Obtain a College Education and Feel Prepared for the Workforce

A college education is an ideal way to obtain respectable credentials that will hold up in any workplace against those of university students. It takes less time, less money and produces results that include hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. Whether you are working in the world of business, health, automotives, or anywhere else, it is always advantageous to have college courses under your belt. In fact, many statistics indicate that college-educated graduates make more money than those with a high school diploma. According to the Census Bureau, individuals who have a bachelor's degree earn around $2.1-million throughout their working adult life, while high school graduates earn an average of $1.2-million. Taking a closer look at weekly earnings brings the life-span numbers into more perspective. In winter 2004-05, the US Department of Labor reported that in 2003, workers who had a bachelor's degree had a median weekly earning of $900, compared with $554 a week for high school graduates. That's a 62 per cent jump in median earnings.

At Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. students can obtain a number of college credentials that range from certificates and diplomas to advanced diplomas and bachelor degrees. The school offers both full-time (more than 200 programs) and part-time studies (more than 160 programs and 1,200 college courses). With programs ranging from health, engineering and technology to humanities, hospitality and automotive studies, the possibilities are endless. Centennial College has four campuses, which ensure that your college education is supplemented by appropriately equipped facilities. Ashtonbee is home to the School of Transportation and is one of the largest automotive and aircraft technology training centres in Canada. The $36-million cutting-edge Centre for Creative Communication houses the School of Communications, Media and Design. It has everything you need to let your inner genius out through art related college courses. Progress Campus is home to the Schools of Business and Hospitality, Tourism and Culture. Here you'll also find Advanced Manufacturing and Automation Engineering Technology programs, as well as many Child Studies and Community Service programs. And, finally, the Morningside Campus is an environmentally friendly building home to the School of Health Studies, as well as selected Engineering Technology and Applied Science programs.

Centennial College's 941 Progress Avenue Campus



In addition to fully equipped campuses, Centennial College ensures that each program has college courses that are relevant to your area of study. Programs do include general courses such as English but are all related to your field and ensure everything you are learning will be useful. These college courses include major assignments, exams, group projects, presentations, field trips, guest speakers, lab work, and much more.

Visual Tour of Ashtonbee Campus at Centennial college

Attend One of Canada’s Reliable Pharmacy Technician Programs at Centennial College

Due to the challenging nature of the pharmacy technician profession, professionals in the field must have strong critical thinking, mathematical and English communication skills, and a commitment to self-directed thinking. While applicants to Centennial College’s pharmacy technician program should possess these skills, they stand to develop many others, such as: knowledge of pharmacology and unparalleled skills in aseptic technique, pharmaceutical calculations, compounding, inventory control, community and institution dispensing.

Centennial College’s program takes just two years to complete, results in an Ontario College Diploma and incorporates classroom, lab work and four field placements that total 350 hours. Those interested in applying for admission must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, applicants to the pharmacy technician program must have the compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent; the Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent; 11C, or U or 12C, or U, chemistry, physics or biology, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

The Centennial College offering prepares students to meet the strict vocational outcomes and elements of performance for Pharmacy Technicians approved by the Ministry of Education through pharmacy technician courses such as: Community Pharmacy Computers, Pharmaceutical Calculations, Community Dispensing Practice, Home Health Care and Non-Prescription Products, Anatomy and Physiology, Aseptic Technique Principles and many others. In addition to these courses, which consist of lectures and hands-on learning, students participate in work experience within community, hospital and corporate environments. During this time they apply what they have learned and gain new knowledge from the professionals with whom they work.

Students of this pharmacy technician program are also eligible to write The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada qualifying exam for pharmacy technicians in pursuit of the RPhT (Registered Pharmacy Technician) designation. The program is accredited with the Canadian Council of Accreditation of Pharmacy Programs.

Upon graduation, students can: communicate effectively with patients, pharmacists, other colleagues and with healthcare providers within the scope of the profession; receive and prioritize written prescriptions and verbal requests accurately in compliance with legislation and established standards, policies and procedures; dispense pharmaceutical products accurately, efficiently and in compliance with legislation and established standards, policies and procedures; and release pharmaceutical products in compliance with legislation and established standards, policies and procedures. Their duties include: preparing, dispensing and compounding medications; receiving, ordering and managing inventory; interacting with patients and a variety of health care providers; and assisting in the provision of pharmaceutical care and pharmacy services. Based on graduate employment surveys, the average starting salary for Centennial pharmacy technician program graduates is in the range of $34,500. Centennial’s program boasts an excellent graduate employment rate of 96 per cent.

Esthetics College Program at Centennial College is Cutting Edge

When getting a relaxing and deep cleansing facial at a luxurious spa, we are focused on the atmosphere, the good feeling the spa offers and how wonderful our face will look once the facial is finished. We rarely think about the science behind the field of esthetics. However, the estheticians who perform facials (deep cleansing, exfoliation and massages), body waxing, body treatments, anti-aging procedures (Botox, laser treatments and deep chemical peels), skin care, manicures, pedicure, and more, are trained to understand the chemistry aspects of the field as well as the pampering and customer service ones. At Centennial College, students can participate in a two-year esthetics college program that prepares them to work in: spas, salons, health clinics, cruise ships, skin care companies and other such outlets. The industry, according to Melissa Durran, coordinator of the program, is a multi-billion dollar industry with many opportunities for both employment in one of the places mentioned or self-employment.

“I think a lot of people have the impression that it’s just doing nails or getting facials but there’s a lot of theory, there’s a lot to know about the skin and the body,” says Kayla Vanderoos of the Esthetician program. “I didn’t think I’d have to do chemistry but we do. We have to learn about the ingredients and what different ingredients react to the skin. All that kind of stuff really surprises me. I think it would surprise a lot of people, too.” What won’t surprise people is the thorough job that Centennial College’s program does with teaching students the skills they need to succeed in the field. Through a comprehensive curriculum students are trained in: anatomy, physiology, practical applications, product knowledge, sales techniques and business practice. Specific courses in which they participate include: Skin Care Theory, Skin Care Practices, Manicures and Pedicures, Spa Health and Safety, Waxing and Hair Removal, Product Chemistry and Advanced Experience, and more. Many of these courses include a lab component, which takes place in Centennial College’s esthetician lab facilities and uses cutting-edge equipment that is common in today’s wellness and medical spas.

All courses within this esthetics college program are geared towards ensuring that students are job-ready upon graduation. This includes the incorporation of field placements in some of the best spas in the city of Toronto. During their field placements, students work with real customers (under the supervision of their instructors), applying what they have learned and gaining more preparation practice for the field. Please be advised, 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 esthetics college program, students must be able to 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.

A Project Management Institute or Program Gives You The Competitive Edge

Centennial College in Toronto, Ontario stands out for a variety of reasons. It was the first community college founded in the province. It has four campus locations. It offers more than 200 full-time programs. And it also boasts a program that is increasingly employing graduates but is not offered at university level — making it very appealing to many. The Project Management offering is designed as a post-graduate undertaking and takes just three semesters to complete.

But what exactly is project management? Increasingly, companies are seeking to deliver projects on time and, more importantly, on budget. As companies downsize and reign in spending, they are looking for professionals who can ensure that downsizing doesn’t jeopardize success. The majority of work for project managers can be found in large companies that employ specialized employees. These companies are found in virtually every industry, including: transportation, marketing, construction, health, new media, education, advertising, engineering, finance and more. Titles in this field include: Project Managers, Project Leaders, Process Development Analysts and Global Project Managers.

At Centennial College’s Project Management institute, students spend much of their time learning through hands-on application rather than one-way lecturing. They are encouraged to participate in group work, case studies, as well as an internship. During the 12-week internship, each student is assigned to an external host organization as an intern. Each student must take instruction and direction from the employer regarding his or her tasks while on work. Students will be monitored by a faculty member throughout the work term.

It should be noted that the Project Management institute at this particular college follows the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) methodology and 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 PMBOK 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. Particular courses in the project management undertaking include: Business Principles and Requirements Management, Project Management Tools and Applications, Project Planning and Scheduling, Employment Preparedness, Project Management Office, International Project Management & Professional Responsibilities, and more.

To apply to the Project Management institute program, students 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.

Centennial College’s School of Hospitality Offers Options

The hospitality and tourism sector in Canada continues to employ millions as people take an interest in exploring everything the country has to offer — from the mountains and beaches of British Columbia to the shopping districts in Toronto and Montreal, and everything in between. In fact, last year, 19.6 million people took overnight trips to Canada. Professionals are needed in accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, travel services, and recreation and entertainment, to ensure that tourists are happy enough with their Canadian vacations to return. In order to get the proper training in any of these areas, Toronto’s Centennial College offers its School of Hospitality.

This reliable School offers students a combination of academic learning and hands-on practice with full-time programs such as: 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).As you can see, the range of programs is very wide and will suit anyone with an interest in hospitality. Intake for the programs occurs three times per year with start dates varying from year to year but generally occurring in late August or early September, early January and early May. Classes finish at the end of April or early May, depending on the calendar, unless you choose to fast-track and take summer courses. Students are timetabled for approximately 20 to 25 hours per week, with classes being scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The School of Hospitality prides itself on being student-focused and offering flexibility.

In addition, the School takes pride in offering skills that are applicable anywhere in Canada, which means you work in a small town in Alberta or the downtown core in Vancouver, Toronto or Montreal. All School of Hospitality courses, no matter which program you choose, cover business topics (marketing, human resources, finance, and industry operations) to ensure students have a sound knowledge of the industry. Many School of Hospitality offerings also include field placements or internships during which students apply what they have learned in-class and obtain new knowledge.

Whether or not your program of choice includes an internship or field placement, you have access to on-campus facilities and tools to ensure that you gain hands-on experience prior to graduation. Students may make use of 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. From preparing freshly made food, to scheduling and the reservation recommendations, these features are designed prepare students for the real world.

Another place where students gain real-life experience within the school of hospitality is 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.

Please note that the programs offered at the School of Hospitality vary in prerequisites. It is recommended you read requirements of your program of choice carefully before applying.

Centennial College's International Business Approach Will Take You Places

International business is a term used to collectively describe all commercial transactions that take place between two or more regions, countries and nations beyond their political boundaries. Transactions can include economic resources such as capital, skills, people, etc. for international production of physical goods and services such as finance, banking, insurance, construction and more. At Centennial College, students can attend business programs with an International Business College approach to prepare them for this global perspective.

Established as Toronto's first public college in 1966, Centennial College offers programs in business, communications, community and health studies, science and engineering technology, general arts, hospitality and transportation. Its Business School offers more than 30 programs and fosters an entrepreneurial spirit from the minute students step foot through the doors of the centrally located Progress Campus, which houses its programs. Currently, Progress campus is undergoing major transformations. Construction has begun on a new building that will house a state-of-the art library and academic facility. The new library, classrooms and wellness centre complement the new student Hub built at Progress Campus in 2008 to provide one-stop service for students. These campus improvements also ensure that international business students are using the latest technologies in their studies and have access to a wide range of materials.

Programs within the School of Business range from one semester to three years. North America's universities recognize the merits of these programs and their international business approach. While completing a business program at the college, students can simultaneously log valuable academic credits towards earning a Master's and/or Bachelor's degree from the several well-known local universities in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada and around the world. One other specific international business aspect of the School is its International Business Exchange, which enables students to study for a semester at one of Centennial's partner colleges or universities and receive full credit at Centennial for all successfully completed courses.

In addition, theory and academic study are balanced with optional co-op, internship terms and work placement programs. Career placements have proven to help Centennial graduates from the International School of Business earn job-specific skills, make important industry connections and tailor their individual career paths.

If you are looking for a specific international business focused-program, Centennial College offers the Business Administration – International Business undertaking, which can be studied either with or without the co-op feature. Through the International Business program, you will acquire the knowledge necessary to take advantage of the challenges of a world trade environment. You will learn all the basics of business and gain specialized expertise in areas such as international trade law, finance, sales and marketing.

Other business programs include: Business Administration, Accounting, Business Operations, Contact Centre Operations, Court Support Services, Human Resources, Law Clerk, Financial Services and Office Administration.

Lastly, there are fast-track and part-time options for students who require more flexibility in their studies.

Centennial College: Business Program

Attend an Occupation Therapy University or College Program and Assist People in Gaining Independence

If you've ever been in an accident that required you to attend physical therapy or have seen a family member or friend relearn to walk or dress him or herself following an accident, you'll know how important occupational therapist assists (OTAs) and physiotherapist assistants (PTAs) are. These professionals assist people who have often been through a life-altering experience that requires them to perceiver when they want to give up. In addition, they assist developmentally and physically challenged people to gain the skills they need to attain a level of independence. In these times of rehabilitation, OTAs and PTAs are encouraging and patient. They also understand that sometimes the progress is slow.

In order to train for this sensitive but essential field, students must attend an occupation therapy university or college programs, such as Centennial College's Occupational Therapist Assistant/ Physiotherapy Assistant undertaking, which results in an Ontario College Diploma. If you are interested in applying for this undertaking, you must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, you must also possess: Compulsory English 12C, or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Biology 11C or U or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the occupation therapy training.

Once students have been accepted, they participate in a variety of courses that combine practical and academic study. Specific courses within the OTA/PTA program include: Principles of Psychology (introduces learners to the theoretical and practical discipline of psychology); The Health Care System (focuses on the evolution of the Canadian Health Care System and its origins both federal and provincial); Normal Functions and Movement (provides students with an ease in handling and moving, describing the human body in motion, based on theoretical and practical study of functional movement); and many others. Through these courses, students learn to document and complete client records, develop and implement strategies that will benefit clients, and formulate exercise plans. Students also obtain a relevant knowledge of health sciences, psychosociological sciences and health conditions.

Aside from in-classroom learning, students of this occupation therapy program participate in a fieldwork experience that provides the opportunity for application of acquired skills in a clinical setting with a range of clients. There are important fieldwork placement requirements that include CPR Level HCP (Health Care Provider) and standard first aid certification, a clear vulnerable police check prior to semester 2, immunization review form and completion of a mask fit test.

Upon graduation, students work as physiotherapist assistants or occupational therapist assistants in hospitals, nursing homes, seniors' residences, schools, rehabilitation centres, and the private industry. Both jobs include shared tasks such as: conducting initial interviews with patients, carrying out observations, updating client records, supporting clients in reaching their goals, assisting with physical activity and exercises, and keeping work areas tidy. But what is the difference between the two professions? Occupational therapist assistants deal with treatment that helps individuals improve their ability to perform daily activities, such as dressing or feeding themselves. Physiotherapist assistants focus on the large motor functions such as strength, balance and range of motion.

Occupational Therapist Assistant/Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA/PTA) Program

Nursing College Programs Offer Options

Today's nurses work in a large variety of specialties where they assess, plan, implement and evaluate care. With nurses taking on more responsibilities, the field continues to expand. As such, there are so many nursing positions to be filled in Canada that a major shortage is being predicted. According to the Canadian Nurses Association, the shortage could mean that from 59,000 to 113,000 nurses will be needed. Students who attend nursing programs can find long-lasting careers in this field. Centennial College offers several nursing programs that will help a variety of people obtain the education they need to do this.

Students who apply directly out of high school for the nursing college programs will most likely benefit from the Practical Nursing option, which offers both a full-time program as well as a flexible program (Practical Nursing – Flexible). This undertaking emphasizes the newest skills needed and offers students access to well-equipped labs and faculty members who have experience in the field. Upon graduation, students obtain an Ontario College Diploma and are ready to care for more stable patients. The curriculum for the Practical Nursing - Flexible is the same, but is offered in a six semester, three-day-per-week format.

An option that results in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the Nursing (BScN) program, which takes eight semesters to complete. Students attend both college and university level courses at Centennial College, George Brown College and Ryerson University. By selecting Centennial for their first two years of the program, they benefit from a smaller academic setting, personalized attention, a student mentorship program and a state-of-the-art campus with excellent computer and hospital laboratory resources.

Other Centennial College nursing programs that see students benefiting from college and university-level studies include: the two-semester RPN Bridging to University Nursing undertaking, which is designed for Registered Practical Nurses who want to obtain a BScN in about three years. It combines theoretical studies with clinical setting courses that focus on ethics, professional practice, health assessment and more. Another option is the RPN Bridging to University Nursing - Regional Access Centre Part Time Hybrid Program. This undertaking is a hybrid delivery format that is offered at two Regional Access Centres (RAC's) in Ontario, which will allow Registered Practical Nurses to complete the first part of the Centennial College's RPN to BScN Nursing Bridging Program in six continuous semesters.

The final bridging option (Bridging to University Nursing – IEN) is for internationally educated nurses. It serves as an academic pathway to meet the needs of internationally educated nurses who are interested in working as Registered Practical Nurses in Canada. In addition, RPNs who possess a certificate but wish to upgrade to an Ontario College Diploma or RPNs who have been out of practice for 10 years or less and need a refresher will benefit. It lasts three semesters and includes 15 weeks of consolidation experience.

Lastly, if you have a Canadian college diploma the PR – Perioperative Nursing program, which is 400 hours and results in an Ontario College Graduate Certificate, may be for you. It prepares you to work in an operating room setting.

Centennial College Practical Nursing Programs

Social Service Workers Offer Important Guidance To Communities

Are you compassionate? Do you have an interest in working with the disadvantaged? Do you rally for women and children's rights? Are you prepared to change the lives of others for the better? If you answered yes to any of these questions, a career as a Social Service Worker may be for you. These professionals work in shelters, community centres, group homes and advocacy coalitions with populations that include: seniors, assaulted women and children, people with mental illness and developmental disabilities, youth and the homeless or under housed. In their positions, Social Service 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. Some specific duties of these professionals include: contacting each client after being assigned a number of cases to determine the scopes of the situation, counseling and providing resources to meet clients' needs, maintaining meticulous notes for documentation purposes, working with other agencies to provide the best services, and more.

In the U.S., the employment of Social Service Workers is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. Now is a great time to enter the field. To do that, you must attend a post-secondary institution such as Centennial College in Toronto, Ont., which offers a two-year Social Service Worker program that reflects upon how values and ideologies contribute to the construction of social problems and prescribed solutions.

To apply, 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.

Centennial College's School of Social Work offers its students interactive learning opportunities, including experiences in assessing communities, developing and writing funding proposals, social action plans as well as simulated client interviews and assessments. Students also engage in a dynamic learning process with exposure to group labs, guest speakers, experiential learning, collaborative learning and inter-professional opportunities with other students. Specific courses within the program include: Power, Privilege and Oppression (examines the social, political and economic forces that contribute to the oppression and marginality of particular groups within society, and why certain groups are more likely to be clients of social services agencies); Social Service Work with Groups (allows students to explore and become familiar with the group-process, what happens in groups and why); Social Policy (examines how Canada's economic and political structures influence the creation of people's needs); and more.

In-school learning is rounded out by two supported, intensive field placements. Direct work in the field provides the student with the opportunity to experience an entry-level social service placement in a learning environment where application and integration of the philosophy, function and procedure of the social service system takes place.

Centennial College Social Service Worker Program

See The Options a Police Foundations Program Offers

Whether your interest lies in protecting a business as a security guard, your local community as a police officer or the nation as a customs officer, you can get your start with a Police Foundations program. These undertakings teach students everything they need to know to begin their journey to becoming involved in law enforcement. While positions do vary, Police Foundation programs teach students information that they will require — no matter what route they take.

With courses based on real-life experiences and case studies that incorporate a fundamental perspective on life, the Centennial College Police Foundations program teaches students to: initiate, promote and facilitate partnerships to meet community policing and security needs; apply fundamental concepts of political science, law and legislative policy making and public administration to the provision of police services; assess crisis intervention strategies; and develop strategies to assist crime victims; document, prepare and assist in the presentation of court cases in compliance with criminal and provincial law, rules of evidence and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms; assess the use of police powers; and assess information-gathering skills used in basic investigative techniques.

If this in-depth knowledge sounds like it may benefit you, you can apply for the two-year Police Foundations program, which results in an Ontario College Diploma and prepares students to apply for positions with the Provincial Police Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Armed Forces and more. Due to the serious nature of the policing field, the application process is very thorough. First, applicants must possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have compulsory English 12C or U credits or skills assessment or equivalent. English proficiency will also be considered and a program information session may be required. Applicants should also know that some program experiences might require a criminal reference check.

There is also a host of essential necessities that are typical in policing. Students should have no criminal record, must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record and must have valid first aid and/or CPR certification. In addition, there are physical requirements such as: vision checks, standard normal hearing, physical fitness and readiness for the Physical Readiness Evaluation for Police (PREP) test. Lastly, applicants for police services careers in Ontario must be able to pass a security clearance, background investigation and credit and reference checks. For full details, please check out Police Foundations admissions page.

Centennial College's Police Foundations program is housed within its School of Community and Health Studies and based at the Progress Campus. Students wear uniforms and are trained in an environment consistent with paramilitary training. This is done in order to help students develop discipline and deportment. One of the standout features of the program is its Police Preparation course, which give students a comprehensive approach in preparing for the application and testing process to become a police officer. Other courses include: Investigation and Evidentiary Procedures, Use of Force, Community and Experiential Policing, Youth in Conflict with the Law, Provincial Offenses, and many others.

If students wish to continue their education at university level upon graduation from Centennial College's Police Foundations program, the college has partnered with University of Guelph-Humber and Utica College - University of Syracuse. This makes the transition to the university level easier.

Centennial College: Police Foundations Program

Become a Professional Child and Youth Worker in Three Years

"A lot of what attracts people to this field is that they've had horrible situations and they want to change things,"says Colleen Camps of the Child and Youth Worker program at Centennial College. Camps is correct as this field entails professionals protecting children while encouraging their growth. Therefore, compassion, professionalism and personal experience can actually benefit those who want to work as Child and Youth Workers. However, training must first be obtained by attending a post-secondary institution such as Centennial College.

A three-year program, the Child and Youth Worker undertaking teaches students everything from learn principles and philosophies to characteristics of relational child and youth work practice such as co-creating relationships, working developmentally and understanding professional boundaries. "I've learned a lot about therapy, behaviour, why kids or people in general behave the way they do,"says Sue-Ann Williams, a student in the offering. "Some things that may seem like common sense before you come into the program, once you get into the program, you realize there's a lot of research and theory behind it. ”

Williams is referring to the wide-range of courses in which students partake, including: Developmental Issues In Childhood and Adolescence (examines, identifies, and describes child and adolescent development from a chronological perspective, beginning with conception to the periods of infancy, childhood and adolescence); Principles of Psychology (goal is to enable learners to view their lives and interactions from a psychological perspective, employing scientific methods and research information); Multimodal Therapies in Child & Youth Work (designed to explore a variety of approaches to the treatment of children and youth. The course will focus on a cognitive behavioural based framework, within which diverse modes of treatment will be introduced including such topics as art, children's literature, music, movement, Television and other media); and more.

The other vital aspect of the Child and Youth Worker program is that all three years feature field placements that vary between two and four days per week. Centennial College requires students to have a vulnerable sector criminal check prior to field placement. Certain criminal convictions will disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible. Students must also possess a standard first aid and heart saver AED (C) certification. Lastly for placement, a medical certificate of health is necessary to ensure freedom of communicable disease. The varying placements give students the advantage of experiencing a multitude of job settings by the time they graduate. In addition, supplemental training is provided in Understanding & Managing Aggressive Behaviour (UMAB).

Applicants to the Child and Youth Worker program must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required are compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. Lastly, English proficiency will be considered and a program admission session will be required. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the Child and Youth Worker program.

Upon graduation students are employed with agencies that work with troubled youths and their families are in desperate need of professionally trained child and youth workers. These agencies include: residential, day treatment, community-based and young offender programs, hospitals, crisis centres and shelters as well as schools.

Centennial College: Child and Youth Worker Program