In the News - January 2012

College of the Rockies student to bike across Canada

College of the Rockies Media Release, January 16, 2012
College of the Rockies' student Kieren Britton has big plans for the summer of 2012. In between her studies for a Bachelor of Business Administration Sustainable Business Practices degree, she intends to ride her bike across Canada to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Canada. She is dedicating this ambitious journey to her grandfather, who died of the disease, by calling it Kieren's Ride for Grandpa. Read more.

Six NLC students earn awards from Encana and Four NLC students receive Minerva awards

Northern Lights College Media Release, January 15, 2012

Six Aboriginal students at Northern Lights College are the beneficiaries of financial awards provided by Encana Corporation. The awards, valued at $1,000 each, are available to Aboriginal students enrolled in full-time studies at NLC. Plus, four Northern Lights College students have been named recipients of the Minerva Foundation for BC Women Award. The award, valued at $1,250 per recipient, seeks to assist Aboriginal women in full-time studies in any credit program at NLC. Read more.

Top in Trades

Vancouver Community College Media Release, January 12, 2012

At VCC, there are no tricks of the trade, just the right tools for the trades. Vancouver Community College is the proud recipient of a Consumer Choice Award for best trade school in Vancouver. The annual awards recognize and promote business excellence across Canada. Trades at VCC include baking and pastry arts, culinary arts, esthetics, hair design and transportation trades such as automotive service technician and auto refinishing. “We’ve always known VCC offers high-quality training in relevant, in-demand vocations,” says Sandra Bailey, dean, transportation trades, “and it’s validating to know that consumers see us in the same light.” Read more.

Okanagan College Practical Nursing grads quick to enter workforce

Okanagan College Media Release, January 12, 2012
There’s a good chance that practical nurses graduating from Okanagan College this weekend will be on the job within a month – that is unless they’ve already found work in their field. The 77 Practical Nursing graduates will be among 340 students who will receive credentials at Okanagan College’s annual Winter Convocation in Kelowna on Saturday. Of the 77 nursing students, 37 finished their program in December – another 40 completed their studies in August and many have already found jobs. According to figures released Jan. 6 from the Ministry of Advanced Education’s Student Outcomes Survey, even in today’s economy 58 per cent of those who graduated from the College’s Practical Nursing program between 2009-2011 landed jobs in their field in less than one month. Another 24 per cent obtained jobs within two months of graduation. Read more.

NEW: digital signage network at VCC

Vancouver Community College Media Release, January 12, 2012

Welcome to the premiere of digital signage at VCC! Dozens of flat screen TV monitors have been installed at VCC campus entrances and in common areas to communicate key messages to the college community. The main objectives are to improve safety and security, steamline message timeliness and visibility and enhance campus esthetics. “Digital signage will show students and employees up-to-date safety information in the event of an emergency,” says Ben Guanzon, director of information technology, “as well as upcoming on-campus events and announcements.” Emergency announcements might include a fire alarm, building evacuation, earthquake or severe weather warning. Read more.

Douglas initiates independent review of Chinese partnership programs

Douglas College Media Release, January 12, 2012

The Douglas College Board today announced it has initiated an independent review of the policies and procedures governing the college's partnership programs in China. The review follows up on issues raised in a 2010 internal review of the college's partnership programs related to the Heilongjiang Institute of Science and Technology (HIST) in Harbin, China."Our internal review identified issues around English-language proficiency and supplemental exams, which led to changes that were implemented by faculty and administration in 2010 and 2011," says Paul Wates, Chair of the Douglas College Board. "The independent review is to ensure that those changes have been effective and sufficient in 2012 to meet Douglas College standards." Following the internal review in 2010, changes were made to the program: admission standards were raised, class sizes were reduced by half and English-language instruction was added to the second year of studies. In 2011, policies governing supplemental exams were also changed. Read more.

Okanagan College scores big at prestigious ICBC business competition

Okanagan College Media Release, January 12, 2012

Eleven students have put Okanagan College on the national map for excellence following their success at the Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC) held at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario last week. Four of five Okanagan College teams landed in the top three spots in their categories, with the ethics team taking first place. The opportunity to compete in the finals came after the College teams edged out dozens of competitors in the preliminary round. Since its inception in 1979, the ICBC has established itself as the top undergraduate business case competition, attracting participation from the most prestigious business schools from Canada’s largest universities. Read more.

Introducing the New Douglas College Brand

Douglas College Blog, January 10, 2012
The purpose of updating Douglas College's brand identity is simple: do a better job of helping people understand what makes Douglas College special. And do a better job of reflecting the high quality of our programs, our teaching and our student services. The new brand package is the product of a lot of listening and research. We conducted focus groups with students and employees, and hosted an online forum. Read more.

College of the Rockies Board Announces New Member

College of the Rockies Media Release, January 10, 2012

The Board of Governors of College of the Rockies is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Board member. Gloria Perry was appointed to the College Board by the Province effective December 1, 2011 for a term ending July 31, 2013 is Gloria Perry of Fernie. Ms. Perry is owner and president of Alpine Lumber in Sparwood which she and her husband John have run since 1985. Read more.

Selkirk College Awarded $675,000 for Employment Skills Program

Selkirk College Media Release, January 10, 2012

For the third year in a row Selkirk College and the Kootenays will benefit from the Province of British Columbia’s Employment Skills Access Initiative (ESA), with nearly $675,000 in funding. This year the funding will be put toward the delivery of Administrative Skills Training (AST) and Early Childhood Care Education Assistant (ECCE) programs. This year ESA is investing a total of $13 million at post-secondary institutions throughout the province to provide people who are unemployed and in need of additional skill development with tuition-free, group-based training that will prepare them for entry or re-entry into the workforce. The initiative targets training based on labour market research, which identifies areas of the labour market that are currently experiencing or projected to experience labour or skill shortages. Read more.

Camosun offers leadership course for First Nations students

Camosun College Media Release, January 5, 2012

Camosun College, North Island College and Vancouver Island University are each offering a Leadership and Capacity Building program for eligible First Nations students in their respective communities starting this winter. Each of the three institutions participating in this delivery has strong working relationships with First Nation communities in their area, and received commitments to recruit, select, and support the training program participants before creating the program. The program is tuition-free to eligible participants and sponsored by the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. Camosun is offering the course through its Employment Skills Access (ESA) program. “This regional skills training program teaches practical skills that can help participants find and maintain meaningful employment,” says Marion Knost, Regional Coordinator of the Leadership and Capacity Building Program. Read more.

Selkirk College Graduates Achieving Goals

Selkirk College Media Release, January 3, 2011

IEPT 2001 graduate, Crystal Klym says Selkirk's IEPT (Integrated Environmental Planning and Technology) program not only launched her into a decade-long career in the environmental field, but also helped prepare her for life as a whole. “Selkirk College’s IEP Program not only prepared me for a successful career in natural resource and environmental management but also inspired me for a life-long commitment to learning, travel and professional development,” says Klym. “I have never been one of those people who have strong ideas of what they want to be when they grow up,” says Marcie Allen. “But after far too many years of unfulfilling work and drudgery of the big city, I decided that perhaps it wasn’t too late for a career and life change. Knowing only that I wanted to find work that was in line with my core values, I researched programs that could help me achieve that.” Read more.

Three VCC finalists in Montreal Fashion Week competition

Vancouver Community College Media Release, January 3, 2012

The next big name in the Canadian fashion industry might just be a designer from Vancouver Community College. Darya Ahmadi, Sophie Doyle and Roopi Matharu - all students of VCC’s fashion arts diploma program – are among 25 finalists in the annual TÉLIO Breakthrough Designer competition, held during Montreal Fashion Week. Eleven different Canadian post-secondary institutions will be represented. Read more.

In the News - December 2011

100-year-old Kelowna business invests in future at Okanagan College

Okanagan College Media Release, December 23, 2011

Owners of one of Kelowna’s original pioneer businesses have decided to invest in the future by creating an endowment fund for landscape horticulture students at Okanagan College. Five descendants of one of the founders of the 100-year-old Stewart Brothers Nurseries have donated $10,000 to the College for an endowment to create the annual Stewart Brothers Nurseries Award for successful applicants enrolled in the Landscape Horticulture Certificate Program. “We wanted to give back to the community that we’ve been part of for the last 100 years,” said Sandra Bjarnason, who along with her sisters Colleen Mulvihill, Kate Stewart, Jennifer Stewart and Julie Crawford made the donation. The sisters are all grandchildren of Richard Stewart, who along with his brother William, launched the company in 1911. The company quickly positioned itself as a key player in establishing the Okanagan as a fruit-growing mecca. Read more.

Douglas to offer government employment services at one stop for Ridge-Meadows

Douglas College Media Release, December 22, 2011

Beginning in April 2012, residents of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows will be able to access all government employment services under one roof through The Training Group at Douglas College. The expanded, centralized Employment Services Centre, at 170-22470 Dewdney Truck Rd., Maple Ridge, will bring together case management, job search, income assistance, self-employment, essential skills and other programs currently spread throughout the community and delivered by numerous B.C. agencies. Several service-provider agencies will be partnering with The Training Group to consolidate services into a one-stop service centre that will begin serving clients April 2. Primary partners include Bowman Employment Services, Buxton Consulting, William Weselowski and Associates and Immigrant Services Society of BC. Read more.

Ancient timber makes mighty gift for College carpentry program

Okanagan College Media Release, December 22, 2011

Recycled timber originating from 250-year-old B.C. forests will soon add an authentic note of heritage to Okanagan College thanks to a hefty in-kind donation to the College’s carpentry program through the Okanagan College Foundation. Kim and Doug Cotter, owners of Cotter’s Bin and Demolition Services Ltd. in Penticton, salvaged the Douglas fir timbers from the historic Naramata packinghouse and offered to donate the lumber - worth approximately $22,266 - to the College. “It makes you feel good to have something done of value from this salvaged wood,” said Doug Cotter, who spent time working in B.C.’s logging industry. The Naramata Packinghouse was built in the 1930s from 250-year-old timber stands on Vancouver Island, explained Cotter. The Okanagan Tree Fruit Cooperative operated the packinghouse for decades, but closed the building a few years ago. When a water pipe burst last spring, the Cooperative determined the cost to restore the building was too great and hired the Cotters to demolish it. Read more.

Trades workers of the future have a cool new tool

Northwest Community College Media Release, December 21, 2011

Current trades students or those looking to enter what is emerging as a sector of huge growth and job openings, especially in the Northwest, have a new online tool to help answer any number of questions about a career in trades. The Trade School Initiative and TradesLinks.ca is a joint provincial-federal initiative that aims to help future trades people with the complementary skills they’ll need to look for a job or start a business, whether they are about to start a trades training program or are finishing up their apprenticeship requirements. “It’s not enough just to be skilled at a particular trade,” said BC Finance Minister Kevin Falcon, who announced the Trades School Initiative with federal counterpart the Hon. Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue. “Successful entrepreneurs today also need to be financially literate and business savvy. TradeLinks.ca is an important business and financial tool to help individuals in the trades industry start their own businesses and succeed in their trades.” Read more.

NIC Communication Design Student Creates Magazine, Clothing Line

North Island College Media Release, December 21, 2011

Taylor Leigh is designing his own career, with the help of NIC's Interactive Media program. The second-year communication design student is the art director, photographer, editor, graphic designer and publisher behind FOE Magazine, a glossy lifestyle magazine geared toward Vancouver Island art, culture and fine art. Read more.

Camosun students work toward a healthier world

Camosun College Media Release, December 21, 2011
Camosun Environmental Technology co-op students Erin Sanderson and Mitch Brost recently travelled to India to complete a work term volunteering with Fertile Ground, a non- governmental organization which provides training and resources to farmers and small-scale tea growers in the state of Assam. In the program, volunteers participate in outreach activities to promote healthy food production, and share their knowledge with farmers and tea growers as well as teachers, students and families living in the state. Read more.

Provincial Funding Leads to Makeover for Nursing Education Resource Centre

Langara College Media Release, December 20, 2011
Langara College’s Nursing Education Resource Centre (NERC) has been refitted with a suite of new equipment, following a $250,000 endowment from the provincial government. The funding, granted in April to enhance health education programming at Langara, has provided 22 new electric beds, 17 simple nursing mannequins, and a complex, computer-operated simulation mannequin. Five mobile ceiling lifts will complete the project. The upgrade has allowed for the School of Nursing to arrange for the donation of 26 beds and mattresses to the Rotary World Help Network (RWHN), who will distribute them to areas in need of aid. “These beds will be very valuable for countries in need,” says D’Arcy Warner, Secretary for the RWHN. “Some of them will likely go to the Phillipines, to help with their current crisis. We send equipment all over the world, including Africa, South America, Eastern Europe and Asia – wherever we get a request for aid.” Read more.

Kelowna entrepreneur weaves into fabric of Okanagan College

Okanagan College Media Release, December 20, 2011
One of the most well-known entrepreneurs in the B.C. Interior is quickly fashioning a deep and lasting relationship with Okanagan College. Mel Kotler, the founder of Fabricland, along with his wife Dina have invested in a new pattern for business program development – a Scholar Fund focused on retail management at the College’s Okanagan School of Business. “I wanted to do something for the College and this seemed to be a good match,” said Kotler, who became an Honorary Fellow of the College earlier this year, and the School of Business’s Entrepreneur-in-Residence. “This new Scholar Fund will enhance the College’s business program, and allow the College to move into new territory.” Kotler began his career working in wholesale textiles in Montreal before moving out West and launching Fabricland in 1977. By the time he retired in 2001, there were 40 Fabricland stores across Western Canada and another 20 franchises, paving the way for the company to become the largest fashion fabric distributor in the country. Read more.

Provincial Funding Announced for Skills Training at Langara

Langara College Media Release, December 19, 2011

A funding announcement by the provincial government has earmarked nearly $700,000 for skills training at Langara College. The announcement was made on December 9 as part of a $13M investment into skills training in BC. A total of $693,998 has been reserved for Langara’s Employment Skills Access (ESA) programs – specifically for the Advanced Administration Skills, the Office Administration Skills, and the Business and Computer Essentials programs. Now in its third year, the ESA program at Langara has provided skills training to a diverse group of people who otherwise may not have had access to the education and training necessary for them to enter the workforce. Langara has offered a variety of courses through the ESA program, including Bookkeeping, General Insurance Essentials, and Project Management. All ESA programs are designed to provide people with skills that are in demand for the workplace. Read more.

Canadian Institute of Mining digs deep to help CNC students

College of New Caledonia Media Release, December 16, 2011
The Canadian Institute of Mining (CIM) donated $30,000 to CNC on Friday to help support those students interested in a career in mining. A total of $28,000 will go into an endowment fund, which will continuously generate scholarships and bursaries. The remaining $2,000 will be handed out next year as four awards worth $500 each. “The mining industry is a rapidly growing field with excellent career opportunities,” said Jamie Hull, Vice Chair of the North Central B.C. branch of the CIM. “We wanted to help CNC students attain the education that will allow them to excel in this growing industry, which has a very bright future in northern B.C.,” said Hull, who is also the general manager for Wolftek Industries in Prince George. Read more.

International Honour for Langara Photography Students

Langara College Media Release, December 16, 2011
An advertisement featuring a photo shot by Continuing Studies students at Langara College has been chosen as the cover of a prestigious international magazine. Scott Prince and Michael Hall, students in Langara’s Continuing Studies Photography program, shot the image as part of an ad campaign for the British Columbia Paintball Association. The whimsical picture is now featured on the cover of the German advertising magazine Lürzer’s Archive. Billed as “the world’s most stolen magazine”, Lürzer’s Archive features a bi-monthly showcase of exceptional advertising from around the globe, and counts a readership of 150,000 in the international creative community. The image was part of Scott and Michael’s Commercial Production photography course, which teams students with art directors and copywriters from top local ad agencies – in this case DDB Vancouver. It was part of a campaign that included shots by fellow students Catherine McLaren, Will Ting, Matthew Beckett, and John Muirhead. Read more.

Construction Continues on Aboriginal Gathering Place at COTR

College of the Rockies Media Release, December 15, 2011
Carpentry and Timber Framing students installed the main door and windows on the Aboriginal Gathering Place this week. The Gathering Place is located at the College of the Rockies Cranbrook Main Campus. The windows will improve the interior lighting allowing students in the Plumbing program to install the in-floor heating system. Read more.

New learning centre helps Vancouver's most vulnerable

Vancouver Community College Media Release, December 15, 2011
It’s a shining example of Vancouver Community College’s commitment to the local community. VCC has partnered with the Lookout Society to provide free, basic literacy and numeracy classes to learners who struggle with mental health issues or to find housing. Classes are held twice per week at the LivingRoom Drop-in Activity Centre in the Downtown Eastside. Read more.

Nine CNC students from India set to graduate with HR Post-Diplomas

College of New Caledonia Media Release, December 14, 2011
Nine students from India comprise the second graduating class of CNC’s Human Resources Management Post-Diploma program. They will receive their diplomas at a small graduation ceremony at CNC’s Prince George campus on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 11:30 a.m. The media is invited to the event at Kodiaks Restaurant adjacent to the atrium. “For most of the students, the program provides an extra year for them to enhance their degrees,” said Anne Harris, the operations manager for CNC’s International Education department. “It is definitely popular in certain markets such as India and to some extent in Nigeria.” Read more.

Camosun launches new Island Medical Radiography program

Camosun College Media Release, December 14, 2011

Minister of Advanced Education, Naomi Yamamoto and MLA Ida Chong joined Camosun President Kathryn Laurin at Lansdowne campus Thursday, December 8, to announce the launch of Vancouver Island’s first Medical Radiography Technology program (MRT) at Camosun College. The new 24-month MRT program, set to start in September, 2012, features a new curriculum developed in collaboration with BCIT and the College of New Caledonia in Prince George.“This is a very exciting opportunity for Island students and for Camosun College,” says Dr. Barbara Herringer, dean of the School of Health & Human Services. “There is no doubt the program will be challenging, but Camosun is known for excellent teaching and wonderful learning services. Our MRT graduates can anticipate rewarding, quality careers in health care when they complete their Camosun MRT diploma.” Read more.

Entrepreneur inspires a new generation with largest-ever gift in B.C. college sector

Okanagan College Media Release, December 12, 2011

One of the most sustainable buildings in the world will now carry the name of one of the province’s best-known entrepreneurs and community-builders, Jim Pattison. The Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation was officially opened today in Penticton. The Honourable Christy Clark, Premier of B.C., announced the building’s new name from inside the community hall of the $28-million building. Jim Pattison joined Premier Clark, MP Dan Albas and approximately 250 guests, students and members of the community to announce a pledge of $2.5-million in matching funds to the College. Read more.

B.C. invests over $13 million in new skills training programs

Government of BC Media Release, December 9, 2011

From software systems development and auto refinishing, to underground mining, shellfish aquaculture and a host of other programs, the B.C. government is investing over $13 million in new employment skills training in regions throughout British Columbia. As part of 'Canada Starts Here: The B.C. Jobs Plan', over 50 skills training programs are being delivered by 20 post-secondary institutions throughout the province under the government's Employment Skills Access Initiative (ESA). This project is funded within government's existing fiscal plan.Through ESA, eligible British Columbians are provided with tuition-free, group-based training at public, post-secondary institutions to prepare them for entry or re-entry into the labour force. ESA skills training programs are primarily focused on preparing participants for entry-level employment in industries, sectors or occupations that are currently experiencing or are projected to experience labour or skills shortages. Read more.

Paramedic training in Smithers starts in January

Northwest Community College Media Release, December 09, 2011

Specialized training for paramedics offered by the Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) in the Lower Mainland will be available to Northwest Community College (NWCC) students in Smithers through part-time study in 2012. Thanks to one-time funding from the province, up to 75 students in a handful of BC communities can take the training that leads to a fast-paced career in paramedicine. In Smithers, the Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) Certificate program starts in January and applications are still being accepted. As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow, so will employment opportunities for graduates of the Primary Care Paramedic program, says NWCC Dean of Trades Margo Van Der Touw. Read more.

NLC Aboriginal students receive Irving K. Barber awards

Northern Lights College Media Release, December 9, 2011
The Irving K. Barber British Columbia Scholarship Society has granted a total of $311,500 to 117 B.C. Aboriginal students for study in B.C. this year.Two of the recipients are Northern Lights College students: Sandra Carlick from Telegraph Creek and Tanner Napier from Arras.The B.C. Aboriginal Student Award is funded from the returns on a $10 million endowment fund established by the Province in 2007 as part of its strategy to improve Aboriginal achievement and access to education. Awards of $1,000-$3,500 are given annually to Aboriginal students pursuing post-secondary education in B.C. Read more.

Douglas and BBB seek partnership to give students real-world experience

Douglas College Media Release, December 8, 2011

After Douglas College marketing students helped the Better Business Bureau serving Mainland British Columbia (BBB) identify ways to improve service quality for its accredited businesses, the BBB is now looking to partner with the college to provide students with mentorship opportunities and work experience. "We wanted to give an opportunity for students to get real-world experience through this research project," says Mark Fernandes, the BBB's Media and Communications Specialist. "These Douglas College students displayed professionalism throughout the project, and the end result is that their research points towards helping us better serve our accredited businesses."The Better Business Bureau serving Mainland British Columbia was founded in 1939 and is located in Vancouver. BBB is staffed by 26 employees and services the needs of 3,400 accredited businesses across B.C. BBB offers consumers and businesses resources including business reviews and complaint resolution at mbc.bbb.org. Read more.

From Moldova to Courtenay: Web Design Careers Start at NIC

North Island College Media Release, December 8, 2011

Anatolie Patrascu isn’t your average fine arts graduate. Originally from Moldova, Patrascu lived in the United States with his wife for a year and a half before moving to Canada. On arrival, he switched from electronics (he holds a masters degree in electromechanics) to web design and development. “I just liked it better,” he said. “It’s very interesting and it was always something I wanted to try. The programs at NIC made it possible.” Patrascu graduated from NIC’s fine arts department in June 2011 with a Web Development diploma and a full-time job at ILS Learning Corporation (ILScorp), a Courtenay-based provider of online education programs for the Canadian insurance and financial services sectors. ILScorp also develops, designs, and hosts websites for a number of professional clients coast to coast. Read more.

Green Building Design program draws interest from industry professionals

Okanagan College Media Release, December 8, 2011

Nick Hill knows about the challenges and opportunities that arise as a consequence of the current focus on green building. As owner of Ritchie Contracting and Design Ltd. in Penticton, he appreciates that clients want to incorporate sustainable practices and materials into their homes and projects. He also knows they are cost-conscious, especially in the current climate. As a partner in Solum Rammed Earth Builders Ltd. and a partner in Earthen Living Inc., Hill can see the opportunity in the green building sector as it evolves and grows. For those reasons, he’s been extremely interested - and involved - in the development of Okanagan College’s Green Building Design and Construction program. Read more.

VCC youth centre gets big financial boost

Vancouver Community College Media Release, December 8, 2011

Sights and sounds at VCC’s Broadway Youth Resource Centre are just like your average high school. There’s colourful artwork on the walls, class schedules posted and teenagers chit-chatting. But what’s special about the centre is that it’s really not like a high school at all. The 35-or-so students who go to the off-campus facility every day receive self-paced, one-on-one instruction. Acknowledging that everyone’s situation is unique, the centre offers grade 10 and 11 courses to learners who need individualized help; an approach you just can’t find in your average high school. Here’s the challenge: the centre relies on funding from VCC, charitable organizations, and the private sector to deliver its programs. Read more.

Centre of Excellence a draw for national conference of colleges

Okanagan College Media Release, December 07, 2011

Okanagan College’s Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation is already proving to be the economic engine it was envisioned to be. James Knight, the President and CEO of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC), has announced that Penticton will host the organization’s 2013 annual conference, a four-day event that will take place from May 31 – June 3 and will draw approximately 700 delegates to the South Okanagan and Similkameen. Okanagan College is a member of ACCC. "Hundreds of college leaders, faculty, students and international delegates will experience one of the world's greenest buildings, the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Technologies and Renewable Energy Conservation at Okanagan College’s Penticton Campus,” says Knight. “The conference will provide opportunities to network and dialogue on the key role colleges and institutes play in contributing to community economic development." Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton points to the Centre of Excellence as one of the prime reasons for ACCC’s choice of Penticton as a venue. Read more.

High demand in B.C. for chefs and auto workers

Vancouver Community College Media Release, December 7, 2011
In the coming years, the Industry Training Authority predicts there’s going to be a big demand for skilled workers in B.C; shortages are forecast in the automotive service industry, carpentry and culinary. As part of the B.C. Jobs Plan, the provincial government is providing $10 million to develop new training programs to meet the demand.“This funding will be used to help upgrade existing skills, recruit, and train people,” said Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, Pat Bell. The minister adds 11 per cent of employment in B.C. is in the trades; a number that’s expected to grow.Okanagan College Trades program ready to build new careers. Read more.

Coming to a kitchen near you: gourmet dishes from VCC's top chefs

Vancouver Community College, December 6, 2011

Do you love cooking shows? Are you always on the hunt for new, gourmet recipes to impress your family and friends? Throughout 2012, chefs from Vancouver Community College’s culinary arts department will reveal their recipe-of-the-month during a special cooking segment on CTV News at Noon. The savoury, easy-to-follow recipes are created by VCC’s award-winning chefs and designed to help families celebrate the changing seasons or special occasions like Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, and summer barbecue time. Read more.

Okanagan College makes its way into business playoffs

Okanagan College Media Release, December 6, 2011

Okanagan College students with heads for finance, ethics and a host of other business skills have proven once again they’re among the brightest in the country. Five teams, representing 11 students from the Okanagan School of Business, have made it into the final round of the prestigious Inter-Collegiate Business Competition, which takes place January 5-7 at Queen’s University. “This is the Super Bowl of business for Canadian universities,” said Dr. Barry McGillivray, Associate Dean of the Okanagan School of Business. Okanagan College has reached the finals before, but never with so many teams. The local teams will now be going up against various universities including Queensland University of Technology out of Australia, Dalhousie University, the University of Calgary and Simon Fraser University. This year 38 universities from around the world were invited to submit 165 preliminary cases – each one of these submissions responding to highly complex case studies. Read more.

New location for COTR Hairstyling program

College of the Rockies Media Release, December 6, 2011

The College of the Rockies Hairstyling program has moved into a brand new salon at the Cranbrook Main Campus. The program formerly operated out of the Mount Baker Annex building on 17th Ave. S. The new salon is located above the Plumbing and Welding shops in the Trades department at the campus and features 16 chairs, wheelchair access and allows both students and clients to take advantage of all the facilities COTR has to offer. Read more.

Okanagan College Trades program ready to build new careers

Okanagan College Media Release, December 2, 2011

The economy is turning around and with this comes an increase in demand for trades professionals, said Randy Werger, Associate Dean of Trades and Apprenticeship at Okanagan College. “We’re seeing the beginning signs of a renewed economy, which means the construction industry is going to be looking for workers. This is a cyclical industry making it perfect timing for extremely passionate students to get their training underway,” said Werger. A series of Residential Construction information sessions will take place at regional campuses up and down the valley over the next 10 days to allow prospective students and anyone interested in a career in construction trades to find out more. Read more.

Imperial Oil donation helps purchase training manuals

Northern Lights College Media Release, December 2, 2011

Students registered in safety courses at the Fort Nelson Campus of Northern Lights College will be the beneficiaries of a generous $5,000 donation from Esso Imperial Oil. Kandys Stanek of Esso Imperial Oil recently presented a cheque to Workforce Training coordinator Ramona Nehring. The funds will be used to purchase student manuals for H2S, General Oilfield Driver Improvement (GODI) and First Aid courses offered at the campus. Read more.

National Award for Developers of Langara’s Sustainable Heating and Cooling System

Langara Media Release, December 1, 2011

The BC engineers who developed a groundbreaking heating and cooling system for buildings at Langara College have been recognized with a national award.The first operating Thermenex System was installed in Langara’s newly renovated C Building, along with the Students’ Union, in 2009. The system was developed by engineer Jeff Weston and his team at Vancouver-based firm IMEC Mechanical. On November 1, 2011, the developers were granted a National Award of Excellence at the annual Canadian Consulting Engineer Awards for their innovative and revolutionary approach to the heating and cooling of buildings. “We believe we have developed the most sustainable building heating and cooling system,” Weston said. “There is no better way to showcase the merits of this system than by the recognition of our innovation through this prestigious award.” The awards were presented during a gala at the Ottawa Convention Centre. Read more.

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