In response to employers’ high demand for skilled workers, the York University School of Continuing Studies announced May 28 the creation of what it says is the first and only university-level continuing education programs in Canada focusing on blockchain technology. These are the part-time Certificate in Blockchain Development and the full-time Post-Graduate Certificate in Back-End and Blockchain Development, both beginning September 2020.
“Blockchain has become one of the most revolutionary technologies today, with skilled blockchain developers driving business innovation and improvement. This innovation is vital to solving problems created by the pandemic,” explains Tracey Taylor-O’Reilly, Assistant Vice-President, Continuing Studies. “As Canada’s leader in providing accelerated, online certificate programs in emerging technical fields, the Certificate in Blockchain Development and the Post-Graduate Certificate in Back-End and Blockchain Development will allow graduates to reskill or upskill in this high-demand field and quickly re-enter the workforce.”
York University put the announcement in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic: “Data is arguably the most powerful asset in fighting pandemics. Systems built using data governance technologies like blockchain can create more secure, transparent, and high-performance environments to help mitigate future crises like COVID-19,” says Alisa Acosta, Director of Education, Blockchain Research Institute and Program Advisory Council member for the Certificate in Blockchain Development and Post-Graduate Certificate in Back-End and Blockchain Development. “In a recent report, The Blockchain Research Institute identified five key areas of opportunity for blockchain in pandemics, including identity and data governance, supply chains and manufacturing, money and financial services, healthcare talent management, and incentives for behavioural change.”
Readers of this magazine will also remember that blockchain-enabled trading of locally-generated electrical power has begun to make an appearance in some local pilots. See, for example, “The promise of blockchain in distributed energy,” IPPSO FACTO, June 2017, describing a project in New York City allowing homeowners with spare rooftop solar generation to sell power to their neighbours. The project has now expanded beyond the pilot phase. Bitcoin mining companies have also located in Ontario, Alberta and Quebec to take advantage of low power rates.
The Certificate in Blockchain Development and the Post-Graduate Certificate in Back-End and Blockchain Development were created in consultation with industry leaders and subject matter experts. The programs’ curricula are designed to align with blockchain job skills that hiring managers are looking for in their new employees.
In these programs, students will engage in work-integrated learning opportunities as they create real-world blockchain solutions and collaborate with their peers, building upon their existing knowledge. Each program will conclude with a unique capstone course where they will apply and demonstrate their cumulative skills and knowledge. Upon graduation, students will have developed a portfolio of work and a proficient blockchain skill set, allowing them to secure work in this emerging, in-demand technical field.
The Certificate in Blockchain Development will be delivered fully online. The Post-Graduate Certificate in Back-End and Blockchain Development will begin online for the Fall term and then transition into on-campus delivery as public health guidelines permit.