Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Top College Provides a Selection of Resources to Support Student Needs

When choosing a post secondary institution, you would find respectable schools and analyze the programs they offer that interests you. You will also linger over the distance of the commute or if you need to move. The tuition fees, book costs, and other school-related costs will always be in your mind. While all of these are important factors when deciding a school and a program, you have to consider other benefits.

Unlike smaller schools, focused on accelerated learning, others offer a wide selection of resources and facilities that will make your learning more effective. Included in the tuition fees, community colleges provide the necessities in a student's life and other advantages that will play a critical role in his or her personal, academic, and career goals. As one of the top colleges in Ontario, Centennial College offers a wide array of support systems for its learners.

Career Services
Students can seek career advice from trained staff about their educational and career goals. They can explore their career paths, dig deeper on their interests and desires in what type of job positions and work environments they should enter after graduating from college. In addition, Career Services help students find placements and jobs after graduation with their workshops, seminars, and career fairs. They offer resume, cover letter, and interview tips, and even publish job postings online with the new Hire Centennial portal.

Peer mentoring
No matter what your age or if you have taken college decades ago, you should sign up to be paired with a peer mentor, especially if you are a first year student. New students are partnered with experienced students, so the latter can give personal and peer advice regarding school-related issues or even personal ones. Students who need further advice will be relayed to the school's counselling service.

Peer Tutoring
While peer mentoring offers advice, peer tutoring is about helping students with achieving their academic goals. Peer tutors are not present to complete your homework, but they are here to guide students and give further one-on-one coaching with your studies. There are knowledgeable peer tutors for specific courses, so students can be paired with someone who has completed the course successfully and are able to help with the assigned work and the studies.

Libraries and its Resources
With a location at each four campuses, Centennial's library and learning facilities are available for full-time students, part-time learners, and the alumni. Depending on their status, they can borrow a set number of books, access the computers and databases on site, and use the quiet and comfortable environment to study. Library staff is courteous and can help you find the right resources you need for your research and assignments.

Athletics and Recreation
Centennial has a gym and exercise area in its campuses, with the Athletics and Wellness Centre (AWC) at Progress campus being the main facility, open to all of its students. Students can join tournaments and sports team throughout their school year to play in their favourite sport and meet new friends. AWC has a rock climbing wall, squash courts, spa, 80 metre Indoor track, triple gym, and a fitness and aerobics area. Students can engage in exercise regime and fun active activities indoors and outdoors. In addition to the gym, the recreational activities brought to students by its student council are excursion trips around Toronto and Ontario where education and fun collides.

Centennial College increases the value of your education and college experience with its modern facilities and vast resources. Students are supported in their academic needs, as well as in their personal space and lifestyle habits. Those who yearn for more than a diploma can enroll at Centennial, where they will learn, while making friends, adding unique experiences, and having fun.

College Offers a Diverse Selection of Programs for Learners in Every Level

Anyone can be a student, with the realization of the importance of continuous learning. Fresh high school graduates, mature students, Second career students, and professionals all work together in classes in college. One of the most diverse post-secondary institutions in the world is Centennial College, not only by the program offerings but also by student population. Aside from cultural diversity, many students are diverse in terms of age. Most of its learners are at least 21 years of age. The stigma of being an older adult in college is decreasing.

Centennial College offers programs that caters to all industries and their needs. It also delivers them in different formats, so they are accessible to all types of learners. Students can choose from a variety of levels of learning, depending on their needs and preferences. Below are five different credentials that students will obtain upon graduation.

Certificate Programs
Students who want to ensure that they have the basic foundations and college-level skills will enroll in general arts programs. Others may want to improve their English skills, upgrade high school grades, or take courses that are missing in the prerequisite of programs. Many of these are certificate programs, helping students in their career exploration.

Diploma Programs
Two-year programs in colleges are awarded with diplomas. Although the amount of schooling is short, Centennial students still gain practical experience in lab practice, simulations, and field placements. Students have the aptitude to start their career in entry-level positions in their field or choose to study further and transfer their credits to three-year or four-year programs at Centennial and its partners.

Advanced Diploma Programs
Three-year programs, including the co-op options, have an even more extensive training than the diploma programs. Ranging from 6 to 9 semesters, students learn the foundations of their field of expertise and progressively learn more in-depth concepts. They will apply these skills in case studies, lab settings, and other hands-on training. Some programs have internship, co-operative education, and apprenticeship options, where students receive on-the-job training from industry professionals.

Degree Programs
Centennial graduates can stay in their campus to receive a Bachelor's degree, as Centennial adds more Degree Programs. With the small class sizes and experienced faculty members, college students have better learning opportunities in their undergraduate programs than university students. Additionally, Centennial encourages applied learning where students are involved with capstone projects and field placements, involving real companies and clients.

Graduate Certificate Programs
College and university graduates willing to enhance their credentials and specialize in their field can apply to postgraduate programs. There is a long list of these one-year programs from all schools, including business management, communications and media, and hospitality programs. To give students a competitive advantage, they get a head start in their career by taking mandatory field placements before graduation.

With a wide range of learning levels, Centennial makes it possible for anyone who wants to obtain a high education in college. The college's diversity only brings out its beauty as students learn from each other's experiences and values. No matter the level, all of Centennial's college programs are designed to give practical learning for students, so they can be job-ready within a several months.

Friday, February 21, 2014

Job Prospects for Construction and Maintenance Electricians

The construction business, be it building residential complexes, commercial structures or industrial erections, is booming. This has led to an increased demand for electrical professionals who can design site-specific electrical solutions, and install, maintain, repair and replace or upgrade electrical systems in buildings. The construction and maintenance electrician courses are also expected to
  • Design optimum electrical solutions for buildings
  • Plan for installation of electrical systems
  • Use computer-aided software to design electrical systems for various projects
  • Estimate costs for installing an electrical system in a particular building
  • Install or oversee the installation of electrical systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings
  • Maintain the electrical systems and repairing them whenever required
  • Sell electric systems or solutions to customers that are tailored to their specific needs
  • Guide customers or architects on choosing the right electrical systems
  • Ensure that safety and legal requirements are net while installing an electrical solution in a building
  • Advise clients on power transmission and energy use
The exact roles and responsibilities may vary depending upon their employment, industry they work in and their individual qualifications and experience.

Employment Opportunities

The construction and maintenance electrical technicians can also find employment in other industries apart from construction. Almost every residential, commercial and industrial setup needs maintenance electricians on regular basis. Therefore, there employment is not just limited to the construction industry.
They can find work in diverse industries, including but not limited to:
  • Manufacturing
  • Healthcare
  • Residential complexes
  • Commercial buildings
  • Technology firms
  • Electronics
  • Automobile
  • Educational institutes
  • Aeronautics
  • Electric solution providers
  • Customer service companies
They are typically employed in the areas of design, testing, sales, services and installation, maintenance and repairs, depending upon their experience and company they work with.

Employment Prerequisites

In order to be employable, they need to have a thorough grounding in electrical engineering sciences and skills. They must be comfortable working on traditional and modern electrical devices, circuits, instruments and motors. Besides, they should have strong foundation in energy use and power transmission.

Employers nowadays are keen on hiring individuals who have undergone a formal education and apprentice training, and possess prior hands-on-experience on actual workplace assignments. Although the demand for construction and maintenance electrician has increased considerably but the job market is fiercer than ever. The professionals not only need to be theoretically sound, but must possess practical experience along with strong communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Companies no longer consider their electricians just as back-end workers. In fact, they are now being called as company representatives, as they have to deal with the clients on regular basis. In such a scenario, the employers expect them to be well qualified and experienced, and be able to establish relationships with the customers.

Electrician: Construction and Maintenance - Electrical Engineering Technician Education

A post-secondary diploma in electrician: construction and maintenance - electrical engineering technician can help students gain knowledge, skills and experience required to seek entry level jobs as construction and maintenance electrical technicians.

Centennial College's two-year, post-secondary program in construction and maintenance electrical engineering combines classroom learning, real-time projects, actual workplace assignments and a paid co-op placement. It perfectly blends theory and practical experience and prepares students for rewarding careers in this field.
To apply for this program, students will need:
  • Secondary school diploma
  • English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
  • Mathematics Grade 11 M or 12 C or University or equivalent
In addition, you will also need to:
  • Complete a questionnaire to assess co-op employability
  • Attend information/interview session to discuss questionnaire answers
  • Be eligible to work as an apprentice in Ontario
  • Credential evaluation of the above if you're educated outside of Canada

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Reasons for Considering a Post-Secondary Certification in Food Service Worker


A 15-week centennial’s food service worker program helps you quickly get to the world of work. It begins with classroom lectures and concludes with an arranged work experience field placement in a healthcare setting, giving you an opportunity to apply classroom learning into practice. The program offers a learning experience which meets current government standards and employer requirements.

Developed to meet the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care regulations, this program is a right choice for those students who wish to:

  • Quickly get to the world of work
  • Gain familiarity about different diets and health issues concerning healthcare food service
  • Develop practical understanding of quantity food production and food service in healthcare settings
  • Understand the principles and standards of diet therapy relating to a variety of illnesses and diseases
  • Learn various aspects of the food service and nutrition industry and delivery of quality customer service
  • Gain knowledge and skills to apply for an advanced food and nutrition management program
  • Gain understanding and skills required to be an effective member of an inter-professional healthcare team
  • Attain basic minimum qualification to work in foodservice industry

Career Prospects

The career prospects are brighter in food service industry than ever. This is because healthcare providers are now looking to enhance their patient care and service standards to survive in a fiercely competitive industry. They are keen on hiring professionals who

  • Have a solid understanding of basic therapeutic diets and nutrition, meal service and quantity food production
  • Can apply diet therapy principles to the assembly of therapeutic meals
  • Can ensure that the food prepared is free from bacteria and other contaminants
  • Are capable of carrying out const control techniques while maintaining the quality and nutritional value of the food

Graduates of this program can seek employment in retirement homes, hospitals, long term care facilities, food service contractors, acute care facilities and healthcare cafeterias in various areas including

  • Quantity food preparation
  • Food service
  • Customer service
  • Communications
  • Nutrition and sanitation practices 

Program Details

The post-secondary program in food service runs for 15 weeks and incorporates an eleven-week, three-day-per-week- full-time classroom learning dealing with theoretical aspects and a four-week, two-days-per-week arranged placement to gain practical hands-on experience in foodservice.

It covers various subjects including, the role of food service worker, workplace communications, safety and sanitation, nutrition in healthcare, kitchen equipment and food preparation. The graduates of this program demonstrate the ability to:

  • Communicate the role of nutrition
  • Apply the principles of human nutrition to food production
  • Provide a safe and healthy dietary environment
  • Adhere to government and departmental regulations related to food safety
  • Implement cooking principles and techniques in the preparation of large quantities of various foods

Centennial College’s food service worker program is based on the guidelines developed by members of Dieticians of Canada and the Ontario Society of Nutrition Management. The graduates of this program can choose to either pursue their careers or opt for further studies at the college to earn a food service degree.

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

  • Secondary school diploma or equivalent
  • English Grade 12 C (or Workplace Level)
  • Annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
  • Mask fit testing provided by the college

Reasons for Considering Post-Secondary Hotel Management Education


Study of hospitality management at post-secondary level tends to focus on equipping students with the

  • Understanding of a variety of hospitality environments
  • Knowledge and ability required to seek entry-level jobs in hospitality industry
  • Understanding of the interrelationships between departments that drive performance in hotel and resort industry
  • Ability to apply basic cost-control, revenue management, analysis and control, and financial planning principles to assist in making decisions
  • Ability to recognize and adapt to various and changing technologies, systems and computer applications for the hospitality industry
  • Ability to plan, prepare and present for a variety of hospitality environments
  • Ability to perform effectively as a food and beverage preparation and service team member

The program covers core fundamentals of the hospitality industry, providing students with a theoretical and practical introduction to the discipline. The post-secondary hotel management education in Toronto helps them build strong fundamentals in

  • Kitchen and dining room practices
  • Beverage knowledge and bartending
  • Sanitation, safety and hygiene
  • Food theory
  • Front office operations
  • Hospitality and tourism marketing
  • Hospitality accounting
  • Hotel sales and marketing
  • Housekeeping and facilities management
  • Hospitality and tourism law and security
  • Principles of food, beverage and labour cost controls

The post-secondary hotel management program is designed for students intending to pursue career in the hospitality industry, in areas such as front office, general management, food and beverage, accounting, human resources, housekeeping, sales and marketing, catering and convention, and human resources. It combines classroom learning and an industry internship in the final semester to gain hands-on-experience.

To seek admission in a post-secondary hotel management program, students need to submit a secondary school diploma or equivalent and English Grade 12 C or University scores or equivalent. Students currently attending high school can also apply for this course.


Reasons for Considering a Post-Secondary Course in Hotel Management


There are two main reasons for why someone should consider a post-secondary course in hotel management. Firstly, the global rise of tourism has given rise to numerous career opportunities. A formal education in hospitality prepares students to gain basic knowledge and skills required to enter the world of work.

Secondly, students with hospitality management education have better chances for career advancement. They can apply for managerial roles after accumulating a relevant experience and undergoing a short postgraduate certification program. A post-secondary program in hospitality management serves as a base for higher education.


Choosing the Right College


Although there is a significant increase in employment opportunities in hospitality industry but getting a job has become tougher than ever. Employers are keen on hiring students with formal education and relevant industry experience. Therefore, it’s important to make certain that the course is affiliated to a recognized body.


Centennial College’s two-year, post-secondary program in hospitality management – hotel and resort is accredited by UNWTO TedQual. In addition, the college allows students spend the final semester of the program working on placement with industry professionals, where many are successful in transitioning directly from internship to paid employment. Not only this, the graduates of this program are also allowed to apply their credits towards further studies at the partner universities and earn a hotel management degree.

Health and wellness starts with habits eventually forming into a lifestyle

It’s the same goal every year and the most common New Year’s resolution. A healthy lifestyleis a hard feat for many, with bad eating habits and no habits of exercising regularly. Ads and promotions of healthy living can be seen in schools, the workplace, and on TV ads, especially around this time of the year. Companies care that their employees are healthy, to have a more productive work environment, and to have happy and healthy individuals in their organizations.

Human Resources and the Health and Safety Committee are not the only ones promoting healthy lifestyles in the office. Another advocate for living a healthy life is a group of individuals in the workplace wellness team. They can be found promoting health and wellness and planning programs that encourages healthy development for employees and their families. If you’re interested in knowing more about healthier lifestyles, take a career in this field, and enroll in health and wellness programs at your local community college.

The Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion (1213) program is created at Centennial College due to the demands of the public for healthy choices. The healthy trend is more than the fad diets and unrealistic regimes advertised by some companies, claiming hard-to-believe results. Losing weight takes time and a lot of effort, while eating a balanced diet will take perseverance and practice. Workers in the workplace wellness and health committees will ensure that people are on the right track.

Professionals promoting health and wellness are not only found in huge organizations, but in different industries as well. There are workers in hospitals, government agencies, and public services that require health promotion. Centennial addresses the need for their students to be prepared in working in various environments, by setting a good foundation of this healthcare program. In one year, students will learn and apply their knowledge in real-life cases and field placement. Here are some of the exciting courses they will complete:

  • An overview of health and wellness concepts will be studied, including the individual needs and community and corporate perspectives. Students will apply their knowledge through a Health Fair, which is organized specifically for these students, where they will educate their college community about current health trends and issues.
  • Program planning is one of the most important tasks in the profession. This course is designed to give students the basic principles and skills in planning and implementing programs that will make positive changes to the mental and physical health of employees.
  • A total of 45 hours of training in coaching and communication will help students develop the right approach to motivate others in living healthier. Students will assess real clients in a workplace or community setting, providing them with tools to create appropriate programs.

The Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion program helps organizations and the community as a whole to live with better lifestyle choices through healthy eating habits, exercise, and having good mental health. Centennial’s way of teaching provides the foundations which progresses into a more in=depth learning and practical experience through assignments and interactive classes. The final semester also consists of a field placement which serves as a capstone course for all of the knowledge and skilled learned in earlier semesters.

Physiotherapist program Trains PTA & OTA Students on Workplace Duties

Old age catch up to us, diseases and illnesses impairs our abilities, and accidents cause temporary or permanent damage. The healing process is hard and some people need to live through the pain every day for the rest of their lives. But there are ways to mitigate the pain and make some things better through therapy. Patients in acute care and long-term care facilities can receive occupational therapy and physiotherapy from trained professionals.

Centennial College offers a
physiotherapist program, where students will study for two years to gain the skills to assist registered Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists in supporting people with impaired abilities. The Occupational Therapist Assistant & Physiotherapist Assistant (OTA & PTA) program contains courses that will study anatomy and physiology; courses that will teach physiotherapy skills, including how to apply therapeutic modalities; courses that will require them to plan and organize programs for rehabilitation; and various communication courses. Additionally, the final year consists of several on-the-job training, where students work alongside real patients.

Professor Patricia Lee tells us that a five-week placement takes place in the third semester, while two five-week placements, a pre-grad and grad, take up most of the final semester. She says that students will perform duties like bathing and tub transfers. Since many patients lose their motor skills and have difficulty performing tasks, students will reorient them on day-to-day activities, and teach them tasks like how to dress themselves.


“We really get to work with the patients. Patient handling: moving them while they’re in bed, and moving their arms and legs past a range of motions. We get to teach them exercise classes and strengthening exercises. It’s really fun. We’re taking what we’re learning in lab and applying it out in the field,” says Fiona, an OTA & PTA student.


Centennial students learn relevant knowledge and skills that can be translated into the workplace. Prior to entering placements, they must complete a CPR course, Standard First Aid course, and a police background check. Employing organizations seek out credentials and skills that Centennial provides. Below are some common job qualifications for OTA and PTA professionals:

  • A college diploma from an accredited Physiotherapist/Occupational Therapist Assistant program
  • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology regarding to a rehabilitation setting
  • Ability to plan exercise classes and group activities
  • Demonstrated excellent communication skills and good relationship working with others
  • Ability to apply physiotherapeutic modalities
  • Strong mentality and body to handle the physical and mental demands of the job
  • Certified in First Aid and CPR and a police clearance     
Students come out of school prepared and ready to work in their field, at hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare and community-based organizations. The occupational therapy program at Centennial College allows students to hone their physiotherapy and therapeutic skills through class practice and field placements. Many new graduates are hired directly by the employing organizations from their field placements.