Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Get Promoted, Finish Your DIY Project, and have Fun with Part Time Classes

You went to college and started your career. However, you feel that there is something missing. Perhaps, you need to start a hobby, have a desire to start your own business, or take a course to advance your personal learning. Maybe the promotion that you didn't get is bothering you and you want to have the skills to prepare to advance in your career. If you can relate to these examples, then a part-time class might be the solution.

Centennial College continuously offers new and exciting courses that are relevant to several industries. The courses in Continuing Education (CE) can enhance a professional’s credential, open new opportunities for any individual, and teach basic skills in different areas in the lifestyle and leisure courses. Many programs at Centennial have a practical experience component. With the short amount of time spent on some CE courses, classes are designed to be interactive and have students practice their skills as they learn from their instructors. Here is a list and description of groups of course offerings:

Accounting Courses
Students who want to earn certifications in the accounting discipline, can take specific accounting courses. They can also complete a full program to compliment your education, and enhance your knowledge and skills. If you started an accounting program and have not finished it yet, studying part-time can help you obtain your diploma. Several fundamental courses and certificate courses are accepting student applications, including the following: Canadian Securities preparatory course, Bookkeeping Certificate, Financial Planning Certificate, Public Accounting Certificate, and Retirement Planning.

Renovations
Spring cleaning takes a whole new meaning with these courses. Several renovation courses are offered in May, consisting of basic home improvements, bathroom, kitchen and home design renovations. Many of them are three-hour workshops completed in one day, where students are encouraged to participate and bring their DIY (do-it-yourself) projects for advice. Some courses are offered for a few days, with classes once a week on a weekend for a short period of time. Class sizes are often limited so interested persons should register as soon as the window becomes available.

Bridal Workshops
Several bridal workshops have been offered, including a full day event with a world-famous event planner, to specialized workshops and classes. The target audience for these classes are the bride-to-be's and their companions, but also anyone working in the industry who would like to learn a new skill or enhance their knowledge. Centennial is offering the Global Bridal Intensive Workshop Series once a week for a month. The classes cover three makeup techniques in three different cultures: South Asian, Egyptian, and Chinese.

College is for everyone, whether you are a young learner, professional, career changer, or retiree. The courses at the School of Continuing Education at Centennial offer advancement and benefits for people willing to pursue continuous learning. Courses vary from specific designations and certifications to courses that will help in career and personal growth. Check out the CE calendar on Centennial’s website, attend information sessions on specific courses, and attend a CE open house.

Learning away from Home Made Easy by Print and Online Programs and Courses

Parents would say that education is the greatest gift they can give to their children. When the time comes for college, some young adults have other commitments that pull them away from higher education, whether it is taking care of financial constraints or family reasons. Even other adults can experience the same dilemma, and more, with employment layoffs. However, these road blocks don’t have to be excuses to delay or stop achieving a diploma.

With good time management and support from schools, avid learners can apply to a variety of programs. Post-secondary institutions offer part-time courses and programs away from their campus, called distance learning, to give flexibility to students who have competing priorities. This is a revolutionary way of studying, since students attend classes in the convenience of their own home. In fact, they can do their schooling anywhere they prefer. There are two ways to deliver the classes.

1) Print-based learning
Students must be very independent to pursue print-based learning. Lectures with the professor cease to exist. Instead, students must absorb content from textbooks and course handouts. The school materials are couriered to the student’s home, and the student can study from these printed materials. Depending on the course, some may have online requirements, where students have the option to view lectures on the computer, and complete some work online. However, most of the assignments will be done in print, where the student will mail their completed work to the college. Major tests and exams are taken in school grounds or verified test centres to ensure validity.

2) Online learning
Requiring the learner to have certain computer system requirements and have some basic computer skills, online programs and courses can be an easy way of studying. Lectures are recorded and can be viewed anytime, while course materials can be delivered rapidly. Additionally, some lectures may be viewed live, so students can ask questions during the class time, without having to travel outside their homes. Similar to the print-based method, students must take exams in college-approved sites, so confidence in test scores is not put into question.

Time and effort are needed from students who attend regular classes, so having classes away from campus is not much different. However, students have to be more discipline and focused to follow their schedules, since they are given the freedom to take classes off-campus. Also, they would need to have some computer requirements. However, the benefits of this type of studying outweigh the challenges. Flexibility is an important gateway to completing work, as students can do their studies on their own time, their choice of study space, and on their own pace. Also, this is generally less expensive than attending school, where several campus fees are added to the tuition fee. The same quality content is delivered, and professors are still open to questions and feedback by e-mail or other online interactions.

Education does not have to be put on the backseat. With Distance Learning, students can study on their own schedule and terms, through print-based programs and online learning. Students enrolled in this type of schooling have the independence to make their life choices and to prioritize their affairs.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Personal Support Workers Job Description Work Life and Educational Requirements

Personal support workers operate in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, residential facilities, long term care institutions, community support agencies and clients within their homes, assisting clients with activities of daily living. They are responsible for
  • Following the patient care plan suggested by a licensed healthcare practitioner
  • Observing and reporting any substantial or unusual findings in patient's behavior or physical condition
  • Assisting in or providing total personal care to patients
  • Helping clients ensure personal hygiene
  • Performing routine household chores for clients
  • Offering companionship to the clients
  • Mobilizing disabled people and motivating them to help themselves
  • Providing informal counselling to patients
  • Giving them medicines on time as suggested by a physician or a registered health practitioner
  • Listening to the concerns of patients and bringing positivity in their lives
  • Promoting safety and providing emotional support
  • Assisting with meal preparation
  • Maintaining records and documents
The basic work activities of personal support workers are same everywhere; however, the scope of practice is governed by
  • Type of setting they are employed with
  • Specific requirements of a client
  • Type of experience that they have
  • Rules and regulations of the setting they work in
  • Laws of a particular state or country
The job description of personal support professionals can be tailored to the specific needs of clients or the requirements at a healthcare facility.

Work Life of Personal Support Workers

Personal support workers may require working in shifts; however, their roles and responsibilities depend on the condition of people they attend to. They are also expected to travel to the homes of clients to assist them in their routine activities.

The job of personal support professionals can be very stressful and demanding, as they have to deal with people with diverse disabilities and medical conditions. The professionals should be emotionally balanced and soft spoken and should respect their clients, regardless of their condition. They are also expected to preserve the dignity, privacy and independence of the people they attend to.

Educational Requirements for Becoming a Personal Support Worker

In order to pursue career as a personal support worker in Toronto, you need to have undergone a formal training in this field. A post-secondary personal support worker course prepares you with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide assistance and care to allow individuals to lead active and fulfilled lives in the community and institutions.

The program focuses on the full range of home and health related services required by clients with disabilities, the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, people with cognitive impairment and also patients recovering from acute illnesses.

Centennial College's personal support worker program covers a wide range of subjects including anatomy, foundations of personal support, personal support communication, developmental stages and alterations in health, foundations of mental health, PSW skills laboratory, and supporting clients in palliative care, personal and professional growth, PSW clinical practice and PSW community practice.

The program combines classroom learning, participation as a member of the care services teams in community and institutional settings, and a supervised field placement in a real-world scenario.

Enrollment Guide

In order to apply for a personal support program, you will need:
  • Secondary school diploma or equivalent
  • English Grade 12 C or University or equivalent
After admission, you will need to:
  • Obtain an annual clear police check with vulnerable sector screening
  • Complete immunization requirements
  • Complete and annual renew a recognized course in CPR
  • Complete a recognized course in Standard First Aid
  • Attend mask fit testing

What Does It Take to be a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic

Refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics are experts who install, repair, overhaul and maintain air conditioning systems, heating and cooling systems, refrigeration units and ventilation systems in residential, commercial and industrial structures.

The mechanics are generally employed by engineering firms, air conditioning and refrigeration installation contractors, food wholesales, industrial service companies and manufacturing companies. They may be hired by organizations such as schools, colleges and hospitals on full time basis. In addition, they can also work as freelance mechanics or run their own businesses.


Most employers nowadays prefer to employ mechanics who have undergone some formal training and have hands-on-experience. An apprentice program can help individuals in gaining/strengthening theoretical basis and get practical training as well.

About Refrigeration Mechanic Course

Generally a Air Conditioning Mechanic program is a three year traditional apprentice program. It teaches students the ins and outs of design, installation, repair and refitting techniques of heating and cooling systems in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

The program is divided into three levels - basic level (1st year), intermediate level (2nd year) and advanced level (3rd year). It combines classroom studies with on-the-job training with a company.This helps students in applying their classroom learning into practice and gain required work experience necessary to find employment after completion of the course. They also gain valuable contacts that can be used as references for employment in future. The apprenticeship can vary from two to five years depending upon the trade you apply for.


A certificate of qualification is given to students who write the exam at the conclusion of their apprenticeship. This means that those who pass the exam are qualified for an apprenticeship certificate from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

Benefits You Avail While You Learn
  • You get to attend one to three sessions of full-time instructions for forty weeks, depending upon your trade.
  • You are taught by professors who have extensive experience in the industry.
  • Your apprentice includes on-the-job training with an employer.
  • You also earn when you learn
Enrolling into a Refrigeration Mechanic Program

Well, you can't directly apply with any college in Canada for a refrigeration mechanic program. You will have to contact the Ministry of Training in order to apply for an apprentice program. And if you're shortlisted, you will be scheduled into your college sessions by them only. One prerequisite for applying for the course is that you must be currently employed as an apprentice.

So, if you have never got any formal training in air conditioning and refrigeration installation, maintenance and repair, it's ideal to apply for an apprenticeship program now. The course will help strengthen your basics and sharpen your skills. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the apprentice should be supported by an employer or else it won't be possible for you to enroll in the program.

The job market for mechanics with formal training is constantly expanding. Finding better employment opportunities won't be difficult once you complete your formal training. So, explore your options and apply for an apprentice program to enhance your skills.

Become a Video Game Producer with a Game Design Course

Do you find yourself wondering how video games work, how they are made and why they are so visually appealing? Do you still find the world of video games as fascinating as you did when you were young? If yes, maybe then you would be interested in taking up game designing as a career. Don't be surprised as it is very well possible. Even you can be at the scripting side of the video games. You can also use your imagination to create a wonderful game and turn your dream into reality.

There are many institutions and colleges - public and private now offering post-secondary interactive game design courses. The programs are designed to prepare you to work as a game designer in software development (precisely game development) industry.

Game Design Program Overview
 
A game design program emphasizes on object oriented software design methodologies including .NET, Java, Flash, XNA, HTML5, Java EE, C#, DirectX, Oracle, MS SQL and many more.

You will be able to learn to work on these frameworks and technologies while participating in the various phases of games development life cycle including designing, 3D graphic programming, game engine design, online programming, software testing and quality analysis.

The three-year (six semesters) program combines math, algebra, statistics, software engineering fundamentals and methodologies, network technologies, wireless programming, software testing, graphics and project management.

The classroom lectures are aimed at providing you in-depth theoretical knowledge about software development and other aspects of project development and management. The program also includes two software development projects to help you utilize all your theoretical and technical knowledge effectively.

Career Opportunities
 
The game design program opens doors to numerous employment opportunities for students. The graduates can find employment in IT industry for entry level positions, such as software developers, game programmers, computer programmers, business analysts, system analysts, software testers, web application developers, database administrators and application and software support.

Game designing is one of the newest career options at the moment. Needless to say, the earnings in this field are quite well. However, it totally depends on your expertise, the company you're employed with and the project you're working on.

Enrolling into a Game Design Course in Canada
 
If you're planning to enroll in a game deign course in Canada, you will need to produce a Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older), English Grade 12 C or University, or equivalent and Mathematics Grade 11 M or University, or 12 C or University, or equivalent.

Conducting a research about colleges offering game design diploma course will certainly pay off. The syllabus for course remains almost the same everywhere. But what makes a real difference is practical experience.

A good public college offers students opportunities to apply their theoretical knowledge into practice, by providing valuable opportunities to work three terms in the field. You gain work experience by the time you complete your course.

Video game designing is one of the most rewarding (also most demanding) jobs. Develop the skills necessary for building a great career in the gaming industry with a bachelors program post secondary school.