Project Management Courses: Ideal for Natural Leaders

If you plan on attending Project Management courses, you should already possess or be willing to learn: financial management skills, good communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills, excellent business management and developmental skills, leadership qualities, efficient team management skills, the ability to resolve conflicting situations, computer or technical knowledge as well as effective problem solving skills.

That’s because Project Managers are in high demand with today’s unstable economy and are responsible for planning projects and seeing that they are successfully completed within a given deadline. These people assign specific roles to all the team members, supervise the team’s daily work and ensure everybody is working efficiently, ensure projects are completed within the estimated budget, conduct follow-up meetings on a regular basis and more.

At Centennial College, students can attend Project Management courses that are geared at mature students, take only three semesters to complete and result in an Ontario College Graduate Certificate. Applicants are required to submit an official transcript that demonstrates proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program. Additional non-academic requirements include an interview, transcript and resume review. The School will consider applicants presenting a combination of education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines.

Once accepted, students attend Project Management courses that are based on the popular Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) methodology, which is a collection of processes and knowledge areas that are generally accepted as best practice within the project management discipline. In addition, students use leading-edge project management tools, technologies and best practices to become comfortable prior to graduation. To balance theoretical learning, the Project Management courses also include hands-on integration of technology tools such as Microsoft Project and leading-edge industry case studies with a focus on organizational leadership. Among specific Project Management courses are: Project Leadership, Project Planning and Scheduling, Project Management Tools and Applications, Project Risk and Quality Management and more.

As a final step prior to completion of the Project Management courses, students attend a field placement called Experiential Learning Opportunity. Lasting 12 weeks, students take instruction and direction from their employer regarding the tasks they perform while at work. Throughout the work term, a faculty member monitors each student. This Project Management course facilitates sharing of experiences during the internship in a safe and encouraging environment and helps students to structure their experiences into a portfolio.

Once students complete Centennial College’s Project Management courses, they are prepared to write the PMP certification exam, provided they meet eligibility criteria. They also have the opportunity to work towards the PMI’s Certified Assistant in Project Management (CAPM) designation, a valuable entry-level certification for project practitioners.  Upon entering the field, these professionals develop careers as: Project Managers (in health, engineering, computer, new media, advertising, marketing, financial, education, transportation, construction, etc.), Project Leaders, Process Development Analysts or Global Project Managers.

International Business College Cultivates Big Ideas

When an institution takes on an international business college approach, the ideas fostered are that of a global entrepreneurial nature. That’s exactly the case at the International Business College of Centennial College, which offers 30 different programs that range in length from one semester to three years.

While programs at this International Business College differ in focus, all students are encouraged to design and pursue their individual career paths. Additionally, all of the offerings ensure that students are ready for the field directly upon graduation thanks to a balance of college academic study that is relevant and offers cutting edge skills with optional co-op, internship terms and work placement programs. In order to achieve a level of respect in the industry, this International Business College also maintains close ties with the community, business organizations and alumni. This allows students of the school to network not only with organizations but also with the institution’s award-winning faculty, administrators and support staff who are ready to answer questions and share personal anecdotes.

This International Business College further fosters its global approach via an International Business Exchange. This is an opportunity that sees students study at one of Centennial’s partner colleges or universities around the world and receive full credit at Centennial for all successfully completed courses. To partake in this exchange, students pay the usual Canadian college tuition fees they’re accustomed to, rather than international tuition that’s usually much higher. Students also pay for their own airfare, books, accommodation and food, although qualifying students are eligible for Ontario Student Assistance (OSAP) funding. Centennial offers two $500 scholarships annually to encourage studying abroad.

But just what programs does this International Business College offer? First there are programs such as Business Administration, Court Support Services, Human Resources, Marketing, Business Operations and more that may not have a specific international approach but still foster global ideas. Then there are specific International Business College offerings that benefit students who want to work in a global business environment. Among these programs are: Global Business Management (graduates can confidently pursue entry level management/professional roles with international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and domestic businesses operating on a global scale); International Business (grads become Customs Compliance Analysts, Import/Export Documentation Specialist, Global Logistics Assistant and Inside Sales Representatives); or International Business Management (graduates are prepared to work as: Foreign Investment and Risk Analysts, Foreign Trade Consultants, Commercial Bank Officers, International Marketing Representatives and International Development Assistants).

Lastly, various universities through articulation agreements recognize many of this International Business College programs. And many programs allow students to earn credits toward certifications, such as Certified General Accountants (CGA).

Hotel Management Courses Focus on Speedy Entry Into the Field

The prospect of entering your chosen field after two semesters of post-secondary study is an exciting one and a reality for students who attend Centennial College’s hotel management program, officially known as Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Management. With a curriculum designed for mature students, this offering takes those with previous post-secondary credentials and/or work experience, and prepares them for careers in the accommodation, food and beverage sectors of the hospitality industry. It is a burgeoning industry, which in 2010, employed 1,086,000 people and generated revenues of almost $18.8-billion.

Centennial College’s fast-paced hotel management courses cover a wide range of areas that include:

Hotel and restaurant general management, human resources management, sales and marketing management, convention services management, cruise lines. Applicants to this hotel management program must possess a college diploma or university degree in hospitality, tourism or related discipline. They must also present a resume that demonstrates relevant work experience in the industry, as it may be a required part of the admission process. Please note that the hotel management program will consider applicants with a diploma or degree in unrelated disciplines who have related work experience. It will also consider applicants with partial post secondary education and relevant work experience in hospitality.

Based at Centennial College’s Progress Campus, this is one of Ontario’s most respected hotel management programs, as it offers its students facilities that ensure there is a balance of theory and practical application. Progress Campus is home to all of the college’s hospitality and tourism programs and, therefore, boasts modern computer labs, operational lab practice facilities, an on-site conference centre, and a full-service student-operated restaurant called Horizons. Within their hotel management courses, which are led by industry professionals, students study key management areas such as: finance, human resources, labour relations, oenology, international operations, leadership, entrepreneurship, security and risk, service quality, marketing and revenue management.

The hotel management courses and practical practice culminate in a two-day-per week industry placement for 15 weeks in semester two. This experience is an opportunity for students to not only apply what they have learned in class but also to enables students to better understand the dynamics of the industry, increase their knowledge of industry practices and provides a competitive advantage of experience in the job market. In the past, students who completed Centennial College’s hotel management courses have been hired by companies that include: Delta Hotels & Resorts, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotel Group, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and more.

Event Management College Undertaking Opens Doors to Various Options

The professionals who graduate from an Event Management college program become part of an industry concerned with the application of project management to the creation and development of festivals, events and conferences. Event management, according to Wikipedia, involves studying the intricacies of the brand, identifying the target audience, devising the event concept, planning the logistics and coordinating the technical aspects before actually launching the event. Post-event analysis and ensuring a return on investment have become significant drivers for the event industry. Hotels, convention and conference centres, corporations, tourism and non-profit organizations, sports and recreational organizations, festival, arts and cultural organizations and event marketing management employ the people who graduate from Event Management college offerings. In fact, statistics in 2006 showed that the event management area of Canadian tourism employed 380,000 people. By 2015, it is projected to produce 121,000 new jobs.

At Centennial College, mature students can attend the Event Management – Festival and Conference offering and earn an Ontario College Graduate Certificate in just two semesters. The program is focused on preparing students for work with various clients on functions that range in size and nature. Applicants to the Event Management college program are required to submit an official transcript, demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. Centennial College’s Event Management program will also consider applicants presenting a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines. Non-academic perquisites include proof of transcript and a resume review.

Once accepted, students take part in an Event Management college program that is accredited by UNWTO TedQual — whose main objective is to improve the quality of the tourism education, training and research programs. As such, they attend a variety of courses specific to their industry that offer both theoretical grounding and practical application. Among these Event Management college courses are: Greening Your Festival, Event & Conference; Site Logistics and Operations Management, Event Budgeting, Communications and Media Planning, Risk and Security Management, Networking and Industry Relations and more.

Aiding students in their Event Management college program training are Centennial College’s Progress Campus facilities. For example, an on-campus conference centre that comprises of meeting rooms, including two large ballrooms and a variety of mid-sized meeting or breakout rooms, which come complete with high-speed Internet access, in-house audio/visual equipment and multimedia capabilities allows students to apply what they learn to real world experiences. Students run the centre and even dress in uniforms similar to those they may be required to wear upon graduation.

Lastly, through their final-semester Festival, Event and Conference Production Practicum, students of this Event Management college program, gain practical experience in the coordination of a festival, event or conference from preparing the needs analysis to the execution and evaluation of the final production.

Esthetics College Program Combines Business and Esthetics

Having knowledge of human physiology, pathology and histology as well as products is very important when entering the esthetics field. Centennial College’s esthetics college program takes it a step further by not only covering these topics but also equipping its students with business knowledge. As a result, after two years, students of this esthetics college offering are able to: perform a variety of specialized body and skin care treatments following correct procedures and precautions, and supporting client needs; use a range of specialized equipment and products; apply relevant knowledge of anatomy, physiology and histology to the provision of specialized esthetic treatments and services; adhere to health, safety, sanitation and infection prevention control guidelines; identify business skills and activities required for the successful establishment and operation of a small esthetic business in a salon or spa environment; select and recommend the use of esthetic products and product ingredients to clients, taking into account health status and identified need; establish and maintain professional relationships in adherence to standards and ethics associated with the profession; develop customer service strategies that meet and adapt to individual needs and expectations in accordance with professional standards and ethics; determine professional development strategies that lead to the enhancement of work performance and career opportunities and keep pace with industry change.

But how does this esthetics college program, officially known as the Esthetician undertaking, prepare students? First and foremost, qualified instructors who have many years of experience in the industry and explore a comprehensive curriculum that includes anatomy, physiology, practical applications, product knowledge, sales techniques and business practice, lead the courses. Secondly the curriculum includes incorporation of Centennial College’s state-of-the-art esthetician lab facilities and cutting-edge equipment that are common in today’s wellness and medical spas, with specific topics that include: skin care theory, skin care practices, manicures and pedicures, spa health and safety, product chemistry and advanced ingredients, professional relationships, spa business and more.

To ensure that they get to apply what they have learned in the esthetics college offering, are able to practice in the school’s student clinic (supervised by qualified faculty) and partake in field placements in the best spas in the city. Please be advised, that students are required to have completed a standard first aid and CPR (healthcare provider level) course, a vulnerable sector background police check, and an immunization review form before you can be sent out on the esthetician work placement. 

Application to this esthetics college program, requires students to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Child and Youth Worker Shapes Society

Children are some of the most vulnerable members of our society. They are susceptible to their parent’s actions and unable to change their own circumstances, no matter how dire. That’s where Child and Youth Worker professionals come in. These post-secondary educated people are in high demand by agencies serving troubled youth and their families as well as residential and day treatment programs, hospitals, young offender programs, crisis centres, community-based programs and shelters.

One respected Child and Youth Worker program is offered at Centennial College, whose graduates are well recognized because of their clinical focus and job readiness. This is achieved over three years of curriculum that is reviewed and revised annually to ensure that courses and assignments are based on current research and best practices. To apply for this Child and Youth Worker program, applicants are required to possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or are 19 years of age or older; and have a credit in the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. It is worth noting that admission to Child and Youth Worker is “highly competitive” and program spots fills quickly. To be considered, applicants should apply prior to the Ontario Colleges equal consideration date of February 1 and submit transcripts or complete a skills assessment as early as possible.  

Thanks to its current and evolving curriculum, the Child and Youth Worker program focuses on the principles, philosophies and characteristics of relational child and youth work practice such as co-creating relationships, working developmentally and understanding professional boundaries, as well as developmental issues in childhood and adolescence, principles of psychology, child and adolescent mental health, professional recording, advocacy and law in children’s mental health, working with traumatized children and youth, and more.

To ensure that students have a good idea of what awaits them in the field, they have access to specially designed communications lab that are used to facilitate interactive learning activities, counselling simulations and small group observation and feedback. Supplemental training is also provided in Understanding & Managing Aggressive Behaviour. Additionally, Child and Youth Worker program students partake in three field placements that range between two and four days per week. Students must have a vulnerable sector criminal check prior to their field placements. Students must also possess a standard first aid and heart saver AED (C) certification. Lastly for placement, a medical certificate of health is necessary to ensure freedom of communicable disease. Certain criminal convictions will disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible.

Should grads of the Child and Youth Worker program wish to continue their education, they may apply to Ryerson University’s Child and Youth Care direct-entry degree program or receive credit towards their university degree in related disciplines. Child and Youth Worker graduates with a C+ average may also apply to Vancouver Island University for direct entry into the third year of the Child & Youth Work degree program. A child protection specialization is also available for a limited number of students. Lastly, students may apply for membership in the Ontario Association of Child & Youth Counsellors (OACYC).

Centennial College’s School of Hospitality Offers Various Practice Facilities

When seeking a School of Hospitality, you should also consider the institution’s facilities and whether they will help to ensure that you are ready for the field upon program completion. Students who choose any one of Centennial College’s School of Hospitality offerings not only obtain academic and practical knowledge, they also have access to various facilities that offer extensive real life experience.

For example, students of the School of Hospitality who attend programs such as Hotel and Resort Management (Hospitality Foundations, Hospitality Services) may practice at the Centennial College Residence and Conference Centre. This home-away-from-home for students allows School of Hospitality students to gain hands-on experience at the front desk or in housekeeping, sales and other areas of the residence. Meanwhile, students within programs such as: Event Management (Festival and Conference); Tourism & Travel Operations (Hospitality and Tourism Administration, Tourism Management – Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Culture and Heritage Site Management, and Tourism & Travel) may benefit from the conference aspect of this Residence and Conference Centre, which comprises of four meeting rooms, including an atrium which comes complete with high-speed Internet access, in-house audio/visual equipment and multimedia capabilities. Uniformed in traditional black attire, students take pride in planning events while paying attention to the smallest details to ensure they are a success. Lastly, School of Hospitality students in Food & Beverage Management (Food and Beverage Management, Kitchen Management, Baking – Commercial Bakeries); Hotel and Resort Management, and Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Management) work in Horizons Restaurant, where they get experience in everything from running a kitchen and menu management to preparing freshly made food, serving, scheduling and reservation recommendations.

In addition to these on-campus experiences, many of the School of Hospitality offerings include a hands-on component such as a field placement or internship during which students apply what they have learned in-class and obtain new knowledge. Lastly, all programs in the School of Hospitality teach students business topics (marketing, human resources, finance, and industry operations) in addition to hospitality-specific ones. The skills learned in this program are transferable anywhere in Canada.

Intake for the programs in the School of Hospitality occurs three times a year with start dates varying from year to year but generally occurring in late August or early September, early January and early May. Classes finish at the end of April or early May, depending on the calendar, unless a student chooses to fast track and take summer courses. Students are timetabled for approximately 20 to 25 hours per week, with classes being scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Programs offered at the School of Hospitality vary in prerequisites. It is recommended that students carefully note the requirements of their program of choice before applying.

Architecture Program Puts the Spotlight on Technology

Centennial College’s three-year architecture program is unique in that it places the focus on technology, which sees graduates work in positions with architects, architectural technology firms, engineers, builders, contractors, developers, construction material manufacturers and suppliers, and municipal building departments. These collaborations between architecture program grads and other professionals in the industry revolve around duties such as: providing building design services and solutions; dealing with combination of architectural technology, building design and construction; and negotiating the construction project and manage the process from conception through to completion. These professionals essentially concentrate on the technology of building design and construction, and as such are employed in architectural and engineering firms, or with municipal authorities. Others provide independent professional services directly to clients. Additionally, those who attend Centennial College’s architecture program may apply to become members of the Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario (AATO); to obtain a Building Code Identification Number (BCIN); and to obtain LEED status through membership with the Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC).

The architecture program curriculum revolves around architecture technology with a strong emphasis on protecting the environment, energy conservation and sustainable design and construction strategies. As such, students are taught to use state-of-the-art computer technology that will allow them to prepare designs, construction drawings and specifications needed to communicate with clients, construction professionals and approval authorities. They are also introduced to building materials, construction methods, structural design, mechanical and electrical services, building codes, contracts, specifications and the business environment for providing design and construction services.

Specific architecture program courses include Materials and Methods (the first of a series of the courses addressing the construction materials and methods of construction with a focus on construction materials and techniques associate with residential construction in North America); Builders and Contractors (introduces students to builders, contractors and their industry associations with students gaining an understanding of the role of the builder and contractor); Applied Physics (Physics for Architecture is taught as a basic science course, providing an emphasis on introducing students to physics topics that are must essential to understanding architecture. Topics include: imperial and metric units and conversions, statics, dynamics, work – energy, elasticity, and thermal properties of matter); and more.

It is important to note that to gain entry into the fifth semester of the architecture program, students must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Also, students who have completed all courses in semesters one to four will have all the prerequisites requirements for courses in semester five and six.

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

Account Management Program Offers Know-How For Creative Business Field

Did you know that there are excellent employment prospects for sales professionals who have completed a sales account management program? If you are interested in becoming a key account manager, account executive, commercial sales representative, sales specialist, technical sales representative, sales consultant, sales coordinator, inside sales representative or territory sales representative, you should consider Centennial College. The school’s offering, officially known as Marketing – Sales and Account Management, can be completed in just two semesters and is geared towards those who are mature learners with a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree. As such, students must provide an official transcript and attend an interview with officials, submit a resume and undergo an English and/or math skills assessment. Centennial College will also consider applicants presenting a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines. Although they are not mandatory, successful sales account management program applicants have also exhibited excellent interpersonal skills, excellent listening and oral communication skills, were self-directed, thrived under pressure and were highly organized.

This sales account management program is based at Progress Campus, Centennial College’s largest location and home to all Business School programs. As such, students have the advantage of not only learning in facilities that boast computer labs with the latest technology but also interacting with peers and professors from programs similar to theirs. This creates ample networking opportunities.

Meanwhile, the account management program itself focuses on offering students a solid base in the workings of acquiring and maintaining relationships with major client accounts. Students learn through a leaner-centered approach that includes both theory and practical application such as role-playing, simulation and case studies, with a focus on developing selling, negotiating and presentation skills. The account management program also ensures that students acquire experience using sales force automation software. Specific account management program courses — which are led by instructors who possess extensive experience in sales, negotiation and account management in the business-to-business realm — include: Fundamentals of Project Management, Case Analysis and Marketing Metrics, Marketing Analysis and Planning, Strategic Account Development, Fundamentals of Selling, Fundamentals of Selling, Employment Preparedness, B2B Marketing, Sales and Account Management, Sales Force Automation & Technology, and more.

Graduating from the sales account management program requires students to maintain a C grade average and an overall GPA of 2.0. Upon program completion, graduates may take an optional third-semester internship or enter the field. Should they choose the latter, these sales account management program grads are responsible for acquiring and maintaining relationships with major client accounts of mid to large sized companies that have their own sales force, which is at the heart of the Marketing – Sales and Account Management industry. These companies range from ones who handle medical and dental technology to those offering software and pharmaceutical products. 

A Solid Payroll Management Foundation

When performing tasks in Payroll Management, it is essential that no mistakes be made. Employees count on the payroll departments of their companies to not make any errors on their cheques. Additionally, Payroll Management is critical to businesses and other organizations because of the significant amounts of money involved in employee remuneration and the complexity of the legal requirements. As such, those employed in Payroll Management must be comfortable and confident in their positions. The confidence and know-how to execute the tasks swiftly and precisely can be obtained at Centennial College’s Payroll Management program.

The emphasis of this graduate certificate offering is on ensuring that after two semesters of study, students graduate with an extensive knowledge base, fully developed and enhanced crucial skills in a number of key areas and are prepared to begin working as payroll generalists with a solid foundation for subsequent career advancement. This advancement may include 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.

The emphasis of the Payroll Management program is delivered through a variety of lecture and practical courses, 50 per cent of which are supplied by the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA). As such, qualified students are eligible to earn the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) professional designation granted by the Association. Registration in this will incur costs in addition to tuition. Meanwhile, the Payroll Management program’s industry leading payroll curriculum is supplemented by graduate level instruction in managerial accounting, strategic compensation, pensions and benefits. As such, among the specific courses are: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, Business Presentations, Payroll Compliance, Strategic Compensation, Human Resources Management in Canada, Pensions and Benefits, Payroll Systems and more. Each of these Payroll Management courses employs various learning approaches such as: case studies, simulations, project-based learning with a focus on develping project management, teamwork, report writing and presentations. An emphasis is also placed on emerging trends and issues in payroll management, such as the use of promising technologies and changing legislative requirements, which has led to the teaching of the SAP application for Payroll system training.

It is worth noting that students attending Payroll Management who wish to enroll in the Introduction to Payroll Management and Applied Payroll Management Canadian Payroll Association CPM level payroll courses “must meet a payroll experience prerequisite to register”. To satisfy this prerequisite, students must have “at least two years of experience being responsible for an organization’s payroll function, which includes being accountable to management for the accuracy of employees’ pay and all government statutory remittances, or equivalent experience, obtained in the past five years.”

Payroll Management program applicants must possess at minimum a college diploma or university degree in any discipline or have a partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience.  In addition, Payroll Management applicants may be asked to participate in an interview process, during which a transcript and resume review may be requested. English proficiency will also be considered.

Freightliner Training Academy Program Covers Wide Range of Topics

In the 36 weeks they spend in Centennial College’s Truck and Coach Technician – Freightliner (MAP 32) program, which boasts a freightliner training academy feel, students get to experience everything from detailed theoretical lectures and hands-on lessons to real-life on-the-job experience. All of these elements are combined to offer students the leading edge on the competition once they graduate with their certificate of completion.

Let’s take a closer look at the details of this freightliner training academy program. Those interested in attending are required to possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or GED or equivalent. Students enrolled in a Centennial College Modified Apprenticeship Program (MAP) must also be registered apprentices, in accordance with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. In addition, applicants must complete/submit a questionnaire and meet with program staff, and be able to legally work in Canada. Acceptance is based on successful completion of all entry requirements. It is worth noting that once they are accepted, students must provide their own source of transportation to selected co-op work place assignments. They must also provide their own lab coats or coveralls, eyewear (safety glasses), welding goggles and gloves, safety footwear, ear protection (if required).

With its freightliner training academy feel, the program employs only highly-qualified and experienced faculty members who emphasize aspects of heavy vehicle technology that are embodied in the program. This includes the diagnosis and repair of the following course subjects: electronics and electrical, and computer management systems; steering, brakes, suspensions, frames and alignment; transmission(s) manual, automated, automatic; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; hydraulics; engines; fuel systems (gas and diesel); welding – MIG, ARC, gas, cutting, brazing; and tools and equipment safety concerns.

Integrated into each topic within the freightliner training academy program is the use of Centennial College’s Ashtonbee Campus, which houses the largest transportation training centre in the province. The state-of-the-art labs boast up-to-date tools and equipment used in the field as well as real vehicles on which students can practice.

The freightliner training academy curriculum is the ideal lead-up to students heading out into the field for the co-op portion of the program, during which employers go out of their way to ensure that students actually do some work during their apprenticeship. As such, students of the freightliner training academy can rest assured that they will apply what they have learned and gain new knowledge from their employers during the co-op portion of the offering. Students receive pay during the apprenticeship and may be eligible for Employment Insurance during the in-class training.

Once students complete their time in the freightliner training academy, they will be assisted in obtaining employment with a Daimler truck dealer or major truck or bus fleet operator. However, they may also find jobs with manufacturers of trucks; truck, bus or motor home dealerships, buses, and motor homes; freight and transportation companies; as well as municipal or provincial highway transportation departments.

Baking Program Hones In Baking Talents

The baking program is meant directly to supply competent and qualified people that are skillful for artisan bakeries, commissary kitchens such as large production facilities as well as in-house bakeries for grocery stores,” says Corey Covex, chef professor in Centennial College’s Baking – Commercial Bakeries program. “The baking program is very labour intensive, which means they have a lot of in-class participation, a lot of in-class products they have to produce, making students employment ready.”

This testimonial from Corey demonstrates the vast opportunities that are allotted to graduates of Centennial College’s baking program upon graduation and offers insight into how the offering gets them there. In addition to the places mentioned by Corey, grads may also work at department stores, hotels, camps and other related businesses. Among the specific businesses that have hired Centennial College baking program grads are: Costco, Wal-Mart Supercentre, Loblaws, Metro and Sobeys.

Let’s take a look at some of the essential details of the baking program and its courses. First and foremost, because the program only takes two semesters to complete, it is intensive and fast-paced. Students should be prepared to gain insight into not only producing commercial quantities of breads, rolls, sweet dough, savoury and sweet pastry, danish and puff pastry, cookies, cakes and desserts, but also applying business know-how to the baking industry. In addition, students gain insight into important baking etiquette such as safety and ethics as well as professional manner. 

Throughout students’ baking courses Toronto, professional bakers serve as instructors who ensure there is a mature environment in which students collaborate and learn from one another. As student Ciara tells it, “In the first semester, we just learned about the actual baking like recipes and proportions. Second semester, we get into more detailed things like baking cakes. We also have hands-on practice where one person gets to be the chef and the rest of us have to do what they say.”

To help students in getting real world simulation during their baking courses are the facilities at Progress Campus, which is home to all School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture offerings. Among these facilities are kitchens in which students can obtain hands-on training to complement what they learn in their baking courses. In addition, students learn in a newly renovated lab and have a state-of-the-art computer lab at their disposal.

Among the particular baking courses offered in this baking program are: Baking and Pastry Arts Practice, Baking and Pastry Arts, Purchasing for the Commercial Kitchen, Practical Math of Hospitality, Introduction to Computing, Mathematics for Bakers, Quantity Bakery Production and more.

Baking program applicants are required to possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). In addition, they must have completed English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment.

Community and Child Studies Training With Specific Purpose

If you are new to Canada, have an interest in community service or child care, wish to enter the workforce in a career that is fulfilling — but require assistance in development on a professional and personal level — consider attending Community and Child Studies training. This two-semester offering, which results in an Ontario College Certificate, serves as an academic pathway to programs such as Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Worker, Developmental Service Worker, Community and Justice Services, Police Foundations, Recreation and Leisure Services and Social Service Worker.

Aside from serving as an academic launching pad, the Community and Child Studies courses offer a solid academic base. This is achieved, firstly, through the addressing of learners’ needs as adults and ESL students. As such, faculty members who are supportive, caring and have expertise in community, child studies and ES,L utilize collaborative teaching approaches to get important points across. Additionally, it is common for faculty members in the Community and Child Studies training program to meet with students to discuss progress, as needed. This serves to benefit students as engaging professional and experienced faculty members may help them to become comfortable in communicating and addressing people in both casual and professional settings.

Secondly, an academic base is achieved through the development of understanding of the personal and professional requirements of the varied careers available in the community services and child studies department. Assisting in this are Community and Child Studies courses such as: Student Success and Interpersonal Skills (students explore the resources available in the college to support their success as a student in a post secondary environment. Close relationships with these internal service areas are developed); Foundations in Community and Child Studies (students survey the range of services offered in the Community and Child Studies field and gain insight into the scope of these delivery models); Professional Practice and Ethics (introduces students to the characteristics of an effective professional in the broad range of services represented in Community and Child Studies field. Students explore how personal attitudes, values and boundaries affect professional relationships), and more.

Applicants to this Community and Child Studies training are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Interested parties should be advised that the program is only open for admission, as an “alternate offer” to applicants who have been advised and assisted to register by the Centennial College Assessment and Advising Centre. Those applicants with scores of 130 or 131 are recommended to begin this offering. Applicants cannot apply directly to ontariocolleges.ca for admission to this program. Lastly, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the Community and Child Studies training.

Aircraft Technician Courses Result in Important Career

With millions of people using airplanes as their preferred mode of transportation, those with aircraft technician training are in high demand. That’s because these professionals are charged with a wide range of responsibilities that ensure planes are safe to take to the skies. Among the areas in which they must be skilled are: aircraft maintenance, power plant structures, inspections, troubles hooting, mechanical, electrical and electronic applications. Additionally, those with aircraft technician training repair a wide range of electrical and mechanical systems within an aircraft, including: hydraulics, fuels, environmental systems, engines, surface controls and undercarriage systems, and the aircraft’s frame and external skin. Rounding out responsibilities are familiarities of aviation maintenance servicing practices and procedures as well as aviation regulation requirements.

All of these skills are taught through Centennial College’s aircraft technician courses within the two-year Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program. And as a result, students not only gain an Ontario College Diploma, but are also prepared to work with airlines/operators (Air Canada, Kelowna Flight craft, Great Slave Helicopters); manufacturers (Bombardier, Magellan Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney); military (Department of National Defense); aviation training (Flight Safety Canada Aviation); repair and overhaul (SPAR Aerospace, IMP Group); and aviation equipment/avionics (MC2, Wright Instruments). In addition, aircraft technician training graduates are prepared to seek employment in non-aircraft related areas of certain repair and manufacturing industries

To apply for this aircraft technician training, applicants are required to present proof of completed of at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have finished 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. 

The aircraft technician training is facilitated from Centennial College’s transportation training hub, Ashtonbee Campus. This location boasts an aircraft hangar with a fleet of planes on which students can practice. As such, courses include much hands-on practice and to graduate, students must complete 200 performance tasks. Students also need to obtain a minimum C grade in all courses for graduation. Transport Canada accreditation requires both a minimum B grade in every course and an absentee rate of less than five per cent of the total program hours.

Specific aircraft technician courses include: Piston Engines and Propellers, Theory of Flight, Aircraft Publications, Avionics Fundamentals, Turbine Engines, Aircraft Instruments, Power Generation and Distribution, Rotary Wing Controls and many others.

This aircraft technician training holds Transport Canada (TC) accreditation, which is provided to graduates who meet attendance requirements, project completion requirements and attain 70 percent in each course. In addition, successful graduates who meet the accreditation requirements are eligible for an 18-month experience credit and technical examination credit towards the regulatory requirements for issue of a Canadian Aircraft Maintenance Engineer License. The program also holds the Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace accreditation and recognition towards meeting the basic training requirements for CCAA occupational trade certification as an avionics maintenance technician. Lastly, qualified graduates may also be eligible to participate in an articulated program with selected universities. These partnerships may allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. The aircraft technician training program’s partner is British Columbia Institute of Technology (Technology Management degree).

Pre Health Program Serves Specific Academic Purpose

While other offerings at Centennial College are designed to benefit a wide range of students, the Pre Health programs has a specific target population because it is designed as an academic pathway. As such, this Pre-Health program is for students who: wish to consider college programs such as Practical Nursing, Pharmacy Technician and Transportation; are unsure that a science program at college is the right choice; do not have academic admission credentials needed to enter college-level science programs; and have not finished high school or completed the science courses for post-secondary programs. Students who complete the Pre-Health program with acceptable academic standing may be eligible to transfer directly into Centennial’s Practical Nursing or Pharmacy Technician and Transportation programs.

Completed in two semesters, this Pre Health program offers a solid foundation by introducing students to a range of topics, among which are biology, chemistry, mathematics, computers for healthcare professionals, and even communications courses so that students’ reading and writing skills can be refined for further education. More specifically, students attend five courses in each semester and among these courses are: Chemistry (emphasis is placed on the role of chemistry in daily life and in the development of new technologies and products); Pre-Anatomy and Physiology (aims to prepare students for Anatomy and Physiology by developing a strong foundation in anatomical terminologies and fundamental human physiology that is based on understanding and applications rather than memorization); Biology (emphasis is placed on understanding biological mechanisms and processes, rather than on simple memorization), and more.

Because the Pre-Health science program is based at Ashtonbee Campus, which houses other foundation programs, there is opportunity for peer-to-peer and student-to-faculty interaction. Additionally, the location assists students by offering resources to enhance their learning, such as a library staffed by experienced and knowledgeable professionals who can help students with their research and assignment needs. Staff also conducts library orientations and equipment demonstrations, and can assist students in using computer databases.

Applicants to the Pre Health program, are asked to possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or have mature student status (19 years or older). Additionally, they must have completed the English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission; and Mathematics Grade 11 or 12 C, M or U, or equivalent or take a Centennial College Math Skills Assessment for Admission. Midterm and final grades of applicants who are currently attending high school in Ontario will be transmitted automatically to the college.

Municipal Court Training offers workplace options

Did you know that just by attending one municipal court training program, such as Centennial College’s Court Support Services, you will be prepared to work as either a court report or court clerk? That’s because this offering takes two semesters to teach its students the know-how to perform the varied tasks of both positions.

As a court clerk, you will be responsible for maintaining and keeping court records, which includes the typing, filing and attending court appointments as well as answering calls. In addition, your court clerk training will give you the abilities to contact witnesses, lawyers and litigants to instruct them on when to appear in court for a case; prepare dockets of cases to be called out; administer oaths to witnesses, jurors and grand jurors; authenticate copies of court records and handle financial record keeping; act as custodians of the court’s seal and records; collect fees and other payments or deposits made to the court; process petitions and warrants; and handle court correspondences. Meanwhile, as a court reporter, you will be responsible for using electronic monitoring equipment to record, verbatim, a variety of assigned court proceedings. Among specific duties are: monitoring what is said in court using a headset, recording what is said using transcribing machinery and playing back recordings as required, keeping a running log as the trial proceeds (including relevant data according to the numerical calibrator), and preparing accurate transcripts and maintains a file of appeal transcripts.

Approved by the Ministry of the Attorney General, Centennial College’s municipal court training covers vital areas of the court system such as: family and criminal court, current issues in Canadian law, word processing, ethics and professional conduct, and more. The topics are presented through theoretical lectures, practical and career-oriented assignments, and hands-on application in computer labs and courtroom settings that simulate real life situations. In fact, Centennial College’s Progress Campus boasts a simulated courtroom that allows students to become comfortable with the tasks they will perform, including taking an oath and presenting before a judge.  Because all classes in this municipal court training are small, students have a chance for one-on-one time with their instructors as well as networking and peer interaction with fellow students.

To complement this simulated training, students take numerous trips to various courtrooms and tribunal hearings to see, firsthand, exactly what their role will be within the courtroom setting. Additionally, there are two municipal court training practicum aspects that allow students to apply what they have learned to real-world settings prior to graduation. In order to graduate from the Court Support Services program, students are required to attain a minimum C grade average and an overall minimum GPA of 2.0 for graduation.

To apply for Centennial College’s municipal court training, applicants must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Academic requirements include compulsory English 12 or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Complete a Unique Software Design Program in Two Years

Did you know that after completing Centennial College’s unique software design program, officially known as Bachelor of Applied Information Sciences – Bridging to Software Systems Design, students can obtain work as software developers, software testers, game programmers, computer programmers, system analysts, business analysts, web application developers, database administrators, applications or software support and more? That’s because this offering makes it possible to complete the Software System Design degree in just two years, by allowing students to join the fifth semester of Software Systems Design degree starting every fall.

To apply for this software design program, students are required to possess a three-year computer programmer/analyst diploma from an Ontario college, or a computer science/information technology/software engineering degree from a recognized institution with a GPA of 2.8 or higher. Additionally, it should be noted that English proficiency will be considered and a transcript review will be required.

Once students are accepted, they will attend software design courses that are fully accredited by the Canadian Council of Technician and Technologies (CCTT). This joint accreditation is the first of its kind in Canada. As such, graduates from the program may apply for certified membership to either CIPS or their provincial engineering technology association.

Before they can do so, however, software design program students attend a range of courses that include three bridging courses: two in mathematics and one in computer architecture during regular semesters.

More specifically, software design program students attend courses such as: Software Design Patterns, Technical Writing and Documentation, Cryptography and Information Security, Database Programming, Computer and Human Interaction, Discrete Mathematics, Programming for Network Systems, Architecting Database Solutions, Business Consulting, Emerging Technologies, and more.

To balance training, students of the software design program also partake in three different software development projects. During the first, students apply their consulting skills through the process of the requirement analysis of a real life design problem. They then develop and/or implement a software systems design project that meets stated business objectives for an organization in a specific vertical market such as: health services, insurance, real estate, banking, heavy manufacturing, retail, transportation, and government. This initial client needs analysis is followed by a proposed set of project design specifications, followed up further with a feasibility analysis. A final report summarizing all the work done so far along with a proposed project plan for further work will be submitted for grading. During the second project, students are required to work in teams to design and implement a complete application for a small company. The project makes use of enterprise tools to build enterprise-level data integration and provide view of all business data. The final of the software design program projects sees students work in a team to design and implement a complete application for a real business by applying agile software development techniques, such as TDD (Test Driven Design). The project must involve teamwork, oral and written communication skills, problem solving, documentation, and great research skills.

Distance Learning: Education At Your Convenience

At its core, Distance Learning is exactly what it sounds like: obtaining your education from a distance. In other words, not being physically present in a classroom. It is, however, so much more than that. Distance Learning makes it convenient to obtain an education, no matter how busy you are or what your previous level of education is. For example, if you're working a full-time job but wish to obtain a post-secondary credential, Distance Learning will allow you to do so from the convenience of your own home so that you may move into the career of your choice. If, on the other hand, you are in your chosen field but wish to move up in the industry, Distance Learning will allow you to continue working while at the same time advancing your career. Additionally, if you are unable to make it to a school's campus for whatever reason (such as the money it takes to travel daily), Distance Learning may also benefit you.

At Centennial College's School of Continuing Education, you may complete courses through Distance Learning in two different formats that are offered as a way to ensure flexibility for students. As such, the School of Continuing Education educates more than 22,000 learners each year across 140 programs with over 1,300 courses.

The first is an online format that gives students 24-hour access to a virtual classroom in which they learn through discussion boards, online assignments and through email exchanges with professors and peers. This Distance Learning option includes programs such as: Automotive Service Advisor, Office Bookkeeping, Applied Management Studies, Event Planning/Meeting Management, Effective Project Management, Legal Office Assistant, Professional Writing, Business Writing, and more.

Meanwhile, through the print-based courses within Distance Learning, students have the program material mailed to their home to be completed in an expected amount of time — typically six months. This option consists of lessons, written assignments, exams and various tools for success. The print-based Distance Learning experience also allows students the flexibility to communicate with their instructor by email, phone or regular mail. Among Centennial College's print-based Distance Learning courses are: Business Management – Entrepreneurial, Business Management – International, Business Management – Marketing, Cosmetics by Correspondence, Ophthalmic Medical Personnel - Phases 1 and 2 and SmartServe.

Whether students opt for online or print-based Distance Learning courses, they are required to complete an in-person physical exam to gain their credentials. Students are responsible for writing their exam on the first Saturday following the course end date. It is their responsibility to book the correct exam date within the time constraints of their course. Students who fail to write their exam by the due date will receive a zero on their exam.

Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion Program Offers Speedy Entry into Workforce

Productivity and Sound health are interconnected – That’s where people with health and wellness programs comes in.

Centennial College’s health promotion program focuses on creating health and nutrition programs to educate and engage workers and the community at large about healthy choices.

More specifically, graduates of this program find themselves placed in corporate employee wellness, community health promotion and not-for-profit organizations, as well as wellness entrepreneur positions as wellness coordinators, health promotion consultants or program managers.

One popular option within the field is that of health and wellness consultants who work for health and wellness companies and perform health/fitness and wellness seminars and presentations at a variety of companies that hire them on a consultation basis; develop, collaborate and deliver customized wellness programs, and more. Meanwhile, a wellness coordinator (another popular option) develops complete wellness programs consisting of literature, one-on-one and classroom trainings; teams up with department heads and supervisors to solicit employee participation and deliver workshops and training, and more.

Through the Centennial College Workplace Wellness and Health program, students not only obtain an Ontario College Graduate Certificate, but also learn theoretical and practical know-how to be successful, and receive employment search support services — which gives the program a 90 per cent job placement rate!

Applicants to the Workplace Wellness and Health program must have completed an advanced college diploma (three-year program) or university degree in any discipline. Additionally, demonstration of English proficiency is required. Lastly, prior to their program field placement, students must have an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening, successfully complete (and annually renew) a recognized course in CPR, and successfully complete a recognized course in Standard First Aid.

Once they are accepted, mature students learn: program planning, program management, physical health, mental health management, nutrition, health promotion theory, organizational development, environmental health coaching, and research and business skills. More specifically, the Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion program covers topics such as: assessing health risk factors, developing health and wellness plans and strategies to promote personal well-being, program design and management, psycho-social and physical health issues, stress management, nutrition and health promotion theory to bring a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach to workplace wellness and community health promotion.

To complement the on-campus portion of the Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion program, students partake in a field placement in their second semester that provides valuable and relevant work experience and networking opportunities. While in the field, students are expected to integrate and apply theories and skills learned during both of their semesters. The placement takes place two days a week (a total of 16 hours per week) at times that are mutually agreeable for both the student and worksite.

Healthcare Management Program helps you to make a career in Public Health Sector

Did you know that students who attend a healthcare management program such as Centennial College’s Healthcare Environmental Services Management are at the forefront of today’s changing healthcare environment?

That’s because, due to the increased need for infection control measures in the healthcare setting, there is a demand for qualified environmental service managers to develop systems and processes to protect workers, clients and patients from environmental hazards present in the healthcare setting and operate buildings that are safe.

Centennial College’s healthcare management degree teaches students to develop, implement and monitor operating systems, think critically, problem solve, work with a diverse team, and adapt to change. Those interested in obtaining this knowledge must have completed at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature status (19 years or older); English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and; and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Once accepted students become comfortable with: analyzing infection prevention and controlling practices to ensure compliance with current legislation standards and regulations; managing the healthcare environmental services operations as outlined by the departmental/organizational business plan; contributing to the development, implementing and evaluating of the recruitment, orientation, training, development and retention programs for healthcare environmental services employees; applying effective human resource management practices to enhance organizational and individual productivity and performance; developing and evaluating a departmental budget that reflects fiscal accountability and financial planning; documenting, generating, and maintaining all required records in compliance with current healthcare environmental services regulations, standards and established protocol; and much more.

These skills are taught through a 25 comprehensive courses that involve the use of large, well-equipped industry specific laboratories; computer labs with industry specific software as well as lectures. Among healthcare management courses are: The Healthcare System, Infection Control, Communication and Interprofessional Collaboration of Environmental Services, Occupational Health & Safety, Infection Control, Cleaning and Linen Methodology, Role of the Healthcare Environmental Services Management, Math Application of Environmental Service, and Purchasing and Materials Management.

To ensure that students of this healthcare management program retain what they have learned and have the opportunity to apply it prior to graduation, there are two field placements (one in second semester and one in fourth semester). Students gain knowledge of the role and tasks related to entry-level positions in the healthcare environmental services department, which leads to better comprehension in how to manage these positions.

Upon graduation from Centennial College’s healthcare management course, professionals find employment in hospitals and other clinical settings (nursing homes, and retirement homes as well as commercial buildings, schools and residential buildings).

Game Design Program Offers Hands-on experience in the Real World

When seeking a post-secondary game design program, not only is it important to consider what you will learn in the classroom but also the additional teaching methods used to enhance your learning. At Centennial College’s program for game design, which is officially known as Game Art and Design, not only do students attend lectures and hands-on labs, they are also exposed to valuable experience and meet industry contacts through studio visits, industry events and a field placement.

This field placement in particular is a standout feature of this program. As potential candidates for placement work, students are expected to send their portfolio to the company of their choice to show their work. This is part of the professional experience, and is standard protocol for those seeking internships and or jobs. Students are also expected to be proactive and seek out companies and relay the information to the coordinator, who will assist them in obtaining a placement. At the placement, they work alongside professionals to apply what they have learned and absorb new knowledge prior to graduation.

Speaking of the knowledge the students obtain through this program, the curriculum is focused on both the creative and business aspects of the gaming industry. As such, industry professionals and instructors developed courses with a forward-thinking approach towards the next wave of interactive games. In addition, the curriculum has been designed for optimum hands-on participation with an emphasis on both game design and creative story development skills. The hands-on approach to learning in labs simulates a real-world production setting. Among game design program courses are: Life Drawing, Anatomy and Construction, Perspective, Composition and Colour, 3D Modelling and Texturing, Character Design, Digital Painting, Unreal Editor, Integrated Media, Lighting and many others.

Applicants to the schools game design must possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have completed the compulsory English 12C or U credit, a skills assessment or equivalent. Aside from academic requirements, students are asked to submit a mandatory portfolio that features 10 to 15 life drawings, sketches, paintings, sculptures or digitally produced artwork. Preference for the 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 students do not submit digital artwork, they will be tested to determine their level of computer proficiency.

With their knowledge, graduates of this program go on to work as: game concept artists, concept and environments and effects artists, character and level designers, character and 3D modelers/texture artists, and character animators. Each of these people plays an essential role to game design.

Art and Design Foundation Is a Launching Pad for Success in visual and digital art

To truly excel in an industry or job, a solid footing is essential. Think back to when you were learning math. Addition and subtraction was followed by the multiplication tables and division, and all were essential in understanding the concepts the followed. The same goes for any job involving art. At Centennial College’s Art and Design Foundation Studies, those who wish to work in the arts fields but don’t have the credentials or know-how to attend the program of their choice, can take two semesters to get a much-needed foundation.

With a goal to nurture artistic talents and build new creative and practical skills for further education, the Art and Design Studies program is geared towards students who have completed at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or are 19 years of age or older. They must also have finished the compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment or equivalent. It should be noted that possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Founded in 1974 and doing an excellent job of evolving with the times, this Art Design College program serves as a pathway for those who: have a general interest in art but are not sure of what career direction they want to take; are naturally talented but want to develop technique; want to be exposed to all forms and levels of visual art with step-by-step encouragement from staff and faculty; or need to build their portfolio to apply to an artistic program that requires them to have one for admission.

As such, students of this program study from Centennial College’s The Centre for Creative Communications campus. As the name suggests, this location boasts facilities and large arts studios equipped with the latest modern art tools so that students may obtain much hands-on practice, both in the classroom and in their spare time. Speaking of classes, students are guided through their courses by experienced faculty members who teach the full range of approaches in drawing, life drawing and three-dimensional design, imaging, animation and design. Thanks to this method, the program combines traditional and digital art courses, crafted by industry leaders and employers who offer Centennial College insight into the skills that are needed in the evolving workplace.

Among the current Art and Design Foundation courses in which students partake are: Creativity in Context, Digital Imaging, Colour Studio, Digital Art & Design Studio, Time-Based Art & Design, 3D Art and Design Studio and more.

In addition to being able to apply to Centennial College programs (Digital Animation, Interactive Digital Media, Game Design or Graphic Design Media), qualified grads of this art design college-level program may partake in articulated programs with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. It has partnered with Athabasca University, professional arts degree (Communication Studies).

Boost your career in TV, radio or Films with courses offered by Broadcasting Schools

“My first big break was my first day as an intern,” says Mark Bullock who works at ET Canada and who graduated from Centennial College’s Broadcasting and Film program, which covers radio broadcast, television broadcasting and film. “I met many great professors in my Centennial days as well, who taught me with a passion that was infectious and that passion is what the future needs.” As Mark’s testimonial shows, Centennial College students are prepared to be hired before they even graduate. In fact, respected companies such as CBC, Chum Television LTD, CTV, Global TV News, MTV Canada /CTV, Sun TV, and more take on students during a 15-week field placement. Additionally, other radio and television stations, including specialty channels; commercial sound and video production companies; corporate video houses; and feature and series film producers may hire students and graduates.

The Broadcasting and Film program (as it is officially known) takes three years to complete and prepares students with both the creative and technical skills they’ll need to launch careers in film, television and radio. By creating new and original story ideas, students learn how to prepare, manage and carry out the creative production and development process to realize their unique creative vision. Specific radio and television broadcasting topics covered in the course include: history of broadcasting, camerawork, radio production, editing, documentary and news production, essentials of screenwriting, sound to picture design, broadcast career management and more.

As you can tell by some of these titles, many of these offerings by the broadcasting schools are hands-on courses. The experiences gained through these courses works to the students’ advantage when it is time to embark on a 15-week work placement during which students work in the industry. 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 participating in film producer training and television broadcast training must meet specific requirements.

Also helping students to prepare for the radio or television broadcasting or film placement are facilities such as Centennial College’s Wallace studios, which is an HDTV broadcasting studio with extensive digital film abilities. This studio is not only used for practice but gives students a chance to work on student-made films that further film producer training and on TV programs, including the JOURNAL, a student-produced newsmagazine TV show that airs live and online, to further television broadcast training.

To apply for this program, students must have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or have mature student status (19 years of age or older). They also must have an English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment. As part of the application process, students must also attend a program admission session during which they will complete a Broadcast and Film Writing test and submit either a portfolio that demonstrates their ability to tell a story (two examples of media work that you have authored. Media work includes video, audio, digital images and TV/film scripts) or a resume that includes media related experience plus two letters of recommendation.

Media Education Combines Creative and Technical Approaches

The end result of attending media studies courses at Centennial College’s Media Engineering Design Integration program is being in high demand by media producers and publishers, and media technology developers.

As such, graduates of media education program go onto to work as: project managers, digital media production; interactive technical producers, museum and instructional design; producers, digital signage networks; user experience designers, consumer electronics; software designers, embedded systems; mobile communications application developers; entertainment media designers; service producers, digital signage networks; and content managers, multi-platform electronic publishing.

Being able to obtain careers in such a wide range of areas is a result of the unique approach of this offering. It is in fact a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the School of Communications, Media and Design, and The School of Engineering, Technology and Applied Sciences. The idea behind the one-year offering is that there are professionals with engineering and software skills who may lack media production and content skills and there are professionals with media production and content skills who lack engineering and software skills.

In order to train leaders who are able to lead teams containing both types of professionals, they must be cross-trained. “The Media Engineering Design Integration program will provide graduates with the essential experience of working with cross functional teams that are found in the workplace. It will also supply them with the skills and flexibility to lead hybrid teams and develop new solutions,” says Lynn Shannon, Director of Online Operations, Consumer Publishing Group, Rogers Media.

As such, MEDI students who attend media studies program explore design, production and management of innovative media products. This includes application development and content creation for wireless devices, interactive museum and retail installations, digital signage systems and networks and more in both live and laboratory situations, where technology creators and media experts will collaborate.

To ensure that the media studies courses benefit both groups of professionals, there is a project-based approach that focuses students’ analytical and decision-making skills on real world challenges. In addition, laboratory practice with PLCs, robotics, sensors, electronics and network technology is a key component. To round out the training that students receive from courses such as Introduction to Media Engineering, The Marketing Cycle, Media Informatics and more, they are required to attend a 15-week, three-days-a-week media education field placement. To make the experience truly valuable to media education students, classroom and project work is coordinated with the placement at advance meetings, as the work placement relationship begins during the second term. This ensures that students are able to make a positive contribution during their placement. As part of this experience, students also take part in a Portfolio Production course during which they assemble their project work from the program and independent work in a digital media package.

Those interested in attending Media Engineering Design Integration’s post-graduate level media studies program must submit an official transcript that demonstrates proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. They must also attend an information session or undergo a portfolio review. Centennial College will consider people presenting a partial post-secondary education (eight college or university credits) in media production or engineering technology.

Continuing Education: An Alternate Route To Post-Secondary Learning

Continuing Education is an ideal way for professionals with hectic schedules to upgrade their learning, for busy moms who can't get away from their home base to obtain a new skill set, for mature students who have been away from the education system but wish to obtain a post-secondary credential to make it happen and for anyone whose life may not allow them to study full-time to obtain an education. That's because this post-secondary option sees students studying in a variety of alternate ways.

For example, one popular Continuing Education option at Toronto's Centennial College - which sees nearly 22,000 students each year in over a hundred programs that feature more than twelve hundred courses and a very high degree of learner satisfaction — is online Distance Learning. Ideal for independent learners, all courses are facilitated online through a virtual classroom that students can access 24-hours a day. Industry-experienced instructors who use communication tools such as discussion boards and forums to create a classroom feel lead the courses. Students also interact with peers via email and partake in digital assignments. Among the programs at can be completed through this Continuing Education option are: Education Assistant, Business Writing, Medical Transcriptionist, Quality Assurance, Ophthalmic Medical Personnel and more.

A similar option to online Distance Learning is the Continuing Education School's Print-Based courses. Again, learners who are comfortable studying on their own will benefit from having course materials mailed to them to be completed in a specified amount of time. A facilitator is assigned to each student to assist him or her with his or her assignments. Then, once a student has completed all of his or her course work, final exams are completed on-campus.

The most traditional Continuing Education option is to attend classes on a part-time basis at one of Centennial College's four locations. Through this Continuing Education option, students can complete Motorcycle Rider Training, Business, Engineering Technology, Computers and Information Technology, Early Childhood Education, Food Service Worker, Media and Design, Part-time Health Studies, Retirement Communities Management/Long Term Care Management, Transportation, and more programs. All Continuing Education instructors take into account the mature students they are teaching 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.

The Continuing Education programs all have unique 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 or its School of Continuing Education. 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.

Marketing Research Analytics Program Offers Applicable Skills

If you already have a post-secondary degree or diploma but have an interest in Marketing Research Analytics, you should consider attending Centennial College’s Marketing - Research & Analytics Graduate Certificate program. That’s because in just one year, this offering teaches students the techniques used to determine and extract valuable knowledge about competitors and customers in a market setting. What’s more, this is achieved through a variety of hands-on teaching techniques such as: case studies, simulations and project-based learning. The practical training also includes SAS Enterprise Guide and Enterprise Miner. Lastly, a second semester capstone project allows students to incorporate and showcase their skills.

Why are the hands-on aspects of marketing research course so vital? Well, with graduates filling various positions (marketing research analyst, web marketing analyst, CRM analyst, direct response analyst, online marketing analyst, data and analytics specialist, business analytics specialist, loyalty program analyst, sales data analyst, marketing strategy analyst), they must be fully prepared for their responsibilities. This is especially true when you consider that marketers rely on analysts for their insight, to make effective decisions, to attract a greater client base and deepen existing client relationships. Practical practice will make the transition into the field easier for graduates.

Through the hands-on learning, students of Centennial College’s Marketing Research program learn the skills needed to analyze and interpret industry trends and client behaviour, questionnaire design, data manipulation, quality control, creation of statistical output and development of programs. In addition, emphasis is placed on the use of applied marketing research and analytics to strategic marketing decision-making. Professors with extensive experience in marketing research, statistics, marketing communications and customer relationship management teach all of the marketing research courses.

To apply for the program, applicants must have a college diploma or university degree in any discipline. In addition, proof of English proficiency and an assessment of numeracy skills may be requested. However, the Marketing Research Course will also consider applicants with partial post-secondary and relevant work experience (transcript and resume review is required). Please note that successful students possess qualities such as: comfort dealing with numbers and computers, analytical with strong numeracy skills, self-directed with strong attention to detail, highly-organized and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, strong interpersonal skills, excellent written and oral communication skills, and thrive under pressure and can meet deadlines.

Aside from the various positions that graduates of Marketing Research course enjoy, there are also a number of areas in which they may find employment. These areas include: organizations with in-house analytical and research functions, especially those that are mid-to-large sized; marketing research firms; companies specializing in direct marketing, mobile marketing and e-marketing as well as loyalty program management companies.

Strategic Management Program Offers In-Demand Skills

Imagine attending a unique program focused on strategic management in accounting that provides graduates with skills such as: advanced accounting, financial management and strategic management expertise. Such a program exists at Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. Called Strategic Management – Accounting. It focuses on the area that has been described as “a form of management accounting in which emphasis is placed on information which relates to factors external to the firm, as well as non-financial information and internally generated information.” As such, professionals in this field deal with: the relative cost position; the ways in which a company may secure a sustainable cost advantage; and costs of differentiation such as what makes their product different and hence more attractive.

Areas of business that hire professionals with a degree in strategic management (such as accounting supervisors, accounting managers, assistant controllers, and controller and business analysts) include: financial institutions, government offices, public accounting firms, manufacturing industries, service industries, small business and self-employment.

The Strategic Management programs at Centennial College takes one year to complete and requires applicants to have completed a college diploma or university degree in an accounting discipline. Additionally, applicants must be able to prove English proficiency. The program will also consider applicants with partial post-secondary in an accounting discipline and relevant work experience (transcript and resume review is required).

Once accepted, students 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. Additionally, they continue to learn and deepen their understanding in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing. Students get a good idea of what to expect from the field thanks to the offering’s fast-paced, one year format, which includes learning tools such as case studies and simulations, leading-edge managerial and leadership practices of the best companies in the world, hands-on exposure to the latest technology applications in the area of management information systems, including ERP systems; and more.

A team of professors with strong academic backgrounds, extensive business and management experience delivers all Strategic Management program courses. Specific courses covered in this Strategic Management program include: Contemporary Organizational Behaviour, Accounting Theory and Policy, Advanced Managerial Accounting, Advanced Taxation, Information Systems for Business Management, Operations Management for Products and Services, Advanced Auditing, and more.

Students who attend the Strategic Management in Accounting offering have many options upon graduation. In addition to entering the field, they may also go onto obtain an MBA, pursuant to the articulation agreement negotiated by the School of Business with other institutions. This program’s education partner is the Certified General Accountants Association of Ontario. In addition, students can apply to CGA-Ontario, and depending on their academic background, may receive up to four levels of CGA transfer credits.