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LONDON, Ontario — March 31, 2026 — Western University’s Continuing Studies is partnering with Ziplines Education, a career accelerator focused on upskilling professionals at all career levels. This partnership introduces a new suite of high-impact certificate courses designed to equip Ontario’s workforce with the practical skills Canadian employers are actively seeking.
Building on Western’s legacy of academic excellence and commitment to lifelong learning, the new programs offer practical, career-focused training in Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, Project Management, AI Automation, AI for HR Professionals, and AI Prompting. Each program is delivered in a flexible, cohort-based format with live instruction, hands-on assignments, and recognized industry credentials—built for working professionals who need skills they can apply immediately.
“Canadian employers are telling us loud and clear that the skills they need are evolving faster than ever,” said Chris Smith, Program Manager, Professional Development and Corporate Learning at Western Continuing Studies. “This partnership with Ziplines Education allows us to meet that demand head-on—delivering programs that are practical, industry-aligned, and designed to help professionals in our region stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy.”
Recent labor market data underscores the urgency of this initiative. According to Lightcast Q3 2025 data, national job postings tied to automation skills rose 80% in the last year, while demand for data analysis increased 31% and project management grew 11% across Canada. Digital marketing occupations are projected to expand by 10.4% nationally by 2033. In Ontario specifically, demand for AI skills surged 773%—highlighting how quickly AI capabilities are reshaping what employers expect from their teams. Western Continuing Studies and Ziplines are directly addressing these needs with programs built to help professionals stay ahead of the curve.
Together, Ziplines and Western Continuing Studies are reimagining what professional development can look like: flexible, career-relevant, and deeply aligned with industry needs. Learners will benefit from monthly cohort launches, hands-on assignments, expert-led instruction, and personalized support designed to turn ambition into real career momentum.
“Too many professionals feel like the world is moving faster than they can keep up,” said Sara Leoni, CEO of Ziplines Education. “This partnership is about changing that. It’s about meeting people where they are—with programs that are practical, structured, and built for real momentum. Western has a long history of academic leadership, and together we’re building pathways that don’t just check a box—they build confidence and drive real career growth.”
Ziplines Education partners with leading universities to develop flexible, cohort-based online non-credit certificate courses that blend live instruction, interactive learning, and real-world application. Course participants gain hands-on experience and have access to career support resources designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Western Continuing Studies course offerings include:
Digital Marketing: Industry certifications in HubSpot, Google Ads, and Google Analytics.
Business Analytics: Industry-recognized training in data analysis and visualization to enhance strategic decision-making and drive business impact.
Project Management: Practical project leadership skills with industry-standard tools and methodologies.
AI Essentials: Practical AI skills using ChatGPT for business applications, including content creation, data analysis, and workflow automation.
AI for HR Professionals: Hands-on practice with AI strategies for employee recruiting, onboarding, and engagement.
AI Automation: AI-powered automations using no-code tools like Make.com and n8n—perfect for professionals looking to streamline operations and lead AI adoption.
Enrollment is now open, with cohorts beginning now. To learn more and sign up, visit wcs.uwo.ca.
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About Western University
Western University is one of Canada’s top research-intensive universities, delivering an academic experience unmatched in Canada. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined rigorous academics with a full-range campus experience. Its 1,400 faculty members provide instruction in 400+ specializations to more than 46,000 students. Western also provides professional development and continuing education programs through Western Continuing Studies, supporting lifelong learners and working professionals across Ontario and beyond. Learn more at uwo.ca.
About Ziplines Education
Ziplines Education is a career accelerator that partners with over 30 leading colleges and universities to bridge the gap between higher education and industry. Our mission is to equip professionals with the in-demand skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven workplace. Through flexible, cohort-based online certificate courses, Ziplines delivers knowledge, skills, and industry-recognized technology certifications that align with employers’ needs. Learn more at ziplines.com.
Ziplines Education
Alyssa Miller
alyssa@ammediaworks.com
973-615-1292
Western Continuing Studies
Alison Adair
aadair@uwo.ca
519-661-2111 x85194
Media inquiries
Alyssa Miller
press@ziplines.com
