GM Technician Training at Centennial College Offers a Well-Rounded Education

"All of the students who qualify to enter have to be working at a General Motors dealer," says instructor Peter Locken of the General Motors technicians undertaking at Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. "It is a co-op program where students end up spending eight weeks in class and then eight weeks at the dealership, hopefully getting experience in the areas they've just spent time getting trained in. Before they leave here, they're going to go through all the training that would qualify them to be a technician. So once they walk out of here they will end up receiving 20 credits that go towards their technician training. They're also going to be specifically trained on General Motors products as well as get all the general training that they would with a general apprenticeship program."

The GM technician training application process requires students to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a GED or equivalent. As Peter mentioned, students must also be employed by a General Motors dealership. However, if they are not, they may also be selected through an interview process. Interested parties can apply directly to the College. Once they've been accepted, they'll have to obtain an employer and register as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Acceptance to the GM Automotive Service Tech program is based on successful completion of all entry requirements and space is limited.

The combination of in-school sessions and experience with an employer offered in the GM technician training program lasts 64 weeks in total, which results in more in-depth study than a regular apprenticeship. The in-school portion encompasses all of the latest GM vehicle systems, with emphasis on diagnosis and repair, following recommended GM service procedures. A large portion of the program involves vehicle electrical and electronic systems diagnosis and repair. These GM Technician training in-school sessions are facilitated from Ashtonbee Campus. This facility is houses high-tech tools used in the field and actual vehicles that have been donated, on which students can practice. The campus is the largest transportation training centre in the province.

The time-with-an-employer portion of the GM technician training occurs after students are comfortable with certain aspects of being an automotive service technician. That way, students are able apply their new knowledge and soak up the tips from seasoned professionals who already have experience in the field. During this time, students are compensated for their work.

Upon graduation, General Motors technicians perform many tasks, including: diagnosing problems using General Motors diagnostic equipment as well as performing repairs and preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes and tires.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth in Automotive Service Technology by 14 per cent from 2006 through 2016.

Centennial College: General Motors Of Canada - ASEP Program

Survival Tips for Continuing Education Students

Considering going back to school to improve your skills and further your education?

Here's what you need to know before your first day of class.

Academic Considerations

• Assess your learning and study skills. If you need to sharpen them, attend the study skills workshops offered by the Career and Counselling Centre available on each campus.
• Pace yourself. If you feel you have taken on too great an academic load, speak with your academic advisor.
• Be patient with yourself and your program. It may take you a semester or two to meet your performance expectations and get a feeling for where your program is going and where you are going in it.
• Set realistic goals and reward yourself for achieving them.
• Know the resources available on campus such as tutors, computer and reading labs, free study skills workshops, career and personal counselling, career fairs and job search strategies.

Role Juggling

• Prioritize your personal, social, academic and employment commitments.
• Lead a balanced life. Good nutrition, proper sleep, and regular exercise are all important
• Be flexible. Recognize that you may have to let go of some of your responsibilities because of your new role as a student. Be willing to delegate.
• Set aside time for social, family and relaxation activities to get some relief from school demands.
• If you start to feel overwhelmed or discouraged, ask for help. The Career and Counselling Centre offers free, confidential counselling for personal, career and academic concerns. The earlier you seek support, the better.
• Try to focus on one task or role at a time. This will help enhance your concentration and improve your effectiveness.

Family and Social Relationships

• Keep your family members and friends informed about changes in your routine that result from new demands on your time. Enlist their support. You may also want to include them in school-sponsored events.
• Be patient with others. Recognize that it can take some time for them to adapt to your new way of life.
• Set aside times when your family and friends can count on your undivided attention.
• Ask friends or family members to proofread your essays, quiz you for exams or act as a practice audience for your presentations. It keeps them involved.

Relating to Other Students

• Seek out like-minded people who share your values and desire to learn. These qualities transcend age, cultural and experiential differences.
• Talk with other mature students. Share strategies.
• Take advantage of the opportunities provided by being a student to broaden your circle of friends and develop future professional colleagues.
• Consider becoming involved in something on campus beyond your studies.

Relating to Instructors

• Familiarize yourself with the teaching styles and expectations of your various instructors. When in doubt, consult with them.
• Pursue and welcome constructive feedback.

Budgeting and Finance

• Make sure you have the necessary finances to meet the demands of pursuing a college education.
• Investigate OSAP eligibility and other financial assistance that may be available to you
• Pursue cost-cutting strategies (e.g., purchasing used books and equipment)

Original Source: centennialcommunity.blogspot.com

The School of Continuing Education at Centennial College Supports An Adult Environment

Part-time, evening, weekend, online and alternative format courses are all a part of ensuring that everyone can obtain an education through Centennial College's School of Continuing Education. The School’s programs are designed to help adult learners improve their skills, further their education, pursue a variety of interests and enable them to embrace new possibilities. And these program options are clearly on the right track when you consider, for example, that continuing education was deemed by researches more of a necessity and less of an option in today’s workplace. Therefore, employees are encouraged to participate in continuing education courses to simply keep up with their areas of expertise. In addition part-time, evening, weekend and online classes may also suit parents with small children, those who must continue to work while attending school, those who may not be able to afford to travel to campus, and many others.

Every year, 22,000 School of Continuing Education learners take advantage of Centennial College's 160 programs that feature more than 1,200 courses and have a 97 per cent learner satisfaction. Part of the reason for the satisfaction statistic is the fact that continuing education options provide a mature environment and an understanding of the needs of adult learners by experienced faculty. In addition, continuing education provides effective instructor to student ratio and an optimal classroom size enabling competent peer interaction.

Registration for a continuing education option starts with asking yourself: Do I have the necessary course prerequisites? To register for certain courses or programs, you must meet specific, identified prerequisites or requirements prior to registration. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the necessary prerequisites. Without the necessary course requirements, you may be asked to withdraw, with the risk of academic and/or financial penalty. Also, please be advised that within certain programs there may 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.

As previously mentioned, you may choose to study through the School of Education's Distance Learning or on campus. Should you think that a physical classroom is a better fit for you, Centennial College has four campus locations. All campuses are centrally located and easily accessible by public transit. Classrooms are fully equipped with tools and labs to ensure that hands-on practice is obtained. Meanwhile, Distance Learning, designed with flexibility in mind, is a form of instructor-led study enabling students to work through course material and assignments in their own time and space, with 24- hour access to the online classroom.

Centennial College’s Design Foundation Program Provides Opportunities for Many

There are a variety of people who would benefit from attending Centennial College’s design foundation program. Designed to be completed in just two semesters and resulting in an Ontario College certificate, the program offers foundation courses in art to provide students with a theoretical, historical and hands-on view of art. If you are interested in drawing, painting, sculpting and other fine art, and wish to become a professional artist, this program may be for you. In addition, if you wish to attend one of Centennial College’s artistic programs but don’t meet the requirements, this program will help you to do that. These programs include: Digital Animation, Interactive Digital Media, and Game Design and Fine Arts Studio. For example, past student Carrie Fong used this arts design program to enter New Media Design. She says, “This program was the best thing I ever ‘had” to do as a requirement. It not only helped me get into New Media Design (also an excellent program offered at Centennial) but was delivered by wonderful, qualified instructors who obviously have a passion for their work. Not to mention the fact that most are actively involved in their profession outside of school, and bring their experience to the classroom. This quality came across in the lessons and helped make learning more enjoyable.”

So what can you expect in the two semesters of the design foundation program? First and foremost, the program was established in 1974 and has become a reliable and respected undertaking in the arts community. Centennial College ensures that faculty members are experienced and can not only deliver the curriculum but also share their own anecdotes to enhance courses. These courses include: College Communications (introduces the standards of college-level English and enables the student to develop skills in grammar, sentence variety, paragraph development, vocabulary, and reading comprehension); Digital Imaging (introductory course to a practical study of creative photography as applied to digital imaging); Colour Studio (uses a workshop/studio approach to examine the practice and theory of colour as used by artists and designers); Visual Design Fundamentals (studio course introduces the fundamentals of design as used in fine arts, design and illustration); and more.

One of the most important outcomes of the program is the development of a portfolio. Design foundation portfolios are used as a personal development and communication tool. This is emphasized in the course Portfolio Development, in which each student enhances artwork created in other courses into useful portfolio elements and completes a self-directed assignment as a portfolio element.

Instruction includes seminars, presentations, interviews and critiques. Emphasis is placed on the portfolio as a demonstration of personal growth.

Students applying for admission to this art design college program must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. The other academic requirement is compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

Nutrition Programs Put You In Important Positions

Food is an essential part of every human being’s life. We must ensure that we are properly nourished, eat enough fruits and vegetables, drink enough water, and that we monitor our intake of foods that are high in calories and unhealthy fats. Those important considerations become even more important in places such as hospitals, seniors’ residences, nursing homes and extended care facilities. They are also vital for airline food service companies, restaurants, industrial cafeterias and community agencies. These entities must ensure that they are following health guidelines and providing their clients, patients and employees with nutritious choices. Professionals who offer advice in this area have been trained in one of Canada’s nutrition programs.

As previously mentioned, one job of Food and Nutrition Managers is to offer nutritional advice. However, there are many other functions these professionals carry out. All employees in food and nutrition management perform in accordance with the code of ethics. One important aspect of their job is to create master menus, and follow standardized recipes and production procedures. They may also supervise the preparation of food products and special feedings, food distribution, and operation procedures according to standards. Lastly, all Food and Nutrition Management professionals are well versed in sanitation. Titles in the field include: dietary managers, nutrition technicians, food and nutrition managers, food service coordinators and quality control technicians.

Professionals learn these skills at nutrition programs such as the one offered at Centennial College. This undertaking lasts two years and results in an Ontario College Diploma. The program proves its reliability through an accreditation from the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM), which ensures that graduates are automatically eligible for membership in the CSNM and OSNM (Ontario Society of Nutrition Management). CSNM membership is a requirement of the Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to work in a long-term care facility and most acute care facilities.

The nutrition program provides knowledge in: nutrition and food service, business and human relations. This is conducted through a balance of academic and hands-on learning. For the hands-on portions, students use the Hospitality Management Centre to learn the practical aspects of quantity food preparation and service and conduct experiments to learn the physical food properties in food management degree programs. In addition, the final seven weeks of the program consist of supervised work experience in a health care facility the placement. During this time, students are able to apply what they have learned as well as gain more knowledge by working alongside industry professionals.

Meanwhile, lecture-based courses include: Principles of Sanitation, Safety and Hygiene (students will study the requirements of sanitation, safety and hygiene as practiced in the health care food service industry); Food Properties Analysis (students will have an opportunity to develop basic skills in food preparation and presentation, physical and chemical changes that occur in food production and the role of food additives in the food industry); Nutrition (emphasis is placed on the study of the essential nutrients and their contribution to good health as well as the application of nutrition knowledge in assessment and planning); and more.

To apply for one of the only post-secondary nutrition programs in the Greater Toronto Area, you must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, you must have compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Centennial College Offers Reliable a Strategic Management Accounting Program

Many areas within the business sector require professionals who are trained in strategic management in accounting. These sectors include: financial institutions, government offices, public accounting firms, manufacturing industries, service industries, and small business. In addition, these professionals can operate through self-employment.

However, before one can enter any of these sectors, he or she must attend a post-secondary institution and participate in an undertaking such as Centennial College’s Strategic Management program. Designed specifically for students who have already taken an undergrad program, this offering only takes two semesters to complete and results in a Graduate Certificate. Those who are interested in applying must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree in an accounting discipline. However, if applicants have a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience, they may also be considered. Other non-academic requirements include: an interview, transcript and resumé review as well as an English and/or math skills assessment. English proficiency will also be considered.

Through the strategic management program, participants gain a perspective on the organizational techniques required for the effective execution of strategic decisions, and the critical role that managerial leadership plays in the viability and growth of the business. Students will continue to learn and deepen your understanding in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing.

The above is facilitated through a combination of academic learning and practical practice. Courses within the strategic management in accounting training include: Ethics and Stakeholder Management, Crafting and Executing Strategy, Contemporary Organizational Behaviour, Advanced Auditing, Operational Management for Product and Services and much more. Within these courses, practical training — case studies, simulations, hands-on practice with the latest technology applications in the area of management information systems, including ERP systems — plays an important role.

When students graduate from the strategic management program, they have a variety of options. First, they can go on to obtain an MBA, pursuant to the articulation agreement negotiated by the School of Business with other institutions. In addition, students can apply to CGA-Ontario, and depending on their academic background, may receive up to 4 levels of CGA transfer credits. The other option is for students to enter the workforce. Job titles upon completion of a strategic management program include: assistant controller or controller, accounting manager, accounting supervisor or business analyst. Each job description consists of different duties. There are, however, common tasks such as providing advice on financial decisions, preparing and maintaining financial reports, keeping financial records up-to-date, training and managing new accountants, performing daily banking requirements, and more. No matter which route they choose, students of Centennial College’s strategic management programs must meet some important graduation requirements.

Centennial College’s Software Systems Development Program Offers Reputable Training

Software developers, software engineers, systems analysts, business analysts, web application developers, IT project managers and computer programmers/ analysts all fall under the umbrella of software systems design and software systems development. These professionals serve a very important purpose in the technology world as they solve and plan a large variety of software solutions.

In order to become a professional in this field, you must first attend a post-secondary institution. The only of its kind in the province of Ontario, Centennial College’s Software Systems Designs program provides its students with a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Information Sciences. The program has a unique focus on system design, a blend of technology and business subjects as well as an industry placement. To apply for this software systems design/ development program, students must present an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a minimum of six 12U, 12M, OAC credits or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Other requirements include English 12U and one of the following: Math 12U Advanced Functions, Math 12U Calculus and Vectors, Math 12U Mathematics of Data Management or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program.

The undertaking is facilitated through Centennial College’s hi-tech, award-winning Science and Technology Centre campus. This campus is designed to ensure that students have the most up-to-date equipment with which to practice. This includes: VoIP, WiFi, Cellular Networks, Advanced Routing and Switching and Network Management and Wireless Broadband (WiMax) in all of its computer labs.

The software systems development/ software systems design program covers a number of courses including: Financial Analysis, Statistics and Research Methods, Database Driven Websites, Programming for Network Systems, Software Design Patterns, Software Quality Assurance, Business Consulting and much more. To round out training, Software Systems: Design, Development and Management includes three software development projects. These real-world business applications will require students to utilize all the technical, systems and business skills acquired during their studies to build higher quality software. More hands-on training is offered through a 15-week paid co-op placement. This placement puts students into companies that hire Software Design System professionals, so that they can apply theory and practice to real-life situations. In order to be eligible for co-op, students are required to obtain a minimum C grade in ENG-110, minimum 2.0 GPA and minimum 80 per cent of year 1 and 2 courses. As you can see the software systems design/ software systems development program places emphasis on advanced software standards and management.

With the in-depth training, students are prepared for a number of positions upon graduation. For example, a systems analyst researches problems, plans solutions, recommends software and systems and coordinates development. Meanwhile, software developers design and carry out highly technological plans to create the appropriate solutions for the software on which they are working. On the other hand, software analysts are concerned with other facets of the software development process. They can be involved in aspects wider than design and coding, including computer programming. They may also contribute to the overview of the project on the application level rather than component level or individual programming tasks. These highly specialized software professionals are in high demand by a variety of companies in North America.

Be Part of a Company’s Backbone in the Human Resources Management Department

If you enjoy recruiting people for a cause, organizing and space planning, improving systems that are already in place, helping people become oriented with some new things, interacting with a variety of people, and ensuring safety and wellness of those around you, then perhaps a job in human resources management may be for you. Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. offers a Business Administration – Human Resources program to get you job-ready.

Known for setting trends and ensuring it stays on top of developing ones, Centennial College’s unique approach incorporates current trends in the strategic management of human resources, the affirmation of diversity and human rights and the promotion of positive union and management relations. In addition to the up-to-date focus, there are many benefits to attending this program, which balances business administration and human resources. First and foremost, the first three semesters are common to all business programs, which provides you with a good overview of business administration before you begin to specialize in one area. Once you get past the first semester, you will study all of the major areas in human resources management, including: Managerial Accounting for HRM, Employment Law, Human Resources Management Systems, Business Ethics, Recruitments and Selection and more. Finally, the use of integrated human resource systems software and computer skills to manage information and support decision-making is taught. This teaching is facilitated through the use of microcomputer training in popular business software such as Excel, Access and SAP.

To graduate from the human resources management/ business administration training, you must maintain a minimum C grade average (2.0 GPA). In addition, you may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. The Human Resources Management program’s partners include: Athabasca University, Lakehead University, Northwood University U.S.A., Royal Roads University, Ryerson University, and University of Lethbridge.

Before you can consider you post-Centennial career, you must go through the admission process to enter the undertaking. This includes presenting at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, you must possess the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and the Math 11C, M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Once you have graduated, you will enter the role of Human Resources Management Specialist. The first duties of the job involve identifying staff vacancies, recruiting, interviewing and selecting applicants. Once employees are hired, professionals within human resources management conduct new employee orientation and serve as the liaison between management and employees when handling questions about contracts and other work-related problems. Also HR managers provide current and prospective employees with information about policies, job duties, working conditions, wages, opportunities for promotion and employee benefits so that employees are clear on the company details.

Lastly, the duty of handling understaffing, refereeing disputes, firing employees and administering disciplinary procedures falls on the shoulders of HR professionals.

Train to be Part of the Exciting World of Media

The word “media” encompasses a wide range of meanings that, in essence, refer to communication of any data for any purpose. At Centennial College, media studies are taught by the School of Communication Media and Design. Since its start, the School has earned an international reputation for offering forward thinking and crucial media studies programs. Despite the varying fields that are studied, all graduates learn to be leaders who have solid knowledge in communicating effectively via writing, speaking and even design.

In order to decide whether media education be a path you want to explore, there are a variety of skills that are extremely useful in many employment areas the industry. Of course, these skills can be developed through training and will be useful whether you’re a journalist, a public relations rep or a children’s entertainment writer. First and foremost, research and critical analysis skills are essential to any media-based career. You must be able to dig up the facts and present them in a critical way to the public while, at the same time, making them relatable. Another important skill is the ability to meet deadlines. All media professionals are experts at time management, as getting information to the public must be done in a timely manner. One last general skill that will help you to succeed in the media industry is the ability to approach tasks flexibly and creatively. The public is often fickle about the way in which it receives information from the media. Therefore, new ways of presenting already-told information or stories is essential. Also, due to the hectic schedules of media professionals, you should be flexible enough to drop one task in the middle of working on it to tackle something else that might be more pressing.

But what kind of education is needed to enter this field? A college education is a great way to ensure that your credentials are strong enough to compete with other professionals. Centennial College’s media studies courses range from Graduate Certificate and Advanced Diplomas to College Diplomas, and take anywhere from three to six semesters to attain. Aside from the previously mentioned programs, Centennial College also offers media training in Media Management (which is the unique role of strategic media planning and buying), Book and Magazine Publishing, Broadcasting and Film, Graphic Design — Media, Digital Animation,Media Engineering Design and Integration and Sports Journalism.

Each area of study also provides students with more than one career path option, further enhancing their chance at success. For example, someone who takes Broadcasting and Film can go on to work at radio and TV stations, commercial sound and video production companies or corporate video houses. While someone who studies Digital Animation can find a rewarding career in film, television, broadcast design or game design. The career options of those trained in media studies are extensive and continue to evolve.

The Right Graphic Design Courses Can Prepare Your For a Creative Field

Used to convey a message to the public (more specifically a target audience) through symbols, words, photos, topography, visual arts, graphics and layout techniques, graphic design is a highly creative field. Design and advertising companies, magazine and design firms, packing design studios, marketing and communications agencies, publishing companies, newspaper departments and TV production facilities all employ graphic design professionals who offer their visual design skills, creative problem solving skills, and the ability to effectively communicate solutions to their clients. As the contemporary commercial design world becomes more integrated, competitive and collaborative, they must be ready to thrive in a new world of imagination, work directly with internal and external clients on projects, and more. This type of preparation occurs through graphic design courses in programs such as Centennial College’s Graphic Design – Media.

One of the first things that sets Centennial College’s Graphic Design program apart is that is it formally recognized by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario), which represents more than 3,000 graphic designers, managers, educators and students across Ontario. As Jim Jackson, Graphic Design Specialist, Marketing Department, AXA Insurance, notes, “Graduates that possess strong practical knowledge and good design skills coupled with emphasis on producing high work are always sought after in the graphics industry”. This is the second aspect that sets Centennial apart. Its graphic design courses offer multidisciplinary design skills and practical experience. Centennial graduates are more flexible and their design solutions will be more effective than solutions of those without this experience.

Taking two years to complete, students attend specific graphic design course at the graphic design schools such as: Design & Imaging (introduces three major software applications used throughout the Graphic Media Design program: digital illustration, imaging and layout application); Professional Practice (introduces students to the business component of graphic design); Design Process (focuses on the design process and its application to problem solving); Corporate Identity (develops creative strategies and implements these strategies in creating visual identity for business); and more. To round out training, students finish their time at Centennial College with a Field Placement, during which they work in the field to apply what they have learned and network.

Students walk away from these graphic design courses with employable skills, as evidenced by the words of Arash Giani, who graduated from the program: “Graphic Design – Media gave me all the tools and skills I needed without dictating to me ‘what to think’ but showing me ‘how to think like a great designer.’ I got my internship immediately and got hired in the same place as soon as my internship ended. I was ready!”

Application requirements start with possession of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older. In addition, you must have the compulsory English 12C or U credit, or skills assessment, or equivalent. Lastly, during a program information session you will have to submit a portfolio that contains up to 15 pieces of your original work in art and design. It must demonstrate your ability and interest in graphic design, colour integrated designs created in digital illustration and digital imaging applications and a short research paper about your design philosophy and field of interest.

Post-secondary School Game Design Program Puts You In the Field in 4 Semesters

Character and level designers, character and 3D modelers/texture artists, concept and environments and effects artists, character animators and game concept artists are just some of the positions available to those who have graduated from a post-secondary level game design program. Game design starts with an idea, which may fall within one or several genres. The game designer usually produces an initial game proposal document containing the concept, game play, feature list, setting and story, target audience, requirements and schedule, staff and budget estimates. From there, production begins with each game professional contributing his or her talents at different stages. For example, the Level Designer creates the levels that build upon skills of the gamer. This person must plan how the player interacts with the game to move onto the next level. Meanwhile, Character Animator, who is the “actor” behind the performance.

At Centennial College, students who have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or are 19 years of age or older, may apply for its Game Art and Design program. In addition to this requirement, they will also have to have completed the compulsory English 12C or U credit, a skills assessment or equivalent. Another requirement is a portfolio assessment. Pieces may include 10 to 15 life drawings, sketches, paintings, sculptures or digitally produced artwork. Preference for the game design program will be given to applicants who can demonstrate some familiarity with one or more graphics applications such as Photoshop, Illustrator, 3DS Max or Maya. If one does not submit digital artwork, he or she will be tested to determine your level of computer proficiency.

This 14-month undertaking offers its students hands-on training, which teaches them how to build 2D and 3D art assets for games, develop game environment and characters and express their one-of-a-kind creativity. Because industry professionals and instructors developed the game design program, the curriculum has a uniquely combined emphasis on both game design and creative story development skills. Specific lecture-based courses include Game Theory (gives students an overview of the gaming industry and includes a discussion of the history of games, an exploration of different game genres and platforms, as well as in-depth lectures on story development for different game platforms) and Social History of Design (introduces students to the history of design and encourages analytical thinking about the development of design form in human communication). Meanwhile, hands-on learning in the game design program is obtained through courses such as: Drawing for 3D Modeling and Animation, Character Design, Digital Painting, Post Effects and Material Editing, Lighting, 3D Modelling and Texturing, and many others.

Additional hands-on training occurs via a field placement in the last semester of the program. As part of the professional experience, students are expected to send their portfolios to the company of their choice in order to show their work. Once they are accepted into their chosen field placement, students are exposed to the world of design where they will work alongside professionals obtaining new knowledge and applying what they have learned in the game design program

A Fine Arts Education Provides A Solid Base

Exhibiting studio artists, illustrators, classical and digital animators, gamers, graphic designers, interior designers and industrial designers don’t just become successes overnight. Many of them require a foundation, which is obtained by seeking a fine arts education before taking a specialized program.

Centennial College in Toronto offers a two-year Fine Arts Studio program, which is designed as a challenging, intimate and immersion-based undertaking that focuses on drawing, painting and sculpting media. The fine arts education received in the program allows students seamless entry into more specialized art-based program such as Digital Animation, Graphic Design, Game Design and more. Students who take this fine arts education program end up: developing advanced skills and working independently both in and out of the studio environment; have a progressive learning experience led by a collaborative team of teachers who share a commitment to the central philosophy of excellence through meaningful skills development; are encouraged to develop personal directions and approaches to build their own unique voice and style in visual storytelling; and more.

Courses in Fine Arts Studio include, among others, Drawing + Composition (introduces students to both observed and imagined approaches to objective drawing using a number of media); Painting Techniques (introduces students to both observed and imagined approaches to objective painting in various media); Digital Art (introduces students to the use of digital programs to create art and maintain files and documentation of art and art-related information); Contemporary Issues in Art (seminar course that focuses on round-table discussions on recent and current developments in art internationally); and more. In addition, as part of their fine arts education, students are exposed to real life experiences such as witnessing and showcasing at exhibitions in professional art galleries on Toronto’s art Mecca, Queen Street.

All classes are held in two large state-of-the-art studios and include aspects such as art-relevant lectures, seminars and excursions that are offered throughout the school year. Small class sizes guarantee one-on-one attention from instructors. Classes are three to six hours in duration. Mural seminars and an illustration class to broaden students’ job skills are also available.

Applicants need to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They also need to have the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent credit. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the school fine arts. There also artistic requirements that students must meet, such as attending a program admission session and presenting a portfolio of no less than four and no more than 15 pieces. Within the portfolio, students are encouraged to have figure drawings, color work (abstract, figurative or objective), perspective (demonstration of your ability to apply basic principles of linear perspective in free-hand drawing and or painting), and sketchbooks.

Financial Training Offers New Careers as Financial Sector Evolves

The financial industry is in the middle of a major change as rationalization and consolidation reduce the number of traditional entry-level jobs such as bank tellers. However, countering this evolution are other factors that are creating more stimulating and higher-skilled positions. They include more of a marketing-focused industry, increased competition, demographics, advances in technology and a global financial environment. To enter financial services positions in places such as banks, credit unions, financial planning organizations, investment and mutual fund companies and more, you must attend a post-secondary financial training program, such as the one offered by Centennial College, which is designed to be completed in eight months.

Upon graduation, students are guaranteed to find a meaningful career as continued growth in the financial services sector provides exciting employment opportunities for qualified individuals. “Many people end up working for banks and some people work for mutual fund companies selling mutual funds or advising on mutual funds to the general public. I am confident that in eight months, if you pass the exams, if you meet the standard, there are jobs available,” says Harvey Willows, a professor in the financial training program.

But what can you expect during the eight months you spend at Centennial College? First and foremost, experienced faculty members who are professionals from the industry deliver courses. This is important as it reassures students that the knowledge they are obtaining is based on both academic theory and professional experience. Courses within the financial training program include: Financial Accounting (concentrates on the recording process and the production of financial statements), Mathematics of Finance (students will review basic algebra as applied to business issues), Professional Selling (intended to provide background to the development of successful sales presentation skills that will enhance the participants ability to develop sales presentations to satisfy customer needs and wants), and more. Another important course is the Canadian Investments Funds course, which will lead students to a license to sell mutual funds. (This will incur costs in addition to regular tuition)

An additional benefit is the opportunity for graduates to continue their education into the two-year program where in one additional year they can enhance their qualifications. This enables them to pursue lucrative careers in the broader financial services industry

Centennial College expects students applying for admission to this financial training to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, students must have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11C, M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. Students will be placed in the appropriate English and math levels based on skills assessment results. This may lead to additional courses and require extra time and fees. However, it sound be noted that meeting minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to financial services program.

Early Childhood Education Allows You To Assist in a Childcare Setting

Many parents today are left with no choice but to put their children in daycare. This can be an unsettling experience as horror stories of unsatisfactory daycare care do exist. However, when a parent goes to check out a daycare, he or she can meet not only the Childhood Educator but also the Early Childhood Assistants who ensure that parents feel comfortable leaving their children at the daycare.

Through their understanding of personal and social development as well as health and safety needs, combined with practical training, early childhood assistants are able to effectively support children as they grow through their early years. In order to be eligible to enter the field, Early Childhood Assistants must obtain an early childhood education. Such an endeavour can be completed at Centennial College in Toronto, Ont.

To apply for the Early Childhood Education Assistant program, you should possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. There is also a requirement of compulsory English 12 credit or skills assessment or equivalent. Aside from the academic necessities, students are required to complete a questionnaire, provide references and attend a program admission session as part of the admissions process. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to this early childhood program.

Specifically, the program is designed to support students who have learning disabilities, have a workplace destination level high-school diploma, are mature students (over the age of 19), and/ or students who have first languages other than English. This design is facilitated through small classes, a hands-on approach to learning and support from professional faculty members who have been in the industry for years. One year in length, the program features course such as: Communicating with Families, Preschool and School-Age learning, Guiding Children’s Behaviour, Health and Wellbeing, Infant and Toddler Development and more. In addition to the early childhood education courses, students also participate in English Communications, The Learning Environment, Professionalism, and more. Within these courses, there are usually two major assignments, a mid-term and a final test as well as presentations, small group assignments and in-class workshop participation.

To round out training, the early childhood program also sees students participating in a two-day-a-week field placement. This hands-on practice allows students to apply what they have already learned and also gain insight from the field. You should be aware that some field placement agencies require a criminal reference check prior to student placement. Certain criminal convictions may disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible. You must also have a clear medial report to participate.

This one-year undertaking prepares students for two things: a career as a childhood assistant or entry to the school’s Early Childhood Education program. Should students choose to pursue a career right away, they will be responsible for providing care and skilled support that helps children with personal and social development. They also ensure the safety of the children in childcare centres, licensed childcare agencies, independent childcare centres and in private settings (as nannies). The skills they will leave with include: Planning curriculum and activities that are based on an understanding of child development, creating nutritious meals, maintaining responsive relationships with children, establishing environments that meet requirements of current legislation, and maintaining communication with the children’s parents.

Post-Secondary Animation Programs Will Prepare You for Film Animation

“With hard work, this program can be a great springboard into the animation field ... I could not have gotten as far as (I have) without attending the program. I whole heartedly recommend it to future students,” raves TJ Galda, a 2000 graduate of Centennial College’s animation program. TJ is now as senior consultant with Alias/ Wavefront.

Digital animation is a major part of the entertainment industry today. From special effects in movies such as Battle LA to cartoon and video game characters, brand mascots and more, animation is used for a variety of purposes. Centennial College’s animation program is one of the most reliable animation programs in the province. Having launched in 1996, it has been shaping the careers of hundreds of digital animators and other professionals in the field.

Resulting in an Ontario College Diploma, the program takes 14 months to complete. A unique project-based learning experience in animation for TV, broadcast, game design, and film that is well recognized within the animation and visual effects industry is at the base of the program. Students work in small classrooms, which allows for one-on-one time with instructors, and have access to labs and workstations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, students are provided with the opportunity to hear film animation and digital animation guest speakers share their anecdotes. Students are also assisted with producing demo reels to showcase your abilities to potential employers. Lastly, there exists an opportunity for a animation program field placement during which students apply what they have learned and obtain new knowledge from employers. Specific courses in this undertaking include: Animation Fundamentals, Scripting, Integrated Media, VFX Compositing, Matte Painting, 3D Character Animation, Modeling and Rigging, and many others.

Students who are interested in applying must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They are also required to possess compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent. Lastly, English proficiency, a program admission session and a portfolio review are required. Portfolios may include 10 to 15 pieces such as illustration, photography, video animation, computer generated artwork, music, performance art or publishing.

Upon graduation, students obtain a large range of jobs in the film animation and other animation fields. These positions include: lighters, modelers, riggers and 3D character animators to level designers for games, texture artists, visual effects supervisors, compositors and technical directors. All of these jobs are essentially intertwined to produce the finished movie, cartoon, game, etc. For example, digital animators are responsible for storyboarding and creating models with the assistance of modelers. They also design and animation environment that includes backgrounds, sets and objects as well as characters. Meanwhile, lighters finesse the lighting on a shot, and compositors composite together the resulting character and environment renders into a final shot. The next step is to create each frame, work out the timing of movements and make sure it all meets the script and soundtrack requirements.

Marketing Programs Open The Doors to a Number of Possibilities

Did you know that a third of all North Americans are employed in the same field? It’s true. One third of all North Americans work in marketing-related positions. But why the high number? Well, marketing plays a large part in our lives, whether we realize it or not. Marketing generates the strategy that underlines sales techniques, business communication and business developments in a company. It is also an integral part of how companies build stronger customer relationships and create value for their customers and for themselves. In other words, marketing is used to identify the customer, satisfy the customer and keep the customer. In order to enter this interesting field, one must attend one of Canada’s marketing programs.

In Toronto, Ont. students can obtain an Ontario College Diploma through the Marketing program, which takes two years to complete. The undertaking focuses on the mastery of a marketer’s key competencies — creative, practical decision-making and clear, persuasive communications. This is facilitated through a number of business and marketing courses involving an interactive teaching approach that incorporates learning through case studies, guest lectures, presentations, projects and computer simulations and technologies.

Students begin by taking basic business courses before going on to participate in more specialized marketing courses. These business courses include: Strategies for Business Success, Fundamentals of Business, College Communications, Microcomputer Applications Software, Mathematics of Finance, Financial Accounting Business Operations and more. After receiving a solid business base, students move onto more challenging marketing program courses such as: Practical Applications in Marketing (uses the case study method to help students acquire skills in analyzing and solving marketing problems), Marketing Communications (differentiates between the agency side and the client side of advertising), Principles of Marketing (provides an overview of contemporary marketing, emphasizing the management of the product/service, price, promotion and distribution areas of an organization within a changing environment), and more.

Please note that all four semesters of this marketing program are identical to the first four semesters of Centennial College’s three-year, six-semester program. This permits graduates of this program to benefit from a seamless transition into the three-year Marketing program, should they wish to continue with a more in-depth study of the field.

A final benefit of the marketing degree program is that Centennial College is a proud sponsor of selected Marketing students in national and province-wide academic competitions, including the Ontario Colleges Marketing Competition.

In order to apply, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Compulsory English 12C or U and Math11C, M, or U or 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent are also required. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Employment is found in virtually all areas of business including: the high-tech sector, government, not-for-profit organizations, financial services, food and beverage, electronics and more. Marketing is conducted at several levels, which is why there are varying positions, including: market research (which starts the marketing process), brand management, advertising, promotions, public relations, customer service and product support reps, merchandising assistance, and even sales.

Film and Television Broadcasting Training Supports a Variety of Careers

Within the film and television broadcasting field are a number of subdivisions in which professionals find long-lasting careers. The industry involves everything from Hollywood films and documentaries to stories told through radio and television news. As broadcast production continues to grow and explode, now is a great time to enter the field. In order to do so, interested parties must obtain some sort of post-secondary credit. One option is to attend broadcasting schools like Centennial College, which ensures that its students receive well-rounded training in areas of the broadcast production field so that they may choose for themselves a niche.

Those who are interested in applying must complete an application process, which begins with having at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older. Additional academic requirements include, compulsory English 12C or U, or a skills assessment, or equivalent. An admission session, writing test, English proficiency as well as a portfolio of work are also required. The portfolio should demonstrate a student’s skill and ability to tell a story using two of the following: videotape/ DVD, audiotape/ CD/ mini disc/ digital images/ photographic prints, scripted material in any format that was used.

One of the main focuses of the program is for students to develop a balance between the artistic and commercial aspects of the industry and become exposed to a variety of industry practices and players. Throughout the three years that students spend in the program, this is achieved via a curriculum largely focused on practical film producer training and television broadcasting training. One of the most valuable hands-on experiences occurs at Centennial College’s Wallace studios, which is an HDTV broadcasting studio. It is out of this studio that students participate in student-made films and TV programs, including the JOURNAL, a student-produced newsmagazine TV show that airs live and online. The other major practical component is a 15-week industry field placement. During this placement students apply practice to real life situations and gain new lessons from established broadcast production professionals. In order to qualify for placement, students of film producer training and television broadcast training must meet specific requirements.

In addition to their practical experiences, students participate in academic-based courses such as Tools and Processes for Communicators, History of Broadcasting, Film Appreciation and Analysis, radio broadcast & other management career courses.

For more than 30 years, the television and broadcast program has been training some of Canada’s best writers, directors, producers, production crewmembers and studio executives for the broadcasting and film industry. Upon graduation, students are hired by radio and television stations, including specialty channels; commercial sound and video production companies; corporate video houses; and feature and series film producers.

Office Administration Provides an Essential Role to any Business

Office Administrator work as administrative assistants, administrative support officers, senior secretaries and executive secretaries. Office administration plays a role in a variety of sectors including: education, corporate, insurance or financial, government or small business. In general, professionals in office administration are responsible for typing and filing reports, answering phones and taking messages, monitoring departmental supplies and replacing them as necessary, preparing daily appointments for supervisors, performing clerical duties, greeting visitors, attending meetings to take down minutes and ensuring the office is running efficiently. Although their roles may differ, these professionals must all be able to work with a variety of computer software and programs, juggle multiple tasks at the same time, be very organized, communicate effectively (both verbally and in writing), as well as ensure punctuality and professionalism.

Before one can become an office administrator, he or she must obtain post-secondary education. At Centennial College, that can be done through the Office Administration — Executive undertaking, which takes just two years to complete and results in an Ontario College Diploma. The training is designed to help students earn how to handle multiple functions that are performed by administrative assistants in upper-level management.

Program topics cover the full-range of office and business skills, including extensive software skills, Internet research abilities, presentation preparation, taking minutes of meetings, composing business correspondence and arranging national and international conferences. Emphasis is placed on developing document production, note-taking and related computer skills. Students will also concentrate on client service, communication, time management and supervisory skills. This is done through courses such as: Introduction to Word Processing (designed to provide participants with the basic skills to operate and utilize word processing software in order to produce basic business documents); Transcription Techniques (students develop competence in proofreading, editing and transcribing common forms of business correspondence); Integrated Software Applications (provide learners with the skills required to use a variety of software applications in the production of business documents and presentations); and more.

In-school training is supplemented by the office administration field placement in the last semester. During this time, students find work with a variety of companies. This real life experience helps students to gain confidence and encounter the challenges and triumphs of the field.

Once students complete their studies, they have two options. One is to continue with their education in an articulated program with selected universities, institutes, and professional associations. These partnerships allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. The other is to enter the field. If you’re wondering what professionals in the field think of Centennial College’s office administration program, check out what David Lipton, president of SQM had to say: “From the students who participate in the executive work placement program to the employees we have hired through the school, we are proud to be associated with Centennial College’s Office Administration program.”

When applying for this office administrator program, you must present an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. You must also have completed compulsory English 12C or U or a skills assessment or equivalent. However, having minimum admission requirements do not guarantee admission to the program.

Computer Systems Technicians Enter the Field After Two Years of Study at Centennial College

Computer systems technicians, field service representatives, network technicians, network technical support specialists, help desk support and technical support — these are some of the titles that graduates of Centennial College’s Computer Systems Technician – Networking program can obtain upon graduation. No matter which title one obtains, he or she works as part of a team that implements networks. Businesses, the government, educational institutions and other such establishments use these networks to link desktop computers to send e-mail and share data and computer applications. Therefore, these professionals map out a computer network, recommend appropriate network addressing systems, appropriate layouts for various network configurations, and appropriate connection devices. Specific duties of computer systems technicians include: 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. Among the companies that have hired Centennial College graduates are: StorageTek, Toronto Hydro, Transport Canada, Canada Life, CIBC Mellon Trust Enbridge Consumers Gas and others.

By attending Centennial College’s Computer Systems Technician program, you will be one of the 100 yearly graduates who find their jobs in technical support from the growing mesh of Internet, intranet, extranet and telecom networks. In addition, you will enter the market in just two years with an Ontario College Diploma. During your 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 will put together and maintain systems that will empower users in their creative, business and communication activities. Specific topics covered in this undertaking include: PC Hardware, PC Operating Systems, Technician Report Writing Tools in MS Office, Introduction to Web Design, Technology, Society, Ethics and Environment; Mathematics for Computer Systems and more.

It should be noted that 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.

If you are interested in applying for the Computer Systems Technician – Networking undertaking, you must have completed 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.

Biomedical Engineering Is on the Cutting-Edge of Technological Advances

Engineering and scientific disciplines are combined in the field of biomedical equipment to ensure that the healthcare system and our society benefit from a wide range of quality products that improve the way people with injuries or illnesses are cared for. More specifically, biomedical engineering integrates various principles including electronics, micro-controller, computer, chemical, biology, medicine, health and engineering in the design of medical equipment, rehabilitation and health improvement devices. Results of biomedical engineering include: biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices — ranging from clinical equipment to common imaging equipment such as MRIs and EEGs — as well as biotechnologies such as regenerative tissue growth. Firms in biomedical engineering must meet the challenge of providing increasingly advanced products. As a result, there is a greater need for qualified professionals.

The biomedical engineering field is divided into these subsections: biomaterials, biomechanics, bionics, clinical engineering, medical engineering, rehabilitation engineering and much more. However, all Biomedical Engineers conduct research, along with chemists and medical scientists, on the engineering aspects of the biological systems of humans and animals. Another important task for biomedical engineering professionals is the design and development of medical diagnostic and clinical instrumentation, equipment and procedures. Evaluating the safety of biomedical equipment, repairing as necessary and advising hospital administrators on the use of the equipment also fall into this professional’s hands.

If this technological field sounds like it may be one in which you will thrive, then Centennial College’s Biomedical Engineering Technology program, which provides an optimum balance between theory and hands-on labs, may be the right undertaking for you. To apply for the Biomedical Engineering Technology program, students should 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 and math 11M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

The college’s Biomedical Engineering Technology program takes three years/ six semesters to complete and prepares students for a challenging career using the latest technology. A strong lab focus ensures that students encounter real-life experiences that they may face in the field. Specific courses within the program include: Biomedical Engineering (introduces patient equipment and hospital environment, safety standards, and common problems of medical instrumentation); Technical Writing (focuses on written and oral communication in technical environments); Medical Imaging Systems (highlights the different techniques used for the acquisition, processing and storage of medical images for the purpose of diagnostic and treatment of patients with different diseases); and others such as Project Design Applications, Microcontrollers, Computer Integrated Surgery & Telemedicine, Data Communications and Networks, and more.

In addition, students are guided towards future Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) and Certified Biomedical Engineering Technologist (CBET) certifications. The program is also part of an active student chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

Centennial College’s Human Resources College Program Takes 2 Semesters to Complete

“This human resources program teaches you how to be a manager rather than just an employee of human resources,” says Andrea, a student of the Human Resources college program at Centennial College. “It’s teaches you how to lead people, how to deal with difficult situations, how to answer questions from people who may work for you. I chose Centennial because it’s the only college that actually offers a payroll course.”

Andrea has highlighted one of the most important aspects of the two-semester Centennial College Human Resources Management program. It focuses on teaching students how to be leaders so that they may be comfortable in a managerial position upon graduation. This is achieved by emphasizing the human resources management areas of: compensation, hiring, performance management, organization development, safety and wellness benefits, employee motivation, communication, administration and training.

As it is a post-graduate program, those applying to Human Resources must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program, open to all disciplines. Applicants presenting a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience will be considered. In addition, an interview, transcript and résumé review may be required. Please note that English proficiency will be considered in the admission process. Applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency in order to be considered for admission. Applicants whose first language is not English, and who have studied in an English language school system, for less than three full years may meet English proficiency requirements by providing satisfactory results in an English Language Proficiency test.

This Human Resources college program uses case studies, simulations, project-based learning and places an emphasis on developing project management, teamwork, report writing and presentation skills. In addition, there is a strong focus on HR trends such as managing diversity, alternative dispute resolution, computerized human resources systems, pensions and benefits. Lastly, experienced professors teach students computer and Internet technology for performing HR functions as well as HRMS training using a SAP. Specific courses featured within the program include: Human Resources Management in Canada, Contemporary Organizational Behaviour, Management Accounting for Human Resources, Staffing Organizations, Strategic Compensation, Labour and Employment Law, Employee Health and Safety, Training and Development, Industrial Relations, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Pensions and Benefits, Human Resources Strategy and Advanced HRMS.

If you attend this Human Resources college program your eligibility to earn the CHRP designation granted by the Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario (HRPAO) increases marketability. In addition, graduates can apply their credits towards a Master’s degree with the University of Western Sydney. Lastly, upon graduation, Centennial College students obtain positions such as: HR Administrator, HR Generalist, HR Recruiter, Compensation Analyst, Trainer, Pensions and Benefits Administrator, and Occupational Health and Safety Officer.

Benefits Management Prepares You For An Employee-Centered Field

As a working Canadian, you know the importance of investing money in a wise manner, saving for retirement and knowing your rights when it comes to benefits and wages at your job. To help you learn everything you need to know about any of the above are benefits management professionals.

Job titles in this field include: analysts and researchers, consultants, labour relations coordinators and salary/ wage analysts. Benefits professionals can be hired virtually into any company, especially larger organizations with benefit and pension plans. Depending on your title, you may be involved in a number of things. For one, benefits professionals help to plan and gather the necessary documents that ensure people know exactly where their hard-earned money is going and what will happen once it is invested. In addition, they prepare annual government returns and help in tax reporting and loan processing. Lastly, they may analyze the wages a company pays its employees to make sure that they are adequate to the jobs being performed at a specific company. But, essentially, the job boils down to helping a person to ensure that his or her investment incurs optimum profits.

If you have already completed a post-secondary diploma or degree program, the benefits management undertaking at Centennial College may be the right option for you. This two-semester Graduate Certificate program teaches students from the industry leading CEBS curriculum, which includes graduate level instruction in course such as Compensation Concepts and Principles, Group Benefits, Contemporary Organizational Behavior, Fundamentals of Project Management, Personal Taxation, Strategic HRM and Total Compensation, Total Benefits Learning Lab and Retirement Plans.

In addition, the benefits management program examines emerging trends and issues in the field such as changing legislative requirements. Also, as with all Centennial College programs, students benefit from practical practice such as case studies, simulations, project-based learning with a focus on developing project management, teamwork, report writing and presentation skills.

Qualified students are eligible to earn the certified employee benefits specialist (CEBS), group benefits associate (GBA) and retirement plans associate (RPA) designations granted by Dalhousie University and the IFEBP. Additional fees are payable to the IFEBP to be eligible to write external exams to obtain the professional designations. Exam fees are payable directly to the IFEBP. Students enrolled full-time in the Pensions and Benefits Management Program may be eligible for discounted exam fees.

In order to apply to this useful benefits management program, you must submit an official transcript that demonstrates proof of successful completion of a post secondary advanced diploma or degree program. In some cases, Centennial College will consider applicants presenting a combination of partial post secondary education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines. Also required are an interview and resume as well as English proficiency.

Attend Centennial College’s Accounting Clerk Program and Obtain Employable Skills

Professionals in the financial field who have obtained positions as accounting clerks, accounts payable clerk, administrative assistants, bookkeepers, accounts receivable clerks have all received training from an Accounting Clerk program. If you have an interest in managing money, accounting, bookkeeping or maintaining financial records, then this career may be the one for you. Now is a great time to obtain an education, as the industry has high demands for those who have knowledge in accounting as well as microcomputer skills.

Centennial College is located in Toronto, Ont. Under its School of Business umbrella, it offers an Accounting Clerk program that takes two semesters to complete and results in an Ontario College Certificate. Offering flexibility in its curriculum design and employing faculty members who are accountants with solid industry experience, ensures that this program is student-focused. In addition, the Accounting Clerk program is known for offering a leading-edge information technology infrastructure. This means that students learn the latest accounting software, including: Simply Accounting for Windows and the GL, A/R and A/P modules for ACCPAC for Windows. Students learn the ins and outs of this various software in computer labs that are fully equipped with an integrated network of computer systems, which mimic real-life experiences. This hands-on practice is vital to ensuring that students are employable upon graduation.

In addition to computer lands, the Accounting Clerk program covers topics such as: capital cost, financial accounting and management, investment valuation, structure and budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, dividend policy, consolidation, working capital management, planning and control, long-term sources of funds as well as short term and intermediate financing. These topics are covered through specific courses such as: Financial Accounting (offers an overview of the financial reporting process, concentrating on the recording process and the production of financial statements); Taxation (gives a basic understanding of the Income Tax Act and regulations to determine the Income Tax Liability as it applies mainly to individuals); Accounting Microcomputer Applications (students will learn the capabilities of mid-market accounting software for medium sized businesses to set up new accounting records, record transactions, produce financial statements and analyze financial data); and more.

If the Accounting Clerk program at Centennial College sounds like it may be for you, you’ll have to complete an application process, which begins with possessing at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older. In addition, students should also have completed the following: compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and math 11C, M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to Accounting Clerk program.

Graduate from Payroll Management in Just Two Semesters

This is a two-semester program and it is 50 per cent courses supplied by the Canadian Payroll Association but taught here at the Progress Campus,” say Professor Dryden, who teaches in the Payroll Management program at Centennial College. “And 50 per cent courses developed by Centennial College. One of the key advantage of this program is that the graduate will have exposure not only to the technical aspect of the processes of payroll but they will also have a broad understanding of the management processes around payroll, compensation and be able to step confidently into an orientation with other professions that work with payroll, such as accounting.”

While Professor Dryden does a fantastic job of giving an overview of the Payroll Management program, let’s take a more in-depth look into its specific aspects. First and foremost, to gain entry into the undertaking, students must present an official transcript that demonstrates proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program. In addition, they may be required to participate in an interview process, during which a transcript and resume review may be required. English proficiency will also be considered. Please note that if students are able to present a combination of partial post secondary education and relevant work experience, they may be considered. That is open to all disciplines.

As the undertaking is designed for those with previous experience in (assumingly) the financial field, students will develop and enhance crucial skills they already possess in a number of key areas and gain an extensive knowledge base. To achieve this, the Payroll Management program includes courses such as Strategic Compensation (helps students to develop a solid understanding of the strategies, issues, process, and techniques involved in developing and administering a compensation system), Human Resources Management in Canada (presents a survey of the major functional areas of human resources management, highlights key issues, and introduces students to a variety of best practices currently in use in high performance organizations), Pensions and Benefits (introduces students to the varied and complex area of pensions and benefits); and more.

This Payroll Management program also places emphasis on emerging trends and issues in payroll management, such as the use of promising technologies and changing legislative requirements. Therefore, payroll system training is taught using an SAP application.

Teaching tools used by professionals include: case studies, simulations and project-based learning, with a focus on developing project management, teamwork, report writing and presentation skills.

Qualified students are eligible to earn the professional designations of Payroll Compliance Practitioner and the Certified Payroll Manager that are granted by the Association (please note that registration in this will incur costs in addition to tuition).

Upon graduation, Payroll Management professionals are employed in every sector of the Canadian economy in positions such as: Payroll Clerks/ Officers, Payroll and Benefits Clerks/ Administrators/ Payroll Accountants, Human Resource and Payroll Generalists, General Accounting Coordinator, and Small Business Bookkeepers/Accountants.

Be Part of a Select Group of Centennial College Computer Networking Training Students

The communication between computer systems or devices is a very intricate area. It involves a network, which is any set of computers or devices that are connected to each other with the ability to exchange data. Professionals in this field have studied computer networking training and have a variety of titles such as project management analyst, IT program manager, technical account manager, business account manager, network administrator, network analyst and network support. The one thing they have in common is that Ontario is experiencing a critical need for properly trained computer and communication network graduates.

Let’s take a look at some of the jobs in this field. For example, network analysts install, lay out and maintain all network components. They also plan, design, analyze and provide technical support for data communications and network or group of networks. Lastly, network analysts conduct research and evaluation of network technology. Another example an IT program manager who runs complex projects or programs from design and development to production. He or she also defines resources and schedules implementation, directs and oversees the project engineering team, performs assessments, as well designs and maintains technical and project documentation. The last example of a professional with computer networking training is a technical account manager. His or her responsibility involves helping customers to make changes to accounts (such as updating payment and production information) and assisting companies to forecast revenue based on customer accounts.

Reliable training in this field can be obtained at Centennial College’s Computer and Communications Network program. It is the only post-secondary institution in Ontario to offer a bachelor’s degree program in Computer and Communication Networking and results in a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Information Sciences. Taking a university level program in a college setting offers a unique blend of technology and business subjects, creating an innovative balance between the practical and the theoretical backgrounds.

All of the courses within this computer networking training are offered in equipped classrooms and state-of-the-art computer lab that are specially engineered and feature VoIP, Cellular Networks, Wireless Broadband (WiMax), Advanced Routing and Switching or Network Management. These course include: Computer Network Fundamentals (introduces current networking technologies models and concepts in network communications); LAN Switching and Routing (teaches theory and implementation of Routing and Switching, the most complicated and important functions in communications networking); Wireless Networks (designed to provide students with necessary tools to help them become part of the revolutionary change in communications and networking); and more.

In addition, the practical part of Centennial College’s computer networking training involves a mandatory co-op option. During the 15-week co-op, students are placed with companies such as financial institutions, Fortune 500 organizations, IMB as well as private sector companies. A minimum C grade in ENG-110, minimum 2.0 GPA and minimum 80 per cent of year 1 and 2 courses required for COOP-221. During their studies, students can specialize in network security or wireless systems.

To apply, candidates must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a minimum of six 12U, 12M, OAC credits or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. There are also minimum academic prerequisites, such as: English 12U and one from the following: Math 12U Advanced Functions, Math 12U Calculus and Vectors, Math 12U Mathematics of Data Management or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program.

Enter the Project Management Field with Hands-on Experience

“The program is very participative in project management. Participative in the sense that we encourage group work, case studies, applications of what is being learned. It’s very much a hands-on learning rather than one-way lecturing and reading books. In addition, students are encouraged to take an internship,” says Isaac Sethian a professor in the Project Management program at Centennial College — one of the only project management institutes offered at college level.

While professor Sethian gives an excellent overview of how the program works, let’s look at some of the specific benefits of attending the three-semester undertaking. First and foremost, those interested in attending must apply by submitting 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.

This program follows Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) standards and provides fundamental, hands-on training to equip specialists-in any discipline- with the skills needed to lead a project from start to finish. The Project Management Graduate Certificate program is suited for college and university graduates, from any discipline, who wish to increase their employability by working towards a globally recognized certification in Project Management. The in-depth and challenging curriculum also makes it a well-suited program for professionals seeking to develop their leadership skills, and effectively introduce and manage innovative and creative ideas.

Specific courses offered within the Project Management program include: Business Presentations, Fundamentals of Project Management, Project Leadership, Business Principles and Requirements Management, Project Planning and Scheduling, Project Management Tools and Applications, Project Estimation and Cost Management, and more.

In addition to the PMBOK-centered curriculum, an optional 12-week Experiential Learning Opportunity (field placement) allows students to gain valuable, hands-on experience industry leaders expect. Each student is assigned to an external host organization as an internship placement. Each student must take instruction and direction from the employer regarding their tasks while on work. Throughout the work term, a faculty member will monitor students. This course facilitates sharing of experiences during the internship in a safe and encouraging environment and helps the student structure his/her experiences in terms of a portfolio, which is an important summative document for the entire learning acquired during the length of the program.

Upon graduation from Project Management institute students find jobs in are wide variety of industries, including transportation, marketing, construction, health, new media, education, advertising, engineering, finance and more. The majority of the work is performed with large companies that have specialized professionals of all aspects of business.