Lethbridge College has received International Coaching Federation (ICF) accreditation to become the only post-secondary institution in Alberta to offer this highly sought training.
LC Extension, the college’s learning solution and continuing education provider, will be offering the Leader as Coach program in September and again in January. Those who successfully complete the program will have a clear pathway to pursuing their Associate Certified Coach credential from ICF.
“Coaching can be transformational to an individual, a team or an organization,” says LC Extension Director Jason Donkersgoed, who has ACC designation. “Our accreditation through ICF brings this important training to southern Alberta and beyond, and we’re thrilled to be part of unlocking the power of coaching for others.”
Leader as Coach will be delivered in a virtual format to make the training accessible to people wherever they live, and is offered at set times so students can grow their skills and build connections. This synchronous online learning requires the commitment of one morning a week over three months. Additional time is required for small group work and coaching sessions.
“You’ll have the chance to build your confidence all while building a network with other like-minded leaders,” Donkersgoed says.
While some coaching programs only provide theoretical content, Leader as Coach includes mentor coaching hours — opportunities for students to coach someone under the watchful eye and with feedback from an experienced, ICF-certified coach — and a performance evaluation needed to achieve ACC designation. Upon completion of Leader as Coach, students will receive recognition of completion for sharing on their social media profiles.
“Our course provides both the theory a coach needs – on coaching competencies, ethics and techniques – and opportunities to practise and apply the theory to real-world situations,” Donkersgoed says. “Students will enjoy mentor coaching with faculty who are all ICF-certified.”
Leader as Coach covers three of five eligibility requirements for achieving an ACC credential. The remaining steps involve gaining at least 100 hours of coaching experience and passing the ICF Credentialing Exam. However, not everyone will need ACC designation to reap benefits from the course.
“Leader as Coach will give managers knowledge and skills to return to their workplaces and begin leading with a coach-like approach,” Donkersgoed says. “In southern Alberta, where the unemployment rate is less than five per cent, it’s incredibly challenging to find and keep employees. Providing coaching and engaging your employees in great conversations can help good employees become great employees who want to stay with you.”
The course will be led by an ICF Master Certified Coach who has more than 2,500 hours of coaching experience.
ICF says 70 per cent of people who received coaching reported improved work performance, relationships and communication skills. Coaching empowers individuals, increases employee engagement and demonstrates an organizational commitment to people development, all important factors in finding and retaining top talent, Donkersgoed says.
Organizations that qualify for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant could have two-thirds of the cost of Leader as Coach covered for their employees. For members of Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) of Aberta, completing Leader as Coach counts as 60 continuing professional development (CPD) hours.
Visit the Leader as Coach page to learn more or enrol.
Lethbridge College’s LC Extension develops and provides learning and development solutions for businesses and organizations and offers professional and personal interest courses to individuals.
UPDATE: The Canada-Alberta Job Grant closed to applications Aug. 8, 2024 to March 31, 2025. Please visit Canada-Alberta Job Grant for more information.