Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Computer Networking Training Secures Your Career

“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 computer network training 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.

Monday, June 11, 2012

Degree Programs at College Level Offer Multiple Benefits

Did you know that degree programs aren't just offered at university? Some post-secondary institutions offer college programs that allow students to graduate with university-level credentials. Centennial College is one of those schools, as it offers degree programs that take four years to complete. Attending a degree program at college level can be advantageous as it still entails studying via a college model that includes a focus on practical skills and theoretical background. There are additional benefits to taking this route as well. For example, college programs are delivered in small classrooms, which allows for more peer-to-peer interaction and networking with professors. Thanks to a limited number of students in each class, instructors get to know their students, which make for a more beneficial learning experience. As previously mentioned, degree programs at college also offer a hands-on approach that allows students to gain skills they need before graduating and entering their chosen field. Centennial's college degrees meet rigorous Ontario Ministry standards (provincial standards).

Centennial College offers two of its college degree programs in a model that sees students studying on campus for the entire four years of the undertakings. The first of these two programs is Software Systems Design, which prepares students for areas such as software development, software engineering, systems analysis, business analysis, web application development and more. It is the only of its kind in the province and has a unique emphasis on system design, a blend of technology and business subjects as well as industry placement. The final benefit of this offering is that it includes three software development projects. These real-world business applications will require students to utilize all the technical, systems and business skills acquired during their studies to build higher quality software. Students of this college program specialize in mobile application development or service oriented architecture and cloud computing.

The other degree program that is solely based on Centennial College's campus is Computer and Communication Networks. This offering trains students to become Project Management Analysts, IT program managers, Technician Account Managers, Business Account Managers and much more. This is achieved through a unique blend of technology and business subjects, creating an innovative balance between the practical and the theoretical backgrounds for which employers are looking. Students of this college program study out of Progress Campus, which is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories that are specially engineered for the curriculum. They include uniquely equipped facilities offering VoIP, cellular networks, wireless broadband (WiMax), advanced routing and switching as well as network management.

In addition, Centennial College has agreements with Ryerson University and University of Toronto to offer college degree programs during which students spend time at both the college and university environment. With Ryerson, students can participate in a Bachelor of Science Nursing program. Meanwhile, the college degree programs offered in collaboration with UofT include: Applied Microbiology, Environmental Science and Technology, Journalism, New Media Studies and Paramedicine. Lastly, there is a Bridging To Software Systems Design offering that makes it possible to complete the Software System Design (SSD) degree in two years, while allowing students to keep a full-time job if they have a diploma in software and are working in the field.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Mechanical Engineering Program Offers Real Life Experience

If you are looking to attend a Mechanical Engineering program that offers you the chance at real-life experiences balanced with theory and lab practice, look no further than the Mechanical Engineering Technology – Industrial (PTY) offering at Centennial College. This offering is designed for those interested in a career in the manufacture and production of mechanical equipment.

In order to apply, all you require is the completion of at least an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). In addition, you must possess English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment; and Math Grade 11 M or U or Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent, or skills assessment.

Once you are accepted, you will attend mechanical engineering courses that prepare you for positions such as s supervisor (which offers additional opportunities), junior engineer, assistant to professional engineers, lab technician, quality control, CAD operator, technical sales and marketing, production control, and product design and development. But how does Centennial College's Mechanical Engineering program get you from novice to confident professional?

The campus at which Mechanical Engineering program students study houses a new mechanical engineering lab that includes: Thermodynamic Fluid Power testing modules, and Tensile, Hardness and Impact Testers. This is important as students attend Mechanical Engineering courses that have a 60-40 balance of theory and practice. Through this approach, students gain a foundation in basic engineering skills and science before moving onto more specific and advanced topics relating to modern manufacturing and production processes. The project-driven angle of the mechanical engineering courses allows learners to experience machine shop operation, tool design, plus computer numerical control programming, designing, as well as building and testing an original piece of equipment. In addition, they learn essential computer-assisted drafting and manufacturing (CAD/ CAM), as well as industry-current software instruction in AutoCAD, Inventor and Mastercam.

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

In addition to in-class learning, students of the Mechanical Engineering program take on two individual projects and attend co-op in the field. First, the project, which simulates actual workplace assignments, gives students practical experience in designing, building and testing an original piece of equipment.

Secondly, academically qualified students enhance their education by working three terms as paid employees in the field. This experience not only allows them to put classroom learning into practice, but also provides valuable networking opportunities for future careers. Please note that a minimum C grade required in COMM-170/171, minimum 2.5 GPA and minimum 80 percent of year 1 and 2 courses are required for COOP-221.

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

Learn the Ins and Outs of Becoming a Successful Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning technicians are the professionals who make, install, repair and service residential, commercial and industrial cooling and heating systems. While some of them work in building maintenance, others specialize in repairing small, portable refrigeration and freezing units. As part of their job, refrigeration and air conditioning technicians measure, cut and connect piping using welding and brazing equipment; recharge systems with refrigerant gases as required; connect rooftop units to gas, test and balance systems and connect electrical systems; adjust computerized controls; use computer software to calculate loads, and work on large machines. The areas in which they may work include technical support, maintenance and installation, design, sales and service. It should be noted that when graduates first leave the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician program, they may obtain employment as heating technicians or through affiliated trade apprenticeships in plumbing, pipefitting, electrical, sheet metal or refrigeration. Apprenticeship is required after graduation, for those who wish to become tradespersons.

If this field sounds like it could be of interest to you, you may want to consider attending Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning courses at Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. This two-year, four-semester offering specializes in helping students to acquire a broad knowledge of the design, installation and service techniques of heating and air conditioning systems for commercial and residential settings.

In order to attend the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning courses at Centennial College, interested parties are required to have completed at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older). In addition, they must have the credits for compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent; and Math 11M or U, or 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent.

Once they are accepted, students study out of Progress Campus. Of Centennial Colleges four locations, this one is the largest and most centrally located. It provides many places in which students can practice their craft such as a restaurant and conference centre. During their Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning courses, students learn a variety of skills to ensure that theyll be career ready upon graduation. Some specific skills include: maintain, size and select equipment for air conditioning and refrigeration application; the development of refrigerants; development of equipment to meet the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) standards; efficiency standards for heating equipment; installation and service techniques; among others.

Specific Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Courses in which students partake during their time at Centennial College include: Fundamentals of Cooling Cycles, Mechanical Cooling Cycle, Mechanical Drawing & Prints, Heating Fundamentals, Pipe Joining & Installation for Cooling, Psychtometrics – Control, and more. In addition, at the end of their training, students participate in a Capstone Project. This final project encompasses elements of everything the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning students have learned throughout their time in the program. A faculty member supervises this project.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Three Aviation Program Options at Centennial College Have Something for Everyone

The world of aviation is a diverse one that involves pilots, mechanics, flight instructors, avionics technicians and more. The professionals who fill these positions all get their start by attending an aviation program that caters to their particular area of interest. At Centennial College, students can attend three very different aviation programs, all of which fall under The School of Transportation umbrella. As such, whether they attend Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance, Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance or Professional Pilot Training, they study out of the school’s Ashtonbee Campus. This location houses Canada’s largest transportation training centre, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities, complete with a fully equipped hangar and tools of the trade. There are even airplanes that have been donated to the school and serve to help students master their craft.

The first aviation program is the Professional Pilot Training program, which is presented as a collaboration between Centennial College and Durham Flight Centre (where students obtain flight practice). This aviation program consists of three phases. During the first, students are required to obtain a grade average of 70 per cent and are required to successfully complete all ground school flight training requirements of the Private Pilot Phase within a certain time frame to go into the next program phase. In the Commercial Pilot Phase, students must maintain a 75 per cent average and are again required to complete all ground school and flight training requirements to move onto the last phase. The Multi Engine IGF Rating phase requires a 75 per cent and all ground school and flight training requirements to also be completed within a certain timeframe.

The other two aviation programs at Centennial College focus on the role of aviation technicians and are both approved by Transport Canada approved and certified by the Canadian Aviation Maintenance Council as a recognized aircraft maintenance-training programs. Graduates of both of these avionics programs work in many areas of the industry including: manufacturers, airlines, aircraft, electronic and avionics maintenance companies; and other Canadian aviation operations

The first of these aviation programs is Aviation Technician – Aircraft Maintenance program, which covers: aircraft maintenance, power plant structures, inspections, troubleshooting, mechanical, electrical and electronic applications. Also emphasized is the repair of a wide range of electrical and mechanical systems within an aircraft including: hydraulics, fuels, environmental systems, engines, surface controls and undercarriage systems, and the aircraft’s frame and external skin. Aviation maintenance servicing practices and procedures as well as aviation regulation requirements, round out training.

The final aviation program offering is Aviation Technician – Avionics Maintenance program. Taking two years to complete, it prepares bench technicians for work in avionic-approved shops and aircraft manufacturing companies. In this offering students develop skills in, basic electronics and sophisticated avionic systems used in modern aircraft. The aircraft’s various electronic systems are examined, including: electrical power distribution and control, navigation, flight instrumentation, communication and radar.