The application period for the next cohort (Cohort 16) will open in June 2025.
For over 60 years, the Labour College of Canada (LCC) has been and continues to be a catalyst for leadership in the labour and social justice movements in Canada.
The Labour College Certificate Program offers a unique learning opportunity for union leaders and active members from across unions and regions to learn and grow together.
The Labour College of Canada delivers in-depth, university level courses on issues related to work and the rights of workers in Canada. Graduates are equipped with new skills and knowledge to take on the challenges of today as well as new leadership roles in their union, their labour council, and the wider labour movement for the benefit of all workers.
The LCC Certificate Program is a labour studies and leadership program for labour leaders and active union members. It supports critical thinking and collaborative learning in a flexible format that combines online and in-person learning over three sessions to accommodate busy and changing schedules.
Participants come from a diversity of unions and regions in the country. Students learn together in large or small groups (or cohorts) throughout the program as they discuss, debate and strategize on key issues facing workers inside and outside of unions.
Built on the success of the previous Labour College programs, today’s LCC Certificate Program is designed creating collaborative learning moments and supporting student cohorts from start to finish. Three intensive course sessions are offered over 14 months (or longer if required). Each session includes online and in-person learning in addition to independent study. In-person classes are offered each year in Western Canada (winter) and Eastern Canada (summer).
The schedule for Cohort 16 is as follows:
SESSION 1: Unions in the Political Economy
January/February 2026 – Online
February 2026 – In person (Western Canada)*
SESSION 2: Labour Leadership and Organizing Change
June/July 2026 – Online
July 2026 – In person (Eastern Canada)*
SESSION 3: Growing the Movement – Inside and Out
January/February 2027 – Online
February 2027 – In person (Western Canada)*
INDEPENDENT LEARNING PROJECT
A self-directed research project, facilitated online, that takes place between Sessions.
(*) Dates and location may be subject to change.
The LCC Certificate program requires regular commitment to participating in collaborative work and meeting deadlines. The LCC Certificate Program is made up of three sessions (or semesters) plus an Independent Learning Project (ILP). Sessions occur online and in-person approximately every 6 months.
Workload and time commitment is greatest during the course sessions, while some independent work between sessions is required as part of an Independent Learning Project (ILP).
Union members from CLC-affiliated unions who:
Members of equity-seeking groups: Women workers, workers of colour, workers with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit, intersex and Indigenous workers are encouraged to apply.
Applications are currently closed and will re-open in June 2025.
All applicants are encouraged to speak with their union education representative to see if this program is right for them and to confirm that financial support is available before submitting their application form.
—–> Le programme de certificat du CSC est offert uniquement en anglais.
If you are ready to apply for the next LCC Certificate Program, you can start your application here (this link is only active during the application intake period). Only completed applications (including demonstrated support from your union) will be considered for acceptance into the program.
If you have questions about the LCC Certificate Program or if you wish to be notified the next time applications are being accepted, please send an email to labourcollege@clcctc.ca.