Continuing Education - An Option for Busy Professionals

Whether your goal is to change careers, update your existing skills or augment new skills to launch a new career path, continuing education has a course or program that will help you to reach your goals. This learning option often involves enrollment in post-secondary, credit-granting courses by part-time students, and is often offered through a division or school of continuing education of a college. As the term suggests, it is assumed that the student already has an education and is simply continuing it.

At Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. students have a few continuing education options thanks to the institution's School of Continuing Education. These options include: part-time, evening, weekend, online and alternative format courses — all of which are designed to help students improve their skills, further their education and pursue a variety of interests. In addition, Centennial College's continuing education options: provide experienced instructors who understand adult learning needs and offer flexible, learner-centered teaching methodologies; provide practical hands-on knowledge to place relevant theory into context and perspective; recognize and respect both the level of maturity and work experience of students; and provide effective instructor to student ratio and an optimal classroom size enabling competent peer interaction. As a result, the school's Continuing Education school sees nearly 22,000 learners each year in 160 programs that feature more than 1,200 courses and a 97 per cent learner satisfaction.

All programs facilitated through the continuing education school have their own prerequisites and it's best to check each individual program's page to ensure that students have the necessary requirements to apply. It should also be noted that within certain programs there might be qualification requirements and costs for external accreditations, designations, certifications or recognitions. These are set by the granting bodies and not by Centennial College. In order to qualify for any of those external accreditations, designations, certification or recognition, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and materials of those external bodies. Among the continuing education areas of study are: Addiction Studies, Business, Computers and Information Technology, Early Childhood Education, Engineering Technology, Food Service Worker, Media and Design, Part-time Health Studies, Retirement Communities Management/Long Term Care Management, Transportation, and more.

Two other Continuing Education School options are Distance Learning and Print Based Courses. First, Distance Learning programs and courses are offered in an online learning format that is instructor-led but allows students to complete course material and assignments in their own time and space, with 24- hour access to the online classroom. Meanwhile, correspondence or print based courses (PB) are also available offering students the ability to work at their own pace within typically a six-month time frame. Print-based courses are best suited to students who work independently with minimal supervision. In most cases both delivery methods (online & PB) require that students attend the campus towards the end of their class to write a continuing education final exam.

Mechanical Engineering Program Takes Just Three Years to Complete

Do you have an interest in a career in the manufacture and production of mechanical equipment as a supervisor (which offers additional opportunities), junior engineer, assistant to professional engineers, lab technician, quality control, CAD operator, technical sales and marketing, production control, and product design and development? In order to have a long lasting career in one of these areas, professionals must attend a mechanical engineering program, such as Centennial College's Mechanical Engineering Technology – Industrial (PYT) option.

This offering, which is facilitated out of the college's largest location, Progress campus, takes three years to complete and results in an Ontario College Advanced Diploma. Students learn through mechanical engineering courses that offer a combination of engineering theory and practice in the manufacturing and production of mechanical equipment. In fact, there is about 60-40 balance between theory and practice. As such, students gain basic engineering skills and science, as well as more specialized knowledge in subjects relating to modern manufacturing and production processes. Training includes computer-assisted drafting and manufacturing (CAD/ CAM), as well as industry-current software instruction in AutoCAD, Inventor and Mastercam. The project-driven approach of the mechanical engineering courses also gives students the chance to experience machine shop operation, tool design, plus computer numerical control programming, designing, as well as building and testing an original piece of equipment. To round out training, two semester individual projects, give students practical experience in designing, building and testing an original piece of equipment. The project approach simulates actual workplace assignments. The campus at which Mechanical Engineering program students study houses a new mechanical engineering lab that includes: Thermodynamic Fluid Power testing modules, and Tensile, Hardness and Impact Testers.

Specific mechanical engineering courses featured in this offering include: Properties of Materials, Machine Shop, Physics, Applied Electricity, Statistics, Differential Calculus and Analytic Geometry, Fluid Mechanics, Tool Design, Quality Assurance and more.

Complementing what students learn in class is a co-op component. Academically qualified students enhance their education by working three terms as paid employees in the field. This experience not only allows them to put classroom learning into practice, but also provides valuable contacts for future careers.

Mechanical engineering program students are prepared for jobs in the manufacture and production of mechanical equipment: developing quality control systems, assisting in plant expansions and layouts, conducting time and motion studies, planning and scheduling new facilities and preparing job safety programs and manuals.

In order to apply for his Mechanical engineering program, interested parties must have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). In addition, they should possess English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment; and Math Grade 11 M or U or Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment. Upon admission, a minimum C grade required in COMM-170/171, minimum 2.5 GPA and minimum 80 percent of year 1 and 2 courses are required for COOP-221.

Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technicians Train at Centennial College

Do you have an interest in working in heating, refrigeration and air conditioning areas such as: technical support, maintenance and installation, design, and sales and service? Have you completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)? In addition, do you have credentials for compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent; and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent? If you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions, you may want to consider training to be a refrigeration and air conditioning technician at Centennial College's Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program.

Taking just two years to complete, the heating, refrigeration and air conditioning courses in this program teach students broad knowledge of the design, installation and service techniques of heating and air conditioning systems for commercial and residential settings. Some specific skills that students will master include: maintaining, sizing and selecting equipment for air conditioning and refrigeration application; the development of refrigerants; development of equipment to meet the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards; efficiency standards for heating equipment; installation and service techniques; among others. This is achieved through a variety of heating, refrigeration and air conditioning courses such as Ethics in Technology and Environment; Acts, Regulations and Procedures; Electrical Fundamentals; Mechanical Cooling Cycle; Pipe Joining & Installation for Cooling; Systems Design and Installation; Air Conditioning and Distribution Systems and many mothers. To complement their training, students partake in a Capstone Project. This final project encompasses elements of everything the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning technician students have learned throughout their time in the program. A faculty member supervises this project.

The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Courses are facilitated from Progress Campus. Of Centennial College’s four locations, this one is the largest and most centrally located. It provides many places in which students can practice their craft such as a restaurant and conference centre.

Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning technicians make, install, repair and service residential, commercial and industrial cooling and heating systems. While some of them work in building maintenance, others specialize in repairing small, portable refrigeration and freezing units. As part of their job, refrigeration and air conditioning technicians measure, cut and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment; recharge systems with refrigerant gases as required; connect rooftop units to gas, test and balance systems and connect electrical systems; adjust computerized controls; use computer software to calculate loads, and work on large machines.

It should be noted that when graduates first leave the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program, they may obtain employment as heating technicians or through affiliated trade apprenticeships in plumbing, pipefitting, electrical, sheet metal or refrigeration. Apprenticeship is required after graduation, for those who wish to become tradespersons.

Personal Support Worker Program Gets You into the Field Quickly

Do you have an interest in assisting individuals to lead active and fulfilled lives? Do you want to attend a college program that will take less than two years to complete? Have you completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older? In addition, have you finished the compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent and can prove English proficiency? If you answered ‘yes’ to all of these questions then Centennial College’s one-year Personal Support Worker program may be for you.

This offering emphasizes the full range of home- and health-related services required by a variety of clients. As such, graduates of the Personal Support Worker program are able to work with clients who include elderly, clients with disabilities, chronic illnesses, cognitive impairment and also clients recovering from acute illnesses. The Personal Support Work program grads work with these people in their homes, residential facilities or long-term care institutions and community support agencies, assisting with activities of daily living, under the supervision of professionals and according to a care plan. More specifically, they act within the personal support worker role, under supervision, and by following care/service plans and established policies and procedures; participate as a member of the care service teams in both community and institutional settings; collaborate and report observations to appropriate health care team members in an ongoing, timely manner and document this information promptly; support the client’s personal and home management care requirements and preferences by following care service plans and established policies and procedures; demonstrate effective oral, written and nonverbal communication techniques; and assist in the promotion and maintenance of a safe and caring environment for clients, their families, self and others.

How exactly does the Personal Support Worker program work? First and foremost, it should be noted that the intensely-paced undertaking is led by an experienced group of faculty members. These instructors guide students through Personal Support Worker courses such as Anatomy, Foundations of Personal Support, Developmental Stages & Alterations in Health, Personal Support Communication, Foundations of Mental Health, Supporting Clients in Palliative Care and more.

However, students spend more than half of the total program hours in a field placement working with teams in long-term care institutions, the community and at in-home settings. This field placement allows them to apply what they have learned in-school, network and absorb knowledge from practicing professionals.

Upon graduation, Personal Support Worker program graduates work under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse and may work in a health care facility and home care. According to Ontario Network for Internationally Trained Professionals, in the course of remaking the health care system in Canada, Personal Support Workers are reported to be in growing demand.

Advance your Career with a Financial Planning Certification

"This Financial Planning program provides the student with the opportunity to obtain the Certified Financial Planners or CFP designation. It’s an internationally recognized designation,” says Harvey Willows, a professor in the program offered at Centennial College. “What is unique about this program is it is intended for people who have previous education in, ideally, financial services or, if not, have taken the Social Securities course, or for people who have worked in the financial services industry and are ready for advancement.” Meanwhile, student Fatty Lutfi provides what he sees as the Financial Planning program’s biggest benefit. “What I liked most about my program is that it gears you towards becoming a financial planner,” he says. “This is important because when you get into the industry, it’s very hard to actually do this on your own. So what Centennial College does is it preps, guides and teaches you how to develop those natural skills that you should have in your financial industry.”

These testimonials offer insight into the important aspects of the Financial Planning program, but let’s take a closer look. First, to apply, interested parties must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program. Applicants may also be required to complete an interview process and have their resume reviewed. English and math skills assessments may also be required.

Among the topics covered during the Financial Planning certification undertaking, are: ethics and stakeholder management, crafting and executing strategy, CSC preparation, certified financial planner preparation, corporate credit management, financial management, marketing, retirement financial planning, estate planning and risk management, tax planning, and accounting for managerial decision making.

In addition, the Financial Planning program allows students to gain a range of accreditations aside from their financial planning certificate. First, students obtain educational requirements to challenge the CFP exam and to be fully licensed with IDA/ MFDA. Accreditations gained as a result of successful completion of courses and industry exams include: Canadian Securities Course, Conduct and Practices Handbook Course, and Wealth Management Essentials. Meanwhile, designations and licenses that can be obtained as a result of completing preparatory courses and successfully writing the industry exams include: Certified Financial Planner and Life Licensing Qualification Program. Registration in this incurs cost in addition to tuition.

Upon graduation from the financial planning program students have the ability to: integrate ethical decision-making processes into all aspects of the financial planning profession; successfully adhere to recognized financial planning principles and industry standards; prepare accurate and relevant financial plans, manually and electronically; compare, contrast and select financial products and services, investment planning and counselling services for clients, while adhering to industry standards; effectively market financial products through the development of an inventory of prospective clients, follow up with individual sales strategies in pursuit of new and renewal business; recognize potential tax and legal implications within a financial planning situation; and more. In addition, after obtaining the appropriate certificates students find employment in places such as banks, credit unions, financial planning companies, life insurance companies, mutual fund companies and investment dealers.

Get a Solid Foundation in the Energy Systems Engineering Technician Field At Centennial College

Professionals who posses a wide range of knowledge across mechanical, electrical, electronic and automation engineering fields can find jobs as energy systems engineering technicians. In the utility sector innovative energy projects are using small-scale sources such as solar, wind, hydro, fuel cells, gas turbines and biomass to feed electricity, heat and air conditioning to our homes and businesses. Meanwhile, the construction industry has adopted a host of new green building initiatives that are quickly increasing awareness and the use of sustainable, integrated architecture and engineering practices for new buildings. Energy Systems Engineering Technicians are responsible for taking on the challenge of integrating and using these modern sustainable energy technologies in a manner consistent with our urban environments.

Through the Energy Systems Engineering Technician program at Centennial College, students learn fundamental skills to understand energy and its uses in modern society. Once students complete the Energy Systems Engineering Technician program, they may enter year three of the Energy Systems Engineering Technology program to complete a further credential.

The two-year program is challenging, but offers a unique blend of technical, managerial and entrepreneurial skills that are highly sought after in modern energy and sustainable building companies. Students learn all about: implementing energy solutions for commercial and residential buildings using knowledge of energy systems, energy efficiency and renewable/distributed energy systems; operating power plants of various sizes; designing and maintaining heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration units; and working with architectural companies to integrate energy technologies into the latest green buildings.

The Energy Systems Engineering Technician program places a strong focus on practical labs with the opportunity for students to work on state-of-the-art energy systems. Applied research and development projects promote students’ innovation skills while technician curriculum is complemented by project management skills. Courses covered in the Energy Systems Technician undertaking, include: Physics, Electric Circuits, Applied Statistics, Chemistry Application and Climate, Boilers and Auxiliaries, Mechanics and Materials, Wind and Solar Energy and many others.

In order to apply, student must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have the credits for compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Successful energy systems technicians enter a field in which a widening skilled-labour shortage and quickly advancing technology in the energy sector are creating huge demand for technicians who possess a breadth of knowledge. In their varied positions, energy systems technicians work with industries that include moulding and casting, integrated circuit packaging, heat exchanger/ boiler design and manufacture and petrochemical processing.

Obtain Professional Honda Technician Training From Centennial

When it comes to automobiles, Honda is regarded as one of the most innovative and eco-friendly makers.

If you're interested in becoming an automotive service technician and specializing in Acura and Honda products, Centennial College in Toronto offers a perfect program to get you started. Their Automotive Service Technician Acura/Honda Apprenticeship program provides you the best of both worlds: classroom training and work experience with an Acura/Honda employer.

Centennial's program is considered a modified apprenticeship program or MAP. Unlike traditional apprenticeship programs that require you to obtain employment before you can take courses, the MAP allows you to interview for a spot in the program. This particular program offers you longer and more in-depth technical knowledge than traditional programs. It's set up like any job, so if you pass the interview process successfully, you will be granted a spot in the program where you will gain automotive knowledge and work for a Honda Canada employer.

Every eight weeks, you'll alternate between classroom study and working for a Honda employer for a total of 32 weeks with each. The school portion of this program is held at Centennial's Ashtonbee campus, which is the largest on-site transportation training facility in Canada. For 32-weeks, you'll study core courses including: Drive Train Systems, Electrical/Electronic & Fuels, Engine Systems, Work Practices and Procedures and Suspension/Steering and Brake Systems.

The best part about any apprenticeship program is that you get to apply your classroom knowledge to the workplace right away. You'll be treated just like a regular employee and get paid for all the work you put in.

The classroom knowledge that you learn will give you an advantage because you'll learn specialized skills that relate directly to Acura and Honda products.

Honda is synonymous with innovation, green technology and advancement; it's also more Canadian than you might think. This company employs over 4,300 Canadians nationwide and purchases over $1.1 billion in goods from Canadian suppliers annually. Honda Canada manufacturing has enjoyed a successful 25 years of operation. While the company has a long lineup of cars, Canadians have embraced the Ontario-made Civic and made it the top passenger car sold for 13 years running! This company also prides itself on its commitment to energy efficient practices. Its Canadian plant recycles 99 per cent of its product waste—the first in North America to be able to make this claim. From hybrid cars to dealerships powered by wind turbines, this world-class company is regarded as one of the most fuel-efficient car companies, and is continually looking for the next innovation that produces a quality product while maintaining nature's delicate balance.

If automotive training and working for a company that's cutting edge appeals to you, starting a career as a Honda technician may be your perfect fit. This program is offered in all three academic semesters (fall, winter, summer) so you can start your career when you're ready. To find out more about what this program offers you, discover more here.

Toyota Technician Training Includes Compensated Sessions

Imagine attending school to obtain Toyota Technician training and being compensated while you do it. It's possible with Centennial College's Automotive Service Technician Toyota MAP 32 apprenticeship learn-while-you-earn approach. This program works by having students alternate between on-campus lessons and sessions with an employer for a total of 64 weeks. While they are in school, students may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) and while they are with their employers, they are fully compensated. This makes Centennial College's Toyota technician training ideal for just about anyone with an interest in the field.

In 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation employed 317,734 people worldwide and was the world's largest automobile manufacturer by production. Working for this company is a great career choice for those who have a specific interest in vehicles such as the Camry, Prius, Yaris, Corolla and more. At Centennial College's Toyota Technician training, students learn all about these cars so they are able to fully service them upon graduating and obtaining their certificates. Among the specific tasks students master at Centennial are: diagnosing problems using Toyota diagnostic equipment and performing repairs and preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes and tires. They also become comfortable with conducting vehicle inspections. All aspects of vehicle technology are embodied in the program. The five specific courses technician students complete on campus are: Drive Train Systems, Electrical/Electronic & Fuels, Engine Systems, Work Practices and Procedures and Suspension/Steering and Brake Systems.

The in-school portion of the Toyota technician training is actually designed to mimic a real life workshop. This is possible because Centennial College is home to the largest transportation training centre in the province, Ashtonbee Campus, which includes all the latest tools used in the field as well as real Toyota vehicles on which to practice.

Aside from the practical and theoretical knowledge students of Toyota technician training gain at Centennial College, they also get to experience real-life scenarios that allow them to apply what they have learned while gaining new knowledge during their time with their employer. In addition they can learn to deal with customers and network with technicians employed by Toyota who know what the company is looking for in its employees.

Applicants to the Toyota technician training are required to possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent. In addition they should be employed by a Toyota dealership. Candidates may apply directly to Centennial College, with successful applicants obtaining an employer and registering as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Students may apply to a maximum of three programs at Centennial College. As with any college program, there are a limited spots within Toyota technician training. When space permits, additional applicants who may not be employed by Toyota are selected through an interview process.

Centennial College: Toyota Canada - T-DAP - Program

Combine Computer Theory with Hands-on Practice in Computer Networking Training

Did you know that all you need to enter computer networking training is an interest in computers, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older); English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment; and Math Grade 11 M or U or Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment? At Centennial College, applicants who have these prerequisites can apply to the Computer Systems Technology – Networking program.

This offering is completed in three years and incorporates the latest in computer systems through a strong hands-on lab and technical problem solving focus. It is designed to allow students to go inside PC hardware and learn about operating systems as well as configuring and troubleshooting wired and wireless networks in order to have full control of the computing and communicating technology. In their computer networking courses, students also learn to put together and maintain systems that will empower users in their creative, business and communication activities. Specific computer networking courses include: PC Hardware, PC Operating Systems, Introduction to Web Design, Network Technologies, Windows Server Operating System, Electricity for Computer Systems and many others.

One standout computer networking course is the Technologist Project in the sixth semester. This capstone project is related to the fifth semester course Fundamentals of Project Management, where students deal with research, analysis, planning, costing, scheduling and resolving problems in implementing the project. The project conceived in Fundamentals of Project Management is incorporated here. Students design a project that fulfills the specifics laid down to accomplish business objectives. They work in a team to handle the various aspects of the project and maintain clear and accurate project related documents, which adhere to industry standards. During the implementation process students go through configuration and troubleshooting exercises, using a systematic approach and diagnostic tools to solve problems. At the end of the course each team demonstrates the project, makes an oral presentation and submits a written final report, which is clear, concise and free of grammatical errors.

Exit points in computer networking training are available to qualified students after one year (CRAM certificate) and two years (Technician diploma). In addition, qualified graduates 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. Lastly, graduates are positioned to pursue industry standard certifications such as Comptia A+, Net+, iNet, Cisco CCNA, Novell CNE, Microsoft Win2000 Professional and Server.

Should students choose to pursue a career after completing all computer networking courses, they may do so under titles such as computer systems technologist, field service representative, network technologist, network technical support specialist, help desk support, LAN support and LAN administrator. Companies that have hired graduates of this program include: AIM Funds Management Inc., Canada Life, Celestica, CIBC Mellon Trust and more.

Earn a Diploma and Co-Op Experience to Become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Do you have an interest in becoming a mechanical engineering technician? Have you thought about taking air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses? Have you completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), GED or equivalent; English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment; and Math Grade 11 M, C or U or Grade 12 M, C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment? If so, you may want to consider Centennial College’s two-year Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics – Mechanical Engineering Technician offering, which results in an Ontario College Diploma. In addition to these requirements, please note that applicants my also be asked to submit a questionnaire, resume and references to determine apprenticeship employability.

The air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses in this program are beneficial to students as they allow them to train as apprentices in the refrigeration and air conditioning trade while obtaining a two-year post secondary engineering technician Ontario College diploma in the mechanical field. Eight months of the program time is spent on a co-op placement arranged by the college. The hours earned during the co-op placement are counted towards the practical part of apprenticeship training. Please note, time spent in co-op is compensated.

Meanwhile, during on-campus sessions, students obtain a thorough grounding in engineering sciences and skills, including machine shop operation, tool design, computer-assisted drafting and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), building and testing of equipment as used in the refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic industry. The grounding is offered through a variety of theoretical and lab air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses, which include industry-current design software and a project approach to leaning that simulates actual workplace assignments.

Among the specific air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic courses included in this offering are: Refrigeration Fundamentals (course teaches identifying procedures for checking and inspecting mechanical cooling system components. Also teaches students to describe worksite preparation procedures, personal protective equipment, safe working conditions, procedures for handling hazardous or toxic materials, fire safety procedures, the reporting of injuries, demonstration for prevention of personal injuries, procedures for lockout and tagging, operating material handling equipment, procedures for the use of personnel lift equipment); Cooling Cycles Fundamentals (teaches structure of matter, molecular motion, work and energy, thermal energy and the change of state, laws of physics that relate to vapours and gases, operating principles and function, temperatures and pressures a mechanical cooling cycle and procedures for plotting a mechanical cooling cycle in a mollier diagram); Cooling Cycles and Accessories (teaches principles and functions of various compressors, procedures for checking wear tolerances of a reciprocating compressors, the function of condensers and evaporators used in a cooling system designed to preserve perishable goods. Also highlights descriptions of the operating principles and function of metering devices, function of accessories, function of cascade compression and function of compound compression in cooling systems); and more.

Improve the Health of your Community by taking a Fitness and Health Promotion program

Fitness instructor, personal trainer, fitness consultant and wellness/fitness program developer - these are just some of the titles available to students who graduate from Centennial College’s Fitness and Health Promotion program. These professionals work in a field that helps to assist individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices that will reduce or prevent the occurrence of acute and chronic diseases by providing professional fitness assessments, recommendations for health and fitness exercise regimes and strategies to meet their health and wellness goals. Some places in which Fitness and Health promotion grads are employed include: their communities, corporate fitness, municipal recreation, retail fitness, hospitals and more.

Taking two years to complete, the Fitness and Health Promotion program uses practical learning in laboratory and placement settings and a comprehensive academic grounding to prepare students for the field upon graduation. In particular, courses cover topics such as anatomy and physiology, fitness assessment, leadership skills, injury management, nutrition, fitness marketing, health promotion, computer skills and cross cultural awareness. Throughout these courses there is expert faculty guidance as well as a strong focus on mental health as an essential part of a holistic approach to well being. In addition, students have the opportunity to apply what they learn in the Fitness and Health Promotion courses at the newly constructed Athletic and Wellness Center located at Progress Campus. There is also opportunity for inter-professional student liaisons between Fitness and Health Promotion students and other programs (i.e. Police Foundations, Pre-service Fire and Paramedic students) at Centennial College to assist in the attainment of their fitness assessment goals.

The final standout feature of the Fitness and Health Promotion program is an Industry Field Placement that sees students integrate and apply the knowledge and skill acquired throughout the program in a safe and challenging real world setting. Prior to each program Field Placement, students require the following: obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening; successfully complete an annual renewal of a recognized course in CPR (health care provider level); successfully complete a recognized course in standard first aid.

Students of Fitness and Health Promotion have the opportunity to gain the skills necessary to become a certified personal trainer according to the CSEPT-PT requirements and also learn course material related to the canfitpro nutrition and wellness certification.

Applicants interested in the Fitness and Health Promotion offering must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature status (19 years or older) In addition, they must have completed the English Grade 12 C or U (minimum grade required) or equivalent, or skills assessment; as well as one Science Grade 11 or 12, C or U (minimum grade requirement) or skills assessment (Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Exercise Science).

Attend a Game Design Program that Focuses on Software Development

Software developers, game programmers, software testers, computer programmers, system analysts, business analysts, web application developers, database administrators and applications or software support: These are some of the titles one can obtain upon completion of a game design program such as Centennial College’s Software Engineering Technology – Interactive Gaming (Co-op) offering. These professionals work in various phases of the game programming life cycle, including: game design, game engine design, three-dimensional graphics programming, multiplayer online game programming and more.

The advanced offering at Centennial College, takes three years to complete and results in an Advanced Ontario College Diploma as well as the ability to be employable directly upon graduation. Places that have hired students of this interactive game design program include SpongeLab, CIBC, Bell Canada, Hudson’s Bay Company, ManuLife, Royal Bank and more.

The game design courses within the program are delivered using cutting-edge technology geared to industry standards while being led by knowledgeable and approachable faculty members who have diverse business experience and academic credentials. The focus of these game design courses is on object-oriented software design methodologies, user-oriented interface design, Microsoft’s .NET, DirectX, XNA, Software Testing and QA, C#, Java, J2EE, Oracle, MS-SQL Server, Unix/ Linux, HTML/ XML, Rational/ WebSphere, and more. Specific courses covered in the game design program include: Software Engineering Fundamentals, Introduction to Database Concepts, Functions and Number Systems, Web Interface Design, Introduction to Game and Simulation, Game Programming, Object Oriented Software Engineering and many others.

To complement training and ensure students are ready for the field, they participate in three terms of employment placement with a real employer. The program helps students to prepare through an Employment Pre-placement course, which teaches them about interview techniques, workplace etiquette, co-op activities that they’ll have to complete and more. In order to be eligible for co-op, students will have to complete a minimum of 80 per cent of Year 1 courses, a minimum C grade in COMM-170/171 and a 2.5 GPA or greater for COOP-221. This program’s co-op option is a paid placement.

Additionally, to graduate from this game design program, students are required to have a minimum C grade average.

Applicants to this game design program must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent are also required. Students are placed in the appropriate English level based on a skills assessment. In addition, qualified college or university graduates with a background in software can gain direct entry into semester three of this three-year program and receive their Software Engineering Technology – Interactive Gaming Co-op Advanced diploma in four semesters plus two work terms.

Ford Technician Training Offers Knowledge to Ensure Students Are Industry Ready

If you are interested in becoming an automotive service technician at Ford Canada who is responsible for maintaining and repairing cars, vans and pickup trucks by fixing engines, changing brakes, checking windshield wipers and fluid levels, and replacing mufflers, hoses, belts and plugs, you may want to consider attending Centennial College's Ford technician training. In order to apply for this program, officially known as Automotive Service Technician Ford Company of Canada Limited Asset (MAP 32), you are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a General Education Diploma or equivalent. A Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd. Dealership must also employ you. Successful applicants must obtain an employer and then register as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Acceptance is based on successful completion of all entry requirements. Limited space is available in this Ford technician training program. Please note that candidates may apply directly to Centennial College.

Once you are accepted, you will train to become comfortable working on cars, trucks, SUVs and crossovers such as the Focus, Fiesta, Explorer and classics such as the Shelby GT500 and the Mustang. Despite hard economic times, in 2010 Ford earned a net profit of $6.6 billion and reduced its debt from $33.6 billion to $14.5 billion. This demonstrates that it is a company that can offer a Ford technician a stead position.

Students of Centennial College's Ford technician training are taught by spending 32 weeks on campus and 32 weeks with their employer. Every four weeks, students alternate between the two so that they may apply what they just learned to real life situations. This alternating teaching method ensures that first students learn the basics, apply them to their employer sessions and come back with confidence to obtain more advanced in-class knowledge. In this offering, students obtain training that is more in depth than that of a traditional apprenticeship.

When they are in-class for their Ford Technician training, students are based in Ashtonbee Campus, the largest transportation training centre in the province. As such, they have access to cars, tools of the trade and instructors who are professionals and have all worked in the automotive service field. Ford technician training courses place an emphasis on electronics, transmission, engines, air conditioning, supplemental restraint systems and the diagnosing of vehicle management systems. This is vital as technology continues to evolve and students must be prepared for the latest advancements in the field. Additionally, this program is set apart from others as it includes Ford specialties that, in the past, students had to attend Ford school to learn. These specialties are: engines, electrical, brakes and climate control. In addition, students may be eligible for employment insurance during the in-class training.

Once Ford technician students alternate to their employer session, they get an idea of how the field will look upon graduation. They get to practice their skills, obtain new skills, learn to deal with customers and network. During this time, students are compensated for their work.

A Travel Education Can Take You Across the World - Literally

"The Tourism and Travel program has been a great learning environment for me," says Amanda Kwong, a 2009 graduate of Centennial College's one-year offering, which offers students a tourism education. "The small class sizes and hands-on opportunities have helped to further my passion for travel. The in-class learning has been an eye-opening experience thanks to the enthusiastic teachers and their intimate knowledge of the industry. The amount of extracurricular and opportunities within the industry offered to students are endless."

These positive words demonstrate how well rounded the travel education students receive in this program really is. Lisa Mohammed, coordinator of the Tourism and Travel program at Centennial College, expands on Kwong's testimonial. "Our curriculum is endorsed by the Canadian Institute of Travel Counselors and their exam is included in our program. We also do an international trip every year. So I think we've succeeded in giving students not just the theoretical knowledge but sort of the vocational knowledge as well."

Aside from the international trip Mohammed mentioned, the other vital practical experience students of the Tourism and Travel Program are exposed to during their tourism education is a three-days-a-week internship. This opportunity is offered to students in the third and final semester of the program. It is a time for students to apply skills learned in-class, interact with professionals and network.

However, before they are sent into the field, students are given a travel education through Tourism and Travel Courses that are designed to prepare them to graduate with the proficiency that both Canadian and global employers are seeking. Specific courses within this program include: Wholesale Tour Operators (students study and compare the various package tour suppliers, and the elements that go into brochure production. Additionally, students learn the negotiation process used by both the retail travel agency and wholesalers in securing preferred supplier status); Travel Agency Operations (Using Build Your Own Business software, learners open their own travel agency by entering into a world with artificially intelligent population with demographics, towns and roadways — and real time competitive environment actually created by others); Business Management for Tourism (places emphasis on The Ontario Travel Industry Act, The Travel Industry Council of Ontario Minimum Standards requirement, human resource management, travel agency productivity, financial targets and controls, and business ethics); and more. Other tourism and travel courses cover: airline tariffs and ticketing, accommodation and ground transportation and the cruise industry.

Please note that in order to graduate from with a tourism education from Centennial College, a minimum C grade is required. Those applying to obtain a travel education at Centennial College must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, students should have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. Please note that possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Tourism and Travel Program at Centennial College

Motive Power Technician - Technical Offering Focuses on Hands-on Skills

Automotive apprentices, service advisors, lead hands, repair technicians, automotive service and parts management or automotive import/export: These are some of the positions for which graduates of Centennial College’s Motive Power Technician – Technical program can apply. In fact, one instructor of the program says, “Many of our students end up back at Centennial College, either in body work or mechanical. Some of them go onto dealerships to work at part departments and that sort of thing.”

Accredited by the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) National Accreditation Board, this offering, officially known as (Automotive) Motive Power Technician – Technical, takes two years to complete and results in an Ontario College Diploma. The focus of the motor vehicle technician program is on motor vehicle technology. It is ideal for those with strengths in mathematics and physics. In addition, all of the in-school content taught in this program is the same as the Automotive Service Technician (AST) apprenticeship qualification. This ensures motor vehicle technician students are prepared to enter the industry as well as be successful on exemption testing for licensing qualification.

During classroom and shop activities, students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge as well as hands-on skills and experience through demonstration and application of standard industry techniques and processes included/imbedded in the program curriculum. More specifically, the first semester of Motive Power Technician offering features courses that are common to both the administration and technical streams. This ensures that students have a chance to decide which aspect of the industry is best suited for then. Among the topics covered in this first semester are: applied mechanics, engines, transmissions, fuels, alignment, vehicle technology, mathematics and more. Meanwhile, the second semester sees a focus on component design and includes topics such as transportation administration, applied vehicle dynamics, and higher levels of topics offered in the first semester. The last two semesters concern themselves with the highest level of topics such as engines, alignment, transmission and others such as air conditioning, technical drawings, properties of materials and more.

Students train out of labs that include our transmission lab, our engine lab, fuels, electrical, electronics, and our chassis systems. These labs take place in Ashtonbee Campus, which houses the largest training school for transportation technology in Canada and is equipped with cars, car parts and the most up-to-date tools that are found in the industry.

Applicants to this Motive Power Technician program are required to possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or are 19 years of age or older. They must also obtain the compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent and the Math 11M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. However, it should be noted that possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Fill a Growing Gap by Taking Electrical Engineering Courses

Did you know that there is currently a shortage looming both regionally and nationally in Canada in regards to Electrical Engineering Technicians? As such, Centennial College has created its Electrical Engineering Technician program, which trains students to fill these technical positions as the manufacturing sector becomes more specialized, the construction industry flourishes and retirement rates increase. Just in what types of areas can graduates find successful careers? Power distribution and utilization, electrical power generation, transmission, and protection; industrial telecommunications, electrical maintenance and installation, control systems, services, sales, design and repairs are all areas of employment for those who finish Electrical Engineering courses at Centennial College.

During the two years they spend in the Electrical Engineering Technician program, students have the opportunity to learn, explore and master a defined range of electrical functions. These include installations, testing, maintaining, repairing, analyzing and troubleshooting specific kinds of electrical circuits, equipment, and systems, under the supervisions of qualified instructors. These instructors have current industry experience and as such are able to guide students, offer networking tips and share anecdotes that will provide students with real-life examples.

Based out of Progress Campus, Centennial College’s biggest campus, the Electrical Engineering Technician program uses up-to-date SETAS labs to provide students with extensive practice and ample opportunity to develop skills required to assume entry-level positions in the industry. This lab experience is enhanced through learning that simulates actual workplace assignments. In addition, through their Electrical Engineering courses, students develop expertise in producing electrical drawings, diagnostics and analysis of electrical systems as well as testing and troubleshooting electrical power systems. Lastly, students obtain thorough grounding in electrical engineering sciences and skills, including electrical circuits, maintenance of electrical instruments or devices, operation of electrical motors and power transmission as used in the industry. Specific Electrical Engineering courses include: Canadian Electrical Code and Drawing Interpretation, Electrical Theory and Installations, Electronics, Ethics in Technology and the Environment, Fluid Power – Hydraulics, Monitoring Systems.

In their final semester, Electrical Engineering Technician students partake in a course called Capstone Project. This is an opportunity to gain real life experience by working on a project that serves as the final component of the diploma program. It requires a great deal of research and effort, and is supervised by the instructor.

Those students who are interested in applying to the Electrical Engineering Technician offering at Centennial College are required to complete an application process. To be eligible to apply, students must possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). In addition, they must have finished the compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent; and the Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.