Monday, February 28, 2011

Explore the Hospitality Field by Attending the School of Hospitality

Did you know that last year 19.6-million people took overnight trips to Canada? Almost four-million of those people visited Toronto. Needless to say, the field of hospitality is a booming business. From accommodation, food and beverage, and transportation to travel services, and recreation and entertainment, professional are needed in all five sectors to ensure that the Canadian tourism industry thrives. You can study any of these areas at Centennial College’s School of Hospitality.

The skills attained at Centennial College, are transferable anywhere in Canada, which means that you may work in Nunavut if you choose or in the downtown Toronto core. No matter which program you choose within the School of Hospitality, courses cover marketing, human resources, finance and industry operations — as applied to the entire hospitality and tourism field. In addition, many programs offer an industry internship that is designed to provide a practical foundation for students’ careers. During these placements, students apply what they have learned on-campus as well as acquiring new knowledge from their employers. Many students who participate in an internship continue as full-time employees after graduation.

Let’s take a look at some of tools that can be found on Centennial College’s campus to ensure that students are getting the most out of their School of Hospitality experience. Students in many programs develop their skills (whether planning, catering, etc.) at the

Centennial Conference Centre. Comprised of eight meeting rooms (including two large ballrooms and a variety of meeting rooms), it provides ample opportunity for students to have real life encounters. Uniformed in traditional black attire, students take pride in their work, paying attention to the smallest details and ensuring that every event is truly flawless.

In addition to the conference centre, there is also the on-campus eatery, Horizon Restaurant, which is a living lab that presents the culinary and service skills of the students from the School of Hospitality. The restaurant’s menu is freshly prepared to order and menus vary each week. Horizons is open for lunch service 12:00-1:30pm Monday to Friday and Sundays, during the Winter semester. To ensure table availability, reservations are recommended. From the freshly made food, to the schedule and the reservation recommendation, these features are designed to teach students all aspects of the restaurant business.

Let’s take a look at the offerings from the School of Hospitality. Full-time programs are offered in Event Management (Festival and Conference); Food & Beverage Management (Food and Beverage Management, Kitchen Management, Baking – Commercial Bakeries); Hotel and Resort Management (Hospitality Foundations, Hospitality Services, Hotel and Resort Management, and Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Management); and Tourism & Travel Operations (Hospitality and Tourism Administration, Tourism Management – Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Culture and Heritage Site Management, and Tourism & Travel).

All of these programs vary in prerequisites so it is recommended that you check Centennial College’s website for more information about the program that is of interest to you.


Advertising Programs Launch Lucrative Careers

Advertising is an extremely creative field that requires people to constantly think outside of the box when persuading an audience to purchase or support products, ideas or services. Through mass media such as newspapers, magazines, television, radio, mail, websites, text messages and mobile applications, advertisers send messages to the public in hopes of gaining their support. In fact, advertising is such an important field that in 2010, $300-billion in advertising was spent in the United States and $500-billion was spent worldwide. However, there is much more to the field than being on the frontlines as an advertiser. There actually exist many positions, depending on your interest. Advertising programs that reflect these areas are offered by a multitude of post-secondary institutions across Canada.

In Toronto, Ont. students can attend one of Centennial College’s three advertising programs. Although they range in focus, these programs all require students to use strategic thinking, business savvy and, of course, creativity.

If students have already obtained a degree or diploma in advertising, they can choose one of two Graduate Certificate programs — Advertising Media Management or Advertising Account Management. First, the Advertising Media Management program is an industry-approved undertaking that prepares students for the advertising and communications industry in the role of strategic media planning and buying. Just three semesters in length, its focus is on consumer-driven communication channel choices for advertising messages. The in-class portion of the program is complemented with an industry field placement providing them an opportunity to work in the industry and hone their skills. Specifically, this advertising program helps students to develop an expertise in reaching target audiences with a creative message as well as build their business and negotiating skills on behalf of advertising clients to achieve strategic results.

The other Graduate Certificate program is Account Management. If you like planning, managing and working in collaborative and professional teams, then this program may be for you. It looks to meet the needs for specialized account managers who understand the full scope of advertising tactics and can manage integrated communication plans from inception to final production. During this three semester Advertising program, students are provided with both practical learning as well as theory through courses such as Professional Practice, Media for Account Managers, Broadcast Production Basics, Copywriting Techniques, Interactive Production Management, and more. It, too, offers a field placement to its students.

If, however, you have not obtained a post-secondary degree but are interested in advertising. You can attend the three-year Advertising program. The focus is on learning to tell clients’ stories with persuasive advertising in addition to planning and developing ad campaigns. Throughout the three years, students learn advertising process such as: research, developing strategies, campaign planning, copywriting, production, media planning and buying as well as copywriting, media and account management.

The Advertising program puts a emphasis on the following: developing instincts and strategic abilities while meeting deadlines in a professional and creative environment; completing an industry field placement that allows students to acquire experience in the day-to-day activities of the advertising world; and learning the entire advertising process.


Sunday, February 27, 2011

Attend Centennial College’s Account Management Program to Launch a Unique Career

Do people tell you that you have excellent interpersonal skills and excellent listening and oral communication skills? Are you highly organized and self-directed? Thrive under pressure? If you answered yes to these questions then perhaps attending a sales account management program will help you to launch a successful career in advertising. This field is concerned with acquiring and maintaining relationships with major client accounts in business-to-business organizations that have their own sales force. This especially applies to companies that are mid-to-large in size.


In Toronto, Ont. you can attend Centennial College’s Marketing: Sales and Account Management program, which is designed to cater to graduate students who are looking for quick entry into the workforce. In just two semesters, students gain a strong foundation in the intricacies of acquiring and maintaining relationships with major client accounts. By conducting the sales account management program out of the very high-tech Centennial Science and Technology Centre, Centennial College ensures that students have access to sales force automation software, which is commonly used in the industry, as well as computer labs and other such resources. Within the sales account management program, students participate in courses such as Business Ethics and Negotiation Skills, B2B Marketing, Fundamentals of Project Management, Case Analysis and Marketing Metrics and more. These sales account management courses all take a learner-centered approach, including the use of simulation cases and role-playing.


To supplement in-school learning, the sales account management program offers a field placement that sees students applying what they have learned and gaining new knowledge from industry professionals.


As this is a Graduate Certificate undertaking, students must have completed a degree or diploma in another area of study before applying. In fact, applicants must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program. In addition, students may be required to conduct an interview with officials, submit a resume and undergo an English and/or math skills assessment. Centennial College will also consider applicants presenting a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines. For more information, check out the sales account management program’s Admission page.


One of the standout outcomes of attending this program is the variety of positions available in the field. Titles include: Account Executive, Sales Consultant, Commercial Sales Representative, Sales Specialist, Technical Sales Representative, Sales Coordinator, Inside Sales Representative, Territory Sales Representative and Key Account Manager.


For example, a Key Account Manager’s goal is to create credibility, build strong, lasting client relationships and earn the client’s trust as well as study market trends and know how they affect their accounts. Essentially, he or she preserves the business within the client accounts and generates new business. This involves analyzing and adapting new strategies in order to react to changing business trends.


Another sample job is that of an Account Executive. This person establishes new business, develops current business relationships and ensures client satisfaction. In order to do this job well the Account Executive must seek out purchasing decision makers and develop relationships with them, design and deliver presentations that highlight the products of his or her company, negotiate contract terms with clients, close sales and more.


Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Continuing Education Can Open the Right Door For You

Continuing Education encompasses a broad spectrum of post-secondary learning activities and programs. Recognized forms of post-secondary learning activities include: degree credit courses, non-degree career training, workforce training, formal personal enrichment courses (both on-campus and online), self-directed learning (such as through Internet interest groups, clubs or personal research activities), and experiential learning as applied to problem solving. Continuing Education is becoming increasingly important in the workplace, as employees are encouraged to take up continuing education courses to keep up with their evolving careers. In addition, learners with part-time jobs will find this option suitable in gaining their desired post-secondary credentials.

Many schools offer the continuing education option, including Centennial College in Toronto, Ontario. Through its part-time, evening, weekend, online and alternative courses you can pursue the program of your dreams. All courses are designed to be convenient to your specific needs — whether that is finishing a degree or improving already existing skills. For example, you can opt to obtain your education through the School of Continuing Education's Distance Learning feature, which allows you to learn online from you personal computer, whenever is convenient for you. This type of learning is designed for a more independent learner. It entails learning in a virtual classroom. If, however, you prefer the on-campus environment, you can attend continuing education classes at one of Centennial College's four centrally-located campuses. Studying on-campus offers features such as fully-equipped facilities, a classroom setting, group projects, labs, presentations and more.

So what can you study at Centennial College's Continuing Education School? Programs range from Business, Bookkeeping and Early Childhood Education to Media & Design, Transportation, Food Service Worker and many others. These various programs come with different prerequisites. It should also be noted that within certain programs there might be qualification requirements and costs for external accreditations, designations, certifications or recognitions. These are set by the granting bodies and not by Centennial College. In order to qualify for any of those external accreditations, designations, certification or recognition, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and materials of those external bodies. You'll be able to find more information about this when you apply online for the Continuing Education program of your choice.

But how does Centennial College's continuing education option fare? The school's learner-centred teaching methodologies, mature environment and the understanding of the needs of adult learners by experienced faculty are just a few of the reasons why this School of Continuing Education is so successful. And, with nearly 22,000 learners each year in 160 programs that feature more than 1,200 courses and have a 97 per cent learner satisfaction, it is clear that Centennial College has an amazing grasp on what students look for from their continuing education option.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Join the Cosmetics Sector by Attending an Esthetics College Program

Esthetics, also called skin therapy, is performed at salons, day spas, medi-spas, health clinics, cruise ships and skin care companies. The professionals in this field are trained at esthetics college programs in the cosmetic treatment of skin. They perform various cosmetic procedures including: facials, body treatments and waxing. More specifically, estheticians are trained to give facial treatments that may include deep cleansing, exfoliation and facial massage. They also extract or cleanse pore blockages and blackheads. In addition to these treatments, estheticians advice on the proper care of your skin, recommend appropriate skin care products for your skin type and perform certain specialty treatments. Because estheticians are not medical doctors, they don’t diagnose skin conditions, prescribe medications or suggest treatment for any skin condition outside of using cosmetic products.

The esthetics sector is becoming increasingly popular with a boom in the number of spas in Canada.

In order to gain the proper credentials, Centennial College offers a two-year Esthetician program that results in employable and leadership skills as well as an Ontario College Diploma. The reputable offering allows students to gain academic and practical knowledge in the entire range of professional services offered by today’s spas. One of the most important focuses of this program is teaching students about opening their own practices through courses such as: Professional Relationships, Exploring Customer Service, Introduction to Business Practices, Spa Business and more. Meanwhile on the esthetics side, students participate in courses such as: Skin Care Theory, Skin Care Practices, Manicures and Pedicures, Waxing and Hair Removal, Makeup and more. Incorporated into the classroom learning of Centennial’s esthetics college program are subjects such as anatomy, physiology, practical applications, product knowledge, and more.

To complement lectures, students practice in labs. These labs are equipped with the latest technology on the market. Working with this equipment, and qualified instructors who have years of experience, ensures that students are aware of the most up-to-date techniques and market information. This on-campus lab and esthetics practice is great preparation for Centennial College’s field placement, during which students are work in highly respected esthetics establishments. During their field placements, students interact with real customers (under the supervision of their instructors), learning the intricacies of the industry. Please be advised, that students must have completed a standard first aid and CPR (healthcare provider level) course, a vulnerable sector background police check, and an immunization review form before they can be sent out on the esthetician work placement.

To apply for admission to this Esthetician program, you must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.


Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Be Part of a Field that Merges Biology and Information Technology by Taking Centennial College’s Bioinformatics Course

In order to understand the bioinformatics field, you must first know that it is an area that merges biology with information technology and computers. Another important fact is that bioinformatics entails the creation and advancement of databases, algorithms, computational and statistical techniques and theory to solve formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of biological data. Recently, there has been a demand for professionals who have attended a bioinformatics course at a reputable post-secondary institution. Demand actually exceeds supply, ensuring that graduates of bioinformatics courses will enjoy a meaningful career.

Employment in bioinformatics is found at research centers, universities, private companies and government institutions. However, skills in bioinformatics can also be utilized in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and environmental industries and in all areas of biotechnology. Job titles within the bioinformatics field include: bioinformatics analyst, bioinformatics and research technician, application, software or database developer; and bioinformatics software developer.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the popular bioinformatics options. One is to become an analyst or programmer. This person builds programs by using computational formulas to determine outcomes based on biological projects or research. Speaking of research, another bioinformatics option is to become a research technician option. These professionals use computer programs to gather, analyze and track data about specific biological functions or characteristics in order to gain a better understanding of complex biological activities. The last option we’ll look at is that of a software developer, who works with the software development team to provide software solutions that address scientific challenges. This person also participates in design, review, coding, testing, troubleshooting and support for custom developed software solutions.

Before launching your career in bioinformatics, professionals must learn the theory behind this in-depth field. This can be achieved at Centennial College’s Bioinformatics of Software Professionals program, which is the first of its kind in Canada to provide 12 months of concentrated training that results in a post-degree bioinformatics certificate targeted to students with existing software backgrounds.

Bioinformatics courses within the program are intensive, hands-on and problem-based. They include course work, an individual research thesis and a co-op component, which provides you with the unique skill set and training that are in high demand in the field. In order to participate in the co-op component, students must obtain a minimum GPA 2.5 or above in their bioinformatics courses. Much of the study level of this curriculum is beyond the bachelor’s degree.

Specific bioinformatics courses within the program include: Biochemistry (an introduction to basic biochemical concepts important for bioinformatics students), Statistics and Data Analysis for Bioinformatics (main categories of topics includestatistical, stochastic, and multi-dimensional analysis), Developing Bioinformatics Tools (students will develop the skills to deal with the increasing computational demands in the rapidly growing field of bioinformatics), and many others.

To apply, students must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a four-year degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering or related discipline, from an accredited college or university. They are also expected to submit a resume.

Discover the Different Aviation Career Options Through Centennial College

Working in aviation doesn’t just have to mean becoming a pilot. Although it is a wonderful option, there are also other opportunities for those who are fascinated by planes and aviation. At Centennial College you have the option of attending three aviation programs, which are suited to totally different interests.

All three of Centennial College’s aviation programs fall under the umbrella of The School of Transportation. This renowned school is housed in the largest onsite transportation training facility in Canada — Ashontee Campus. Not only are the aviation options conducted out of state-of-the-art facilities, complete with a fully equipped hangar, faculty members who are among the most highly skilled in the industry lead them.

Each aviation program has a unique focus in a different area of aviation. Let’s take a closer look at each of Centennial College’s aviation programs.

One aviation program option at Centennial College is the Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance program. Taking two years to complete, it results in an Ontario College Diploma. In order to apply, please check the requirements on the admission information page of this aviation program. The undertaking is designed to prepare bench technicians for work in avionic-approved shops and aircraft manufacturing companies. It is both Transport Canada approved and Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council certified as a recognized avionics maintenance-training program. Students learn all about, and develop skills in, basic electronics and sophisticated avionic systems used in modern aircraft. The aircraft’s various electronic systems are examined, including: electrical power distribution and control, navigation, flight instrumentation, communication and radar.

If your interest lies more in maintenance than electronics, Centennial College offers an Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program. For application requirements to this aviation program, check out its admission requirements page. This option takes two years to complete as well and students graduate with an Ontario College Diploma. As with the Avionics option, this aviation program is also approved by Transport Canada approved and certified by the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council as a recognized aircraft maintenance-training program. Students of this aviation program study aircraft maintenance, power plant structures, inspections, troubleshooting, mechanical, electrical and electronic applications. Also emphasized is the repair of a wide range of electrical and mechanical systems within an aircraft including: hydraulics, fuels, environmental systems, engines, surface controls and undercarriage systems, and the aircraft’s frame and external skin. Aviation maintenance servicing practices and procedures as well as aviation regulation requirements, round out student training.

The final aviation program option at Centennial College is the Professional Pilot Training program. This unique undertaking is actually a collaboration between Centennial College and Durham Flight Centre, which is where students obtain flight practice. If you’re interested in the Professional Pilot Training aviation program, check out its admission page for prerequisites and more information. Students must maintain a grade average of 70 per cent and are required to successfully complete all ground school flight training requirements of the Private Pilot Phase within a certain time frame to go into the next program phase. The next phase of this aviation program is the Commercial Pilot Phase. In this portion, students must maintain a 75 per cent average and are again required to complete all ground school and flight training requirements to move onto the last phase: Multi Engine IGF Rating. This phase requires a 75 per cent and all ground school and flight training requirements to also be completed within a certain timeframe. As a student of this aviation program, students will develop skills to pursue careers in various sectors of the industry, including: airline pilot, private aircraft pilot and flight instructor.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Attending a Project Management Institute Ensures a Meaningful Career

Do you enjoy planning and organizing? What about sorting vast amounts of information of a project? Aside from those two tasks, do you enjoy problem solving and thinking critically? Finally, are your leadership skills something of which you are proud? If you answered yes to any of these questions then a career in Project Management may just be for you.

One of the most important aspects of company projects today is ensuring that they are delivered on time and on budget. Project managers are hired mostly by large companies to lead the team behind the project. The first step in project management is to determine goals and deliverables. The second is to come up with a plan to attain the goals and assemble the team that will execute the project, while at the same time managing the budget. The third step, setting deadlines and providing direction to the team, comes as the project launches. During this step, project managers also track deliverables and present reports to the executives that outline project progress, problems and solutions. After the project is completed, Project Managers assess the results.

Many new and exciting careers are emerging in this growing field as project managers take the lead on ensuring projects are successfully completed. A variety of industries, including transportation, marketing, construction, health, new media, education, advertising, engineering, finance and more, hire project managers on a regular basis. However, before a career is launched, a project manager must attend a project management institute or program at a post-secondary institution.

Centennial College in Toronto offers a three-semester program in Project Management that results in a Graduate Certificate. It is geared at students who have previously completed a post-secondary education in a different area of study. These college and university graduates will increase their employability by working towards a globally recognized certification in project management. The project management program is also ideal for experienced project managers seeking to bring a new dimension of leadership to their work environment and for leaders who want to manage innovation in a structured manner.

The quick-paced project management program uses the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBK) methodology, which provides solid, fundamental hands-on training to equip specialists in any discipline with the skills needed to manage projects in a timely and cost-effective manner. The program is also designed to enhance the basic learning from PMBK by delivering a curriculum that includes hands-on integration of technology tools such as Microsoft Project and leading-edge industry case studies with a focus on organizational leadership. These courses include: Fundamentals of Project Management, Project Management Tools and Applications, Project Leadership, and Project Estimation and Cost Management.

In addition, the Project Management Program offers an optional full-time, 12-week experiential learning opportunity with a participating organization will allow you to gain valuable project management experience. The experience can be used towards work requirements for the PMI designation. You will also be required to participate in an online course and prepare assignments related to the experiential learning opportunity.

In order to apply, you must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program. The School will consider applicants presenting a combination of education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines. Non-academic requirements include: interview, transcript and resume review.


Attend an Event Management College Program and Launch Your Career

The tables are set, the candles are lit, the lighting is dimmed and the newlyweds make their grand entrance. Instantly, their wedding song begins to play and two white doves are released. It is a perfect moment that was brought to the wedding guests by a skilled event management professional. However, these professionals aren’t just limited to planning weddings, they also ensure that commercial events such as concerts, awards and fashion shows run smoothly and are profitable at the same time. In order to launch your career in this exciting field, you must first attend an event management college program.

One option is to study in Centennial College’s Event Management – Festival and Conference program, which takes just two semesters to complete. As this is a College Graduate Certificate undertaking, applicants must submit an official transcript, demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. Centennial College’s event management program will also consider applicants presenting a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines. Non-academic perquisites include proof of transcript and a resume review.

Students who attend this event management college program participate in a variety of courses that offer both theory and practical experience. These courses include: Volunteer & Team Building Coordination, Event Budgeting, Risk & Security Management, Creativity and Innovation and more. After completing the program students are able to: Develop and implement financial initiatives based on event objectives through methods such as sponsorship programs and fundraising initiatives; plan, design and coordinate effective site and facility operations; apply the principles of marketing to festivals, events and conferences; apply strategies for effective human resource management; create, plan and implement effective programming for events; apply accounting and financial knowledge and skills to the operation of events; apply business administration skills to the operation of events; and apply the principles of professionalism and ethics to event management.

All of these skills are vital to the career of an event management professional as his or her job may include planning just one aspect of the event or the entire function. For example, the event manager may be hired to simply participate in marketing the event, which includes studying the brand, identifying the target audience and then executing product launches, press conferences and online campaigns as promotion. In addition, he or she may survey sites, draft budgets, manage cash flow, design the site and technical details, and take care of health and safety aspects. The final event planning stage is to take care of aspects of the event itself, such as logistics, sound, audio-video, lighting, crowd management and security.

Wondering how the field is currently looking? The growth of festivals and events as an industry is actually fueling the demand for professionals who specialize in event management. Therefore, event managers may work on functions ranging from concerts,award ceremonies, film premieres, fashion shows, and commercial events to private events such as weddings and birthday parties.

School of Social Work Provides Meaningful Career Opportunities in The Community

Did you know that in the U.S., the employment of social service workers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2018? Social Workers who have attend a reliable School of Social Work, are employed to help varying populations including: seniors, assaulted women and children, people with mental illness and developmental disabilities, youth and the homeless or under housed. In their positions, Social Workers offer guidance and counseling to people in crisis, obtain government funds for clients, arrange foster homes for children, and begin legal action in cases of child abuse.

In order to ensure that they are Social Workers are carrying out these often-sensitive tasks diplomatically, there are a few steps that must be taken. First, the social worker contacts each client after being assigned a number of cases to determine the scopes of the situation. Clients are then counseled and provided with resources to meet their needs. During this process, the social worker maintains meticulous notes for documentation purposes. He or she also works with other agencies to provide the best services. Tasks vary by where the social service worker is employed.

Before becoming a social worker, you must attend a college or university to gain post-secondary accreditation. One option is Centennial College’s School of Social Work program, which takes two years to complete, results in an Ontario College Diploma and allows you to work at entry-level positions at shelters, community centres, group homes and advocacy coalitions.

Students in the Social Work program will learn to reflect upon how values and ideologies contribute to the construction of social problems and prescribed solutions. They will learn to ally with people to develop and improve resources that assist people to resolve problems and enhance quality of life. This knowledge is achieved in a variety of ways such as interactive learning opportunities, including experiences in assessing communities, developing and writing funding proposals, social action plans as well as simulated client interviews and assessments; engagement in a dynamic learning process with exposure to group labs, guest speakers, experiential learning, collaborative learning and inter-professional opportunities with other students; and participation in a supported, intensive field placement providing the opportunity to apply and integrate classroom learning.

During the application process at the School of Social Work, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Students must also have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. Non-academic requirements such as a program admission session and English proficiency are also considered. As the Social Service Worker program has a field placement component during which students obtain “real-life” experiences, a criminal reference check might be required. Certain criminal convictions may disallow placement in an agency and program completion may not be possible. For more information, please check the School of Social Work’s admissions page.


Video of School of Social Work



Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Attend Centennial College to Launch a Career as a Computer Systems Technician

Businesses, the government, educational institutions and other such establishments, use computer networks that link desktop computers to send e-mail, and to share data, computer applications and Internet connections. In order to build and maintain these networks, companies hire computer systems technicians. These professionals map out a computer network, recommend appropriate network addressing systems, appropriate layouts for various network configurations, and appropriate connection devices. However, before they can become successful in the field, they must first attend a post-secondary institution and obtain a diploma or degree in Computer Systems Technician – Networking.

Centennial College’s popular Computer Systems Technician program allows flexibility and gets you out into the job market in just two years, while incorporating the latest in computer systems and network technology. If you are interested in applying, you must possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. You must also have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. You will be placed in the appropriate English level based on skills assessment results. Please note that meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the Computer Systems Technician program.

With such technical fields such as this one, it is important to attend a credible school. Centennial College’s Computer Systems Technician training is nationally accredited by the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists, and, as such, has met the established national technology accreditation requirements. In addition, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) recognizes the Computer Systems Technician - Networking program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technician category.

During this training, you will go inside PC hardware and into the details of operating systems to have full human control of the computing and communicating technology. You’ll also learn how to put together and maintain systems that will empower users. This is achieved through courses such as: PC Operating Systems (intended to develop Personal Computer operating system knowledge and help to acquire practical “hands-on” skills), Networking Technologies (introduces the fundamentals of network technologies), Network Devices (allows students to investigate local area network connectivity using various network devices), and many others. The Computer Systems Technician – Networking program has a strong focus on hands-on learning and technical problem solving, to ensure that you graduate with experience (not just theoretical knowledge).

Upon graduation, many computer systems technicians work as part of a team that implements networks. This involves: installing, configuring, and resolving conflicts among different hardware used in the network, such as network adapters. In addition techs identify problems common to components of the network, such as cards, cables, and other related hardware. They also establish disaster recovery plans for various situations if the network were to malfunction. With training in the field of computer systems technicians, you are not limited. Other titles include: field service representatives, network technicians, network technical support specialists, help desk support and technical support.

Attend a Human Resources College Program and Learn to Staff Entire Companies

One of the most important aspects of a business is the people who perform the day-to-day tasks that make it function and be successful. In order for this to happen, companies must ensure that the right people are being hired for all positions. That’s where Human Resources Management experts come in. These professionals are responsible for recruiting, interviewing, managing and providing direction for employees of a company. This also entails ensuring that employees are happy in their positions and conducting exit interviews if they are not. Within Human Resources are titles such as administrator, generalist, or specialist. Human resources specialists can be further broken down into the following subtitles: recruiters, compensation analysts, trainers, pensions and benefits administrators, occupational health and safety officers and HRMS specialists.

Training for one of these positions begins by attending a human resources college program, such as Centennial College’s Humans Resources Management undertaking, which takes just 8 months to complete and results in an Ontario College Graduate Certificate. The focus of the program is on helping students to develop a knowledge base and solid skills in a number of Humans Resources areas such as project management, teamwork, report writing and presentation of research. In addition, students are made aware of trends such as managing diversity, alternative dispute resolution, computerized human resources systems, pensions and benefits. Because Centennial College’s human resources program prides itself on being cutting edge, students also learn about computer and Internet technology for performing HR functions as well as HRMS training using a SAP. Specific courses within this human resources college program include: Human Resources Management in Canada, Labour and Employment Law, Employee Health and Safety and more.

In order to obtain training from this human resources college program, students must first ensure they possess an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program. This is open to all disciplines. However, applicants presenting a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience will also be considered. During the admissions process, an interview and resume may be required and English proficiency will be taken into consideration.

In order to be successful in Human Resources, there are a few essential skills that professionals should possess. First, they must have great investigative skills to ensure a resume truthfully reflects the job applicant and great interview skills so that they may ask the right questions. In addition, a human resource manager should be organized, as he or she will be required to provide current and prospective employees with information about policies, job duties, working conditions, wages, opportunities for promotion and employee benefits. Staying cool under pressure in order to deal with hostile situations is also key. When two employees have an argument or someone is accused of sexual harassment, HR becomes involved to sort out the problem. Sometimes, the dispute may result in the firing of an employee, which HR must carry out while following the policies of the company. These are just some of the many skills needed to successfully execute the job of a professional in Human Resources Management.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Attend Centennial College’s Architecture Program To Gain Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Experience

Did you know that there is an expected demand for architectural services being predicted by Service Canada? This includes an increase in architectural technology jobs. In addition, Service Canada states that these opportunities will be first available to candidates with a Diploma of Collegial Studies (DEC) in architectural technology/technician. The field of architectural technology is concerned with the technical side of what building a structure. Professionals work alongside architects who are responsible for the aesthetic properties of a structure. Essentially, they are the link between the architect’s design and the finished building by ensuring that they use correct materials and that any planning and building regulations are complied. In addition, architectural technology professionals prepare designs, create construction drawings and specifications, are responsible for quality and cost control, as well as communicate with clients and other construction professionals. This sector of the economy is very much in demand.

One option in obtaining an all-important diploma is to attend Centennial College’s architecture program, which focuses on technology and takes three years to complete. The undertaking combines practical experience and theoretical knowledge to ensure that students are prepared for the field upon obtaining their Ontario College Advanced Diploma. Some of the student activities included in this architecture program include: preparing drawings for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional building types. In addition, students are introduced to building materials, construction methods, structural design, mechanical and electrical services, building codes, contracts, specifications, and the business environment for providing design and construction services. Lastly, Centennial College takes into consideration architecture’s green outlook and, therefore, places a strong emphasis on protecting the environment, energy conservation, and sustainable design and construction strategies. Green courses within the architecture program include its Environment series of classes, which address the basic principles of environmental design, physical properties of materials, and elemental structure analysis; energy conservation and other sustainability principles through investigation of local priorities, societal attitudes, construction sector trends, and issues; and more.

Please note that in order to gain entry into the fifth semester of the program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Also, students who have completed all courses in semesters 1 to 4 will have all the prerequisites requirements for courses in semester 5 and 6.

To apply for this architecture program, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have completed the compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent and the Math 11M or U or 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not, however,guarantee admission to Architectural Technology program.