Centennial College

Ford Technician Training Offers Knowledge to Ensure Students Are Industry Ready

2012-03-01T21:55:00.003-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

A Travel Education Can Take You Across the World - Literally

2012-03-01T21:44:00.003-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Tourism and Travel Program at Centennial College

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

2012-03-01T20:39:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Fill a Growing Gap by Taking Electrical Engineering Courses

2012-03-01T02:56:00.002-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

Hospitality and Tourism Courses Offer a Solid Foundation

2012-02-29T23:28:00.005-08:00

Applying for a post-secondary program and not being accepted is always a difficult moment. However, those students who are interested in taking hospitality and tourism courses but have not been accepted to the program of their choice now have another alternative at Centennial College. These students can apply for the Hospitality Foundations program, which was created specifically for those in need of a pathway for pursuing a career in hospitality, tourism and culture.

This hospitality and tourism offering is different from other Centennial College programs in a few ways. First and foremost, students can’t apply directly to its hospitality and tourism courses. Instead, they must advised and assisted to register by the Centennial College Assessment and Advising Centre. However, there are additional requirements to consider. Students must at least have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature applicant status (19 years or older). In addition, prior to registration, students must complete the Centennial College English skills assessment and score 130 or 131. In some cases, students’ skills assessment score will satisfy the requirements for their original program choice. Centennial College will notify them by sending an offer to their original program if there is still space available.

Aside from the hospitality and tourism courses of this offering, students are also given the opportunity to develop academic and professional skills and attitudes, which will facilitate success in their program of choice and eventual career. Among these skills are English fluency, including reading, writing, listening and speaking. In regards to specific attitudes, students get into the habit of reflective practice in order to continuously develop their communication competence in all language strands.

The Hospitality Foundations program offers communication and field preparation course such as Life Skills and Job Readiness (helps students develop learning skills and life skills that will help them to maximize their personal fulfillment); and Foundations: Developing College Communications (designed to assist students in upgrading their English skills in the four areas - reading, writing, speaking, and listening). Meanwhile, specific hospitality and tourism courses include: Geography and Tourism - Western Hemisphere (examines earth sciences such as land formations, time zones and climate. There will include a basic introduction to plate tectonics); Theory of Food Fundamentals (as good food is the foundation on which the restaurant industry is built, it is imperative that one understands how to not only produce good food, but to do so in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. This course will introduce learners to the theoretical principles of food production); and more.

After two semesters, students complete the Hospitality Foundations program with an Ontario College Certificate. They are then prepared to transfer into the more advanced hospitality and tourism courses of the program of their choice.

Health Informatics Program Combines Healthcare and Computers

2012-02-29T20:31:00.003-08:00

Did you know that all you need to apply to the Health Informatics program at Centennial College (officially known as Health Informatics Technology) is an interest in computer sciences and healthcare; at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older; compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent; and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent?

“I decided to take this Health Informatics program because right now I am a personal support worker and I wanted to stay in the healthcare field and make a difference,” says a student enrolled in the program. “I found that this, as an emerging field, was one where I could do all that.” Students like this are exactly the types of people who will excel in the offering, according to Sity Safario, an instructor. “I recommend the Health Informatics program at Centennial College for anyone who is very much interested in software engineering but also wants to help people,” she says.

The Health Informatics program trains its students for an industry that deals with information, computer science and health care. It is concerned with the resources, devices and methods that optimize the acquisition, storage, retrieval, and use of information in health and biomedicine.

As such, during their three years worth of Health Informatics courses students focus on object-oriented software design methodologies, user-oriented interface design, structure of healthcare information systems, telehealth, data security and privacy in healthcare systems. They also learn about technologies such as C#, Java, J2EE, Oracle, MS-SQL Server, Unix/ Linux, Microsoft’s .NET, HTML/ XML, Rational/ WebSphere, Data warehousing and Data mining, and BI tools in healthcare systems and more. To complement theoretical learning, the offering includes two software development projects in the field of health informatics. These real world business applications require students to utilize all the technical, systems and business skills gained during their studies.

Among the specific health informatics courses included in this offering are: Network Technologies (theory classes cover all the fundamental information behind LANs, WANs and their technologies; lab classes introduce students to the hands on techniques to install, configure and troubleshoot a physical network environment); Telehealth (students explore the different types of telehealth applications as well as the legal and regulatory considerations involved in implementing a telehealth solution. Topics covered include an introduction to the different services targeted by telehealth initiatives and emphasis is placed on the unique challenges, relevant industry standards and the specific information technology needs of different telehealth programs to date); Software Testing and Quality Assurance (students are taught testing methodologies and inspection approaches integrated into the software development life cycle); and more.

Graduates of Health Informatics Technology go on to work as: applications developers, health data analysts, database developers, systems implementation specialists, record assistants and business/systems analysts. These professionals are able to analyze and model data, develop healthcare databases and apply different computer medical-imaging techniques. They are also able to use tools, algorithms and health informatics methods for hospitals, schools, healthcare agencies and public health departments.

Centennial College's Environmental Protection Technician-4201 Program

2012-02-27T21:13:00.003-08:00

You don't have to be a superhero to save the planet. If you're passionate about protecting the environment and want to make it a full-time career, pursuing an Environmental Protection Technician career is an excellent pathway. The career opportunities for this profession are multiplying and expected to continue growing. It is a critical job that helps protect the environment from harmful pollutants. As an environmental protection technician, you'll spend your days collecting samples from all kinds of sources (soil, gases, water) and test them to determine the level of toxicity they have absorbed and the type of pollution that they contain. You’ll then be required to interpret the results from the test and determine solutions to monitor and prevent levels of pollution at the testing site.

If this sounds like a path that's designed for you, you're ready to take the first step towards pursuing your dream job. To start off, you’ll want to take on a college program that provides you with the practical skills, so you’ll be confident in what you’re looking for and the results you uncover in the real world.

Centennial College offers an Environmental program that is two years long and is nationally accredited by the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB).

Once you're in the program, you'll jump right into career-related courses such as, Microbiology, Chemistry of Pollutants and Ecology. These courses will prepare you with everything you need to know about water/waster chemistry, toxicity testing, soil collection, conservation and materials handling, so you’ll be able to help maintain the environment’s delicate equilibrium.

College programs like this provide hands-on learning, so you'll be able to handle real-world projects right away. Alongside your regular courses, there are opportunities to participate in local conservation and restoration activities. You are also able to work towards industry-recognized certifications when you taken on Ontario Ministry of the Environment Operator in Training (OIT) and Water Quality Analyst (WQA) exams. After graduation, you’ll be certified as a technician and automatically meet the high standards of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).

If you're ready to start improving the environment around you and have a passion for science, find out more about what it takes to pursue this career path here.

As a Chrysler Technician, You Will Work at a Respected Company

2012-02-22T01:23:00.003-08:00

When we are driving our cars, we don't wonder if the engine is running properly or whether the tires need rotating. Usually, we realize these things with the help of automotive service technicians. Those who drive Chrysler models, have them inspected, maintained and repaired by trained Chrysler technicians. Their jobs include: diagnosing problems using Chrysler diagnostic equipment; performing repairs and preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes and tires. Now is a great time to join the Chrysler team, as this company is number two in volume, slightly edging out Ford Motor company (not including their Premier Automotive Group) and holding just more than 14 per cent of the market. If that's not enough to convince you, note that U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth in Automotive Service Technology to grow by 14 percent from 2006 through 2016.

The first step to becoming a Chrysler technician is to participate in a Chrysler apprenticeship, such as the one offered at Centennial College in Toronto. Taking two years to complete, the apprenticeship prepares students for careers as: automotive service technicians, service writers/ advisors, service managers, instructors/ professors and auto company representatives. To apply for the Automotive Service Technician Chrysler Co-op students must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent. They may also be required to present a resume and transcript for faculty review. Please consider that English proficiency and satisfactory results in a program admission session will also be considered during the admissions process. Lastly, applicants may be required to fill out a questionnaire.

In-school training is an essential part of this apprenticeship. Training takes place at Ontario's largest automotive training centre, Ashtonbee campus, which is fully equipped with the latest Chrysler equipment and tools. Successful students earn an Ontario College diploma, have eight months of practical, on-the-job, co-op training in a Chrysler dealership and complete their entire Ontario apprenticeship in-school curriculum within two years.

Not only do students participate in automotive training, they also take theoretical courses in business (Occupational Health & Safety, Employment Pre-Placement, Organizational Behavior, Communications for Professionals in the Automotive Industry, Fixed Operations Management). However, of course, the automotive course are just as important and include: Engine Systems (introduction into the principles of operation and the terms related to the internal combustion engine), Suspension/ Steering & Brake Systems (looks at course kinetic energy, handling dynamics, frames types and damage, friction, steering designs, and more); Workplace Practice and Procedures (five topic areas are covered: fasteners, bearing and seals, oxyacetylene operation, computer fundamentals); and many others, including a unique advanced electrical and electronics diagnosis course.

Students spend the first eight months of the program in school, eight months in co-op as a registered apprentice and a final eight months in school. The field part of their Chrysler apprenticeship allows them to apply what they have been learning and take away new knowledge from their employer. They also have a chance to network and interact with real customers.

Continuing Education — A Way to Look to the Future

2012-02-17T03:11:00.000-08:00

It is often said that education is the key to success. In the past, those who could not attend post-secondary school for a variety of reasons didn't have many options. That is until Continuing Education programs became popular and opened up doors. Today, continuing education is similar to adult education, at least in being intended for adult learners. However, it is not normally considered to include basic instruction such as literacy, English language skills or programs such as vocational training or GED preparation. Instead, as the term suggests, it is assumed that the student already has an education and is simply continuing it. In Canada, continuing education involves enrollment in college/university credit-granting courses, often by students enrolled part-time.

One such Canadian institution to offer a Continuing Education option is Centennial College, which has nearly 22,000 learners each year in 160 programs that feature more than 1,200 courses and a 97 per cent learner satisfaction. This school's programs are designed to help students improve their skills, further their education, pursue a variety of interests and enable them to embrace new possibilities. In addition, the Continuing Education school at Centennial College provides experienced instructors who understand adult learning needs, offering flexible, learner-centered teaching methodologies; provides practical hands-on knowledge to place relevant theory into context and perspective; recognizes and respects both the level of maturity and work experience of its students; provides effective instructor to student ratio and an optimal classroom size enabling competent peer interaction.

Areas of Continuing Education study include: Addiction Studies, Business, Computers and Information Technology, Early Childhood Education, Engineering Technology, Food Service Worker, Media and Design, Part-time Health Studies, Retirement Communities Management/Long Term Care Management, Transportation, and more.

All programs facilitated through the continuing education school have their own prerequisites and it's best to check each individual program's page to ensure that students have the necessary requirements to apply. It should also be noted that within certain programs there might be qualification requirements and costs for external accreditations, designations, certifications or recognitions. These are set by the granting bodies and not by Centennial College. In order to qualify for any of those external accreditations, designations, certification or recognition, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and materials of those external bodies.

In addition, those students who can't make it to campus but wish to attend the Continuing Education School can choose the Distance Learning option, which is conducted entirely online. This study option still allows students to enjoy similar in-person benefits of a physical classroom such as: a qualified and industry-experienced instructor, communication tools, discussion boards and forums, a sense of email access with their classmates, digital assignment capability, and more.

Become a Construction and Maintenance Electrician In Two Years

2012-02-09T23:21:00.000-08:00

Construction and maintenance electricians enjoy working in a variety of career areas that include: service, installation, repairs sales and design. Of course, duties within each area of the field vary but all construction and maintenance electricians must know how to: read and interpret drawings, circuit diagrams and electrical code specifications to determine wiring layouts for new or existing installations; install, replace and repair lighting fixtures and electrical control and distribution equipment; splice, join and connect wire to fixtures and components to form circuits; test continuity of circuits using test equipment to ensure compatibility and safety of system following installation, replacement or repair; troubleshoot and isolate faults in electrical and electronic systems and remove and replace faulty components; and more.

To learn these skills, future construction and maintenance electricians can attend a program such as Centennial College's Electrician: Construction and Maintenance – Electrical Engineering Technician. This offering takes two years to complete and results in an Ontario College Diploma. Designed as a co-op program, it allows students to train as apprentices in the electrician trade while obtaining a two-year post secondary engineering technician diploma in the electrical engineering field. Those interested in becoming construction and maintenance electricians must first complete an application process, which includes possessing at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). In addition, applicants must have the English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment as well as the Math Grade 11 M, C or U or Grade 12 M, C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment. Lastly a questionnaire, resume and references to determine apprenticeship employability as well as an employer interview may be required.

The construction and maintenance electricians who attend this offering obtain a thorough grounding in electrical engineering sciences and skills, including electrical circuits, maintenance of electrical instruments or devices, operation of electrical motors and power transmission as used in the industry. This is achieved through a project approach that simulates actual workplace assignments. It also includes combining in-school theory and lab experience. Specific courses that students take to become construction and maintenance electricians include: Electrical Theory (familiarizes students with electrical fundamentals from the atomic structure to series, parallel and combination dc circuits by applying Ohm's and Kirchhoff's Laws); Installation Methods (designed to give students the knowledge and skills to work with: operation of common hand and power tools; install common switching devices, outlets and enclosures; correctly terminate conductors; demonstrate the installation procedures for non-metallic sheathed cable, armoured cable, mineral insulated cable, rigid conduits, flexible conduits, light tight conduits, electrical metallic tubing, electrical non-metallic tubing following all appropriate Canadian Electrical Code rules; and more); Ethics in Technology and the Environment (examines ethical issues governing social, technological and environmental policies, and the impact of their implementation); and many others.

These construction and maintenance electrician students spend eight months of the program time on a co-op placement arranged by the college. The hours earned during the co-op placement are counted towards the practical part of apprenticeship training. This experience not only allows for application of the skills learned in school but it is an opportunity for students to network while being compensated.

Law Clerk Diploma Offers Many Opportunities

2012-02-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

In order to become a Law Clerk, you must have: knowledge of rules and procedures of law and government, proficiency in speaking and writing English language, knowledge of clerical procedures, effective personal and customer service, and quickly grasp things. All of these skills can be developed in a law clerk diploma program such as the one offered at Centennial College.

This two-year, four-semester program offers a theory of law combined with hands-on application of the theories taught. Those who wish to apply must have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have completed compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11C, M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission.

In the program, a range of law courses, in conjunction with computer legal software courses, fully prepare students for employment in the legal profession. Among the specific courses within the Law Clerk are: Current Issues in Canadian Law, Corporate Law, Legal Research and Writing, Family Law, Computers for Law Clerks and more. To round out training provided on campus, students of the Law Clerk diploma offering partake in a work placement. “Our faculty members work with the students and meet with them individually to put together a wish list of what they would like to do for their work placement — whether it’s working for a law firm or a corporation or the government or in a courtroom setting. Our faculty then contacts the various employers, arranges the interview and the students are then working for the entire 15-week semester, four days a week,” says Patty-Ann Sullivan, coordinator of the Law Clerk diploma program.

In order to graduate, students must achieve an overall minimum GPA of 2.0, a minimum C grade average, a minimum C grade in COMM-170 and a minimum keyboarding speed of 40 words per minute. The Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario accredits the Law Clerk program.

Upon graduation from the Law Clerk program, responsibilities include: exploring and studying legal documents for determining causes of action, examining law of cases and facts, and preparing cases; preparing affidavits of documents, maintaining case correspondence and document files; researching analyzing law sources for preparing draft of briefs for approval, review, and advance use by attorneys screening petitions, motions and complaints filed to determine the litigant’s legal merit; advising the judge on the priority needs and status of assigned cases; setting up courtroom, recording equipment, and recording court proceedings; delivering subpoenas to parties and witnesses to action; maintaining retrieval and information storage services including legal search facilities and library; communicating and arbitrating dispute between different parties; helping judges in the translation of legal documents; and more.

Switch Career Paths by Attending a Fast-Track Journalism Program

2012-02-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

Adam McDowell is a reporter for the National Post. After considering a number of journalism schools, Adam chose the post-graduate journalism program at Centennial College to start his career. “I would wholeheartedly recommend Centennial College to anyone looking for a career in journalism,” he says. “Among the program’s many strengths, credit has to be given, above all, to its dedicated and demanding instructors, who set high expectations for their students. [It’s] the best kind of preparation for a tough, competitive field.”

Adam’s testimonial highlights how dedicated the teachers in the undertaking are, but like he mentioned the program has many other strengths. First and foremost, this journalism program only takes two years to complete, which allows students to partake in intense and quick-paced study that is not much different from the real world of journalism. The area of study isn’t focus on one form of journalism, instead, students obtain the know-how to work at magazines, newspapers, TV, radio and even online.

More specifically, within the journalism program students: learn to write and tell stories in an energetic, dynamic and hands-on environment, led by a faculty of seasoned professionals and educators; develop a portfolio of published stories and photos as they apply their skills in a real newsroom, writing for an online publication and a community newspaper; develop new multi-platform and online skills for the evolving world of news reporting. These skills are achieved through specifically-developed courses that focus on topics such as: journalism design, news reporting, introduction to online news, journalism law and ethics, magazine/freelance journalism, advanced interviewing techniques, radio news, multiplatform journalism and many others.

As mentioned above, students obtain real-life experience by participating in the development of a community paper, called The East Toronto Observer and its online edition, The Toronto Observer. In addition, students of this journalism program gain access to extensive publishing, broadcast and interactive facilities at The Centre for Creative Communications campus. This allows them to practice in their own time. Once they have had a sample of what to expect from the field, students participate in a final semester 15-week placement. During this portion of Centennial College’s journalism school, students work alongside professional staff in a commercial media outlet or communications agency. To qualify for placement, a student must have passed every course required in previous semesters.

Centennial College’s fast-track journalism program requires applicants to submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. Also considered will be applicants presenting a combination of partial post-secondary education (minimum of two years) and relevant work experience. In addition, students must either submit a portfolio of Journalism related work along with a resume and references (this should include 6 to 10 samples); or attend a program admission session where they will: complete a two-part writing test; submit a portfolio of six to eight pieces that may include academic essay extracts or creative writing; and submit an up-to-date resumé.

Companies that have hired Centennial College journalism program graduates include: NOW Magazine, Oshawa This Week, 680 News, Toronto Star, TSN, and many others.

A Paramedic Program Prepares You Intellectually and Emotionally

2012-02-08T21:43:00.000-08:00

The paramedic field is emotionally draining but, ultimately, rewarding. The individuals who obtain paramedic training and enter the field must: assess the extent of injuries or illness of trauma victims or other patients to determine emergency medical treatment, and administer pre-hospital care; liaise with ambulance dispatch centers, base hospital staff, police, fire, and family members to ensure relevant information is collected; establish and maintain intravenous treatment (IV), apply adjunctive equipment for ventilation and circulation complications, administer medications and provide other emergency treatment to patients; transport patients to a hospital or other medical facility for further medical care; document and record the nature of injuries and treatment provided; and maintain ambulances and emergency care equipment and supplies.

At Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. students can attend a two-year Paramedic program that teaches them all of the above skills through courses that provide theoretical and practical testing components. To enhance student performance and confidence, courses also provide an equal balance between classroom, clinical, field and practical learning in emergency simulations. Lab scenarios are carried out in state-of-the-art lab facilities located in Centennial’s Science and Technology Centre campus. This campus also houses other Community and Health Schools of study such as nursing and pharmacy technician. Specific courses within the Paramedic training include: Pre-hospital Care, Anatomy, Theraputic Communications and Crisis Intervention, Alterations of Human Body Function, Medical Directed Therapuetics & Paramedic Responsibilities, EMS Research Methods, PCP Integration and Critical Decision Making, and more.

Students can now earn a Paramedic diploma from Centennial while working on a four-year bachelor of Science in Para medicine from the University of Toronto at Scarborough (UTSC) or after completing the diploma portion of the program.

Did you know that over the past several years, 96 per cent of the Paramedic program’s graduates were employed as Primary Care Paramedics (PCP)? In addition, graduates of the undertaking are eligible and prepared to take the Ministry of Health exam for Advanced EMCA. They have consistently scored above the provincial average on the Advanced EMCA certification exam. Ministry regulations require this certification for employment as a paramedic in Ontario.

Centennial College expects applicants to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Applicants must also possess compulsory English 12C or U or equivalent, math 11M or U, or 12C or U or equivalent, Biology 11C or U, or 12 U or equivalent; and one of the following sciences: chemistry 11U, or 12C or U or physics 11U or 12C or U. Medical requirements such as a medical doctor’s statement, certifying a standard of health that is acceptable to Centennial College, clinical and affiliated EMS agencies are also required. Lastly, applicants must also not have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (clear vulnerable persons police background record searches are completed throughout the program); hold a Class “F” license, which is required for employment in Ontario (but not for program admission); complete a CPR Level HCP course (Health Care Provider) and standard first aid certification. For complete details on the requirements of this undertaking, visit Centennial’s Paramedic program admission page.

Game Design Programs Offer a Number of Career Options

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

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

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

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

A Graphic Design Diploma Will Help to Launch Your Career

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Graphic Design program graduates find lucrative positions with design and advertising companies, magazine design firms, packaging design studios, marketing and communications agencies, publishing companies, newspaper departments and TV production facilities. One of these graphic design courses is offered at Centennial College in the form of a two-year program that sees you: develop your visual design skills for print, emphasizing visual fundamentals, creative problem solving skills and the ability to deliver effective communication solutions for corporate clients including motion design; emerge with multidisciplinary creative skills for today’s diverse and demanding industry; work directly with internal and external clients on projects, simulating the workplace demands of the industry in a practical and hands-on approach. “Graduates that possess strong practical knowledge and good design skills coupled with emphasis on producing high work are always sought after in the graphics industry,” says Jim Jackson, Graphic Design Specialist, Marketing Department, AXA Insurance.

To apply for Centennial College’s offering, you must be able to present an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older. In addition, you should have completed the compulsory English 12C or U credit, or skills assessment, or equivalent. Lastly you are required to submit a portfolio that contains up to 15 pieces of original work in art and design. It must demonstrate an ability and interest in graphic design, colour integrated designs created in digital illustration and digital imaging applications, and a short research paper about your design philosophy and field of interest.

Formally recognized by the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD Ontario), which represents more than 3,000 graphic designers, managers, educators and students across Ontario, this graphic design diploma program covers business and creative topics. Specific courses within the Graphic Design course include: Design Process (you will research content of virtual and client-oriented projects introduced during the program, generate ideas for these projects and develop them into strong graphic images through concept, multiple solution and refinement); Design & Imaging (introduces three major software applications used throughout the Graphic Media Design program: digital illustration, imaging and layout application); Packaging (you will analyze the structure and meaning of graphics in packaging and develop an understanding of environmental implications), and many others such as Motion Graphics, Web Design, and Illustration Workshop.

The combination of multidisciplinary design skills and practical experience sets graduates apart from the competition. Centennial graduates are more flexible and their design solutions therefore offer more effective solutions those without this experience.

Centennial College Offers a Hands-On Fine Arts Education

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“This is a hands-on program and the slogan I have for the Fine Arts Studio program is ‘Get your hands dirty,’” says David McKilmen. coordinator of the Fine Arts Studio program at Centennial College, in which students receive a fine arts education, “because you’re definitely going to get your hands dirty with charcoal paint, clay and more. When you apply, book yourself an appointment to come meet with me and bring your portfolio. I’m looking for two things. On the technical side. I am looking for people who have had experience drawing and painting. And I have to say, for me, what’s important is some sense of commitment, passion, dedication to the fine arts.”

David offers a great overview of what is expected of students but let’s take a closer look at the specific benefits of this Fine Arts Studio offering. First and foremost, to apply to the two-year program, students must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They also need to have the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent credit. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the school Fine Arts Studio program. There also artistic requirements that students must meet, such as attending a program admission session and presenting a portfolio of no less than four and no more than 15 pieces. Within the portfolio, students are encouraged to have figure drawings, colour work (abstract, figurative or objective), perspective (demonstration of your ability to apply basic principles of linear perspective in free-hand drawing and or painting), and sketchbooks.

This unique fine arts education program allows students to: develop advanced skills to work independently both in and out of the studio environment and nurture a lifetime of growth as a professional visual artist and storyteller; have a progressive learning experience led by a collaborative team of teachers who share a commitment to the central philosophy of excellence through meaningful skills development; develop personal directions and approaches to build their own unique voice and style in visual storytelling; find inspired new careers paths in the art world as exhibiting artists or in the visual art industries including animation, illustration and design.

This is achieved through a number of courses such as: Figure Drawing, Drawing + Composition, Paining Techniques, 3D Figure Modeling, History of World Art from Prehistoric to 17th Century, Figure Painting, Digital Art, Drawing Painting and Thesis and more. All classes are held in two large state-of-the-art studios and include aspects such as art-relevant lectures, seminars and excursions that are offered throughout the school year. Small class sizes guarantee one-on-one attention from instructors. Classes are three to six hours in duration. Mural seminars and an illustration class to broaden students’ job skills are also available.

The fine arts education received in the program allows students seamless entry into more specialized art-based program such as Digital Animation, Graphic Design, Game Design and more.

Art Design College Program Offers You a Design Foundation

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“Enrolling in the Arts and Design Foundations program at Centennial College was the best gift I could have given myself,” says Carol Ronney, a 2000 graduate. “I had worked as a professional photographer for many years and wanted to expand my art experiences and theory. This program gave me hands-on exposure to all forms and levels of visual art and there was step-by-step encouragement and support from the staff and faculty throughout.” Carol is just one example of a person who benefits from attending this art design college program. Other people who might benefit, include: those who need to build their portfolio and become prepared for more specialized programs in Digital Animation, Interactive Digital Media, Fine Arts Studio, Game Design or Graphic Design Media; those who want to have a career as a studio artist but want a solid foundation; and those who want to move onto university. Qualified graduates of the design foundation undertaking may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. Centennial College’s program partners include: Athabasca University, professional arts degree (Communication Studies) and
Ryerson University (Image Arts).

Established in 1974, this program is a unique blend of traditional and digital art that will prepare students with the critical basics for a career in art and design, animation and game design. This blend includes specific courses such as: Portfolio Development (students will enhance artwork created in other courses into useful portfolio elements and complete a self-directed assignment as a portfolio element); Colour Studio (uses a workshop/studio approach to examine the practice and theory of colour as used by artists and designers); Introduction to Figure Drawing (introductory course in drawing from the human figure involves fine art and technical approaches. Students will be given opportunities to develop drawing skills in a number of media and to apply traditional freehand drawing techniques); and more.

Students of this art design college program study out of the renowned Centre for Creative Communications campus, which is located in Canada’s cultural and artistic centre and offers extensive facilities. Among the facilities are large art studios and technologically advanced computer labs. The courses within the program are lead by industry professionals, who are able to offer students insight into the industry from their personal experiences. A dynamic working relationship between faculty and students is encouraged.

Students applying to the two-semester Art and Design Foundation Studies program are required to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. The other academic requirement is compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission. Student will be placed in the appropriate English level based on skills assessment results.

Radio Broadcast: A Career With Options

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In 1901, Guglielmo Marconi changed the way the world communicates when he conducted the first successful transatlantic experimental radio communication. This was a breakthrough in the way people heard news from faraway places and communicated with one another. Today, radio broadcasting employs millions of people around the world in varying positions (writers, producers, production crews and studio executives, among others) as it continues to use the airwaves to share everything from music to sports games and, of course, news. In addition to radio broadcast, television broadcasts and film are also used as popular mediums. In order to enter one of the many positions available in radio broadcast (or the other areas), students should attend a post-secondary broadcasting school.

At Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. students can attend a three-year Broadcasting and Film undertaking, which not only covers radio but TV and film as well. “I would not be sitting here at CityTV without the Broadcasting and Film program. Centennial allowed me to try every aspect of the film, TV [and radio] industry,” revealed Shannon Loftus a 2004 graduate who today works as a unit assistant at CityLine/ City TV. But what makes Centennial College’s broadcasting school so special? Let’s take a closer look.

In the undertaking students: develop a balance between the artistic and commercial aspects of the industry and become exposed to a variety of industry practices and players; gain experience in the school’s unique HDTV broadcasting studios and the Centennial College Wallace studios; spend 15 weeks in a full-time industry field placement; participate in student films and TV, as well as the JOURNAL, a student-produced newsmagazine TV show that airs live and online; and more. Priceless experiences also occur through broadcasting school courses such as: Radio Production (provides students with general information on the structure and operation of radio stations, production companies and other related companies); On-Air Promotions (offers an A to Z guide to being a successful on air promotions television producer); Broadcast Career Management (this class is based on a combination of classroom instruction, weekend workshops and one-on-one visits with the course supervisor); and more.

In order to apply, students must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have completed compulsory English 12C or U, or a skills assessment, or equivalent. In addition potential students will have to attend an admission session, complete a writing test, prove their English proficiency and present a portfolio of work. The portfolio should demonstrate their skill and ability to tell a story using two of the following: videotape/ DVD, audiotape/ CD/ mini disc/ digital images/ photographic prints, scripted material in any format that was used. For more detailed information, visit the broadcasting school page.

Media Education Prepares You For Media Engineering Design Integration Field

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Project manager, digital media production; interactive technical producer, museum and instructional design; producer, digital signage networks; user experience designer, consumer electronics; software designer, embedded systems; mobile communications application developer. These are just a few of the jobs available in Media Engineering Design Integration (MEDI) to those with media education from Centennial College. But what exactly is this field? In it, robotics technology, the power of mobile Internet and 3D cinematic storytelling are combined with the next generation of media and entertainment experiences. Professionals in this industry are in high demand by media technology developers, media publishers and media producers.

The first media education courses of its sort, the Media Engineering Design Integration program at Centennial College brings together the School of Communications, Media and Design and School of Engineering, Technology and Applied Science. In the process, it merges two diverse groups of students with different strengths and weaknesses. To bring the groups of engineering technology and media design professionals to a level of equivalence, students will be expected to qualify for advanced standing in two courses in their respective disciplines in the first semester.

Focused on the design, production and management of innovative media products, the media studies courses in this program include application development and content creation for wireless devices, interactive museum and retail installations, digital signage systems and networks and more. Media studies courses include topics such as introduction to media engineering, video production and sound design, media electronics, the marketing cycle, content management and much more. In addition, laboratory practice with PLCs, robotics, sensors, electronics and network technology is a key component. Many of the courses include project-based training, lectures and laboratory experience. Specific courses include: Video Production and Sound Design (introduces students to the best practices of video producers, editors and audio designers in the creation of digital media productions); Math and Electrical Fundamentals (a theory and lab course that introduces students to the fundamental principles and theorems of D C and A C series and parallel circuits); Content Management (introduces principles underlying the major systems of content management for the collection and dissemination of information within organizations, and the management of editorial content for digital publishing enterprises); and many others.

To complement their in-school media education, in their final semester, students spend 15 weeks, three days a week, in a field placement working alongside professional staff in a media production environment or media engineering technology firm. This work placement is facilitated by the faculty, and will be determined based on the students’ project work and in consultation with the host companies. Classroom and project work will be coordinated with the placement. Project advance meetings for the work placement relationship will have begun during the second term, so that students will be able to make a positive contribution during their placement.

To apply to this post-graduate certificate program with its array of media studies courses, students must submit an official transcript that demonstrates proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. In addition, there are also non-academic requirements such as a program information session or portfolio review. Please note that Centennial will consider people presenting a partial post-secondary education (eight college or university credits) in media production or engineering technology.

Strategic Management in Accounting Program Leads to a Variety of Positions

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For those who have attended strategic management programs, such as the one offered by Centennial College, the career possibilities include a variety of options, including: accounting supervisor, accounting manager, assistant controller, controller and business analyst. In addition to the career options are a number of setting options that professionals can choose from depending on their interests — such as financial institutions, government offices, public accounting firms, manufacturing industries, service industries, and small business. Strategic management programs graduates also have the ability to operate through self-employment. Despite the different titles and duties, there are some commonalities among all professionals in strategic management. For example, they all must be able to provide advice on financial decisions, prepare and maintain financial reports, keep financial records up-to-date, train and manage new accountants, perform daily banking requirements, and more.

Attending Centennial College gives students the cutting-edge for a variety of reasons. During the short, intensive time they spend in the strategic management in accounting program, students: cover all the key areas of management; use case studies and simulations; gain experience in leading-edge managerial and leadership practices of the best companies in the world; have hands-on exposure to the latest technology applications in the area of management information systems, including ERP systems; and more. In addition, a team of professors with strong academic backgrounds and extensive business and management experience delivers the undertaking.

Through the strategic management program, participants gain a perspective on the organizational techniques required for the effective execution of strategic decisions, and the critical role that managerial leadership plays in the viability and growth of the business. Students will continue to learn and deepen their understanding in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing. Specific courses covered in the one-year program include: Advanced Managerial Accounting (topics include relevant costing, capital budgeting, transfer pricing, balanced scorecard, inventory management, variance and profitability, analysis, performance measurement and compensation, and more); Accounting Theory and Policy (practical and theoretical problems of the present value model, foreign exchange accounting, the process and issues related to standard setting, agency theory and other topics relevant to current events are discussed); Advanced Financial Management (emphasizes consolidations, foreign currency transactions and operations, and non for profit and government organizations); and more.

Please note that this program is designed for students who have already taken an undergrad program. Those who are interested in applying must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree in an accounting discipline. However, if applicants have a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience, they may also be considered. Other non-academic requirements include: an interview, transcript and resumé review as well as an English and/or math skills assessment. English proficiency will also be considered.

When students graduate from the strategic management program, they have a variety of options. First, they can go on to obtain an MBA, pursuant to the articulation agreement negotiated by the School of Business with other institutions. In addition, students can apply to CGA-Ontario, and depending on their academic background, may receive up to 4 levels of CGA transfer credits.

Marketing Programs Prepare You for a Competitive Field

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Centennial College has a variety of marketing programs, including Business – Marketing, which is completed in two years and combines the business and marketing skills that professionals need to be employable upon graduation. Graduates of Centennial College’s business marketing programs are prepared for careers as: sales representatives, customer service representatives, product consultants, merchandising assistants and merchandising supervisors. They work in the areas of the high-tech sector, government, not-for-profit organizations, financial services, food and beverage, electronics and more — along with with almost a third of all North Americans who are employed in marketing related fields.

In order for a company to sell its products effectively, it must know its customer base. Without knowing if consumers are satisfied or if prices are applicable for the consumers the company is targeting, a company will fail. This is where the field of marketing comes in. Conducted at several levels, marketing includes: market research (which starts the marketing process), brand management, advertising, promotions, public relations, customer service and product support reps, merchandising assistance, and even sales.
A marketer answers questions like: Who are our customers? What are their needs? How can we best meet these needs? How should we price, package, distribute and promote our product?

At Centennial College, the Marketing program encourages mastery of a marketer’s key competencies — creative, practical decision-making and clear, persuasive communications. Students have an opportunity to learn the basics of business — accounting, operations, organizational behaviour and international business — which serve as an important foundation for the marketing courses that follow. They’ll be introduced to marketing theory and case-based problem-solving, as well as marketing communications (which includes advertising and promotion) and professional selling practices. The College’s interactive teaching approach incorporates learning through case studies, guest lectures, presentations, projects and computer simulations and technologies. Specific marketing courses in this program include: Marketing Communications, Professional Selling, Practical Applications in Marketing, Business Analysis, Principles of Marketing and more.

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

Applicants interested in applying for the business marketing degree at Centennial College, must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Compulsory English 12C or U and Math11C, M, or U or 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent are also required. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Become an Expert in Benefits Management by Attending Centennial College

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Human resources analysts/researchers, consultants, coordinators; labour relations coordinators, salary/ wage analysts, compensation and benefits researchers/analysts, coordinators, officers and consultants; employee benefits officers, consultants and coordinators — these are some of the titles you can obtain after attending the benefits management program at Centennial College (officially known as Pensions and Benefits Management). But what exactly does this field entail? Those in benefits management and Employee Benefits Programs are employed by organizations with employee benefit and pension plans, especially those that are mid-to-large sized; organizations that function in an advisory capacity to group benefit and retirement plans such as unions; insurance providers and actuarial firms, pension plans and governmental regulatory bodies. Their jobs include informing employees of the benefits that are available to them while at work and after retirement, helping prepare documents for investments, preparing annual government returns, helping in tax reporting and loan processing and helping people to ensure that their investments incurs optimum profits.

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

Students learn from the industry leading certified employee benefit specialist (CEBS) curriculum, which is supplemented by graduate level instruction in courses such: Strategic Compensation (helps students develop a solid understanding of the strategies, issues, process, and techniques involved in developing and administering a compensation system); Contemporary Organizational Behaviour (follows the social science approach to studying organizational behaviour by beginning with an examination of individual sources of behaviour, progressing through collective and interpersonal interaction, and ending with consideration of organization-wide variables and issues); Group Benefits, Personal Taxation, and more. Students also study emerging trends and issues in the field such as changing legislative requirements. Throughout their benefits management and employee benefits courses, students participate in case studies, simulations, and project-based learning with a focus on developing project management, teamwork, report writing and presentation skills.

In the employee benefits and compensation field, CEBS is widely recognized and respected. Students completing the Benefits Management program will be eligible to earn a designation in two distinct areas of specialization — group benefits (GBA) and group retirement (RPA) — from Dalhousie University and the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plans (IFEBP), subject to successfully completing the required professional exams and complying with its professional requirements. Any exam credits from the specialty credentials can be applied towards the CEBS credential requirements.

Learn The Ins and Outs of Office Administration

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Office administration is a vast field whose professionals play a role in sectors such as: education, corporate, insurance or financial, government or small business. The titles of these professionals include: administrative assistants, administrative support officers, senior secretaries and executive secretaries. As is expected, the different positions have different responsibilities. For example, an executive secretary provides clerical and administrative support to a high level individual. Sometimes referred to as an administrative assistant, this person may also supervise and train lower level support staff. An executive secretary is expected to exhibit a highly professional image to contacts both in person and on the phone. Meanwhile, in addition to reading and screening incoming letters, memos and faxes, a senior secretary generally makes a preliminary assessment of how these should be handled. This can mean composing a response, delegating it to an appropriate staff member or compiling the background documents related to the issue and prioritizing these materials for your boss to review. A senior secretary also receives and screens phone calls and office visitors.

In order obtain a position in office administration, one must complete a post-secondary education program. At Centennial College, students can take the Office Administration — Executive undertaking, which is completed in two years and results in an Ontario College Diploma. When applying for this program, one must present an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. One must also have completed compulsory English 12C or U or a skills assessment or equivalent. However, having minimum admission requirements do not guarantee admission to the program.

This Office Administrator Schools teaches students how to handle the multiple functions performed by administrative assistants who work with upper-level management, such as developing document production, note-taking and related computer applications. Students will also concentrate on client service, communication, time management and supervisory skills. Program topics cover the full-range of office and business skills, including extensive software skills, Internet research abilities, presentation preparation, taking minutes of meetings, composing business correspondence and arranging national and international conferences.

These topics are introduced and developed through office administration courses such as: Microcomputers (participants in this course learn basic computer concepts as well as the techniques necessary to create a PowerPoint presentation); Office Procedures and Communications (course introduces learners to the basic techniques and procedures generally used in business organizations); Procedures for Managing Projects (this course provides realistic, practical, and meaningful experiences to strengthen students’ administrative skills and knowledge of executive office procedures); and others such as
Introduction to Word Processing, Transcription Techniques and Integrated Software Applications.

To reinforce everything they have learned in the office administration program, students participate in a field placement during their last semester. Students spend two days a week working in a business setting related to their area of specialization (Executive, Legal, or Medical). This real life experience helps students to gain confidence and encounter the challenges and triumphs of the field.

Financial Training at Centennial College Ensures Speedy Entry into the Workforce

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“It has courses such as mutual funds, your basic math and English courses and your introduction to financial services, which is really, really helpful because today it’s such a high in-demand job,” says Zara Kareshi a student of the financial training undertaking (officially known as Financial Service Fundamentals) at Toronto’s Centennial College. “What I like about the program is that financial services is not only interesting because it talks about the economy and what finance is actually like but also because it’s practical. These days you can work up towards a designation. It’s such a broad field you can get into anything in finance just by studying financial services.”

Zara gives excellent insight from a student perspective on the benefits of the financial services training at Centennial College. Let’s take a closer look at specific details. First and foremost, to apply, students must have completed a minimum of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, students must have the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11C, M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. Students will be placed in the appropriate English and math levels based on skills assessment results. This may lead to additional courses and require extra time and fees.

Taking one year to complete, the financial training courses offered within the program are designed to get students into the field quickly. To ensure that students are qualified, Centennial College employs experienced faculty members who are professionals in the industry. These professors lead financial training courses such as: Financial Accounting (introduces simple tools to allow students to analyze financial information and explain the information contained in the financial statements in their future roles as managers, investors, or other users of financial accounting information); Credit and Collections (topics include consumer lending, mortgage lending and financial statement analysis affecting particularly consumer loans and mortgage applications); Professional Selling (emphasis is placed on pre-selling activities, techniques and procedures to use during the sales interaction and post sales activity); and more. In addition, students in the financial training program have the opportunity to take a course leading to a license to sell mutual funds. (This will incur costs in addition to regular tuition).

Graduates of the financial training at Centennial College. First, they may continue their education into the two-year financial training program where in one additional year they can enhance their qualifications. This enables them to pursue lucrative careers in the broader financial services industry. The other option is to enter the financial services sector. “Many people end up working for banks and some people work for mutual fund companies selling mutual funds or advising on mutual funds to the general public. I am confident that in eight months, if you pass the exams, if you meet the standard, there are jobs available,” says Harvey Willows, a professor in the financial training program.

Tourism Management Programs Combine Heritage and Culture with the Industry

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“It focuses primarily on the understanding and appreciation of world cultures and world heritage as they relate to tourism,” says Salmea, a faculty member of the Cultural and Heritage Tourism program at Centennial College, one of the most reliable tourism management programs offered in Ontario. “I believe everyone has a culture, a heritage, a root and a unique identity. If you want to tie it all into tourism and get a career for yourself, this is the program for you.”

While Salmea gives a great overview of this two-year tourism management program, let’s take a closer look at some of its standout features. First and foremost, to attend Centennial College’s tourism management courses, applicants must be able to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is a compulsory English 12C or U skills assessment, or equivalent.

Once accepted, students will discover a program that provides them with an interdisciplinary learning approach that integrates the challenges facing culture and heritage sector managers with the operative fundamentals of the tourism industry. This convergent methodology mirrors the convergence of culture, heritage and tourism. Specific tourism management courses in this program include: World Geography for Tourism, Dimensions of Tourism, Responsible Tourism, Introduction to Hospitality Accounting, Tour Planning and Management, Festival Management and more.

A measured application of fundamentals and training culminating in valid industry experience opportunities equip learners in this program to contribute, as the tourism sector retools for this emergent transformation. This work placement enables students to relate classroom theory to the practical world, while adding another career educational dimension to their career preparation. Field placement enables student 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. Some of this tourism management program’s partners include: Jonview Canada Inc., Thomas Cook Canada Ltd., Toronto Board of Trade, Tourism Toronto, Heritage Toronto, Air Miles and more.

Should qualified students wish to continue their education, they may be eligible to participate in an articulated tourism management program with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. This tourism management program’s partners are: Athabasca University, International Hotel Management Institute (Switzerland), Vancouver Island University, University of New Brunswick and Royal Roads University (B.C.).

If, however, they choose to enter the field right away, tourism management programs students become professionals who work at hotels, motels, travel agencies and airports to help travellers choose destinations or sites to visit on vacation. Tourism managers may create activity packages, arrange tickets, transportation and more. It is important for professionals in Tourism Management to maintain records of transactions, inventory of promotional materials as well as keep their ear to the streets in regards to upcoming attractions, shows, etc. With the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization reporting that global cultural and heritage tourism has increased 15 per cent per year, now is a great time to enter a career in this field.

Software Systems Design Program Offers Bachelor Credentials

2012-02-07T20:57:00.000-08:00

“Centennial College’s bachelor’s degree in Software Systems Design ... will go a long way in contributing to meet this need for skilled people who can design, build, install, service and create future information technology applications, ” says the Information Technology Association of Canada. Meanwhile the Software Human Resource Council says, “The unique curriculum proposed by Centennial will produce highly trained IT professionals with sound technical skills, a strong understanding of business, project management and excellent communication skills.”

These two testimonials prove that Centennial College’s four-year program offers valuable knowledge and credentials to those who wish to enter the software systems development field. The only of its kind in the province of Ontario, Centennial College’s Software Systems Design program provides its students with a four-year Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Information Sciences. The offering has a unique focus on system design, a blend of technology and business subjects as well as an industry placement. It also provides specialization in mobile application development or service-oriented architecture and cloud computing. The program places emphasis on advanced software standards and management.

Specific courses offered in this software systems development undertaking include: Computer Architecture (the course is concerned with the operational methods of the hardware, with the services provided by operating system software; with the acquisition, processing, storage, and output of data; and with the interaction between computers); Operating Systems Fundamentals (concepts covered in this course are based on those found in existing commercial operating systems in particular Unix/ Linux, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 2000 and Microsoft XP); Object Oriented Analysis and Design (explains the environment in which analysis and design is carried out, how to establish requirements and model them using Unified Modeling Language (UML) tools such as use cases, use case descriptions, domain class diagrams, system sequence diagrams, and statechart diagrams, and more).

To supplement theoretical training, Software Systems Design includes three software development projects. These real-world business applications require students to utilize all the technical, systems and business skills acquired during their studies to build higher quality software. More hands-on training is offered through a 15-week paid co-op placement. This placement places students into companies that hire Software Design System professionals, so that they can apply theory and practice to real-life situations. In order to be eligible for co-op, students are required to obtain a minimum C grade in ENG-110, minimum 2.0 GPA and minimum 80 per cent of year 1 and 2 courses.

To apply for this Software Systems Design program, students must present an Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a minimum of six 12U, 12M, OAC credits or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Other requirements include English 12U and one of the following: Math 12U Advanced Functions, Math 12U Calculus and Vectors, Math 12U Mathematics of Data Management or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program.

Upon graduation, students obtain positions as software developers, software engineers, systems analysts, business analysts, web application developers, IT project managers and computer programmers/ analysts. These professionals serve a very important purpose in the technology world as they solve and plan a large variety of software solutions.

Computer Networking Training Puts You Into Futuristic Career

2012-02-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

“Going through the applied degree at Centennial, I always had a bit of doubt as to how well it stacked up against programs at universities … I can now tell you with 100 percent confidence that not only is the applied degree at Centennial up to par with programs at universities, but I feel [I am] more well-rounded and better trained than the majority of students in [my] masters program,” says Brendan John Coffey, a graduate of Centennial College’s Computer networking training who is now an international Masters of Business Administration student in Australia. This type of testimonial shows how Centennial College stacks up against university programs, which are more expensive in cost.

Computer and communication networking is the communication between computer systems and devices. A network is any set of computers or devices that are connected to each other with the ability to exchange data. Ensuring that the networks are functioning as they should are computer networking professionals, who are in very high demand in Ontario.

Centennial College was selected by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to deliver this program to address the demand in Ontario for trained networking professionals. Those interested in applying must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with a minimum of six 12U, 12M, OAC credits or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. There are also minimum academic prerequisites, such as: English 12U and one from the following: Math 12U Advanced Functions, Math 12U Calculus and Vectors, Math 12U Mathematics of Data Management or equivalent. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program.

The computer networking training program offers a unique blend of technology and business subjects, creating an innovative balance between the practical and the theoretical backgrounds for which employers are looking. You are able to specialize in network security or wireless systems. Training is conducted out of Progress Campus, which is centrally located and features state-of-the-art laboratories that are specially engineered and feature VoIP, Cellular Networks, Wireless Broadband (WiMax), Advanced Routing and Switching or Network Management. In addition, small classes ensure individual attention and faculty members have much industry experience. Courses within computer networking training include: Fundamentals of Business and Information Systems, LAN Switching and Routing, Principles of Computer & Networking Security, Advanced Switching & Routing, Enterprise Network Design, and others.

Students of computer networking training also receive hands-on training through a 15-week mandatory co-op placement, during which they are placed in financial institutions, Fortune 500 organizations, IMB as well as private sector companies. A minimum C grade in ENG-110, minimum 2.0 GPA and minimum 80 per cent of year 1 and 2 courses required for COOP-221.

Upon graduation from Centennial College, there are a variety of jobs within the computer and business communication course field. They include: IT program managers, network administrators, project management analysts, business account managers, technical account managers, network analysts and network support.

Attend One of the Most Reputable Colleges in Toronto

2012-01-31T00:29:00.000-08:00

When the concept of community college was developed, its aim was to offer students job-focused, practical training that was both affordable and would hold up in the workforce. Today, it is one of the most popular options for a respected post-secondary education. In Canada, many students choose community college because it is still a most cost-effective option that allows for flexible scheduling, shorter in-school time, smaller classroom sizes, hands-on training and, in a lot of cases, field placement experience. Among colleges in Toronto, Centennial College is a top choice for all of these reasons and more. In total, this Canadian college supports annual enrollments of 16,000 full-time students and 22,000 part-time learners. It is also recognized as one of the most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions in Ontario. Almost 100 ethno-cultural groups are represented and 80 languages are spoken on campus.

This post-secondary institution is actually the oldest publicly funded community college in Ontario and today has four campuses (Ashtonbee, Morningside, Progress and Centre for Creative Communications) that are situated to serve the eastern portion of the Greater Toronto Area. The community college offers full-time programs in more than 100 fields of study, falling into the categories: Business, Community and Health Studies, Technology and Applied Science, Hospitality Tourism and Culture as well as Communications, Media and Design. The wide range of offerings makes Centennial College an ideal post-secondary institution for students looking to turn an interest into an employable skill set. All programs emphasize experiential learning with laboratory instruction, paid co-operative education opportunities, and industry and agency field placements.

Centennial also offers a variety of innovative degree programs. Five joint-degree programs in paramedicine, journalism, new media studies, environmental science and technology and applied microbiology are taught in conjunction with the University of Toronto Scarborough, and the Bachelor of Science Nursing program is delivered jointly with Ryerson University. Centennial was among the first colleges in Ontario to receive approval for applied-degree programs in computer and communication networking, and software systems: design, development and management.

In addition, this community college also has part-time studies options. One of these options is Distance Learning, which is facilitated entirely online. Designed with flexibility in mind, online courses at Centennial College save travel time while allowing students to enjoy qualified instructors, communication tools, discussion boards and forums, a sense of email access with your classmates, digital assignment capability, and more. The other part-time options is Continuing Education, which provides its students with experienced instructors who understand adult learning needs; offers flexible, learner-centered teaching methodologies; provides practical hands-on knowledge to place relevant theory into context and perspective; recognizes and respects both the level of maturity and work experience of its students; provides effective instructor to student ratio and an optimal classroom size enabling competent peer interaction.

Motive Power Technician Program Opens Door to Further Study or Rewarding Career

2012-01-24T03:34:00.000-08:00

"The Motive Power Technician - Technical program will prepare all students for a career in the automotive field," says an instructor in the program offered at Toronto's Centennial College. "We actually have labs that include our transmission lab, our engine lab, fuels, electrical, electronics, and our chassis systems. We train our students for a number of career opportunities once they leave here. We open a lot of doors." Meanwhile another instructor adds, “Many of our students end up back at Centennial College, either in body work or mechanical. Some of them go onto dealerships to work at part departments and that sort of thing."

While these insights offer a great general overview of the Motive Power Technician program, which is accredited by the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) National Accreditation Board, let’s take a closer look at some of the standout details and features. First and foremost, applicants to the Motive Power Technician (Automotive) - Technical program, must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or are 19 years of age or older. They must also obtain the compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent and the Math 11M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. However, it should be noted that possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

The emphasis of this motor vehicle technician program is on motor vehicle technology, which is taught through a combination of theory and practical training. Students are based in Ashtonbee Campus, which houses the largest transportation training centre in the province of Ontario and the labs mentioned by the instructor. These labs are equipped with cars, car parts and the most up-to-date tools that are found in the industry.

Taking two years to complete, the first semester of Motive Vehicle Technician sees students participate in courses that are common to both the administration and technical streams. This allows them to determine which aspect of the industry is better suited for then. Among the topics covered in this first semester are: applied mechanics, engines, transmissions, fuels, alignment, vehicle technology, mathematics and more. Meanwhile, the second semester sees a focus on component design and includes topics such as transportation administration, applied vehicle dynamics, and higher levels of topics offered in the first semester. The last two semesters concern themselves with the highest level of topics such as engines, alignment, transmission and others such as air conditioning, technical drawings, properties of materials and more.

All of the in-school content taught in this motor vehicle technician program is the same as the Automotive Service Technician (AST) apprenticeship qualification. This ensures students are prepared to enter the industry as well as be successful on exemption testing for licensing qualification. Students who decide to pursue a career upon completing the Motive Power Technician program can apply for jobs as automotive apprentices, service advisors, lead hands, repair technicians, automotive service and parts management or automotive import/ export.

Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship is the First Step to Success

2012-01-24T03:18:00.000-08:00

Some people who want to become automotive service technicians may be limited in obtaining an education because they cannot afford to take time off work from their current automotive position to advance their education. At Centennial College, students don't have to choose. With the post-secondary's automotive service technician training, there is an earn-while-you-learn approach. That makes it possible to learn while still making a living. How? First, during the three eight-week in-school sessions of the automotive service technician apprenticeship, students may qualify for income support through Employment Insurance Canada benefits or training allowance. Meanwhile, there are also five periods of 1,800 hours with an employer during which students are fully compensated for their work. In addition, if that time period doesn't fit their schedule, students can complete the program by attending one day a week for three years or two evenings a week for three years.

To apply for this automotive service technician training, students have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent and be employed as an apprentice. However, they cannot apply directly to the college or ontariocolleges.ca for admission. For general information about apprenticeship registration, students are asked to contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Once they have gone through the application process and been accepted, students will discover a program that puts the emphasis on ensuring they obtain a good working knowledge of all of a vehicle's systems: engines, electrical/electronics, fuels, transmissions and drivelines, steering, suspension and brakes. This occurs through the provinces largest transportation training centre, Ashtobee Campus. This facility houses workshop labs that simulate a real life environment and include tools of the trade and entire cars and car parts that have been donated to the school, on which students practice. Leading the students are professionals from the field who can offer one-on-one instruction as well as share their own experiences. More specifically, during their in-school sessions students learn car systems by attending the following automotive service technician training courses: Drive Train Systems, Electrical/Electronic & Emission Systems, Engine Systems, Work Practices and Procedures, and Suspension/Steering and Brake Systems.

After learning about a certain aspect of being an automotive service technician, students spend time with an employer showcasing their skills, encountering customers and practicing in a real-life setting. Upon graduation from Centennial College, students have the potential to be hired by their apprenticeship employers, full-time. In fact, more than other industry, the automotive service technician field looks for apprentices and workers who enter the sector having already experienced hands-on situations. Positions for those with automotive service technician training can be found in: vehicle and parts manufacturers, dealers, garages and service stations, retailers, governments, corporations with their own fleets as well as in self-employment.

Centennial College: Canadian tire MAP32 Program

General Motors Technicians Benefit from Centennial College's Brand of Training

2012-01-24T03:12:00.000-08:00

Writing vehicle damage repair estimates, repairing broken or worn mechanical components, maintaining repair and service records, installing equipment, components and systems; testing vehicles both before and after repair; and repairing electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, brakes, transmissions, electrical systems, breaks and tires — these are some of the responsibilities of trained General Motors technicians.

In order to have a long lasting career in this field, interested parties must be properly trained. Schools across Canada offer general automotive service technician training. But Centennial College's Automotive Service Technician General Motors of Canada ASEP (MAP 32) specifically trains students on the latest GM vehicle systems, with emphasis on diagnosis and repair following recommended GM service procedures. This puts students at an advantage when it comes to the stiff competition they may face upon completion of the GM technician training.

Applicants to this offering must be currently employed as an automotive apprentice at a General Motors of Canada dealership. In addition, they must also possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a GED or equivalent. Interested parties can apply directly to the College. Acceptance to the GM technician training is based on successful completion of all entry requirements and space is limited. It should be noted that if students are not currently General Motors employees, they may be selected through an interview process. Once they've been accepted, they are required to obtain an employer and register as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

The Centennial College GM technician training has students alternate between the college and their employer for a total of 64 weeks (32 weeks with each). As such, the offering is longer than traditional apprenticeships, allowing for a more in-depth knowledge of General Motors vehicles and procedures. During the in-school aspect of the General Motors technician training, students are based in Ashtonbee Campus, Canada's largest transportation training centre. At this facility they have the opportunity to use tools that are common in the field and practice on actual GM vehicles that have been donated to the school. This gives them an overall idea of a real-life General Motors technician's experience.

A large portion of the in-school aspects of the program involves vehicle electrical and electronic systems diagnosis and repair. There are five specific courses within the GM technician training, in which students participate: Motor Vehicle Gear Trains, Electrical/Electronics & Fuel Systems, Motor Vehicle Engine Systems, Applied Work Practices and Procedures, and Suspension/Steering and Brakes. These courses encompasses all of the latest GM vehicle systems, with emphasis on diagnosis and repair, following recommended GM service procedures. Meanwhile, the employer aspect of the GM technician training allows students to apply their new knowledge, obtain tips from seasoned professionals with years of experience in the field and network. During their employer sessions, students are compensated for their work.

General Motors Automotive Service Education Program at Centennial College

Electrical Engineering Technicians undergo extensive training

2012-01-24T01:52:00.000-08:00

With constant evolution in electronics, a career as an Electrical Engineering Technician is challenging but rewarding. The job of these technicians is to solve technical problems in research and development, manufacturing, sales, construction, inspection, and maintenance by using science, engineering and mathematical principles. They often assist engineers and scientists. Electronic engineering technicians normally work 40 hours a week and spend their time in labs, offices and manufacturing plants. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that jobs in the field are expected to grow by five per cent between 2008 and 2018.

The electronic field is split into two categories - hands-on and theoretical. In the hands-on aspect of the electronic engineering technician field, techs may fabricate parts such as coils, terminal boards and chassis, using bench lathes, drills and other machine tools. They may also write computer or microprocessor software programs and test the electronic units that they’re helped to put together. If there are problems, the techs will identify and resolve equipment malfunctions. Lastly, the professionals in this field may have to provide user applications and engineering support for new and existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades and enhancement.

On the theoretical side, electronics engineering technicians may research equipment and component needs, sources, competitive prices, delivery times and ongoing operational costs. They may also write reports and record data on testing techniques, laboratory equipment and specifications to assist engineers while also maintaining system logs and manuals, reading blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings and engineering instructions for assembling electronic units.

No matter where your interest lies, you must first attend an Electrical Engineering Courses, such as the one offered at Centennial College in Toronto. During the two years that it takes to complete the undertaking, you will develop technical expertise in areas such as wireless communications, data communications, microcontrollers and industrial systems.

This is achieved through courses such as Electronics Shop Practices (students gain practical skills in repairing and testing cables, transformers, potentiometers, connectors, switches, speakers, discrete components and integrated circuits); Digital Electronics (introduces digital circuits); Technology Mathematics (covers intermediate topics in algebra and trigonometry); Microcontrollers (introduces students to the basic concepts of the hardware and software of a microcontroller); and more. Working in fully-equipped labs will help to ensure you understand the topics well.

To become an Electrical Engineering Technician, the appropriate education is required. Centennial College offers a two-year program in this field that sees students graduate with an Ontario College Diploma. Gaining entry into the undertaking requires the possession of an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older. You must also have compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Complete Heavy Duty Equipment Courses at Centennial College In Just Two Years

2012-01-13T02:36:00.000-08:00

“This is an introductory program for students to get into the heavy equipment industry,” says Angelo Spanno, a professor in the Heavy Duty Equipment Technician program at Centennial College. “The program consists of an eight-month in-school portion. Then the following eight months is done during a co-op term actually working for an employer on a full-time basis for the entire eight months. Then there’s a final eight-month portion to finish the program.” While Angelo outlines the technical aspect of this undertaking, Kelsey, a student, expands on why the program is worthwhile. “I decided to take the [heavy equipment courses] because I thought it was there was a good demand. As the economy gets worse, there’s always going to be construction jobs; there’s good pay and I like working with my hands. The coolest part of the program is just getting to play with the equipment and circuit boards, learning to use all the different tools and how to perform maintenance.”

In order to benefit from the heavy equipment courses offered at Centennial College, students must complete the application process. This includes being able to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent. Non-academic requirements include: satisfactory results in a program admission session, experience and mechanical aptitude, resumé and English proficiency.

As Angelo mentioned, the students in the program split their time between Centennial College and an employer in the field. When they are in-school, students participate in courses that give them the necessary knowledge to go into their co-op placement and not be lost. Heavy Equipment Courses include: Drive Train Systems (covers differential, final drives and power dividers, power shift transmission systems), Hoisting and Rigging Technology (fundamentals and principles of leverage and power, mechanical advantage, material strength, and more); Engine Systems (designed to provide the apprentice technician with an understanding of the fundamentals and concepts or internal combustion engines); and others. In addition, working out of Ashontbee Campus — the largest transportation training centre in the province — students train on heavy duty equipment assemblies in fully-equipped heavy duty equipment labs.

Meanwhile, the eight months of practical training sees students at a heavy equipment facility, working among professionals in the field. This is an opportunity to not only apply what was learned in school but also to network and get to know professionals in the field. Many students end up staying on as full-time employees at their co-op placement upon graduation as they enter the apprenticeship aspect of their careers.

Speaking of graduation, once the program is completed students go onto to become heavy duty equipment technicians, service managers, service writers or coordinators, equipment company representatives, or college or industry teachers. Professionals are not only employed in a variety of positions, but also in a variety of industries that include: forestry, construction, mining, transportation, landscaping, land cleaning, farming and more.

Avionics Programs Train Students in Electronic Systems

2012-01-13T01:02:00.001-08:00

Airlines/operators, manufactures, the military, aviation training companies, aviation repair and overhaul and aviation equipment/avionics companies are just some of the organizations that hire graduates of Canada’s Avionics Programs. Once such program is offered at Centennial College as a two-year offering called Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance. This particular program trains students in skills from basic electronics to sophisticated avionic systems used in modern aircraft.

If you are interested in applying for Centennial College’s avionics program, you must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or General Education Development or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. You must also have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent.

Once you are accepted, you partake in a program that is both approved by Transit Canada and certified by the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council. The emphasis in Avionics Maintenance is on the aircraft’s various electronic systems: electrical power distribution and control, navigation, flight instrumentation, communication and radar. Aviation maintenance servicing practices and procedures, as well as aviation regulation requirements are also included. Students are given equal time in theory and lab training, which allows them to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge. Specific courses within the avionics program include: Avionics Fundamentals (principles, concepts, operations and indications relating to avionics instrument and navigation equipment/system; aircraft directional and measuring equipment/ systems are studied); Digital Avionics Practices (student learn about digital logic and devices including numbering systems, Boolean algebra, logic gates, integrated circuit types and operational amplifiers); Pulse Navigation Systems (pulse navigation systems are studied, including air traffic control transponders, distance measuring equipment, radar and collision avoidance systems); and more.

Shop work on various aircraft is also included. It is carried out of Centennial College’s Ashtonbee Campus, which is the largest transportation training centre in the province and includes an airplane hangar. All instructors within the Aviation Technician Schools have years of experience and extensive technical expertise as aviation technicians. In addition to seasoned teachers, there are also guest speakers and panelists who come in to share personal stories and lecture about industry-related topics.

Students in the aviation technician school must achieve a minimum C grade in all courses to graduate. Please note that 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. Graduates who meet attendance requirements, project completion requirements, and attain 70 per cent in each course, are granted up to 18 months credit towards their Aircraft Maintenance Engineer’s licence (E rating).

Upon avionics program graduation, students go on to work as technicians whose jobs include: maintaining engine operations, flight patterns, navigation systems, radio communications and weather radar systems. In addition, they inspect, test and double-check electrical power distribution and control as well as flight instrumentation.

Communications Training at Centennial College Includes Social Media

2012-01-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

“What we try to do is hone your skills so we can get you connected to the world of public relations/ corporate communications in the Toronto market, which is a highly competitive market,” says Christine Smith, the program coordinator for Centennial College’s public relations/ Communication Skill Training. “Like most college programs, we do have an eight-week field placement. One of the neat things about our field placement is that it is in the final eight weeks of their two-semester program. Our program is probably one of the leading-edge PR programs that’s incorporating social media. When they leave, they’ll have a portfolio that shows everything from a news release to their own blog to producing an event with a team. More importantly, they can go to their employers and say, ‘I can advise you on social media.’”

Let’s take a closer look at the Centennial College public relations program (officially known as Corporate Communications and Public Relations) based on Christine’s description. The one-year program is geared towards graduate students. Therefore, applicants are required to possess an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. Applicants will also be required to attend an information session that includes writing and editing exercises and will have to submit a portfolio of writing and a resume. Those who can present a combination of partial post-secondary education (two year minimum) and relevant work experience may also be considered for Centennial College’s Communications Training.

Once in the undertaking, students learn to research, write, plan, edit, design and implement everything from strategic communications plans and employee newsletters to gala dinners for hundreds of people. They also learn to create communications strategies that influence employee attitudes, shift stockholders’ opinions and tell an organization’s story to the media. Specific corporate communications courses covered in the program include: Public Relations Writing (in a writing lab using computers, students practice writing news and feature stories typically found in internal corporate publications, news releases for the media, fact sheets, backgrounders, and reports); Media Relations (developing familiarity with media directories, creating targeted media lists, pitching stories to the media, monitoring media coverage, framing answers to questions from the media and designing special events to attract media attention are examined and practiced); Design and Layout (students develop visual sensibilities based on the fundamentals of effective design); and more.

In addition to the in-school corporate communications courses, students in communications training participate in an eight-week field placement. This placement offers them the opportunity to apply the knowledge they learned within the program and to get a glimpse at the field they will enter upon graduating from the public relations program.

According to an April 2009 survey on PayScale.com, the median salary for a PR manger is $65,959.

Biotechnology College Program Offers Career Variety Upon Graduation

2012-01-12T05:11:00.001-08:00

Would it surprise you to know that all you need to apply for the Biotechnology College program at Centennial College is: an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older); English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment; Math Grade 11 M or U or Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment; and an interest in starting your career in the position of quality control technician for reputable companies? Well, get ready to be surprised because those are the only application requirements for the Biotechnology Technician – Industrial Microbiology program, which takes two years to complete.

Once students are accepted, they enter a program that is so reputable it has obtained two important accreditations. First, the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists nationally accredits this biotechnology college program. In addition, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists recognizes the Biotechnology Technician - Industrial Microbiology program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technician Category. These national accreditations support program quality and provide mobility for graduates. In addition, the biotechnology technician offering is a repeat recipient of the Centennial College President’s Academic Program Recognition Award for outstanding student satisfaction.

The program itself is conducted out of Centennial College’s Morningside Campus, which is the most high-tech campus of the college’s four locations. This is a good thing because as a student named Mohammed describes, there is a lot of hands-on learning. “The program basically involves the study of microorganisms in detail as to the characteristics of the microorganisms, where they’re found, what they are, their names, their length and shape,” he says. “The labs, for sure, are very exciting as it involves hands-on [practice]. For example, there are labs that involve staining of samples or streaking of streak plates.”

Some highlights of the biotechnology college undertaking include: practical training in industrial microbiology as well as chemistry (analytical and organic) and biochemistry; isolating, enumerating and identify microorganisms from many types of samples (water, soil, air, your body, food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products); preparing specimens for staining; becoming proficient in aseptic handling of materials; accurately calibrating and using a range of instruments such as pH and BOD meters, Gas Chromatographs, spectrophotometers (regular/IR/UV), HPLC’s etc.; preparing microbiological media and reagents and culture pathogenic microbes; designing and performing microbiology experiments; and using microorganisms to assay pharmaceutical products.

Specific courses in this Biotechnology Technician offering include: Chemistry, Occupational Health & Safety, Microcomputer Applications for Technology, Mathematics, Lab Instrumentation, Statistics for Applied Science, Food Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and more.

Once students graduate, they become Biotechnology technicians (also known as bench technicians), and have the responsibility of assuring quality control in areas of manufacturing such as food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Companies that have hired students of the Biotechnology Technician program include: Kisko Products, Hermann Laue Spice Company, Apotex Inc., Agropur - Divisional Natrel, Mill Street Brewery, MAXXAM Analytics, Campbell Soup Company, bioMerieux Analytics, Griffith Laboratories and Cosmetica Laboratories Inc.

Graduates may also apply for certification through the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) to use the following professional designation: CTech (Certified Technician).

Court Clerk Training Offers Many Law-Related Career Options

2012-01-12T04:41:00.000-08:00

Imagine finding employment with prestigious institutions such as The Ministry of the Attorney General (Ontario Court of Justice, Ontario Superior Court of Justice), municipal courts, tribunals and boards, official examiners, and court reporting services. It’s possible if you’re interested in becoming a court clerk and attend Court Clerk training at Centennial College, which includes the all-important municipal court training aspect. In these various places of employments, court clerks have a multi-faceted role that includes the implementation of courtroom procedures, in addition to working with judges, lawyers and other courtroom personnel. The court clerk training at Centennial (officially known as Court Support Services) is so respected that even professionals from the Ministry of the Attorney General are singing its praises. “We look forward to the opportunity of working with the graduates of the Centennial College Court Support Services program,” says Ali Maqbool, Supervisor, Court Operations, Family & Small Claims Court, Ministry of the Attorney General.

Taking just two semesters to complete, the undertaking is designed as a certificate program on the recommendation of the Ministry of the Attorney General. Applicants interested in Court Clerk Training must have completed 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. Applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency in order to be considered for admission. Applicants whose first language is not English, and who have studied in an English language school system, for less than three full years may meet English proficiency requirements by providing satisfactory results an English Language Proficiency test.

Once they are in the program, students are introduced to the procedural rules, municipal court training, court reporting and transcribing as well as specific laws such as family law and criminal law. The courses within the offering are led by experienced court clerk training faculty members who work within the court system and provide students with the legal and practical hands-on learning through small class sizes, newly upgraded computer labs, simulated courtroom settings, and practical, career-oriented assignments. In addition to in-class learning, court clerk training at Centennial College sees students take numerous trips to the various courtrooms and tribunals in order for them to see first-hand exactly how their career roles work. Lastly, the program offers a practical on-the-job experience. “The unique thing about [this court clerk training] is that it contains a practicum portion. We have an assimilated courtroom within Centennial College, so the students will actually be able to practice taking an oath and presenting before judges,” says Patty-Ann Sullivan, the program coordinator.

In order to graduate from the court clerk training program, with its focus on Municipal Court Training, students are required to attain a minimum C grade average and an overall minimum GPA of 2.0.

Master Menu Management and Much More in the Hospitality Management Program

2012-01-12T03:41:00.001-08:00

Do you possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or have mature student status (19 years or older)? Have you completed your English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment? Do you have an interest in the food industry? If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, you career path may benefit from attending the Hospitality Management program at Centennial College. And now is a great time to get training as The Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) anticipates that the food and beverage services sector will grow to employ 1.95-million people by 2015. The CTHRC has also reported that 68 per cent of employees within this sector are young Canadians.

At Centennial College, student spends two years in the Hospitality Management – Restaurant and Catering program (as it is officially known) and graduate with an Ontario College Diploma. “The instructors imparted all the necessary knowledge and shared their experiences that are needed to be successful in the hospitality industry,” says Bertrand Yeung a program graduate. These Hospitality Management Program instructors lead students through a combination of theory and practical training that includes business practices in accounting, purchasing, human resources, supervision and cost control. More specifically, the training covers courses such as Purchasing for the Commercial Kitchen (designed to demonstrate to the learner the procedures required to build an integrated purchasing system for food and non-food items. The learner will investigate the responsibilities of the purchaser and learn to apply quality standards and ethical conduct); Menu Management (participants in this practical, hands on course will examine the concept of the menu as a marketing tool, it’s design and layout and how to evaluate its effectiveness and profitability); Dining Room Management (students examine how the dining room manager is responsible for establishing the standards of service, motivating, monitoring, recognizing and training staff and for providing the environment, equipment and tools necessary for them to be able to exceed customer’s expectations); and more.

In addition, students have access to the facilities on Ashtonbee Campus that help them obtain hands-on experience. These hospitality management program facilities include a hospitality management centre and real restaurant called Horizons at which students serve and learn to deal with real customers.

Lastly, a 15-week field placement is required for students of the Hospitality Management program. This course provides two days per week of meaningful work experience in approved positions within the food and beverage industry, enabling students to better understand the dynamics of the industry, increase their knowledge of industry practices and obtain a competitive advantage of experience in the job market. The hospitality management program industry partners include: Cara, Darden Restaurants, Red Lobster, Prime Restaurants, Shoeless Joe’s, The Keg, SIR Corp., cruise lines and hotels.

Lastly, should qualified students wish to continue their education, they can do so with the hospitality management program’s articulated partners: Athabasca University, International Hotel Management Institute (Switzerland), Vancouver Island University, University of New Brunswick and Royal Roads University (B.C.).

Complete Business Marketing Training In Three Years

2012-01-11T05:01:00.000-08:00

Do you have an interest in managing the links between an organization and its customers? Have you completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older); English Grade 12 C or U or equivalent, or skills assessment and Math Grade 11 C, M or U, or Grade 12 C or U or equivalent or skills assessment? If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions then you may want to consider attending the Business Marketing Training at Centennial College, officially known as Business Administration – Marketing.

This three-year offering emphasizes a broad-based training in business. Thanks to this approach, it readies students for a variety of careers within marketing, while also covering specific business marketing training skills such as marketing research, marketing communications (which includes advertising and promotion), interactive marketing (which includes direct marketing, e-marketing and customer relationship management) and brand planning. As a result, students of this business marketing training go onto become sales representatives, direct marketing coordinators, marketing research analysts, sales and promotion coordinators, assistant product managers, and customer relationship managers.

Students benefit from a dynamic and interactive environment that is facilitated by experienced faculty members who encourage learning through case studies, guest lectures, presentations, projects, and computer simulations and technologies. In addition, the Marketing program, which includes Product Marketing Training, is facilitated from Progress Campus, which houses many other business courses and allows for networking and interacting with peers from similar programs.

The business marketing training sees students, in their first semester, completing courses that are common to most Centennial College business programs. In this first year, courses include: Strategies for Business Success, Fundamentals of Business, Microcomputer Applications Software, Business Operations and more. Once they are comfortable and have a solid business foundation, students partake in more specialized business marketing training. This is achieved through courses such as Interactive Marketing (focuses on those marketing strategies that are fast emerging as key to effectively communicating with today’s consumers. Interactive marketing, as developed in this course, concentrates on three interrelated components: relationship marketing, direct marketing, and digital marketing); Professional Selling (intended to provide background to the development of successful sales presentation skills that will enhance participants’ ability to develop sales presentations to satisfy customer needs and wants. Emphasis will be placed on pre-selling activities, techniques and procedures to use during the sales interaction and post sales activity); Principles of Marketing (provides an overview of contemporary marketing, emphasizing the management of the product/service, price, promotion and distribution areas of an organization within a changing environment); and more.

Business marketing training at Centennial College is rounded out through a real-life experience called an industry project feature. Participation in this feature includes students working in team setting on a real project that is sponsored by an entrepreneurial endeavour, small business or major company. This is the students’ opportunity to show potential employers how well they work under pressure and in a professional situation.

To graduate from Centennial College’s business marketing training, students must maintain a C grade average and an overall GPA of 2.0.

Kitchen Management Courses Help to Launch a Hospitality Career

2012-01-11T03:10:00.000-08:00

“The key skills we learn are sanitation, for one — always being clean and making sure there’s no chance that anything can be contaminated,” says Keith Ali of the hospitality program at Centennial College called Hospitality Operations – Kitchen Management. “Also, customer service — always put your customers first and know that they’re happy with their meals and they get what they paid for. [One day a week], we come in and we usually have to run the kitchen on our own. We get graded on how well we run the kitchen.”

While Keith offers great insight into this undertaking from a student’s perspective, let’s take a closer look at some of the details. First and foremost, this hospitality program takes one year to complete and results in an Ontario College Certificate, and the Smart Serve program and the National Sanitation Training certificates. To attend its Kitchen Management Courses, applicants must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Students must also have attended 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 to the hospitality program.

This hospitality program and its kitchen management courses are designed to offer students a range of hands-on kitchen experience as well as business practices in accounting, human resources and supervision. Within their hospitality courses, students learn skills such as sanitation, hygiene and safety as well as quantity food preparation, practical supervision of food production, customer service, human resources and career planning, hospitality accounting, practical math, purchasing for the commercial kitchen and many others.

Meanwhile, hands-on practice in the school’s on-campus living lab-restaurant called Horizons allows students to interact with real diners and customers. This practice prepares students for their last semester Hospitality Program field placement. This opportunity provides meaningful work experience in approved jobs within the food service industry, enabling students to relate classroom theory to the practical world, while adding another educational dimension to their career preparation. Field placement enables learners 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.

Students who have attended Centennial College’s kitchen management courses and hospitality courses have two options. First, they have the opportunity to stream into the second year of Centennial’s two-year Food and Beverage Management program. This further study will provide them with different opportunities and more knowledge. Secondly, they may enter the hospitality operations field as food operations managers — a position that sees them planning, organizing and directing a varied staff of food service personnel in a many types of food service operations, including catering and banquet, restaurants or specialty snack food service. Specific duties include: planning work programs, staffing for cash food service, interviewing and hiring employees, training employees, reviewing inventory, requesting and purchasing food supplies, planning menus and price points, supervising operations, observing quality of service and other such daily tasks.

Continuing Your Education To Advance Your Career

2012-01-09T01:55:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, attending school isn't as simple as choosing a program and coming to campus five times a week for eight hours at a time. Sometimes, life gets in the way with jobs, other responsibilities, family duties, lack of money, a low GPA from high school and other such issues affecting your ability to obtain a full-time education. However, for those who are determined to advance their post-secondary credentials, continuing education is the best option. This route is created with flexibility in mind. It allows students a number of ways to obtain their education. For example, students can attend classes on-campus during the evenings and weekends or they can take their program entirely online.

With 160 continuing education program options, Centennial College's School of Continuing Education is a reliable choice that guarantees you graduate with a credential that will not only advance your career but is also well known in the field. These programs are offered at Centennial College's four centrally-located — Ashtonbee, Progress, Morningside and the Centre for Creative Communications. In addition, each campus houses specific Schools of study so that you are able to mingle and network with other students in your field. Studying on-campus offers features such as fully-equipped facilities, a classroom setting, group projects, labs, presentations and more.

If, however, travelling to campus is not an option for you, Centennial College offers another continuing education option. Known as Distance Learning, it is facilitated online through instructor-led study enabling students to work through course material and assignments in their own time and space, with 24-hour access to the online classroom. Online course delivery saves travel time, while still enjoying similar in-person benefits of a physical classroom such as: a qualified and industry-experienced instructor, communication tools, discussion boards and forums, a sense of email access with your classmates, digital assignment capability, and more.

All programs facilitated through the continuing education school have their own prerequisites and it's best to check each individual program's page to ensure that you have the necessary requirements to apply. It should also be noted that within certain programs there might be qualification requirements and costs for external accreditations, designations, certifications or recognitions. These are set by the granting bodies and not by Centennial College. In order to qualify for any of those external accreditations, designations, certification or recognition, students and graduates will need to follow the processes and meet the applicable requirements listed on the websites and materials of those external bodies. You'll be able to find more information when you apply online for the Continuing Education program of your choice. So just what types of programs are offered? Areas of study include: accounting, business, computer and information technology, early childhood education, fitness, media and design, health studies, and much more.

With nearly 22,000 learners each year in 160 programs that feature more than 1,200 courses and have a 97 per cent learner satisfaction, it is clear that Centennial College has a proud continuing education reputation.

Tourism Administration Prepares You For a Variety of Careers

2012-01-09T01:24:00.000-08:00

“It’s a mixture of the hospitality side, where you get to learn about how the hotel operates from scratch, … and after that you get to learn how the tourism industry operates,” says Lexina, a graduate of the hospitality administration (officially known as Hospitality and Tourism Administration) at Centennial College. “Some of the program is labs and some of it is classes. After you finally finish your program, you go into co-op as well — depending on whether you choose it or not. I learned how to put together an event because for a final project for one of my classes, we had put together an event for graduation. I learned how to work with other people and time management was a factor as well.”

While Lexina does a great job of offering her perspective on the three-year Hospitality and Tourism Administration program, let’s take a closer look. First and foremost, to apply students must have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also possess compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Designed for those planning to build their futures in the tourism industry, this Hospitality Administration program truly reflects Canada’s second largest employment sector, which provides a diverse range of career opportunities. 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. Students also gain valuable work experience through an individualized industry internship that is meant to provide a practical foundation for their career.

Specific courses within the Tourism Administration undertaking include: Kitchen and Dining Room Practices (learners experience a combination of food preparation and service theory reinforced by the actual practice of the concepts learned); Human Resources For Hospitality and Tourism Administrators (designed to introduce students to a variety of tasks and functions of a human resources department employee, administrator and manager in the current hospitality and tourism business environments); Hospitality and Tourism Marketing (students define marketing, distinguish between product and services marketing and demonstrate an understanding of consumer behaviour, market segmentation, the marketing mix and their application to the marketing plan); and more.

In addition to their courses, students have access to many on-campus resources that enhance learning, including a full-service hospitality management centre, on-site conference centre and state-of-the-art computer labs.

Once they successfully complete their Ontario College Advanced Diploma from Centennial College, students have two options. First, qualified graduates may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. The hospitality administration’s partners are: Athabasca University, International Hotel Management Institute (Switzerland), Ryerson University, Southern New Hampshire University (U.S.A.), University of Calgary, University of New Brunswick and more. The second option is for graduates to enter the field and find jobs in hotel and restaurant general management, human resources management, sales and marketing management, convention services coordination and tour coordination. The tourism industry boasts revenue in excess of $61.4-billion from 60,000 different companies that employ over 1.66-million Canadians coast-to-coast.

Graduate from Food and Nutrition Management in Just Two Years

2012-01-09T00:22:00.000-08:00

“It’s not really a hospitality focus but it’s food service operations so the students do some cooking,” explains Bonnie Jasper program coordinator for the Food and Nutrition Management program at Centennial College. “We have four food labs in the program and there’s one in each semester. Although we’re not hospitality or culinary focused if you’re going to do a diet history on a client and they say they eat tuna and brussel sprouts, we need to know what those foods are. In order to be employed as a dietary manager and nutrition technician, you need to be a member of the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management. That’s what makes our Food and Nutrition Management program great, we accredited.”

Jasper gives a great overall look at this undertaking that is offered at Centennial College in the form of a two-year program and results in an Ontario College Diploma. Let’s take a closer look at her observations. First and foremost, it should be noted that to apply, you must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, you must have compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.

As Jasper mentioned, the Food and Nutrition Management program holds an accreditation from the Canadian Society of Nutrition Management (CSNM). This ensures that graduates are automatically eligible for membership in the CSNM and OSNM (Ontario Society of Nutrition Management). CSNM membership is a requirement of the Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long Term Care to work in a long-term care facility and most acute care facilities. With this accreditation comes a focus on Food Service Program and food and nutrition management that is taught through theory-based lectures and hands-on applications, during which students participate in on-campus food labs. Using Centennial’s Hospitality Management Centre for these labs, students learn the practical aspects of quantity food preparation and service and conduct experiments to learn the physical food properties. They also learn about topics such as: Principles of Sanitation, Safety and Hygiene; Kitchen Production, Introduction to Food Services, Food Properties Analysis, Mathematics for Food Service Management, Perspectives on Human Aging and much more.

To complement in-school study, students spend the final seven weeks of the Food and Nutrition Management program in a supervised work experience in a health care facility. The placement provides students with work experience to develop the managerial skills required to fulfill an entry-level position in the health care, food/nutrition industry upon graduation. These positions include dietary managers, nutrition technicians, food and nutrition managers, food service coordinators and quality control technicians.

An Inclusive Environment is Offered Through Child Studies Courses

2012-01-08T22:17:00.001-08:00

Do you feel like your needs for ESL sensitivity are not being met? Do you wish to study in an inclusive environment where the teaching staff understands your needs? Does your interest lie in learning to be active in the community, in Child Studies Training or in a volunteer management program? If you answered yes to any of these questions then the Community and Child Studies Foundations program at Toronto’s Centennial College may be for you as it covers child studies courses, general English studies and more. It was created specifically with Canadian newcomers in mind to help them not only overcome communication obstacles but excel in further studies.

Taking just two semesters to complete, the undertaking is essentially a pathway for pursuing a career in the community services and child studies department. That’s because it offers the solid academic foundation students need to take on the more challenging and advanced courses of program 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. When students successfully complete the program, they obtain an Ontario College Certificate and apply to a Centennial College program of their choice.

Getting you to the academic level where you are prepared for these advanced child studies courses or volunteer management courses is executed in a number of ways. Firstly, it is ensured that you have the opportunity to develop academic and professional skills and attitudes, as well as be aware of the personal requirements needed to facilitate success in your program of choice or in the varied careers within the Community Services and Child Studies fields. In addition, you will participate in reflective practice to facilitate professional skill development, while enhancing communication competence in all language strands. Faculty members who are experienced in both Community and Child studies conduct all of the courses within the program. These faculty members not only support and guide you, they also utilize ESL collaborative teaching approaches.

Specific community and Child Studies Courses topics in this program include: development of communication skills, basic overview of community and child studies, interpersonal skills, professional practice and ethics, psychology, health and first aid and others.

Applying for Community and Child Studies Foundations is simple. All you have to do is present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. You must also have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Please be advised that the program is only open for admission to applicants who have been advised and assisted to register by the Centennial College Assessment and Advising Centre. You cannot apply directly to ontariocolleges.ca for admission to this program.

Developmental Services Workers Ensure Purpose in People’s Lives

2012-01-08T21:28:00.000-08:00

In the province of Ontario, many organizations are hiring developmental services workers with training from Centennial College. These organizations include:

Community Living, Durham District School Board, Frontier College, Kerry’s Place, Toronto District School Board, York Region School Board and many, many others. Graduates of this undertaking are trusted and well-respected in the field as they are able to support the promotion and maintenance of health and well-being; promote the development of inclusive communities; display competent, responsible and professional behaviour and attitudes; identify and use personal development resources and activities that promote professional growth; facilitate the development of everyday skills; and provide support with respectful and empowering approaches. This DSW program enables the graduate to fill a variety of work roles (i.e. educational assistant, support worker, residential support worker and employment supporter).

Developmental Services Worker (DSWs) support individuals with developmental disabilities in a variety of settings, including school, work and home. They are, essentially, responsible for linking people with intellectual disabilities to their communities to ensure that they are valued members of society.

Taking two years to complete, the Centennial College program for developmental services workers focuses on balancing practical knowledge (through community observations, real-life examples, field placements) with theory (via projects and lectures) with a curriculum that reflects current issues and developments in the field. The emphasis of the undertaking is on understanding the nature of intellectual disabilities, personal support requirements and technique, communication and facilitation skills, critical and reflective thinking, team skills, time management and accessing resources. Specific topics covered include: Interpersonal Skill Development, Introduction to Disability, Valued Social Roles, Social Psychology, Pharmacology, History of Disability, Readings in Disability and more.

In addition to this training, students of the developmental services worker program also take part in two supervised field placements in semester three (two days per week) and semester four (three days per week). During this experience, students spend time in community organizations applying what they have learned in the classroom while gaining new knowledge by actively working with clients. Certain field placement agencies may require a criminal reference check prior to student placement. Certain criminal convictions may disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible.

If students want to further their education in the field of developmental services workers, they can do so by participating in articulated program with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. If they are eligible, these partnerships allow them to apply academic credit towards further study. The partner of the Developmental Services Worker program is Ryerson University (Disability Studies). Graduates with a B grade average or better can apply to Ryerson’s two-year post-diploma degree completion program, Bachelor of Applied Arts in Disability Studies.

College expects applicants to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Having completed compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent is also necessary. English proficiency will be considered in the admissions process and a program admission session may also be required.

Complete Massage Therapy Training in Three Years

2012-01-01T21:38:00.000-08:00

“This Massage Therapy program is a three year offering that takes the students from beginning stages of performing massage therapy,” says Laurie Copeland, a faculty member at Centennial College’s Massage Therapy Training. “It includes anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, neuroanatomy, neuropathology and leads right into sports injuries, orthopedic injuries. Because we are pretty much self-employed once we get our license, the employment rate is 100 per cent. Other than that, studies or follow-ups of our grads have shown that they have secured some form of employment.”

While Laurie does an excellent job of providing an overview of the Message Therapy program, let’s take a closer look at specific details. Those who are interested in applying, must have completed at least 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; Biology 11C, M or U, or 12C, M or U or equivalent and one of the following sciences: 11C, M or U, or 12 C, M or U Chemistry or Physics, or Exercise Science or equivalent. After receiving an offer of admission, students will receive a document to be completed by a doctor or a nurse who will confirm that the student meets the health requirements of legislated acts, ministry guidelines and agency policies.

Once they enter the Massage Therapy training, students will discover that the focus is on the assessment and hands-on treatment of the muscles, fascia and joints of the body to improve or maintain optimal physical health, function and mobility. As a result, students learn and implement a variety of techniques including: Swedish massage, facial and rhythmic techniques, trigger point therapy, remedial exercise, stretching techniques, wax baths, whirlpools and steam cabinets. In addition to courses such as Nutrition and Lifestyle Practices, Therapeutic Relationships, Fitness and Remedial Exercises, Issues & Research Literacy in Massage Therapy, students also obtain hands-on learning in an on-site Massage Therapy Clinic. In this clinic, students interact directly with clients who come with a wide range of complaints while having the guidance and support of an experienced Registered Massage Therapist faculty member.

Qualified graduates of the Massage Therapy training may write the registration examinations administered by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario to qualify for Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) designation. Upon graduation, students are prepared to: consult patients about their medical histories and any stress or pain-related problems to determine whether massage would be helpful; develop treatments that specify which types of massages are to be used, as there are many modules; assess clients’ soft tissue condition, joint quality and function, muscle strength and range of motion; implement a variety of techniques including; maintain treatment records and consult with other health care professionals such as physiotherapists, chiropractors, physicians and psychologists in order to develop further treatment plans for the client.

Centennial College’s School of Hospitality Is About Nationally Respected Training

2011-12-30T02:01:00.000-08:00

If you’re looking for a School of Hospitality that offers its students skills that are applicable anywhere in Canada, look no further than Centennial College. Now is a great time to consider a career in hospitality as last year, 19.6 million people took overnight trips to Canada and professionals are needed in accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, travel services, and recreation and entertainment, to ensure that tourists are return.

The first public college established in Toronto, Centennial College has been training students since 1966. Its School of Hospitality is well respected for ensuring that any program under its umbrella teaches students business topics (marketing, human resources, finance, and industry operations) in addition to hospitality-specific ones. In addition, 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.

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.

School of Hospitality programs are conducted out of Progress Campus, which has many on-campus facilities and tools to ensure that students gain hands-on experience prior to graduation. For example, students may train for the food and beverage or restaurant management industries at the on-campus Horizon Restaurant. At this living lab, students learn everything from preparing freshly made food and serving to scheduling, reservation recommendations and menu management. In addition to the restaurant, School of Hospitality students also practice their skills at the Centennial Conference Centre. Comprised of eight meeting rooms (including two large ballrooms and a variety of meeting rooms), it provides ample opportunity for students to have real life encounters. Uniformed in traditional black attire, students take pride in their work, paying attention to the smallest details and ensuring that every event is truly flawless.

The combination of academic learning and hands-on practice described is offered to students via full-time School of Hospitality programs such as: Event Management (Festival and Conference); Food & Beverage Management (Food and Beverage Management, Kitchen Management, Baking – Commercial Bakeries); Hotel and Resort Management (Hospitality Foundations, Hospitality Services, Hotel and Resort Management, and Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Management); and Tourism & Travel Operations (Hospitality and Tourism Administration, Tourism Management – Cultural and Heritage Tourism, Culture and Heritage Site Management, and Tourism & Travel).

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.

Bioinformatics Courses Result in Futuristic Career

2011-12-30T01:32:00.000-08:00

Do job titles such as bioinformatics analyst, bioinformatics and research technician, application, software or database developer; and bioinformatics software developer interest you? Have you completed a college advanced diploma or university degree in computer science, software engineering or related discipline? Can you offer proof of English proficiency as well as a transcript of your college record and resume? If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, you may want to consider attending bioinformatics courses at Centennial College in Toronto, Ont.

Before we look at the bioinformatics courses of Centennial College, let’s take a look at the field and what entails. Bioinformatics is an exciting new area that merges biology with information technology and computers. It uses the creation and advancement of databases, algorithms, computational and statistical techniques and theory to solve formal and practical problems arising from the management and analysis of biological data. Recently, there has been a demand for professionals who have attended bioinformatics courses at a reputable post-secondary institution. This demand actually exceeds supply, and employment is found at research centers, universities, private companies and government institutions. However, skills in bioinformatics can also be utilized in the pharmaceutical, agricultural and environmental industries and in all areas of biotechnology.

Centennial College’s bioinformatics courses prepare students for work in all of these places in a concentrated training format, which is completed in 12 months and results in a post-degree bioinformatics certificate. Due to its pace, this program (officially known as Bioinformatics for Software Professionals) is targeted to students with existing software backgrounds. Faculty members who lead the bioinformatics courses in the program are knowledgeable and approachable with diverse business experience and academic credentials and encourage a mature learning environment.

Meanwhile the bioinformatics courses themselves are intensive, hands-on and problem-based. They include course work and an individual research thesis. Specific bioinformatics courses within the program include: Molecular Biology and Genomics (students are introduced to the exciting field of molecular biology through an analysis of its origins, exploration of its key concepts, and an investigation into its future potential. Topics covered include genes, genomes, functional genomics, and the major tools and techniques used in the field of molecular biology); Current Topics in Bioinformatics (introduces “culture” of bioinformatics through an analysis of current applications and exciting advances in the field. Subject matter will vary based on invited guests, but may include topics in comparative genomics, pharmacogenomics, microbial genomics, systems biology or environmental bioinformatics); Database Design and Biological Data Management (students design, utilize, and integrate biological databases to facilitate novel approaches for biological data management, retrieval and analysis. Students also evaluate major database implementation issues and demonstrate software project management skills); and more.

To balance these in-school bioinformatics courses, this program also has a co-op component, which gives students a unique skill set and training that are in high demand in the field. Upon graduation students who have completed all of the bioinformatics courses at Centennial College have been hired by: OICR, Ontario health network, Ontario hospitals and the provincial government.

Creativity, Business Skills and Strategic Thinking Developed in Advertising Programs

2011-12-19T23:45:00.000-08:00

“Centennial College’s three-year Advertising program is a journey, to say the least,” says graduate Andrew Learner of one of Ontario’s respected advertising programs. “It gives students an unparalleled opportunity to grow and learn — from bright young students into capable young professionals. Centennial is a school that isn’t rooted in the past. It teaches the concepts of traditional and cutting edge advertising, applied practically to what’s relevant today. As I continue to grow in my field today, I use the fundamental knowledge I learned from Centennial to approach and complete everything I do!”

If you want to have an experience similar to Andrew’s while preparing yourself with the critical skills you need to succeed in the advertising field, you may want to consider applying to Centennial College’s advertising program. Now is a great time to do so as the Bureau of Labour Statistics estimates employment will increase by 13 per cent through 2018. As an applicant, you are expected to present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years or older. Another academic requirement is the possession of compulsory English 12C or U credits or skills assessment or equivalent. Lastly, attending a program admission session is highly recommended.

Once you are accepted, you will discover an Advertising program led by a team of seasoned advertising instructors who possess vast experience in the industry. Starting out using a generalized curriculum that covers all areas of the field, these professionals will help you develop your instincts and strategic abilities while learning to meet deadlines in a professional and creative environment. In the three years, you’ll learn the entire advertising process, including: research, developing strategies, campaign planning, copywriting, production, media planning and buying. Also, firm deadlines, multi-tasking, working under pressure and delivering professional presentations are all real-life scenarios taught through the advertising program at Centennial. Specific courses within the advertising program include: Interactive Communications, Broadcast Buying and Measurement, Copywriting, Administration and Finance, Advertising Campaign Management, Advertising Issues, Professional Practice, Strategic Planning, Digital and Social Media and more. In your fifth semester, you’ll enter a specialized stream that provides advanced learning in copywriting, media planning and buying or account service.

To round out on-campus training, the Advertising program also offers an industry field placement in the last semester that will see you applying your knowledge in an advertising firm. This is also an opportunity to network.

Companies that have hired advertising programs graduates include: Agency 58 ninety, Boom Marketing, Grey Canada, MacLaren McCann, Saatchi and Saatchi, Starcom and more. Graduates pursue careers in account management, media buying and planning, marketing, copywriting, production, direct marketing, promotions and event marketing.

According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, in 2008, over 80 per cent of advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales managers worked 40 hours or more a week.

Honda Technicians Have an Important Job

2011-12-16T02:19:00.000-08:00

In the automotive word, Honda Motor Company and its Honda technicians have done quite well. Not only has Honda been the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer since 1959, it’s also the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines measured by volume, producing more than 14 million internal combustion engines each year. As of August 2008, Honda surpassed Chrysler as the fourth largest automobile manufacturer in the United States. Honda is the sixth largest automobile manufacturer in the world. If you are interested in working for this company, you may want to consider attending Honda technician training at Centennial College.

The Honda technicians employed by dealerships have a variety of tasks, including: diagnosing problems using Honda diagnostic equipment; performing repairs and preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes and tires. Honda technicians also conduct vehicle inspections. All of these skills are taught at Centennial College, which sees students of the Automotive Service Technician Honda Canada Inc. AHAP MAP32 Apprenticeship (as it is officially known) alternate between the College and their employer for a total of 64 weeks (32 weeks with each). The length of the program offers students more in-depth and longer school sessions than those students in traditional apprenticeship programs.

During the in-school portion of the Honda technician training, students learn out of Ashtonbee Campus. This location is fully equipped with the tools that Honda technicians use in the industry as well as generously donated Honda parts and vehicles on which students can practice. The training sees an emphasis on electronics and the diagnosing of mechanical systems. All aspects of vehicle technology are embodied in the program, including electrical, body electrical, engine, transmission, steering, front-end, and all other aspects that would allow a Honda vehicle to be serviced. Specific courses presented in the Honda technician training include: Applied Work Practices and Procedures, Motor Vehicle Engine Systems, Steering, Suspension and Brakes; Electrical Electronics and Fuels, Motor Vehicle Gear Trains, and more.

After they have grasped the skills needed to enter the workforce, students spend time with their Honda employer dealing with real-life situations, networking, and shadowing professional Honda technicians who have years of experience. During this aspect of the Honda technician training, students are compensated for their work.

Applicants to the offering must possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a GED or equivalent. They are also required to be employed by a Honda dealership or be selected through an interview process. Candidates may apply directly to Centennial College, with successful applicants obtaining an employer and registering as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The application for the Honda technician training can be completed online. It should be noted that acceptance is based on successful completion of all entry requirements and space is limited. Some students within the Honda technician training at Centennial College may be eligible for Employment Insurance during the in-class aspect.

Health Informatics Program Gets You Into the Field in Three Years

2011-12-13T00:33:00.000-08:00

“What’s unique with this particular Health Informatics program is it actually prepares software engineering trained students and teaches them what the healthcare industry is like,” says professor Sity Safario of Centennial College’s Health Informatics Technology offering. “It teaches them about healthcare structure and the health information systems that are available within it. I recommend the Health Informatics program at Centennial College for anyone who is very much interested in software engineering but also wants to help people.”

While Sity gives a great overall view of the Health Informatics program, let’s take a closer look at some specific details. First and foremost, Health informatics technology is an industry that deals with information, computer science and health care. It is concerned with the resources, devices, and methods that optimize the acquisition, storage, retrieval, and use of information in health and biomedicine. It is applied to the areas of nursing, clinical care, dentistry, pharmacy, public health and biomedical research. Graduates of Informatics Technology are able to analyze and model data, develop healthcare databases and apply different computer medical-imaging techniques. They are also able to use tools, algorithms and health informatics methods for hospitals, schools, healthcare agencies and public health departments.

To enter the Health Informatics program, Centennial College expects that applicants have completed at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Students must also possess Compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent. To graduate from the program, a Minimum C grade average is required.

Once in the program, students spend three years studying Health Informatics courses that emphasize object-oriented software design methodologies, user-oriented interface design, structure of healthcare information systems, telehealth, data security and privacy in healthcare systems. The health informatics program also focuses on technologies such as C#, Java, J2EE, Oracle, MS-SQL Server, Unix/ Linux, Microsoft’s .NET, HTML/ XML, Rational/ WebSphere, Data warehousing and Data mining, and BI tools in healthcare systems and more. Specific courses within this Health Informatics program include: Programming, Software Engineering Fundamentals, Introduction to Database Concepts, Functions and Number Systems, Web Interface Design, Discrete Mathematics and more. All courses are also delivered using leading-edge technology that is geared towards industry standards. To complement theoretical learning, the offering includes two software development projects in the field of health informatics. These real world business applications require students to utilize all the technical, systems and business skills gained during their studies.

Graduates of Health Informatics Technology can work as: applications developers, health data analysts, database developers, systems implementation specialists, record assistants and business/systems analysts.

Hospitality and Tourism Courses to Prepare You for Further Education

2011-12-12T21:36:00.000-08:00

Have you applied to a hospitality degree or diploma program but have unfortunately not been accepted? Centennial College has a solution that will help you to get your foot in the education door through its Hospitality Foundations program. Presented as an “Alternate Offer” the program is designed for individuals who apply to, but do not meet admission requirements for a Centennial College post-secondary program in the area of hospitality, tourism and culture.

Applicants can’t apply directly to this program. They must advised and assisted to register by the Centennial College Assessment and Advising Centre. To be considered for this these alternative hospitality and tourism courses, students must have completed and Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature applicant status (19 years or older). In addition, students must complete the Centennial College English skills assessment before registering for this program. A score of 130 or 131 is required to begin this program. In some cases, students’ skills assessment score will satisfy the requirements for their original program choice. Centennial College will notify them by sending an offer to their original program if there is still space available.

Not only does this offering feature hospitality and tourism courses, the program also focuses on English fluency, including reading, writing, listening and speaking. All of these skills are required to be successful in a hospitality and tourism degree or diploma program as well as the field. One of the specific strengths of this offering is that it engages students in reflective practice to facilitate professional skill development while enhancing their communication competence in all language strands. Students will create personal and professional goals and work on strategies to help them achieve these goals.

Among the courses included in this program are: Foundations: Developing College Communication Skills (ESL) (an eight-hour per week integrated course designed to assist students in upgrading their English skills in the four areas: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. While focusing on developing core language competencies, students will work with course materials drawn from their program areas); Theory of Food Fundamentals (as good food is the foundation on which the restaurant industry is built, it is imperative that one understands how to not only produce good food, but to do so in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. This course will introduce learners to the theoretical principles of food production); Geography and Tourism – Western Hemisphere (course examines earth sciences such as land formations, time zones and climate. There will include a basic introduction to plate tectonics); and more.

Once students have successfully completed the Hospitality Foundations program, they are equipped with all of the basics they need to transfer into the hospitality and tourism degree or diploma program of their choice. Graduates will enter into the program of their choice with a level of English that allows them the opportunity to be successful in an advanced level of study.

Personal Support Worker Program Sees Students Enter the Field in Two Semesters

2011-12-12T04:16:00.000-08:00

Graduates of Centennial College’s Personal Support Worker program are prepared to work with: clients within their homes, and residential facilities or long-term care institutions and community support agencies to assist clients with activities of daily living, under the supervision of professionals and according to a care plan. This variety of options gives students an advantage as they have more career choices and are comfortable in a range of environments.

Centennial College’s one-year Ontario College Certificate program prepares students to provide others the care and assistance they need to live active and fulfilled lives. The Personal Support Worker program focuses on the full range of home- and health-related services required by a variety of clients. To apply for the Personal Support Worker program, students must have completed at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is a compulsory English 12C or U credit or skills assessment, or equivalent. Lastly, English proficiency will be considered as part of the admission process.

Once students have been accepted, they will enter an intensely paced program during which they’ll spend more than half the total program hours working with teams in long-term care institutions, the community and at in-home settings. This field placement allows them to apply what they have learned in-school. However, on-campus training is just as important and is led by an experienced group of faculty members. Training in the Personal Support Worker program focuses on the full range of home and health related services required by the elderly, clients with disabilities, chronic illnesses, cognitive impairment and also clients recovering from acute illnesses. Specific Personal Support Worker courses include: Anatomy, Foundations of Personal Support, Developmental Stages & Alterations in Health, Personal Support Communication, Foundations of Mental Health, Supporting Clients in Palliative Care and more.

As a result of these Personal Support Worker courses, students graduate program with a skills that include: providing client-centered and client- directed care under supervision; making, collecting, and reporting to the supervisor relevant observations in an ongoing and timely manner and recording this information promptly; supporting the client’s personal care requirements by following care/service plans; communicating effectively and appropriately using oral, written, and nonverbal methods.

Upon graduation, Personal Support Worker program graduates work under the direction of a Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse and may work in a health care facility and home care. According to Ontario Network for Internationally Trained Professionals, in the course of remaking the health care system in Canada, Personal Support Workers are reported to be in growing demand. In addition, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, as well as community agencies and clinical settings recognize the certificate.

Toyota Technician Training Through an Apprenticeship Equals Success

2011-12-09T02:06:00.000-08:00

If you are employed by a Toyota dealership and are looking to further your career, you'll have to obtain Toyota technician training, which is most commonly offered as an apprenticeship program. At Centennial College, once applicants are working at a Toyota dealership, they may apply for the one-year modified apprenticeship. If addition, applicants must possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a GED or equivalent. Candidates may apply directly to Centennial College, with successful applicants obtaining an employer and registering as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. As with any college program, there are a limited spots within the Automotive Service Technician Toyota (MAP 32) modified apprenticeship offering.

But what makes this particular program special? First and foremost, it is more in-depth with longer in-school sessions than traditional apprenticeships. Secondly, the Toyota technician training emphasizes electronics and diagnosing of computerized control systems as well as a knowledge of all aspects of vehicle technology. "What we learn is different vehicle systems, such as electrical, body electrical, engine, transmission, steering, front-end, all the things that would allow your Toyota to be serviced by qualified a Toyota technician," says Ryan, a student in the program. Essentially, students are reinforcing what they learned during their time working for a Toyota dealership into a more well-rounded and professional knowledge. During the in-school sessions, students may be eligible for Employment Insurance. Meanwhile, during their times with an employer, they are compensated for their work.

Also during the time they spend at Centennial College, students of this Toyota technician program study out of Ashtonbee Campus. This particular campus houses the largest transportation training centre in the province, which includes all the latest tools used in the field as well as real Toyota vehicles on which to practice. The in-school portion of the Toyota technician training is designed to mimic a real life workshop.

Also through this training, students obtain the ideal balance between hands-on training and academic learning by alternating between in-school sessions and time with an employer for 64 weeks. During the time with their Toyota employer, students encounter real life experiences that allow them to learn good customer service and communication skills and they are able to apply the knowledge they have learned on-campus.

Toyota technician go on to work at the world's largest automobile maker by sales and production. Toyota technicians work at dealerships or other related workplaces, diagnosing problems using Toyota diagnostic equipment and performing repairs and preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes and tires. Technicians also conduct vehicle inspections. With so many opportunities, the outlook for the industry is promising.

Toyota Canada - T-DAP - Program at Centennial College

Ford Technician Training Offers Practical Experience

2011-12-09T01:55:00.000-08:00

"Students of the Ford Technician training option at Centennial College learn a set of skills and theories at the college. They then get a chance to practice these tasks in the real environment," sums up Peter Lokun, Professor, General Motors of Canada – ASEP at Centennial College, in Toronto, Ont. Although this analysis may seem simple, the concept is quite popular and reliable.

First, it should be noted that students who study to become Ford technicians are essentially choosing Ford Motor Company as their employer because this program teaches them specifically about Ford models. Secondly, students who are interested in obtaining Centennial College's Ford technician training must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a General Education Diploma or equivalent. A Ford Motor Company of Canada Ltd. Dealership must also employ the applicant. Successful applicants must obtain an employer and then register as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Acceptance is based on successful completion of all entry requirements. Limited space is available in each program. Please note that candidates may apply directly to Centennial College for this Ford technician training.

Once in the program (officially known as the Automotive Service Technician Ford Company of Canada Limited Asset (MAP 32) Apprenticeship), students spend a year learning theories, practicing hands-on and participating in an apprenticeship with an automotive dealer or shop that specializes in Ford vehicles. Every four weeks, Ford technician students alternate between the College and their employer for a total of 64 weeks (32 weeks with each).

The in-school portion of the program is conducted out of Ashtonbee Campus, which is the province's largest transportation training centre. At this centre, students will find fully-equipped labs, actual Ford vehicles and Ford vehicle parts that have been donated to the school and the tools with which they will work with in the field. The training that students obtain in the Ford Technician training is actually more in-depth than that of a traditional apprenticeship. This puts students at a clear advantage upon graduation, as they will be more comfortable and experienced. At Centennial College, the focus is on the latest Ford technology with emphasis on electronics, transmission, engines, air conditioning, supplemental restraint systems and the diagnosing of vehicle management systems. In addition, the program teaches Ford specialties that, in the past, students had to attend Ford school to learn. These specialties are: engines, electrical, brakes and climate control. Students may be eligible for employment insurance during the in-class training.

As previously mentioned, during their Ford technician studies, students also spend time at a Ford dealership where they work alongside professionals and gaining additional knowledge. During their session with an employer, there is an earn-while-you-learn approach, which sees students compensated for their work. Duties of automotive service technicians include: writing vehicle damage repair estimates, repairing broken or worn mechanical components, maintaining repair and service records, installing equipment, components and systems, testing vehicles both before and after repair, and repairing electrical wiring, circuits and fixtures.

FORD MOTOR COMPANY OF CANADA LIMITED - Program at Centennial College

Science Program at Centennial College Propels You In Life

2011-12-07T21:19:00.001-08:00

The road to college isn’t always straight and narrow. Although many students know exactly what they want to do upon high school graduation, just as many are unsure. They may explore a field and discover it is not for them or they may take a nine-to-five job before deciding on their life’s path. For those who have an interest in science but are unsure of where they can end up, the general Science Programs Canada has to offer may help.

At Centennial College, for example, students can attend the General Arts and Science – Science program to advance their education and, eventually, their career. This program is designed for those who have an interest in fields such as: health, engineering, applied sciences or transportation and require a solid foundation for further education. In addition, students who are unsure whether university is for them or whether a career in the field of science is what they’re really passionate about may benefit. On the other hands, the science courses within the undertaking may also be perfect for students who know that college-level science is what they want to study, but don’t possess the academic admission credentials needed to enter a program of them choice. Please note that students who complete the one-year Science program with acceptable academic standing may be eligible to transfer to Centennial’s Practical Nursing or Pharmacy Technician program.

To gain entry into General Arts and Science – Science, students must possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have the compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program. Please note that students who have not finished high school or completed required science courses for post-secondary programs might be accepted.

During the eight months students spend attending science courses, they study a range of science subjects (such as biology and chemistry) as well as mathematics, communications, psychology, human genomics and learning skills. The specific science courses Toronto’s Centennial College focuses on include: Chemistry (emphasis is placed on understanding biological mechanisms and processes, rather than on simple memorization); Biology (emphasis is placed on the role of chemistry in daily life and in the development of new technologies and products. Students will be introduced to the classification of matter, chemical nomenclature and qualitative and quantitative relationships involved in chemical reactions); Technology Mathematics (mathematics course covering selected topics in basic algebra and trigonometry are presented); and more.

English Communication Training Offers Needed Skills

2011-12-06T23:31:00.000-08:00

“The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program provided good preparation for my major program. If I hadn’t taken the EAP program, I couldn’t have successfully studied in Early Childhood Education. I have advocated to many students to enroll in EAP. It provides a good foundation,” says H. Wei a Centennial College honours graduate. Her testimony demonstrates how this English communication training excels in preparing students for further education. Whether these students require English second language training or want to brush up on their communication skills, this undertaking offers a variety of benefits.

The English communication training is officially known as English for Academic Purposes and it results in an Ontario College Certificate. How long a student remains in the undertaking is completely dependent of his or her goals and the grasp he or she already has on the English language. Students may be placed in the first level and take all three levels (semesters) or they may be placed in the second or third levels. Once they achieve high grades in Level 3, they will have met Centennial College’s English language requirement for most its programs. In addition, Level 3 students earn a college credit that they can apply to future study.

The English communication training is fully accredited by Languages Canada, Canada’s premier language organization. This means the program has met rigorous standards in terms of curriculum, teacher qualifications, student services, and administration.

Students of English for Academic Purposes have access to resources such as computer labs, the library, conversation practice groups and tutoring. The resources help when it comes to presentations, assignments, group work, communicative activities, practical exercise, in which they participate during the length of the program. These training tools are weaved into the program’s courses, which include: Communicating in the Classroom (builds on a foundation of basic speaking skills to give students practice in presenting and participating in conventional classroom situations in a college environment); Reading College-level Texts (teaches students strategies and skills to build vocabulary and elicit meaning from multi-paragraph texts in English); Guided Writing in English (introduces students to the writing process. They will be given practice in a variety of grammatical and structural forms); and more.

Throughout their studies in the English Second Language Training, students are guided by experienced faculty and staff members. These experts are very qualified, dedicated ESL teaching professionals who provide high quality instruction plus support, encouragement, and guidance to our students.

If one is interested in applying for this informative undertaking, he or she should possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, applicants are required to participate in a language skills assessment. However, they are advised that the English communication training at Centennial College is not a program for absolute beginners. Students must have completed a beginner’s level language program prior to applying to the English for Academic Purposes program. Lastly, please not that possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission into the program.

Complete Biotechnology Technician Training In Two Years

2011-12-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

“The [Biotechnology Technician] program [at Centennial College] basically involves the study of microorganisms in detail as to the characteristics of the microorganisms, where they’re found, what they are, their names, their length and shape,” says a student named Mohammed. “The labs, for sure, are very exciting as it involves hands-on [practice]. For example, there are labs that involve staining of samples or streaking of streak plates. Stuff like that is interesting to me — where I can get in there and kind of get my hands dirty.”

Mohammed’s testimonial sums one of the biggest advantages of attending Centennial College’s Biotechnology Technician – Industrial Microbiology program: hands-on practice. This two-year undertaking, which results in an Ontario College Diploma, employs practical training in industrial microbiology as well as chemistry (analytical and organic) and biochemistry. Students attend courses that include lessons on appropriate safety procedures, biotechnology technician projects, and independently designed microbiology tasks that enhance problem solving and research skills. Specific courses in this biotechnology technician offering include: Chemistry, Occupational Health & Safety, Microcomputer Applications for Technology, Mathematics, Lab Instrumentation, Statistics for Applied Science, Food Microbiology, Organic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and more. These courses are facilitated from the Centennial Science and Technology Centre campus, which offers students eight up-to-date laboratories and modern wireless lecture facilities.

In addition to thorough training and an exceptional facility, the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists nationally accredits this Biotechnology College program. In addition, the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists recognizes the Biotechnology Technician - Industrial Microbiology program as meeting all the academic requirements for certification in the Technician Category. These national accreditations support program quality and provide mobility for graduates.

To apply, students have completed at an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is completion of compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. Students are placed in appropriate English level based on skills assessment results. Lastly, students who test at an advanced level may be accelerated directly into MATH-176 in semester 1 and MATH-186 in semester 2. Those taking MATH-140 will have the opportunity to complete MATH-186 between semesters 2 and 3.

Once students graduate, they become Biotechnology technicians (also known as bench technicians), and have the responsibility of assuring quality control in areas of manufacturing such as food, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Specific duties of biotechnology technicians include: isolating, enumerating and identifying microorganisms from many types of samples (water, soil, air, your body, and food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic products). In addition, biotechnology technicians handle materials and instruments such as pH and BOD meters, Gas Chromatographs, spectrophotometers (regular/IR/UV), HPLC’s etc. Lastly, they prepare microbiological media and reagents; culture pathogenic microbes; and design and perform their own microbiology experiments.

Developmental Services Workers Graduate From Centennial College in Two Years

2011-12-06T20:59:00.000-08:00

“Students of the Developmental Services Worker program learn about strategies to support people, such as teaching strategies, personal support, resources in the community and impacting the impressions and attitudes of the public positively about people with intellectual disabilities,” says Peg Jenner, the program coordinator of the undertaking at Centennial College. Meanwhile, Penny Lang, a student of the program offers this view of the undertaking: “Our instructors are good at teaching us not only the theory, but they give us examples of what they would do in certain situations and those examples really help us and also develop our critical thinking skills. I’m confident that what I learn now I’m going to be able take to the work place.”

While these testimonials provide a great overview of the two-year undertaking, which results in an Ontario College Diploma, let’s take a closer look at the specifics. To apply, students must possess at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. In addition, they must have taken the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent. English proficiency will be considered in the admissions process and a program admission session may also be required.

Centennial’s Developmental Services Worker offering boasts a curriculum that reflects current issues and developments. Emphasis is placed on understanding the nature of intellectual disabilities, personal support requirements and technique, communication and facilitation skills, critical and reflective thinking, team skills, time management and accessing resource. Helping people to fill valued social roles, teaching and the provision of personal support are some of the skills developed within this curriculum. Specific courses include: Valued Social Roles, Supports for Personal Health Care, Social Psychology, Pharmacology, Building Responsive Communities, History of Disability, and more.

In semesters three and four, students participate in two placements to gain applied experiences supporting people who have intellectual disabilities within different contexts. Students have the opportunity to take the responsibility for designing and implementing plans or strategies to teach and support individuals and/or work with communities. Facilitation and leadership skills, community development and, positive imagining and competencies for holistic the personal well-being and community inclusion for individuals whom students support are some of the areas they pursue in the placements. Some field placement agencies may require a criminal reference check prior to student placement. Certain criminal convictions may disallow placement in these agencies and program completion may not be possible.

If students want to further their education upon graduation from Centennial College, they may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. The partner of the Developmental Services Worker program is Ryerson University (Disability Studies). Graduates with a B grade average or better can apply to Ryerson’s two-year post-diploma degree completion program, Bachelor of Applied Arts in Disability Studies.

Developmental services workers (DSWs) work with those with intellectual disabilities in their homes, at work and school, and in leisure roles in the community. Their goal is to help to build natural community supports, networks and valued social roles for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Learn Menu Management at Centennial College’s Hospitality Management Program

2011-12-05T21:35:00.001-08:00

“The students [of the hospitality management program at Centennial College] are in a real life working restaurant. We have functions, we serve lunch. Our students experience the work of a chef and of wait staff. They are industry ready after two years. They can work in restaurants, hotels, banquet halls, golf clubs, so there’s a wide variety of jobs available to our students,” says Jorge Roth a professor in the program.

Mr. Roth gives a great overall view of the program and how reliable it is in regards to preparing students for the food and beverage field, but let’s explore the benefits of attending Centennial College a little bit further. First, it should be noted that in order to apply for the Hospitality Management – Restaurant and Catering program, students must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Compulsory English 12C or U skills assessment, or equivalent is also required. Possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program.

Once they have been accepted, students obtain a combination of theory and practical training that is essential to this segment of the industry and includes Menu Management and design, kitchen management, beverage knowledge and bartending. In addition, a 15-week field placement is required for students of the Hospitality Management Program. This course provides two days per week of meaningful work experience in approved positions within the food and beverage industry, enabling students to better understand the dynamics of the industry, increase their knowledge of industry practices and obtain a competitive advantage of experience in the job market.

Meanwhile, during in-school sessions, as Mr. Roth mentioned, students practice in an on-campus student training restaurant, a hospitality management centre and lab practice facilities. These places see them encountering real life scenarios and customers. Courses in the hospitality management program included during the students’ time on campus include: Quantity Food Production (emphasis is placed on technique, terminology, creativity, correct use of equipment, recipe and measurement analysis, and safe handling and storage procedures); Food Production, Practical Supervision (students have an opportunity to be part of a team and supervisor of that team for a real food service operation); Dining Room Management (students examine how the dining room manager is responsible for establishing the standards of service, motivating, monitoring, recognizing and training staff and for providing the environment, equipment and tools necessary for them to be able to exceed customer’s expectations); and more.

With the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council (CTHRC) anticipating that the food and beverage services sector will grow to employ 1.95 million people by 2015, now is a great time to get your career started.

Hospitality Administration Continues to Expand and Seek Trained Professionals

2011-12-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

Did you know the Canadian Tourism Human Resource Council forecasts that between 2006 and 2015, 290,690 new jobs within the tourism industry will have been created? In addition, revenues from this sector are in excess of $61.4 billion from 60,000 different companies that employ more than 1.66 million Canadians. As a result, those with hospitality administration and tourism administration training are in high demand. These professionals fill positions such as hotel and restaurant general management, human resources management, sales and marketing management, convention services coordination and tour coordination. Depending on their area of interest, students of Centennial College’s Hospitality and Tourism Administration can obtain these positions after three years of training and an Ontario College Advanced Diploma.

“At Centennial College, I was taught the ins and outs of the hospitality industry and was able to gain valuable experience through practical studies as well as a great deal of knowledge,” says Brittany Skene who graduated in June 2008. Meanwhile, Mary Sardella, Director of Human Resources for the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, and 1988 Centennial College Hospitality graduate says of the program, “Centennial’s applied program prepares students for the real working world. We look forward to continue fostering our relationship with the hospitality school and the students.”

Courses in the Hospitality Administration program cover a full range of business practices in marketing, human resources, finance and industry operations — as applied to the entire hospitality and tourism field. Specific courses within the program include: Hospitality and Tourism Marketing (students define marketing, distinguish between product and services marketing and demonstrate an understanding of consumer behaviour, market segmentation, the marketing mix and their application to the marketing plan); Ontario Cultural & Heritage Tourism Product (course examines the role of heritage and culture in the creation of Ontario as a tourism destination by investigating how the geographic makeup of the province influenced its historical development, the consequence of which has contributed to engaging tourism experiences); and many others. To supplement in-class learning, the College houses a full service hospitality management centre, an onsite conference centre and state-of-the-art computer labs.

In addition, Tourism Administration students participate in an internship, which provides meaningful work experience in approved jobs within the hospitality and tourism industry, enabling students to relate classroom theory to the practical world, while adding another career educational dimension to their career preparation. Field placement 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.

Centennial’s three-year tourism administration program admits students at three points throughout the year. To apply, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also possess compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Become a Heavy Duty Equipment Technician By Attending Centennial College

2011-12-05T00:31:00.000-08:00

Today’s cities are being built bigger, better, faster and stronger. They’re also being built higher and higher. In order for these cities to withstand natural disasters and other such occurrences, they must be constructed with the proper equipment. That’s where heavy duty equipment technicians and the machines that they work on come in. However, heavy duty equipment isn’t just used to build cities, it is also used in forestry, mining, transportation, landscaping, farming, land cleaning, the military, and much more. Heavy duty equipment technicians are hired in positions such as: service managers, service writers or coordinators, equipment company representatives, or college or industry teachers. Although there are varying titles in the field, there are some duties that many heavy duty equipment technicians share. For example, all of them must know how to check heavy duty vehicles such as cranes, graders and bulldozers for performance, faults or malfunctions. They must also be aware of how problems are diagnosed once they are discovered. This is where using computerized and other testing equipment comes in — just like with today’s car models, heavy duty vehicles and equipment has become highly-technological. After a diagnosis is finalized, heavy duty equipment technicians adjust equipment and repair or replace defective parts, components or systems using hand and power tools. Lastly, the repaired equipment is tested to ensure that it works. If, however, one is employed in management, he or she inspects the work of technicians.

At Centennial College in Toronto, students are able to participate in heavy duty equipment courses via the school’s Heavy Duty Equipment Technician co-op apprenticeship. Successful students will earn an Ontario College diploma, will have eight months of practical, on-the-job, co-op training at a heavy equipment facility and complete their entire Ontario apprenticeship in-school curriculum within two years.

In order to apply for the Heavy Duty Equipment program, one must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent. Non-academic requirements include: satisfactory results in a program admission session, experience and mechanical aptitude, resumé and English proficiency.

Once students are accepted into the program, they will discover Heavy Equipment Courses such as: Fixed Operations Management (introduces the concepts of Fixed Operations Management in the automotive, truck and coach and heavy duty service industry); Fluid Power Systems (covers in detail hydraulic principles, hydraulic schematics and circuit design, hydraulic actuators, and much more); Engine Systems (covers in detail diesel engine fundamentals, cooling systems, lubricating Systems, and more); and others such as Alternate Fuels, Advanced Electronics Control Systems Diagnosis, and Hoisting and Rigging Technology. Through these heavy equipment courses, students will have the opportunity to train on heavy duty equipment assemblies in fully-equipped heavy duty equipment labs. Meanwhile, the eight months of practical training sees them employed at a heavy equipment facility, working among professionals in the field. Students will be compensated during their co-op placement.

Study a Range of Topics in Centennial College’s Arts Program

2011-12-04T23:53:00.000-08:00

“I would describe the General Arts program as fun, interesting, exciting,” says Desiree, a students in the Arts program at Centennial College. “You get to meet new people, your professors are down-to-earth and they help you out a lot. My favourite class was Concepts in Sociology, Psychology, and Humanities. Then you just have your basic courses like your English, which puts you on a different level by helping you out with your writing skills for university [or college].”

This testimonial demonstrates the social and educational benefits of this Arts Program, which is designed to see students study a range of subjects in the humanities and social sciences, as well as communications and learning skills. The length of the program is up to the learner — running from one to four semesters — depending on future goals.

But who should attend? First, students who students don’t possess the academic admission credentials needed to enter a university program of their choice would benefit from upgrading credentials through the Arts program. Also, those wonder if college or university is the right choice for them would find the format of the Arts program beneficial as on-campus experience will allow them to gain insight into how post-secondary programs are structured and what responsibilities they will have as students. Lastly, students who are interested in pursing an education in specialized programs such as: Child Studies, Communication Arts, Community Services or Hospitality and Tourism Administration should consider attending the General Arts program.

Applicants possess an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. They must also have the compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program.

Some of courses in the Arts program include: Introductory Research Skills (introduces students to all the component parts of the research process, including the choice of the research topic and research questions, the literature review, ethical concerns, and the choice of paradigm, conceptual framework, approach, design and data collection and analysis); 20th Century History (examines the complex events and forces of the past 100 years. The topics covered include the political, social, economic, cultural, intellectual, and religious movements that created almost constant conflict as well as constant progress); Concepts in Humanities (intended develop several articulate and informed concepts appropriate for observing, participating in and appraising work in the disciplines of the Humanities — history, philosophy, poetry, myth, theatre, fine arts, architecture, music and film); and more.

After one year of study, with at least a 3.0 GPA, students may proceed directly into the first year of a university arts program. Centennial College’s Arts program has articulated programs with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These schools include: Athabasca University, Griffith University, Ryerson University and York University.

Food and Nutrition Management: Where Food and Community Meet

2011-12-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

“I learned an enormous amount about different diets and health issues concerning healthcare food service, as well as kitchen skills and different cooking techniques. This is an excellent program to take if you would like to work in the health care food service industry,” says Catrina Evans a graduate of the Food Service program at Centennial College in Toronto, Ont.

Developed to meet the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Standards and Criteria with input from professional organizations and healthcare employers, students of this one-semester program benefit from a learning experience that meets current government standards and employer requirements. Those interested in applying for this food service program, which also includes Food and Nutrition Management aspects, must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. English proficiency will also be considered. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to program.

Delivered over a three-day week to accommodate student needs, the courses within the food service program cover the practical aspects of quantity food preparation, service, basic and therapeutic nutrition and sanitation practices. Also covered are quality customer service, effective communications and quality assurance. Specific courses within the undertaking include: Role of Food Service Worker, Workplace Communications, Sanitation and Safety, Nutrition and Health Care, Kitchen Equipment and Food Preparation and Food Service Worker Placement. The courses are presented in a lecture format. To supplement the in-school learning, students also participate in a work experience field placement in a healthcare facility. The placement allows them to apply classroom learning in a true work situation. However, before students can go on their placement, they must have a mandatory two-step mantoux test (TB skin test) within 12 months of starting the program, even if they have had BCG, as well as influenza immunization and a vulnerable persons police check.

Among the skills students graduate with are: the ability to communicate the role of nutrition and apply the principles of human nutrition to food production in the health care food service environment; discuss the standards and principles of diet therapy relating to a variety of illnesses and diseases and apply these principles to the assembly of therapeutic meals in the health care food service environment; provide a safe and health dietary environment, including food that is free from bacteria and other harmful contaminants by adhering to government and departmental regulations relating to food safety, and injury and hazard prevention strategies; carry out cost control techniques in the preparation of foodservice in the healthcare environment; implement cooking principles and techniques in the preparation of large quantities of various foods for the healthcare environment and more.

Students in the Food Service Program may also use the knowledge and skills they gain to transfer into the two-year Food and Nutrition Management diploma program if desired. Upon graduation, students obtain positions in long-term care, retirement, acute care and with food service contractors. This certificate is a requirement to work as a food service worker in long-term care as well as an asset to work in other healthcare food service industries.

A Freightliner Training Academy-like Environment Prepares Your Practically and Theoretically

2011-12-04T21:10:00.000-08:00

“This is a modified apprenticeship program,” says George Leedeman of the Truck and Coach Technician – Freightliner program at Centennial College, which has a Freightliner Training Academy feel. “The employers go out of their way to ensure that students actually do some work during their apprenticeship, and are not just pushing the broom. They’ll actually be assisting or shadowing a technician when he’s doing important work on the trucks so they can really learn something. Also, the engines found on-campus [that students train with] are very popular and commonly found in the trade. So it’s up-to-date, it’s useful information and it’s leading edge.” Meanwhile, a student named Rafael adds, “It’s a learning process on bigger vehicles such as trailer trucks and also busses. The coolest thing that I’ve learned so far is taking an engine apart, and learning and understanding the breakdowns.”

These testimonials show how valuable the 36-week freightliner training at Centennial College is with its in-class training and four weeks of co-op work placement. To apply, students must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or GED or equivalent. Applicants must be employed by a freightliner dealership or a designated fleet employer or selected through an interview process. Please be advised, that candidates may apply directly to Centennial College. Successful applicants must obtain an employer and then register as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Acceptance is based on successful completion of all entry requirements. Limited space is available in each program.

Once students are accepted, they will discover the freightliner training academy feel comes from 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, equipment safety concerns. These subjects are covered in state-of-the-art classrooms and labs housed within the province’s largest transportation centre, Ashtonbee campus. It should be noted that the training provided in the Truck Freightliner Training program is actually more in-depth and longer than traditional apprenticeships.

In addition to this in-school portion is four weeks of on-the-job training. As Mr. Leedeman mentioned, during this time, students apply what they have learned and gain new knowledge from their employers. They also have a chance to network and learn to deal with a range of clients. Students receive pay during the apprenticeship and may be eligible for Employment Insurance during the in-class training. Once students have graduated from the Centennial College program, 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 truck, bus or motor home dealerships; manufacturers of trucks, buses, and motor homes; freight and transportation companies; as well as municipal or provincial highway transportation departments.

Communication Training Will Prepare You For a Career in Public Relations

2011-12-01T03:37:00.000-08:00

The art of communication is key in everyday life and even more so in business. Professionals with communications training find jobs with banks, municipal governments, PR agencies, museums, trade associations, hospitals not-for-profit organizations and many other places. These communications specialists can either become public relations reps or corporate communications professionals. Although both areas entail communication, there are differences. For example, public relations is all about building and maintaining relationships between your client’s internal and external stakeholders. Corporate communications, on the other hand, involves the communication within a corporation, such as executive and internal communications, branding, events, advertising, and more. The one thing both have in common is the communications training professionals who work in them receive.

“I’m really glad I decided to go to Centennial College. So many things were triggered from that. If I hadn’t learned some of the skills and taken the courses in the program, I don’t think I’d be in such a great position as I am now,” says Virginia Middleton, who works with Kids Help Phone Line. Virginia’s testimonial demonstrates the reason why the college’s Corporate Communications and Public Relations Program is so highly respected. It is all about ensuring that students are obtaining skills, academic knowledge and having the opportunity to network. And students (and employers) are appreciating the communication training. Ninety-two per cent of graduates are very satisfied or satisfied with the overall quality of instruction; 86 per cent of students are very satisfied or satisfied with skills and abilities specific to a career in this field; 100 per cent of employers of grads from the public relations program are very satisfied or satisfied with their job-related knowledge.

Taking one year to complete, the program is for post-graduate students and results in an Ontario College Graduate Certificate. It is offered out of the Centre for Creative Communications, which is located close to the heart of Toronto’s PR industry and ensures ample networking opportunities. In addition, focus is on employability skills and landing a job with a curriculum that emphasizes learning by doing. Among the skills students gain are: learning to write media releases and newsletters, producing an event with a team, designing releases, conducting press conferences, communicating effectively with the public and the media, and much. Specific courses within the program include: Event Management, Copy Editing, Media Relations, Online Public Relations and more. Speaking of the Internet, this Communications Training leads the way in social media and PR content. To supplement the in-school learning, students attend a full-time, eight-week field placement.

Those interested in applying must be able to present an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. Applicants will also be required to attend an information session that includes writing and editing exercises and will have to submit a portfolio of writing and a resume. Those who can present a combination of partial post-secondary education (two year minimum) and relevant work experience may also be considered for Centennial College’s communications training.

According to a 2009 survey on PayScale.com, the median salary for a PR manger is $65,959.

Court Clerk Training at Centennial College Gets You into Canada’s Courts

2011-12-01T01:38:00.000-08:00

“It is a two-semester certificate program,” says Patty-Ann Sullivan of the Court Support Service undertaking at Centennial College where students obtain court clerk training and Municipal Court Training . “We have designed it on the recommendation of the Ministry of the Attorney General. This program will introduce students to the procedural rules [and is a place] where they will learn about family law and criminal law. We’ll also touch upon some court reporting and transcribing. The unique thing about this program is that it contains a practicum portion. We have an assimilated courtroom within Centennial College, so the students will actually be able to practice taking an oath and presenting before judges. In addition, there will be numerous trips to the various courtrooms and tribunals in order for these students to see first-hand exactly what their role will be within the courtroom setting. It’s perfect for an individual who is very confident, articulate, and who enjoys interacting and working with a number of different individuals. This program should result in jobs within the courtroom setting — either as Court Monitors or Court Clerks. In addition, these graduates will be able to work with all the administrative tribunals and will also be able to work for any official examiners’ offices.”

Patty-Ann does a fantastic job of describing the program but let’s take a closer look at some of the specifics. First and foremost, to apply, students 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. Applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language proficiency in order to be considered for admission. Applicants whose first language is not English, and who have studied in an English language school system, for less than three full years may meet English proficiency requirements by providing satisfactory results an English Language Proficiency test.

Experienced Court Clerk Training faculty members who work within the court system provide students with the legal and practical hands-on learning through: small class sizes, newly upgraded computer labs, simulated courtroom setting, practical, career-oriented assignments and the out-of-classroom experiences that Patty-Ann mentioned. Specific course within the court clerk training include: Court Clerk Criminal, Ethics and Professional Conduct, Communications, Word Processing Applications and more. Lastly, the field experience offers students a look at how the field functions and a chance to network. “We look forward to the opportunity of working with the graduates of the Centennial College Court Support Services program,” says Ali Maqbool, A/Supervisor, Court Operations, Family & Small Claims Court, Ministry of the Attorney General

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. Upon graduation, the role of the court clerk is multi-faceted and includes the implementation of courtroom procedures, in addition to working with judges, lawyers and other courtroom personnel.

Community and Child Studies Training Prepares You For Your Educational Journey

2011-12-01T00:44:00.001-08:00

Careers such as Early Childhood Education, Child and Youth Work, Developmental Service Work, Community and Justice Services, Police Foundations, Recreation and Leisure Services and Social Services all require the professionals who work in them to be properly trained at a respected post-secondary institution. What happens if a person who wants to enter one of these fields doesn’t have the credentials to take the necessary program? He or she can instead enter the community and child studies training at a school like Centennial College. This unique undertaking serves as a pathway for pursing a profession in one of these fields.

Taking two semesters to complete, the undertaking is specifically designed for adult learners while taking into account and supports the needs of ESL students. Not only does the community and Child Studies Training allow students to develop a thorough understanding of the personal and professional requirements of the varied careers available in the community services and child studies department, it also engages students in reflective practice to facilitate professional skill development. All of this is carried out while enhancing communication competence in all language strands.

Faculty members who are experienced in both community and child studies conduct all of the courses within the program. These faculty members not only support and guide students, they also utilize ESL collaborative teaching approaches.

Speaking of the community and Child Studies Course, they include topics such as health and first aid, an introduction to psychology, professional practice and ethics, foundations in community and child studies and others. These topics are covered via specific courses such as Developing College Communications Skills (designed to assist students in upgrading their English skills in the four areas of reading, writing, speaking, and listening); Professional Practice and Ethics (students explore how personal attitudes, values and boundaries affect professional relationships. As students begin to define themselves as professionals in the human services field, they will discuss and clarify the professional ethics and standards of employment); Foundations in Community & Child Studies (students will explore professional roles and summarize key career benefits and issues); and more.

Once students successfully complete the program, they obtain an Ontario College Certificate and apply to a Centennial College program of their choice.

To apply for the child studies courses, students must have minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required is the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. However, possession of minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants should be advised that the program is only open for admission to applicants who have been advised and assisted to register by the Centennial College Assessment and Advising Centre. Applicants cannot apply directly to ontariocolleges.ca for admission to this program.

Aviation Technicians Find Employment in a Number of Areas

2011-11-30T22:15:00.000-08:00

Avionics maintenance technicians (also known as aviation technicians) work in many areas of the industry including: manufacturers, military, airlines, operators, aircraft, electronic and avionics maintenance companies; aviation repair and overhaul, and other Canadian aviation operations. The jobs of these professionals entail a number of duties including: maintaining engine operations, flight patterns, navigation systems, radio communications and weather radar systems. In addition, they inspect, test and double-check electrical power distribution and control as well as flight instrumentation.

In order to enter the field, those who are interested must first attend Aviation Technician Schools or an aviation technician program such as Centennial College’s Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance undertaking. The application process includes having completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or General Education Development or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older. They must also have completed the compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent. The requirements, however, don’t stop once students are accepted. In order to graduate from the aviation technicians program, they must achieve a minimum C grade in all courses to graduate. Please note that 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.

The program is both Transport Canada (TC) approved and Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council (CAMC) certified as a recognized avionics maintenance training program, which proves its credibility. In addition, faculty is highly skilled, with years of experience and extensive technical expertise, with a deep commitment to the program, its students and their success. Assisting the faculty members in their job is Centennial College’s aerospace facility, which is housed with modern equipment reflecting the current trends in the industry. As a result, students spend much of their program time working with modern tools currently being used in the industry and obtaining hands-on practice to ensure that they are ready for the field upon graduation. Through these shop activities (as well as theoretical courses) students gain both theoretical and practical knowledge that makes them employable upon graduadtion.

Specific courses in the aviation technician program include: Theory of Flight (students learn the principles of flight, including atmosphere, aircraft aerodynamics/control and stability and high-speed flight. The course also provides study of the principles of helicopter design, flight characteristics, stability and control); Hangar – Maintenance Procedures (students apply the theory of aircraft reciprocating engines to include the lubrication system, ignition system, carburetors, fuel injection and propeller maintenance); Aircraft Instruments (students learn the principles and concepts of Pitot Static, pressure measuring, temperature measuring, navigational and digital instruments); and more.

In addition to an Ontario College diploma, 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 Licence.

AirCraft Technician Training Helps Your Career Take Off

2011-11-30T21:21:00.000-08:00

Manufacturers, airlines, aircraft maintenance companies and other Canadian aviation operations are places of employment within the aviation field for those trained as aircraft technicians. As they essentially hold human lives in their hands, these professionals must be accredited from reputable post-secondary institutions with high standards for graduation.

One of those schools is Centennial College in Toronto, Ont., which provides students of the Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program with highly sought after skills in aircraft maintenance, power plant structures, inspections, troubleshooting, mechanical, electrical and electronic applications. Students also receive detailed information on hydraulics, fuels, environmental systems, engines, surface controls and undercarriage systems, and the aircraft’s frame and external skin. Lastly, they acquire knowledge in other sciences related to aircraft maintenance, to equip them for work in the aircraft maintenance industry. Specific Aircraft Technician Training courses include: Safety and Human Factors, Piston Engines and Propellers, Theory of Flight, Sheet Metal & Aircraft Structures, Aircraft Publications and many others.

Students can expect a significant amount of hands-on training out of Ashtonbee Campus’ labs and airport hangar. This campus is the largest transportation training centre in the province and allows students to practice fixing aircraft engines, performing flight-line activities as well as conducting aircraft and component inspections.

Before students can graduate and become aircraft technicians, they must complete over 200 maintenance tasks. Also required for Aircraft Maintenance Technician graduation is a minimum C grade in all courses. The program, which results in an Ontario College Diploma, is both Transport Canada approved and Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council certified as a recognized aircraft maintenance-training program. 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.

Once they graduate, students have the ability to: overhaul, repair, inspect or modify an aircraft as well as the install or remove of a component from an aircraft or aircraft subassembly. Most commonly, aircraft technicians go on to become Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, whose job it is to certify, after inspection, any work that is performed on the aircraft as well as performing it themselves.

Those who are interested in obtaining aircraft technician training from Centennial College must first complete an application process that includes having to present, at minimum, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or General Education Development or equivalent or being 19 years of age or older. Applicants must also possess compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent and Math 11M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment or equivalent.

Sports Journalism Programs Teach Specific Skills That Are Necessary to Succeed

2011-11-29T21:50:00.000-08:00

"The biggest selling feature of the program is we’re all about reality,” says Malcolm Kelly, the coordinator of the Sports Journalism program at Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. "We are teaching students print, online, radio and television through the 12 courses that you take here. So when you go out, you’re going out with the largest toolbox you possibly can. And as our world as journalists change, we need to offer those opportunities. The thing I enjoy most about teaching the program is the spirit. Obviously, if you have a group of people interested in sports journalism, being taught by a bunch of people who were in sports journalism, you get an awful lot of spirit in the classroom. And I think that’s very important because the desire to learn is just as important as the need to learn.”

Kelly does a great job of showcasing the wonderful features and atmosphere of this three-semester Graduate Certificate sports journalism program. Let’s take a closer look at some of its specifics. Applicants to program must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of the successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program in any discipline. In addition applicants must attend an admission session during which they will: undergo a resumé review, submit a portfolio, to include a minimum of three pieces of published or unpublished work; complete a writing test (for applicants who do not have a degree or diploma in journalism). The Sports Journalism program will consider applicants who present at least two years of post secondary in combination with relevant experience in the field of journalism.

Once accepted, students will participate in a number of courses geared to develop their: sports writing for print, radio, TV, online and multiplatform media; advanced interviewing techniques; sports beat reporting, statistics and imaging; and sports history, culture and business. Among these Sports Journalism courses are: Sports Writing and Sports Experience, Sports Interviewing and Beat Reporting, Sports in Canada: The Field of Play, The Sportscast, Total Sports: Stats and Research, The Business of Sports, and many more. In addition, students develop a portfolio of published pieces and attend an industry field placement that will see them working for a newspapers, magazine, TV station, radio station or online outlet. They will work alongside seasoned professionals who have been in sports journalism for years, allowing them to gain new knowledge and network. Some students are even hired on full-time once their field placement is over.

Upon graduation, students go on to work at an outlet of your choice in a particular area of journalism. You may start out as a beat writer for a newspaper before working your way up to a sports editor position. Another option is to work in TV, where you may start out as a chase producer before working your way up to a reporter position. There are also places for those who graduate from the Sports journalism program in online outlets, newspapers, blogs, and more.

Combine Medical Laboratory Technician Courses with Practical Training at Centennial College

2011-11-29T01:12:00.000-08:00

“What we do in the Medical Laboratory Technician program, is we practice the practical aspects of being in a medical lab,” says Daniel Pasternack, a student of Centennial College’s undertaking. “We practice taking blood from each other and doing microbiology plates and taking part in all of the aspects of what you would be doing in a medical lab.” Meanwhile, for student Ava Herichmiller one of the most exciting parts of the medical lab technician undertaking is having professors who have worked in the field and who have their own experiences, which are shared with the students. “It gives you a very good idea of what you will be doing in the field,” sums up Ava.

These two students do a great job of summarizing the most special aspects of Centennial College’s Medical Laboratory Technician undertaking: practical experience and knowledgeable faculty. But there is much more the program has to offer. First and foremost, to apply, students must have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older. Also required are: compulsory English 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent; math 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent; Biology 11C or U or equivalent.

Once students are accepted, they train for three semesters and graduate with an Ontario College Certificate. As this is a collaborative program taught by Centennial’s School of Community and Health Studies and School of Engineering Technology and Applied Science, representatives from hospitals, private laboratories and the Ministry of Health provide curriculum input. This input has resulted in a medical lab technician offering that sees students becoming familiar with essential functions such as collecting blood, processing clinical specimens, performing ECGs, setting up Holter monitors, and performing a variety of lab responsibilities. In order to do this, the medical laboratory technician courses teach students the use of laboratory equipment, medical terminology, transcultural health, applied chemistry for the medical laboratory, clinical data management, and much more.

To round out the theoretical and practical knowledge students of the Medical Laboratory Technician program obtain on campus, they participate in a Clinical Internship, during which they apply theoretical knowledge in a clinical practice setting under the direction of a medical laboratory assistant. This focus of this course is to allow for easy transition into the workplace environment. Students will be given the opportunity to become proficient at specimen collection and handling and be able to function as an effective member of a medical laboratory team. Lastly, students of this offering have eligibility for certification as a Medical Laboratory Assistant/ Technician with the Ontario Society of Medical Laboratory Technologists and the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science.

Upon graduation from the Medical Laboratory Technician program, students work in hospital laboratories, public health laboratories, reference laboratories, biomedical companies, universities, industrial medical laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, forensic medicine, governments, veterinary labs and the armed forces. Medical laboratory technicians can specialize in one of five different areas: blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology, or microbiology.

A Project Management Institute or Program Offers A Bright Future

2011-11-22T00:22:00.000-08:00

Project Managers (health, engineering, computer, new media, advertising, marketing, financial, education, transportation, construction, etc.), Project Leaders, Process Development Analysts, Global Project Managers — these are just some of the exciting positions that graduates of a project management institute or program can obtain upon graduation. These professional leaders are in charge of ensuring that projects, studies, research at companies (especially large ones that hire specialized professionals for all areas of business) are finished on time — and on budget. This is especially important in today’s unstable economy. Hence, it is a great time to enter the project management field.

One college offering a project management institute feel is Centennial College, at which students with previous college education can study in the Graduate Certificate program, Project Management. As such, this program is designed for post-secondary graduates from any discipline who wish to increase their employability by working towards a globally-recognized certification in project management. It is also ideal for experienced project managers seeking to bring a new dimension of leadership to their work environment and for leaders who want to manage innovation in a structured manner. To apply, an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree program must be submitted. Among non-academic requirements are interview, transcript and resume review. The School will consider applicants presenting a combination of education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines.

This particular Project Management institute-like program is reputable as its curriculum follows the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) standards and provides fundamental, hands-on training to equip specialists with the skills needed to lead a project from start to finish — in a time and cost effective manner. Part of this PMBOK approach includes delivering a curriculum that integrates technology tools such as Microsoft Project and leading-edge industry case studies with a focus on organizational leadership, in a hands-on manner. Within the Project Management Courses offering, students can expect to participate in focused courses such as: Project Leadership, Project Planning and Scheduling, Project Management Tools and Applications, Project Risk and Quality Management, Project Estimation and Cost Management, and more.

To round out on-campus training, students gain real-world experience through the 12-week field placement called Experiential Learning Opportunity. During this time, each student is assigned to an external host organization as an internship placement. Each student must take instruction and direction from the employer regarding their tasks while on work. Throughout the work term, a faculty member will monitor students. This course facilitates sharing of experiences during the internship in a safe and encouraging environment and helps the student structure his/her experiences in terms of a portfolio, which is an important summative document for the entire learning acquired during the length of the program.

At the end of this Project Management institute–like program, students can confidently 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.

Learn about Leadership in a Human Resources College Program

2011-11-21T22:56:00.000-08:00

“This is a program that teaches you all about human resources. So you learn about payroll, you learn about recruitment … This [human resources college program also] teaches you how to be a manager rather than just an employee of human resources,” says Andrea, a student of the Human Resources college program at Centennial College. “It’s teaches you how to lead people, how to handle tough situations, how to answer questions from people who may work for you. It just teaches you how to be in a leadership role.”

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

Once students are accepted, they’ll discover, as Andrea mentioned, a human resources college program that focuses on ensuring students are prepared for managerial positions. This is achieved through an emphasis on emerging human resource management trends such as managing diversity, alternative dispute resolution, pensions and benefits and human resource management systems. In addition covered are human resources management areas of: compensation, hiring, performance management, organization development, safety and wellness benefits, employee motivation, communication, administration and training. Courses feature a combination of theory and use of case studies, simulations and project-based learning. Lastly, experienced professors teach students of this human resources college program computer and Internet technology for performing HR functions as well as HRMS training using a SAP.

Students of this Human Resources College program earn their eligibility for the CHRP designation granted by the Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario, which increases marketability. This professional designation signals to employers that professionals have met the education and experience requirements to be successful in human resources. In addition, qualified graduates may be eligible to participate in an articulated program with selected universities, institutes and professional associations. These partnerships allow graduates to apply academic credit towards further study. The Human Resources program’s partners are University of Western Sydney and Centenary College.

Should students not have an interest in pursing further education, they are able apply for positions as HR administrators, HR generalists, HR recruiters, compensation analysts, trainers, pensions and benefits administrators, and occupational health and safety officers.

Hotel Management School Program Takes Just Two Semesters To Complete

2011-11-21T21:39:00.000-08:00

Imagine attending one program and being able to work in varied areas of tourism and hospitality such as: hotel and restaurant general management, human resources management, sales and marketing management, convention services management, cruise lines and more. It’s possible with Centennial College’s Hotel Management Course. The hotel, resort and restaurant management industry is a field that encompasses all of the above areas and brings in $18.8-billion in national accommodation revenue through 8,356 properties with 378,000 employees (as reported in 2008 by the Hotel Association of Canada).

The program at Centennial College (officially known as Hotel, Resort & Restaurant Management) is only two semesters yet is very intensive as it covers key management areas such as: finance, human resources, labour relations, oenology, international operations, leadership, entrepreneurship, security and risk, service quality, marketing and revenue management. This offering is geared at professionals who already have post-secondary accreditation but are looking for a career change or upgrade. Therefore, applicants must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary diploma or degree program. A resume review may also be required. Centennial College will consider applicants presenting a combination of partial post secondary education and relevant work experience, open to all disciplines.

During their time learning the aforementioned areas, students gain hands-on experience through operational lab practice facilities, a full service student operated restaurant called Horizons, modern continually updated computer labs and an on-site conference centre. These facilities prepare students of hotel management school for the valuable work experience they obtain through an individualized industry placement, designed to provide a practical foundation for their career. Taking place during the second semester, the placement is two-days per week. Companies willing to hire program graduates after work placement 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.

Upon graduation from the Hotel Management Program, students fill positions in a variety of areas that come together to make the hotel, resort and restaurant industry a success. For example, professionals may work as sales and marketing managers who use creative thinking skills to market the hotel and to draw people in. Another job is that of the human resources hotel manager, who hires staff and may be in charge of managing press, relations with the community and more. In addition, there are positions such as housekeeping manager (responsible for team of room attendants), front-desk management team (ensures guests are checked in and out of in a timely manner), restaurant and service management team (ensures that food at the hotel restaurant is top quality, tableware is sparking and that furniture is perfectly comfortable and clean); and general hotel manager (oversees all of these departments to ensure the hotel is running smoothly).

Esthetics College Program at Centennial College Is Respected

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The esthetician field is regarded as a mixed profile of various jobs such as barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal appearance workers. One thing professionals all have in common is they benefit from attending an esthetics college program. While the jobs range, some typical duties of professionals in this field include performing facials (deep cleansing, exfoliation and massages), body waxing, body treatments, anti-aging procedures (Botox, laser treatments and deep chemical peels), skin care, manicures, pedicure, and more. Meanwhile, some estheticians who own their own businesses are involved in the managerial duties of hiring, supervising and guiding workers. In Canada, the business is booming with spas, salons, health clinics, cruise ships, skin care companies all hiring trained Esthetician professionals.

Centennial’s Esthetician program will provide you with the knowledge and skills for spa applications, skin care and business operations. This combination gives you the edge over the competition. But these aren’t the only aspects that make this esthetics college-level program, which takes two years to complete and results in an Ontario College Diploma, stand out.

As a Centennial student, you have the advantage of developing your skills by using brand new esthetician lab facilities and cutting-edge equipment that are common in today’s wellness and medical spas. You will study with qualified instructors who have many years of experience in the industry and explore a comprehensive curriculum that incorporates anatomy, physiology, practical applications, product knowledge, sales techniques and business practice. Specific courses within this esthetics college program offering include: Skin Care Theory (examines basic concepts of anatomy and physiology as they relate to esthetics as well as understanding how the human body functions as an integrated whole, recognizing changes from the norm, and determining a scientific basis for the proper application of services and products); Spa Health and Safety (you will acquire an understanding of the types of contamination that may be present in a spa as well as the difference between cleaning and killing microbes. The focus is on the current methods of decontamination for equipment, tools, and hard surfaces in a spa); Spa Business (designed to teach you to think creatively about related business opportunities. Throughout the course you are expected to go through the motions of setting up a small business: extensive research into government services, bylaws, financing, choosing equipment and product); and more.

To round out training, you practice in the school’s student clinic (which is supervised by qualified faculty) and partake in field placements in the best spas in the city. Please be advised, that you must 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.

To apply for admission to this esthetics college program, you must 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.