www.bccda.org for CCDP details.

Textbooks and Course Materials

Please note that tuition fees do not include the costs of textbooks and course packages (unless otherwise noted). Textbooks/materials approximately $95 per course.

Instructors

All instructors in the Career Development Practice Program have master's degrees, extensive teaching experience and are active in career development.

Partnerships

Douglas College in partnership with BC Career Development Association (formerly ENET) developed the Career Development Practice (CDP) Certifcate Program. An active advisory committee provides guidance to ensure quality and current course material.  All of the Certificate Programs (Part-time & Advanced) are reviewed and approved by the Douglas College Education Council and Board (in accordance with the standards and criteria required by the Ministry of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development).

Attendance Policy

Career Development Practice students are expected to attend all classes.

Information Sessions

Free information sessions are offered.

Course Cancellations

Early registration is recommended for all courses as class sizes are limited. Some classes may be cancelled up to 48 hours prior if there is insufficient enrolment.

Refund Policy (please refer to www.douglascollege.ca/programs/continuing-education for complete details)

Full refunds will be issued if the College cancels a course. Refunds are available to persons who withdraw from a course and request a refund from Continuing Education three (3) working days prior to the start of any course.  Some exceptions apply (eg. JCLT) check individual program information.

Note: A $15 processing fee will be charged. No refund will be issued if course fees or the refund amount is less than $15. Fees for materials, supplies, books, etc. are not eligible for refunds.

Douglas College Bookstore

Students can purchase textbooks and course materials from the Douglas College Bookstore (New Westminster Campus). Bookstore hours are posted at www.douglas.bc.ca/services/bookstore/ or you can phone 604-527-5015.

Customized Training and Professional Development Services

Douglas College and the Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies will work with you to design a course, workshop or program that addresses the specific learning needs of your agency or organization. You can select from some of our current offerings or we can customize a professional development course or program. Courses can be held at any Douglas College campus, your workplace or a location of your choice. Official transcripts are available. For further information or to discuss a training event please contact:

Cheryl Jeffs, EdD
Continuing Professional Education
Faculty of Child, Family and Community Studies
Tel: 604-527-5479
Email: jeffsc@douglas.bc.ca

"I loved this course - it brought me into my spirit of learning"  -Career Development Practice Student

Jen Tassé, Program Assistant
Douglas College New Westminster Campus
700 Royal Avenue
Tel: 604-527-5479
Fax: 604-527-5426
Email: CFCSCE@douglas.bc.ca

Driving and Campus Directions http://www.douglascollege.ca/about/campuses/index.html