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Suggest an Excel Topic for a One-Hour Micro-Course...and possibly win a free class!

Western Training Solutions - Micro-Course Suggestion Post

FREE!! Yes, we said FREE!

Western Training Solutions (WesternTS, WTS) is introducing Micro-Courses on our public calendar as of November 4th, 2024. What does this mean for you, you ask? It means that you will have the opportunity to take subject-based classes that last 60 minutes and you'll learn that skill in 60 minutes! How cool is that?


Where to Start with Micro-Courses?

Western Training Solutions (WesternTS, WTS) thought long and hard on this one. There are sooo many topics we could have started with...but in the interest of serving our clients; we decided to take Excel Level 1 and break it out into 6 separate lessons. Take all 6 and you meet the criteria for Excel Level 1.* We even have a self-assessment tool, so we can find our what you already know! We will credit you, if applicable, with the sessions the assessment identifies that you already know! We're not going to charge you money or cost you time learning what you already know!


We understand that there are thousands of topics we can turn into Micro-Courses. That's where you come in!!

Make a suggestion! Seriously! Email sales@westernts.ca with your idea's. Here's the kicker! Nothing is off limits. The only criteria we have at this time, is that the course be related to Excel. Western Training Solutions (WesternTS, WTS) will be opening these sessions to Word, Outlook, PowerPoint in the future. However, in the interest in "starting somewhere" we've chosen Excel as our jumping off place.

The Rules (Because there always has to be rules) 

Deadline: December 31, 2024

Topic Suggestions: Anything related to Excel

Follow-Up: You will receive an acknowledgement email when you email sales@westernts.ca to say we've received your suggestion

Winners: Winners will be notified in January 2025 if we have used their suggestion and if they won a seat in an upcoming Micro-Session* *


**Clarification: The free session you will win, will NOT be the course you suggested as that course will need to be developed to determine it suits the 1-hour format. You will potentially win a seat in a pre-existing Excel Micro-Course. You will be notified of date, time, and subject. It's the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill and test the proof of concept for yourself or your organization.

Save your time! Learn One Skill in One-Hour! Reach out to sales@westernts.ca to suggest your topic and be entered in the contest to win a seat in our New Micro-Courses!!

If emailing isn’t your thing – give sales a call at 204-837-4776 to reserve your seat!! 

Why Employers Invest in Technical Training

By Christina Bower-Arsenault • September 9, 2025
Employee Training Ready to turn your team into productivity superheroes? Employee training is your secret cape. From onboarding (Think: rocket launcher for rookies) to mastering tech tricks, honing those people skills, wrangling compliance rules, and becoming product wizards—training isn’t just a checkbox. It’s how organizations shape legends, not just employees. Technical Training: In 2025, employees require technical training to keep pace with rapid technological changes, close skills gaps, and increase productivity and innovation. Such training also improves job satisfaction, confidence, retention, and helps organisations attract top talent in a competitive market. According to a Talent Canada May 2025 survey, Canadians are more likely to stay with an organization that invests in their training / upgrading / upskilling / reskilling. Keeping your talent skilled in today's ever-changing tech world is a challenge. Yearly training will ensure that existing employees are educated in new tech and are on-par with new hires, fresh from school. Call 204-837-4776 or email sales@westernts.ca to discuss your training needs. We look forward to seeing you in class!

Live Interactive Instruction

By Christina Bower-Arsenault • September 2, 2025
Webinars Failing You? Need a Live Person to Answer Questions? We've Got YOU! According to Co-Pilot, Microsoft's version of AI (Artificial Intelligence): Adults in 2025 learn best through experiential learning and by connecting new information to their existing experiences and goals. They benefit from self-directed, flexible, and relevant learning opportunities that involve active participation , problem-solving , and collaboration , often using digital platforms and microlearning for accessibility and skill-building. Has your work tried to send you to e-learning platforms with endless video's demonstrating what you can do with new skills but there is no interaction? You're left with more questions than solutions and feel that you've wasted your time? We understand. We, at Western Training Solutions have been training people in the skills they need in the workplace for a very long time. Our " About Us " page tells how Western Training Solutions started during the pandemic. However, the owners, have been working in the "adult learning" world for more than 40 years combined. WTS understands that adults, for the most part, learn by doing. NOT WATCHING. If watching were the solution then YouTube and Google would be the de-facto go-to for all things learning. The fact that it isn't, demonstrates that it's lacking where the majority of adults are concerned. All this to say...We've got you! Call Sales 1-204-837-4776 or email sales@westernts.ca for course information, to ask questions about skills you are missing and want, or to just find out more. No question is too small. Thank you for your interest in training with Western Training Solutions. We look forward to seeing you in class!
Western Training Solutions - Generational Emoji Interpretation in the Workplace

Using Emoji in the Workplace

June 7, 2025
Using Emoji in the Workplace - Helpful or Risky? In today’s diverse workplace, communication styles are as varied as the generations sharing the office. One of the most debated tools in digital conversations? Emojis. While 88% of Canadian Gen Z employees say emojis help them connect with coworkers, older generations often approach them with caution. For Gen Z, a thumbs up might be ironic, while Boomers may interpret it literally—and that’s where things can get messy. In fact, 46% of Canadian workers across all age groups cite “misinterpreting tone or phrasing” as their biggest communication challenge. Emojis, meant to clarify tone, can sometimes do the opposite—especially when used sarcastically or out of context. Still, with Millennials now making up 35% of the workforce and Gen Z close behind, emojis are here to stay. When used thoughtfully, they can bridge generational gaps and add clarity to quick messages.  So, should you use emojis at work? Yes—but use them wisely. Know your audience, keep context in mind, and remember: sometimes a word is worth a thousand emojis. Thank you for your interest in training with Western Training Solutions. We look forward to seeing you in class!
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