Community Development Work Involves Global Citizenship Work

When entering fields within community and health studies, it is essential to show employers that you care about your role as a local, national and international citizen. At Centennial College, certain programs offer students the opportunity to complete a Global Citizenship and Equity Portfolio through its Institute for Global Citizenship and Equity. Because Centennial College is a recognized leader in global citizenship, social justice, and equity education, it places a strong emphasis on ensuring its relevance in these areas and, in 2009, established the Institute for Global Citizenship & Equity as an avenue for ensuring that it continues to achieve this goal. The portfolio students complete documents their engagement with the College’s signature global citizenship and equity competencies.

Students of the community develop program (known as Community Development Work) partake in this initiative during their two years of studies, which focus on the interdisciplinary field that incorporates politics, economics, research and an understanding of cultural diversity. Community development is a form of social planning that aims to boost the social and economic well being of people living in various communities. As such, students are prepared for careers in public, private and non-profit sector careers in a wide array of positions geared at building community capacity, promoting sustainable community and managing/directing community economic development initiatives.

Included in the curriculum are topics such as sustainable community development, communication fundamentals, community engagement and participation; community development in action, community development policy, business essentials, and more.

Aside from on-campus experiences, students also partake in two separate field placements. These are opportunities to work in communities to advocate for change strategies that promote social and economic justice and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination. At the same time, students get to network and build their system of professionals. While the first placement (during the third semester) takes place locally, the final semester placement may be completed internationally. Both placements involve:

• Applying principles that lie within the scope of practice guidelines for a community development worker;
• Applying principles of community development practice through the planning, implementing and evaluating of community development related activities and programs;
• Establishing and maintaining professional, ethical working relationships that address conflict of interests;
• Executing roles and responsibilities required of a community development practitioner within a specific community agency based on research related to the theory and practice of the community development field;
• Performing self- evaluations and self- appraisals related to the execution of community development roles and responsibilities;
• Preparing a professional career portfolio that incorporates ways to market oneself and seek employment in the community setting

As one of the respected community development program in Ontario, this offering has admission requirements that students must meet in order to apply. Aside from having an interest in the field, applicants are required to have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older) as well as English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission.

Bachelor of Public Relations Management Balances Subjects for Thorough Understanding

A university is no longer the only place to obtain a four-year bachelor degree. While community colleges are traditionally known for offering diploma and certificate programs, they are now expanding into degree program areas. These offerings, however, do not follow the traditional structure of a university-level undertaking. At Centennial College, students have four degree programs from which to choose.

One of these offerings is the Bachelor of Public Relations Management program, which is open to anyone with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; at least six Grade 12U, Grade 12M, or OAC credits with an overall average of 65 per cent or higher (courses must include English Grade 12U with a final grade of 70 per cent or higher). It is worth noting that after admission, students are asked to take a mathematics assessment. The outcome of the assessment determines math placement or exemption.

All of the Public Relations courses featured in the offering are geared towards helping students to secure the knowledge they will need to be field-ready after four years of study. As a result, students:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the public relations industry with highlights such as building critical skills for career success in professional writing, research, strategic communications and social and digital media;
• Become familiar with business skills such as financial management, organizational behaviour, business law and accounting that will give them a competitive edge in the marketplace;
• Focus on global citizenship, corporate social responsibility and the role communicators play in helping organizations make change;
• Learn the skills to navigate today’s digital world, including developing multifaceted social media and integrated online marketing programs.

As mentioned above, unlike other PR programs this offering includes a focus on business, specific courses within this undertaking include Introduction to Public Relations, Statistics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Strategic Communications Planning, Internal Communications, Advanced Social Media, Investor Relations, Public Sector Communications, Advanced PR Writing and more.

While Public Relations programs at university level typically have a theoretical focus, this offering also incorporates ways for students to practice the skills they gain. This is achieved through projects that mimic scenarios that students may encounter in the real world.

Rounding out this PR program Toronto-based offering is a fifteen-week industry field placement. During the semester-longer experience, students apply everything they have learned, expanding their professional network and gaining experience that they can then feature on their resumes.

With this Public Relations Degree, grads can secure positions in a number of career paths. That’s because the combination of business and digital communications principles gives grads a competitive edge. Among the career areas for which grads are prepared are: public relations agencies, corporate communications and investor relations departments, digital marketing companies, not-for-profit sector organizations, and hospitals and healthcare organizations.

Information on Pre Health Science Programs in Toronto

A pre-health science program is an undergraduate course that prepares high school graduates for admission in health or science-related post-secondary courses, such as massage therapy, practical nursing, transportation and other programs. The aim is to help students strengthen their academic skills as well as explore various career options in science and health-related fields.

The one-year pre health program in Toronto runs through two semesters and covers a range of science subjects, including mathematics, chemistry, biology, pre-anatomy and physiology. The students will also study developmental psychology. Along with this, a strong emphasis is laid on communication and computer skills for healthcare practitioners. The teaching methodology includes classroom lectures, computer labs, group discussions and on-on-one counselling.

Benefits of a Pre-Health Program

A Pre-health program prepares students for future educational and career goals. Along with this, it also helps them in:

• Acquiring academic credentials necessary for seeking admission in a science or health program at the college
• Developing strong fundamentals in science subjects, especially those who have not studied science subjects in school but want to pursue careers in any of the related fields
• Exploring various career paths associated with health and science subjects
• Exploring specific career interests

Who Should Consider This Program?

This program is for high school graduates, who

• Are considering college programs in practical nursing, massage therapy and other related courses
• Are seeking admission in post-secondary science courses but haven't completed these in high school
• Don't have much idea about career paths available in science and health disciplines
• Wish to explore their specific career goals while further strengthening their fundamentals in core science subjects

Where To Study Pre-Health Program?

A number of colleges in Toronto offer pre-health programs. Unfortunately, not all colleges offer healthy environment. Centennial College's program in pre-health foundation may be the right choice. The college offers a culturally diverse yet friendly learning environment. Besides, the faculty members are always ready to help students with their queries.

Apart from this, the students also receive one-on-one counselling, which helps them explore their hidden potential and specific career interests. They gain an understanding of diverse career options associated with various post-secondary science courses and identify which of them best suits their career goals. In addition to this, the college accepts students who qualify this program in major post-secondary science courses.

Eligibility Criteria

Admission to this program is offered to students those who have applied to college's post-secondary science programs but do not fulfill admission requirements. However, in order to be eligible for this program, they will need:

• Secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or elder)
• Required minimum score in English Grade 12 C or University, or equivalent. They may need to take English skills assessment by the college, in case they don't fulfill this requirement.
• Required minimum score in Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University, or equivalent or take Math skills assessment for admission

Information on General Arts and Science Program Toronto

Not sure what interests you or which arts or science program to choose in college? Explore your options while obtaining eligibility for college-level programs by enrolling in an undergraduate general arts and science program at Centennial College Toronto.

The program offers a broad education in arts and science by covering a range of subjects in the humanities and social sciences, as well as communications. It also helps you explore possibilities for your future and your specific career goals.

Is It For You?

The general arts and science - arts program is for you, if you are:

• Interested in many arts and science programs at the same time and are unsure of which one to choose
• Wishing to spend some time explore career options associated with particular arts and science programs
• Seeking to upgrade your qualifications to gain admission in a post-secondary program of your choice at the college
• Too confused to choose a career path and need one-on-one counselling while further strengthening your arts and science fundamentals
• A high school graduate and are unsure if you want to take up a science or an arts program at the college or university

What Do You Study?

This program runs for two to four semesters, depending upon your future goals. However, typically it runs for one year through two semesters. You will study math in digital age, concepts in humanities and social sciences, principles of sociology, developmental psychology, twentieth century history and logical self defense.

In addition, a strong emphasis is laid on communication skills, understanding contemporary Canada: places, peoples and perspectives, and human genomics: an ethical view. The program is delivered by experienced faculty. The staff members not only teach you but also offer you one-on-one career advising.

What Are the Benefits of This Program?

• This is an undergraduate program which takes place in a college-like setting. This gives you a close look at the college life and teaching methodology.
• This program provides you with the eligibility to apply for post-secondary programs in communication arts, community services, child studies, and hospitality and tourism administration.
• This program aims to focus on strengthening your arts and science fundamentals.
• You explore your specific interests, ultimate career goals and various educational opportunities available to you.
• You get ample of opportunities to interact with subject experts and seek career advice.
• You may be able to proceed directly into year 1 of a university arts degree Toronto program after one year, if you are able to obtain at least a 3.0 GPA.
• You will also have earned a college certificate.

Are You Eligible for This Program?

You're eligible for this program, if you

• Are a high school graduate and possess Ontario Secondary School Diploma certificate or equivalent or a mature student status (19 years or older); and
• Possess required minimum score in English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent. If you don't fulfill this requirement, you will need to take the college's English Skills Assessment for Admission.

Script Writing Toronto Program - Curriculum and Eligibility Criteria

Looking for courses that can help you seek entry or re-entry to the film or television industry? Well, Centennial College's two-semester, post-graduate advanced television and film - script to screen program may be the right choice for you. Let us look into what it covers, what skills you will develop, and what career options it offers to graduates.

What Does the Advanced Television and Film - Script Writing Program Cover?

The one-year advanced television and film program covers a wide range of subjects, including screenwriting or short film development, directing, acting, production, post-production, short film rehearsal and pre-production, short film production and short film post-production.

The focus of the program is on helping you develop both creative and technical aspects of film and TV production. The USP of this program is that it actually teaches you what goes into making/producing or writing for a film or television program. The script writing program in Toronto helps you understand how to adapt your writing considering the situation and how to tailor your script to an actor's specific talents.

The emphasis is not only on honing your writing skills and developing advanced abilities. Rather, it is on understanding who does what on a film or television production, so that you can collaborate with them and accordingly align your writing to the situation.

What Understanding and Skills Do You Develop?

The script writing Toronto program is extremely intensive. Although you won't be streamed into master classes immediately but you will need to spend a substantial amount of time in understanding what everyone does on a film and television production. This will help you in understand how to work in a team. Besides, you will develop strong communication and problem-solving skills and learn to empathize with fellow cast and crew members.

In addition to this, you will hone your writing skills. The program teaches you how to draft scripts that result in high quality feature film. The focus is solely on drama. You will learn all aspects of dramatic film-making. It does not include documentary film-making while it focuses on drama, comedy and all other genres.

Skills You Develop

As a student of this program, you will be able to:

• Deconstruct films, television shows and scripts of all genres
• Create, pitch, develop, outline, draft and polish four-production-ready film scripts
• Prepare, perform in and post shows

In addition to this, you also explore your specific interests and career that you think will be appropriate for you.

Who Is It For?

This program is open to actors, writers, directors, producers, editors and other film and television crafts people. This makes the right choice for you if you wish to enter or re-enter film and television business; and gain comprehensive understanding and hands-on in all aspects of film and TV production.

Who Is Eligible to Apply to This Program?

You are eligible to apply to this program, if

• You have completed a three-year college diploma or a four-year university degree in any discipline, or
• You have developed a verifiable portfolio or work representing minimum two years of production or media-related experience

No matter in which category you fall, you will also have to submit your current resume, a letter of intent, and a portfolio of work including

• A film produced or directed by you
• An on-camera audition
• A writing sample, preferably a script

Career Options with a Leisure and Recreation Management Diploma

Healthy living is directly connected to our overall physical and mental well-being. And this is why everyone around seems to be indulged in therapeutic recreation, lifestyle changes, healthy and conscious eating, and yoga and meditation.

Fitness is the latest mantra. However, it's not restricted to just the physical health; rather it covers mental and emotional health as well. No matter what their age is, people nowadays make informed choices to maintain a healthy lifestyle. They even consult wellness experts on regular basis to implement recreation and leisure programs in their daily routine.

Not only this, even companies hire recreation experts who can help their employees reduce their stress levels and motivate them to maintain active and healthy lifestyles. This has resulted in a significant increase in the demand for recreation and leisure services professionals. Therefore, current is the right time to consider building a career in leisure and recreation management.

Career Options in Leisure and Recreation Management

The field offers numerous career opportunities to professionals who have specialized knowledge, skills and experience in recreation and leisure services. They can be employed with hospitals, long-term care settings, school-aged childcare centres, youth-focused organizations, rehabilitation centres, municipal community recreation centres, long-term care settings, state and municipal parks, fitness centres, community centres, sports organizations and businesses. Some of the most popular career options include:

Fitness Coach: Fitness coaches work with individuals towards achieving their personal fitness goals. They create, plan, implement and evaluate recreation and leisure programs and special events, which suit to their specific needs and requirements. Coaching may involve developing physical fitness and psychological fitness, and helping people maximize their performance. The job also involves assessing the strengths and weaknesses in a participant's performance and identifying areas of improvement.

Recreation Centre Manager: Recreation centre managers are generally associated with sports halls, gyms, sports clubs, fitness centres, community parks and municipal community recreation centres. They are responsible for designing and promoting fitness activities, events and programs and fitness products. They are also responsible for overseeing the operations of the fitness centre and checking budget, purchasing equipment, handling complaints, acquiring clients and recruiting and training staff.

Fitness Counselor: Fitness counselors play a critical role in helping individuals plan and implement changes in their lifestyles, in order to help them achieve their fitness goals. The job not only includes developing programs for physical fitness but also extends to ensuring mental fitness of the mental wellbeing of clients. The list doesn't end here. The professionals may also find employment as fitness event organizer, fitness administrator, outdoor activities manager, theme park managers and fitness advocates.

Building Careers in Leisure and Recreation Management

Centennial College's post-secondary recreation management courses prepare students for careers in this field in just two years. These programs provide them with the ability to establish programs, prepare budgets, market activities and recruit, train, assign and evaluate teams of volunteers, and necessary skills, such as leadership, communication and interpersonal.

These courses prepare them for entry-level jobs in recreation and leisure services. However, for more advanced career opportunities, they may consider enrolling in recreation management degree program.

Electronic Engineering Technician Program Offers Experience in Modern Labs

In Toronto, companies as varied as Bell Technical Solutions, Celestica, Leitch, Research In Motion (RIM), SMTC Manufacturing, Toronto Hydro, TTC and more are all hiring professionals who have expertise in areas such as wireless communications, data communications, microcontrollers and industrial systems.

These professionals have all completed an Electronics Engineering Technician undertaking such as the one offered at Centennial College, which takes two years to training to complete and results in an Ontario College Diploma. This is achieved through a most advantageous balance between hands-on experience and theory in modern labs where students work with computers, communication transceivers and electronics testing and measurement equipment, while developing a solid foundation in modern electronics.

Here is a look at some of the specific courses in the Electronics Engineering program.

Data Communications and Networks: The focus of this class is on the terminology and concepts of data communications fundamentals used in networking. Through a combination of theory and practical labs, students receive an introduction to Local Area Networks, modems, and the telephone system.

Electronic Communication Systems: Through lectures, problem solving and discussions with laboratory experiments, students develop their ability describe and analyze the various aspects of communication systems. The primary objective in this course is to explore how the information signal is transmitted and received in AM, SSB, FM and TV communication systems.

Electronics 1: Presented over three courses, this initial class offers students a base on which to launch their learning of structure and operations of semiconductor devices. Basic diode, BJT and FET transistor biasing and DC operation are also analyzed. Student use computer circuit simulation tools and Internet searching techniques to analyze electronic devices operation and collect and interpret devices’ data sheets.

Computer Hardware and Networks: For a balance between theory and practice, students spend two hours per week learning theory and two hours in a lab. The first part of the course introduces students to the basics of personal computer hardware and sees them install, configure and troubleshoot various types of hardware on a Pentium 4-class “sandbox” computer. The second part of the class covers the fundamentals of network technologies and architectures. The theory classes introduce the infrastructures behind local area networks (LANs) and the various ways to configure these LANs. The lab classes introduce students to the hands-on techniques to install, configure and troubleshoot wired as well as wireless network environments.

Quality Control and Technician Project: This course begins with an explanation of organization and functions of a company’s various departments and individuals. It also explores the project management and quality assurance process in six steps. The practical component looks at the project designing process with intensive utilization of popular software applications and hardware prototyping. Students gain hands-on experience in PCB design, electronic project manufacturing and assembly.

It is worth noting that students of this Electronics Engineering diploma program who have obtained a minimum 2.0 GPA may be eligible to transfer into the fifth semester of the technologist program. Additionally, qualified college or university graduates with a background in electronics gain direct admission into semester three of this two-year program and receive their Electronics Engineering Technician diploma in two semesters.

Social Service Worker Program Ensures Students Are Not Limited

To ensure that students of Centennial College are presented with a number of options once they graduate, many of the school's programs have forged relationships with post-secondary institutions that allow students to apply academic credit towards further study.

One such offering is the social service worker program. After completing two years worth of studies, students can go on to apply for programs with Athabasca University, Griffith University, Ryerson University, Royal Roads University and York University. One the other hand, students are also prepared to enter the field where they will provide support services to vulnerable groups that include seniors, youth, assaulted women and children, the homeless and under-housed as well as those with developmental disabilities and mental illness. Social service workers work in organizations that include advocacy coalitions, mental health and housing programs, shelters, community centres and more. Thanks to the training they receive at Centennial, grads have been hired by reputable organizations that include: Central Neighbourhood House, Operation Springboard, Senior Link, Tropicana Community Services, Toronto Social Services, Woodgreen Community Centre, Touchstone Youth Services and more.

Centennial College's approach to preparing students for this field is a proactive one, meaning that students first learn theory and then apply that theory to hands-on practice such as group labs, guest speakers, experiential learning, collaborative learning and inter-professional opportunities with other students. Specific hands-on practice includes experiences in assessing communities, developing and writing funding proposals, social action plans as well as simulated client interviews and assessments. Meanwhile, specific topics covered within the offering include: Social Service Work and Pathways to Practice, Power, Privilege and Oppression; Social Policy, Community Development, Advanced Interviewing and Counselling, Report Presentation for Community Service Workers and more.

To round out the application features of the offering, students attend two field placements in the third and fourth semesters. Direct work in the field provides students with the opportunity to experience an entry-level social service position in a learning environment where application and integration of the philosophy, function and procedure of the social service system takes place. Aside from applying their knowledge to the real world, this experience further allows students to evaluate the strengths and limitations of the social service system. Students are also exposed to becoming part of a service team that meets the needs of the people served by the agency. During both placements, students are responsible for being accountable for assigned work, follow up and documentation, integration of policy, practice, values and ethics to the social issues and problems as they directly impact on the agency, their clients and the profession.

At the end of their studies, the Centennial College-trained Social Service Worker has the ability to carry out his or her duties, which include: recognizing diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities to promote accessible and responsive programs and services; advocating for appropriate access to resources to assist individuals, families, groups and communities; integrating social group work and group facilitation skills across a wide range of environments that support growth and development of individuals, families and communities; working in communities to advocate for change strategies that promote social and economic justice and challenge patterns of oppression and discrimination.

Becoming a Payroll Practitioner

Previously, the payroll system was viewed as like many other not-so important functions of organizations. It was often taken for granted and considered as an administrative burden that was necessary but provided no monetary value to the company.

However, as time changed the organizations realized the importance of having a proper payroll system in running their operations smoothly. Nowadays, it is considered one of the most important functions that have direct impact on the morale of employees.

Once the organizations realized the importance of a proper payroll system, the need for flawless delivery of funds, salaries, wages and benefits began to arise. This called for the automation of the key tasks and deployment of payroll professionals who could work on automated payroll system.

Payroll practitioners are high in demand, not only in Canada but throughout the world. And the best part is that they can be employed with companies of any size, regardless the nature of business operations. Therefore, the career prospects are really strong for professionals who have undergone specialized education and possess strong accounting, strategic compensation and managerial skills.

Becoming a Payroll Officer

If you wish to build a career in this field, a payroll management course can help you gain extensive knowledge base and develop and enhance crucial skills in key areas to begin working as a payroll generalist. If you’re already in this field, the specialized education will help you set foundation for subsequent career advancement.

Centennial College’s graduate certification program in payroll runs for one year and helps you build your skills portfolio as you learn for professors who have strong business world experience and up-to-date knowledge of current and emerging trends in technology and changing legislative requirements.

You strengthen your understanding in financial accounting fundamentals, payroll compliance, strategic compensation, contemporary organizational behaviour, management accounting for human resources, payroll systems, pensions and benefits, project management fundamentals and business communications.

In addition to gaining extensive knowledge in payroll system, you will also develop strong management, teamwork, communication, presentation and report writing skills. The program uses case studies, simulations, and project-based learning, focusing on your overall development.

Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Designation

The program is delivered in partnership with the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA), which ensures the quality of education and high standard of diploma earned. Along with this, you will be eligible to earn the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation granted by the association. However, this will incur costs in addition to tuition fees.

If you have two years of experience for an organization’s payroll function and were accountable to management for accuracy of employees’ pay and all government statutory remittances, or equivalent experience, you are eligible to apply for the Canadian Payroll Association CPM (Certified Payroll Manager) level courses at the college.

Program Eligibility

In order to apply to this program, you will need:

• A three-year diploma or university degree in any discipline
• A proof of English proficiency
• To complete an assessment of numeracy skills
  

You can also apply to this program even if you have completed partial post-secondary (minimum two years) education. However, for this you will require relevant experience of at least two years.

Massage Therapy as a Career Opportunity

The demand for professional massage therapists has risen dramatically in the last few years. And it will continue to rise in years to come. Massage therapy is becoming an important profession in health and wellness as well as beauty industry. The field offers a large number of career opportunities, allowing you to help people in a meaningful way regardless of the setting you work in. The best part is that this is one of the very few professions that allow you to work for flexible hours. Additionally, you can choose to be an independent massage therapist and start your own wellness business.

As a massage therapy professional, you may find employment with skin and beauty salons, health and wellness centres, spas and resorts, health clubs, hospitals, physicians' offices, cruise ships, sports teams, clinics, rehabilitation centres, and organizations that have an employee wellness department. You may be associated with your employer on contractual or full-time basis. Your job as a massage therapy practitioner gives you an opportunity to help people in either improving or maintaining their health and well-being. It is a both personally and professional rewarding career.

The Path to a Career in Massage Therapy

There are certain competencies (knowledge, skills and attitude) that you need to develop, if you're interested in building a rewarding career in this field. Although there is no such thing as a standard or the best massage therapy practice but it is really important to have a deep understanding of human anatomy and physiology, nutrition and lifestyle practices, legislation, standards and professionalism, and fitness and remedial exercises.

1. So, completing a massage therapy training program is the first step towards building a career in this field. The three-year post-secondary program aims to help you develop the ability to conduct a massage therapy practice within an ethical framework, develop therapeutic relationships with clients, develop, implement and evaluate a treatment plan and provide quality care.

You may choose from a number of massage therapy courses available throughout Toronto. However, you need to be extremely careful in selecting your college. This is because your choice of college will have a direct impact on your career upon graduation. Not all programs exhibit high standards of learning. In addition, you may not get much required hands-on training and industry exposure.

Centennial College's massage therapy program has been awarded President's Gold Award - Student Satisfaction – Quality of Learning Experience. Moreover, you will get opportunities to complement your education with clinical placements and enhance your skills as you work with clients.

2. Passing Ontario registration exam set by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario is the second step in the process. Upon graduation, you need to write this exam to become a regulated health professional. Once you pass this exam, you will be greatly valued in the workforce. Centennial's program prepares you thoroughly for this exam.

Upon program completion, you may either choose to pursue your career or apply your academic rewards towards further studies at associated universities, colleges or professional institutions. Higher studies will help you in preparing for more advanced career opportunities.

How to Become a Project Manager?

The scope of project management is not only restricted to just overseeing the development of a particular project. Rather a lot more goes into it. It involves planning and organizing activities, motivating people working on it, keeping a track on budget, controlling resources, following procedures and protocols and ensuring completion of the project in time.

Project management plays a critical role in assessing and managing risks at various stages of development, enhancing the quality of the product or application that’s being developed, improving the efficiency of people working on the project, enhancing the effectiveness of service delivery, and increasing the level of customer satisfaction.

Project managers are professionals who are responsible for planning, execution and completion of any project, typically relating to software development, construction, architecture, finance, healthcare, advertising, marketing, transportation, education, telecommunications, web development and engineering. They are specialists in their fields/disciplines with the skills needed to manage projects in timely and cost-effective manner.

Becoming a Project Manager

Project managers play several roles at a time: planners, organizers, managers, leaders and company representatives. This means that they should be well-versed in project management fundamentals, planning and scheduling, risk and quality management and cost estimation and control. Additionally, they must possess excellent communication, interpersonal, critical thinking, problem solving, analytical and leadership skills.

As this is a specialized discipline, aspiring project managers need to undergo formal project management education, to equip themselves with all the required knowledge and skills. A graduate certificate project management course provides solid, fundamental knowledge and hands-on training to equip graduates and existing professionals with the skills required to manage projects in highly volatile, competitive and technologically advanced business environment.

It is most suitable for those who wish to enhance their employability by obtaining a globally-recognized certification in project management. It is also ideal for experienced managers who are seeking to bring a new dimension of leadership to their work environment. The program can also be taken by management leaders who want to manage innovation in a structured manner.

Program Structure

Centennial College’s project management program runs for one year through three semesters, covering a wide selection of subjects, including business communications, fundamentals of project management, business principles and requirements management, project planning and scheduling, project management tools applications, project risk and quality management, project estimation and cost management, procurement and contract management, international project management and professional responsibilities and project management office.

The curriculum also includes hands-on integration of technology tools, such as Microsoft project and leading-edge industry case studies. The program concludes with a full-time, 12-week experiential learning opportunity through industry field placement with a participating organization. It helps students gain valuable project management experience and relevant industry contacts for future references. Moreover, the experience gained can be used towards work requirements for the PMI (Project Management Institute) designation.

The students will also have to participate in an online course and prepare assignments related to the experiential learning opportunity. This helps them sum up what they have learnt during their internship and actually explain their experience of working in a real-world setting.

The program graduates can find employment with both public and private companies as project leaders, global project managers, process development analysts or project managers.

Electro Mechanical Engineering Technician Program Offers Practical Approach

Did you know that at the heart of virtually all advanced manufacturing industries are automated systems? Professionals with knowledge of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics and robotics are needed to build and operate these automated systems. Additionally, professionals may launch careers in technical sales and service as well as integration (with automation houses).

At Centennial College's electro mechanical engineering - Automation and Robotics offering, students obtain the know-how they need to launch their careers after two years of study. This program combines a thorough understanding of theory, along with practical, hands-on laboratory experience.

Students' studies consist of a heavy hands-on focus that sees them spend much of their time in labs particularly designed for the curriculum of the program. Housed at Progress Campus, these labs are part of one of the largest trades training centres in the province. Here is a closer look at some of the courses in this offering - which is accredited by Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB) - that demonstrate how beneficial it is for attendees.

Electric Circuits: Students split their time between theoretical lectures and labs in which they apply what they have learned about the fundamental principles and theorems of D.C. and A.C. series and parallel resistive circuits. The labs allow students to work with D.C. power supplies, digital multimeters (DMM), oscilloscopes, function generators and use of electronics-circuit simulation design software.

Robotic Devices: In a lab setting, students gain programming skills and apply them to the industrial robots. Among specific topics are: programming the ABB robots, challenges of the integrated systems, robot safety guidelines, terminology and classification of robots, definition of robotics in CIM systems, and end of arm tooling.

Mechanics and Materials: This course examines concepts of Forces (tension, compression, shear, bearing, bending), stresses and strains due to applied loads and temperature changes. Students also learn about the shear force diagram, bending moment diagram, centre of mass/centre of gravity/centroid and properties of metals. Students become comfortable with selecting the size and proper metal material to be used in building their robot components.

Hydraulic Systems 1, 2, 3: Presented in three advancing classes, this course deals with concepts and laws of hydraulics. In the first course, students gain hands-on practice with the circuit assembly, operation and testing of components. The second course, meanwhile, examines advanced pressure and flow controls components and their industrial applications. Students are required to design more advanced systems based on specific industrial uses. The third Automation robotics engineering course wraps up the examination of hydraulics with a look at hydraulic motor applications in open and closed loop circuits. Cartridge and proportional valves are introduced and students are required to perform practical lab operations with these valves, demonstrating their use in modern hydraulic circuits.

Health Informatics Redefining Healthcare Industry and Leading to a Surge of Career Opportunities

Health informatics, also known as biomedical informatics, clinical informatics and health information system, is a discipline that combines computer science, information technology and healthcare. It is a driving force behind redefining healthcare industry and creating tremendous employment opportunities for a new breed of professionals, qualified and interested in both IT and healthcare.

Health informatics plays a critical role in ensuring high standards of patient care at hospitals and clinics. The electronic health records of patients can be quickly accessed whenever required. This helps in understanding the medical history of patients at one go. On the other hand, even patients can contact the hospital when they need any information on prescription refills, test results, etc.

Health informatics is a rapidly evolving field and most hospitals in the North America either have implemented this system or are in process of getting it implemented. This has led to the increase in demand of IT professionals who can develop healthcare software systems suited to the needs of diverse healthcare organizations. In addition to this, it has also resulted in a significant demand of professionals who can work on these systems at healthcare facilities.

Therefore, current can be considered as the right time to build careers in this field. As this is a specialized field, aspiring health informatics professionals will have to undergo a specialized education program. They not only need to acquire skills to work on such systems, but also to design, develop, modify and test healthcare applications.

Healthcare Informatics Education

A healthcare informatics program incorporates the knowledge of both information technology and healthcare systems, preparing students for rewarding careers in this new and evolving discipline. During this program, they will learn to analyze and model data, develop healthcare databases and apply different computer medical-imaging techniques. Besides, they will also learn to use tools, algorithms and health informatics methods for schools, hospitals, healthcare agencies and public health departments.

The three-year post-secondary program emphasizes on object-oriented software methodologies, user-oriented interface design, data security and privacy in healthcare systems, telehealth, and data warehousing and data mining and BI tools in healthcare systems. To help students thoroughly understand the subject, the program also incorporates live software development projects. This allows them to put their classroom learning into practice.

Studying Healthcare Informatics in Toronto

Numerous colleges in Toronto offer post-secondary health informatics courses. Unfortunately, not all are accredited. Centennial College's program in healthcare informatics technology is a fully CIPS/CTAB accredited program. It also incorporates two software development projects, allowing students to utilize their technical and business skills acquired during in-class sessions. The program also helps them develop strong employment skills and prepares them for the world of work even before you are a graduate.

Program graduates can find employment in clinical, research and educational environments as health data analysts, software developers, systems implementation specialists, database developers or business/systems analysts.

Academic Requirements

In order to apply for this course, you will need:

• Secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent
• Scores in English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
• Scores in Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University, or equivalent

Why Should You Consider Enrolling in a Personal Support Worker Program?

Personal support workers (PSWs) provide physical and psychological assistance to seniors and individuals with physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, and people recovering from acute illnesses. They help their clients with their activities of daily routine under the supervision of doctors and by following service/care plans and established policies and procedures. They work in a wide variety of settings, including hospitals, community agencies, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, school systems, residential facilities, private duty and home care.

Although no education or skill is required to help people in need but it may help you become more effective and efficient. The responsibility of personal support workers is not limited to just assisting clients with their daily routine activities but also includes observing, documenting and reporting patients' behaviour, collecting samples for medical tests, and assisting with dietary planning. Therefore, formal personal support worker education provides you with the knowledge and skills required to perform your job more effectively.

Personal Support Worker Program in Toronto

A post-secondary personal support worker program typically runs for one year through two semesters. You build strong foundation in anatomy, mental health, communication with patients, development stages and alterations in health, personal support communication and supporting clients in palliative care. This is a short but intensive program that covers all aspects of patient care and service.

Although a number of colleges in Canada offer personal support worker courses but not all offer you hands-on experience, which is mandatory to seek employment in organized sector. Centennial College provides you with a 15-week extensive practical experience by allowing you to work with teams in different settings, including hospitals, community and long-term institutions.

In addition to this, the program is delivered by experienced faculty members. The certificate earned is recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, and clinical and community agencies. This means program reflects high quality when it comes to curriculum, field work, faculty and employment prospects.

Program Benefits

As a graduate of this program, you will demonstrate the ability to:

• Establish therapeutic relationships with clients
• Observe patient healthcare in an ongoing and timely manner
• Demonstrate effective verbal, non-verbal, oral and written communication
• Follow patient care plans and established policies and procedures
• Maintain a safe and clean environment for patients
• Report observations to healthcare professionals
• Meet home management care requirements for patients
• Plan and prepare meals, including special diets for patients
• Perform routine housekeeping activities

However, your specific work activities depend upon your employment and your qualifications and work experience.

Program Eligibility

In order to apply for this program, you will need:

Secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent, or mature student status

English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent. You will need to take college's English Skills

Assessment for admission, in case you don't meet this requirement.

After enrolling in this course and prior to field placement, you will also need to:

• Successfully complete a recognized course in standard first aid
• Obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
• Complete immunization requirements
• Complete a recognized course in CPR

College Courses at Centennial College Range in Approach and Ultimate Outcome

Did you know that post-secondary institutions offer students a range of courses that ensure anyone who wants an education has an option that will suit him or her?

Take Centennial College, for example. It's college courses don't just come in full-time or part-time options. These areas branch off into training that can be personalized depending on your goals.

Full-time options: While attending school five days a week, students have a range of choices to make in regards to the program they choose.

• Co-op programs are a popular option as their courses are offered in conjunction with real-world experiences when students head into their industry and work alongside professionals to implement what they have learned and develop their network.

• A similar option is the apprenticeship style courses. The programs vary from two to five years, depending on the trade. Students are typically already employed in the industry and wish to move up by obtaining the education they require. The standout aspect is an earn-while-you-learn, on-the-job experience.

• On the other hand, students who wish to attend college but gain a degree instead of a diploma or certificate can do so in programs that offer university courses at college level, with the added benefit of practical experience.

• While degree programs take four years to complete, Fast-Track course options speed up the process. Centennial College has adapted certain programs to be completed in a shorter amount of time by compressing the delivery of courses and eliminating liberal electives.

• Also shorter in time are courses geared towards Graduate students. Those who have already completed a post-secondary education can attend programs that are short in duration while still providing opportunities for hands-on work, internships and placements with prospective employers.

Preparatory Courses: Just as full and part-time programs aren't cut and dry, neither are the ways in which students enter their dream program. Some students may require prep courses to gain the credits they need before they can apply for certain programs. Centennial College's pathway courses allow students to earn an English, general education and university transfer credit, and graduate with a certificate or a diploma.

Second Career: While some students need prep to enter their courses, other students just need a second chance. For Ontario residents who have been laid-off, Centennial College offers the Second Career option. Eligible participants may qualify for up to $28,000 towards tuition, books, and transportation and living expenses. Second Career also aids in skills training and academic upgrading or English as a Second Language training as required. At Centennial College the eligible students can choose from more than 85 programs.

Centres and Institutes: This option offer students a wide variety of courses that equip them with the critical job skills they need to succeed in the career they want. Among the centres at the college are the Applied Research and Innovation Centre, Centennial Energy Institute, Culture and Heritage Institute, Emergency Management and Public Safety Institute (EMPSI) and Institute for Global Citizenship and Equity.

These are just a few examples of the types of college courses offered at Centennial College.

Colleges in Toronto Offer Schools of Study Structure

Each community college is structured in a different way and a lot of this depends on how many programs it offers. At Centennial College, there are more than 100 programs, more than 160 part-time programs and thousands of part-time courses. Students are able to train for their current or future career, earn transfer credits for university studies, or pursue their interests.

As one of the most respect colleges in Toronto, the school is split into Schools of study. Each School contains a cluster of similar programs.

School of Communications, Media and Design: The range of programs facilitated through this School includes communication-based offerings such as Communications and Media Foundations, Corporate Communications and Public Relations, Bachelor of Public Relations Management; media programs like Journalism, Broadcasting and Film, Advanced Television + Film – Script to Screen, Interactive Media Management; and design offerings such as Art and Design Foundation Studies, Digital Animation, Fine Arts Studio, Graphic Design, and more. All these programs are facilitated from the Story Arts Centre.

School of Business: Offering 30 dynamic programs (think Business Operations, Human Resources, Marketing, Law Clerk and more), this School caters to students who dream of working in respected organizations, connecting with business people around the world or even working in the courts. Aside from developing business skills, this School helps to teach students innovative thinking for the ever-changing business world. Programs employ a host of practical applications such as case studies, analyses, presentation and field experience that help to ensure students retain what they learn.

School of Transportation: Stationed at the province's largest transportation training centre, Ashtonbee Campus, this School is led by faculty members who have extensive experience. Students learn in automotive labs that boast the latest in technology for cars, trucks, motorcycles and heavy-duty vehicles. There is also an equipped hangar for aerospace and avionics students. Specific programs include Autobody Repairer, Parts Technician, Motorcycle Technician, Truck and Coach Technician and many others.

School of Community and Health Studies: Split into two branches, this School focuses on health programs such as Nursing, Massage Therapy, Paramedic and community programs such as Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Worker, Social Worker and more. All programs are facilitated from state-of-the-art laboratories where students receive hands-on experience in a stimulated environment.

School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science: Programs consist of new, leading-edge technologies, higher standards, and the introduction of exciting and innovative approaches. Graduating students of programs such as Architectural Technology, Biomedical Engineering Technology, Software Engineering Technician, Mechanical Engineering Technology – Design, and more are prepared for intermediate level positions as opposed to the standard entry-level options.

School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culture: As with all other programs in at this college, the offerings in this School are facilitated from modern classrooms as well as living learning labs such as a conference centre, a restaurant and a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. Courses cover a full range of business practices in marketing, human resources, finance and industry operations — as applied to the entire hospitality and tourism field. Programs include: Culinary Management – International, Hospitality Operations - Kitchen Management, Hospitality and Tourism Administration, Tourism Management - Cultural and Heritage Tourism, and more.

Reasons to Consider a Career in Computer Systems Technology Networking

A career in computer systems technology - networking may seem rewarding and exciting from outside. Undoubtedly! But on the other side, computer networking involves a lot of hard work, long hours of work and constant learning.

Though this job is not for everyone but for those who are ready to plunge in this field, it offers a plenty of job opportunities, rewards and opportunities to grow constantly. A career in networking requires deep understanding of PC hardware, operating systems and other software programs, wired and wireless networks, and computing and communicating technology. In addition, you must keep a track of ever-growing innovations of the digital revolution.

Centennial College's three-year post-secondary diploma program in computer networking training prepares you for a variety of careers in for the growing mesh of internet, intranet, extranet and telecoms. The program uniquely blends theory with practical. You will study about PC hardware, operating systems, web design, network technologies, devices and security, WAN technologies, computer forensic, wireless technology, voice and video over IP, network management, technical writing and electricity for computer systems.

The co-op component of the computer networking course gives you an opportunity to enhance your education by allowing you to work for three paid terms in the field. You not only put your classroom learning into practice but also gain relevant industry contacts. The program prepares you for a variety of careers as LAN administrators, LAN support, help desk support, network technical support specialists, network technologists, field service representatives and computer systems technologists.

Reasons for Considering a Career in Computer Networking

Here are some of the biggest reasons why you should consider a career in computer networking.

You'll be in constant demand: There is an acute shortage of computer networking professionals in Canada. This means employers will always be interested in hiring you. Computer networking plays a critical role in ensuring smooth day-to-day functioning of organizations. Network administration is a solid bet in such a scenario.

You'll be able to find employment in any industry: Computer networking, as mentioned earlier, plays an important role in ensuring smooth functioning of a company. Almost all organizations have IT departments where they need computer networking professionals to help them keep their communication networks working. This gives you an opportunity to work in the industry of your choice.

You'll have a challenging job: Innovations keep happening in this field of technology and you'll always be engaged in updating the existing systems. Therefore, it is not a monotonous job and poses new challenges in front of you.

You'll learn as you go: Graduating from a computer networking program doesn't mean that you have learnt it all. The continuous advancements in technology keep you in the learning mode constantly. You learn even while you're on the job, which in turn makes you worthier of your job.

The profession offers numerous other benefits. Generally, the individuals working in this field are highly paid and have international job opportunities. The program, therefore, not only prepares you to work in Canada but almost everywhere in the world.

What Does It Mean to Be a Law Clerk in Canada?

Law clerks or judicial clerks perform a variety of activities in court or the chambers of a lawyer. Their primary role is to assist the judge of the lawyer they work for with court procedures, legal documents, case law materials, and general administrative duties. However, the exact roles and responsibilities depend upon the type of setting they work in and their job profile and individual qualifications and work experience.

The job of a law clerk is extremely demanding as it requires a combination of in-depth legal knowledge, business acumen and strong interpersonal skills. As they may have to deal with the parties involved in the cases, they must stay abreast of the latest changes in law and be able to guide people accordingly. They are also responsible for conducting researches for various cases and study opinions and citations and review judgements.

If they work for private law practitioners, then they may need to handle a range of activities, such as diary management, fees management, business development, client follow-up, workload planning and management, accounts keeping, and other business activities on daily basis. In addition to this, they are also expected to provide their honest opinions and recommendations to their seniors about various cases.

Although the relationship between a judge and a judicial clerk or a lawyer and a judicial clerk may be of a senior – assistant or employer – employee but the clerks are expected to offer their reactions and opinions, in order to assist judges make the judgements and expose lawyers to various viewpoints.

The position of a judicial clerk is generally full-time and their job is more administrative in nature than clerical. However, in order to assume this position, they individuals need to undergo a formal education in this field post their secondary education. They must acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to practice in this field.

Law Clerk Diploma Program

A law clerk diploma program equips students with the understanding and skills necessary for the employment in the legal profession. During the tenure of the program, they not only gain theoretical knowledge in various aspects of law but a strong emphasis is also placed on practical and career-oriented assignments, allowing them to apply their understanding to real-life legal situations.

The diploma program typically runs for two years through four semesters and covers a wide selection of subjects, including Strategies for Business Success, Family Law, Real Estate, Civil Litigation, Current Issues in Canadian Law, Corporate Law, Legal Research and Writing, Government Boards and Agencies, Wills and Estates, Debtor-Creditor and Landlord-Tenant Law.

Students who have completed their post-secondary education can enroll in this program. They need to send their applications to the college along with a copy of their secondary school diploma certificate or equivalent, and scores in English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent or Mathematics Grade 11 or 12 M or University or equivalent.

Where to Study Law Clerk Diploma in Canada?

 
Centennial College Toronto offers a two-year diploma program in law clerk and places a strong emphasis on practical, career-oriented assignments. The diploma reflects high standards of learning and incorporates a four-days-per-week work placement component in a law, corporate or government office for a period of 14 weeks. Further, the program is accredited by the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario (ILCO).