CCUA is always proud to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of our learners who go above and beyond to earn multiple Credit Union Institute of Canada (CUIC) accreditations. Brad Fowler of Sunrise Credit Union is a three time CUIC graduate with accreditations in business lending, consumer and residential mortgage lending, and is a fellow of CUIC. Wow!

We asked Brad a few questions about his journey with CUIC, and here's what he had to say:

What did you enjoy most about your CUIC accreditation journey?

The accreditation program provides a roadmap for expanding your knowledge across numerous specializations within the credit union system. Whether you are just starting your career, advancing into a new role, or looking to deepen your knowledge in your current position, the program offers valuable opportunities for professional growth.

The program is delivered by current and former staff who have a passion for teaching and a genuine desire to share their knowledge and experience with others across the system.

Were there any courses, facilitators, or connections that helped shape your experience or career growth?

There wasn’t a single course in particular, but my favorite was the Ag Lending CUIC 346 cohort. It wasn’t necessarily because I learned the most, but because I felt the course was well laid out and provided a great foundation for anyone pursuing a role in agricultural lending, which is something I have spent many years in and around. The instructors who lead this course are friendly, knowledgeable, and excellent individuals at guiding the cohort. I would highly recommend this course to anyone considering a career on the agricultural side of the credit union system.

What impact have these accreditations or credentials had on your career so far?

I believe the accreditations demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. When working with your members, this commitment shows that you are dedicated to growing in your role while providing valuable and informed advice. It also complements the years of experience you have gained throughout your career.

Have there been any specific instances in which something you learned through CUIC training aided you with a member or colleague?

What I have gained from my experience through my multiple accreditations is the ability to identify which courses may be valuable to my colleagues across the organization. Beyond recognizing when a course might be valuable, you can assist them in discussing courses they may currently be enrolled in, or provide coaching after the fact to help them continue to apply what they have learned.

Has CUIC training strengthened your relationship to your community? If so, how?

I believe the CUIC training has strengthened my foundation of knowledge and expertise, allowing me to provide broader guidance to my membership/community. The more knowledgeable and informed we are in our communities, the more we can positively impact our members and show why credit unions are different from other financial institutions.

What advice would you give to any future or current CUIC learners?

I believe cohorts, while a bigger time commitment, really allow individuals to learn in a group and have a knowledgeable instructor to guide them through their courses. Set your goals for where you want your learning journey to take you, whether that is working towards an accreditation or towards a new position of interest down the road. Most importantly, whether you have taken a CUIC cohort, eClass, or eLearning course, make sure to utilize and incorporate them into your position - it's easy to lose that foundation.

In what ways are you planning to continue to champion continuous learning in the sector?

By supporting others throughout their learning journey and helping staff recognize the many benefits that furthering their education can provide. One of my favorite ways to do this is to make a positive impact on younger credit union staff who are looking to follow in the footsteps of those who came before them. Whether this is in formal learning, answering questions, or sharing personal experiences that I have been through, I want to be someone they can turn to for support.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Learning takes time, and becoming an expert in any field requires years of experience, education, and a willingness to grow. Be open to making mistakes and, more importantly, learning from them. The dedication you demonstrate in your role will translate into strong, valuable relationships with your members and community. Over time, that commitment will be recognized and can lead to a rewarding and successful career.

Congratulations to Brad on such an incredible career and professional development journey! We are so excited to see what you do next.

Interested in learning about accreditations? Check our certification training page or reach out to clientsolutions@ccua.com for next steps.