President’s Message

Hello IHM Members

As we all know, IHM is the Organization for Education and we have advised members over the past years of the leaps and bounds we have taken with offering our courses through a wide range of avenues to make them available to students.

In this regard, it’s important to share this message with all the members about our program at Humber College. Our program has been approved as a Micro Credential program at the college. It is another huge step forward. The following article was authored by Deborah Filice, our Education Director. Our special thanks to Deborah for the hard work in accomplishing this – we are pleased to share this information with our members.

Jimmy Mellor, FIHM IHM President

Micro Credential Program

How was IHM created?

In the 1940s, large-scale public housing development necessitated the need for an accepted accrediting body for professional housing management in the Province of Ontario. Working with housing representatives from the Provincial Government and the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the IHM steering committee's efforts led to the creation of the Institute of Housing Management – Canada (IHM).

As a member organization, IHM introduced an accreditation program for property management professionals working in the private and public housing sector. One of the organization's first goals was to develop a comprehensive learning program to enhance student knowledge and skills acquisition while building on the competencies and characteristics employers were seeking at that time and today.

The partnership between Humber College and the IHM provided the exposure needed to reach a broader student body while encouraging program graduates to seek accreditation upon completion of their education component. In addition, the rental sector continues to be a growth industry, and the continuing investment in the IHM minicredential education program represents an investment in human capital and human resource development while providing well-trained and industry-ready property management professionals.

IHM Program graduates have commented -

•“The provision of safe and healthy communities, the building of relationships, and the development of knowledge have been a driving force in pursuing additional knowledge and skills through the IHM Property Management program.” •“I am looking forward to using my acquired skills to advance my career in Property Management.”

A focus on learning

IHM recognizes that financial hardship may present a direct barrier to accessing formal education for some students wanting to achieve their career goals, and we are pleased that students can now apply for financial assistance through the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP). This financial aid can assist with the cost of tuition, a laptop, living expenses, and childcare so that students can focus on their learning.

The benefits of the IHM micro-credential program

In the competitive domain of property management, we believe that employers are seeking staff committed to continuous learning and implementing current best practices. Therefore, each of the IHM 5 core courses is taught by instructors who have worked and volunteered in the housing sector for many years, and these instructors bring this first-hand knowledge to the classroom. In addition, many participate in network groups where current sector challenges and opportunities are discussed and shared with students to complement the learning experience.

The IHM wants to support all students seeking a career in property management and is pleased that its education program is now eligible as a micro-credential opportunity, where students are now eligible for financial assistance. The courses have been shortened to ten weeks, available each semester, and provided in a blend of synchronous and asynchronous online learning platforms.

Deborah Filice, MEd, FIHM, CIHCM, CMMIII, RSSW IHM Education Director and Board Member

UPCOMING IHM EVENT

Creating a Safe, Inviting and Economical Laundry Facility

August 17, 2022 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM (EST)

via Zoom

Moderator: Jim Mellor, FIM Presenter: Jeff Gilpin, President of River Rock Laundry Inc.

REGISTER HERE

Thank you to our Event Sponsor

All Chat Room and Webinar recordings are available in the Members’ Only section of the IHM website - ihmcanada.net Visit our website’s Events Page for information and updates on all IHM Events