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SPECIAL ISSUE AUGUST 2014

COLLEGE CONNECTION

PAGE 1

Learn what you can do at your community college

Email us anytime questions@nic.bc.ca

Visit us online www.nic.bc.ca

Call us for details 1-800-715-0914

Join us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube

ENGINEERING PATHWAYLength: 1-year study planTuition: $3,380 approx + fees/equipmentWhere: Comox ValleyStarts: September

INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN DIPLOMALength: 9-month diploma, post Electronics Technician Core certifi cateTuition: $2,740 approx + fees/equipmentWhere: Campbell RiverStarts: September

Engineering and Industrial Automation off er options for the mechanically minded

Every June, Comox Valley and Campbell River students are immersed in robots. From Tonka-sized autonomous robots in the engineering labs to Volkswagen-sized industrial arms in the industrial automation workshop, the college is abuzz with technology.

Both programs are part of a growing student interest in science and technology careers drawing students into engineering, life sciences, math, computer science, and automation programs.

Engineering students complete the fi rst year of their degree with ENR-110, an Introduction to Engineering Design course, where they design, build, and test engineering concepts before heading to university.

Industrial automation students fi nish their fi nal project aft er two years at NIC, building and testing an industrial manufacturing process before heading off to careers in a wide variety of industries.

“They’re two sides of the same coin,” said Dennis Lightfoot, an NIC physics instructor. “They both appeal to mechanically minded problem solvers.”

Together, the programs blur traditional lines between NIC’s academic, trades, and technology programs.

“Engineers have strong math and science skills to work on high-level design. Th ey have the ability to create detailed plans out of blank sheets of paper,” said industrial automation technician instructor Brad Harsell. “Technicians implement

PREPARE FOR A TECH-DRIVEN FUTURE

technical plans and make changes as issues come up.”

Most technicians spend their days solving problems on the workshop fl oor; engineers work mainly in offi ces, designing solutions and meeting clients.

Students are also at diff erent stages of their education. All of NIC’s industrial automation students graduated with a broad skill set and job off ers this year.

“I’m a bit of an electronics and mechanical geek,” said industrial automation student Mike McLean. “Th is program gave me the opportunity to develop my interests and fi nd a career in my fi eld. I already have two job off ers to choose from in Campbell River.”

Engineering students are looking for a strong educational start to their degree before specializing in civil, mechanical or biomedical engineering. Many will look for practical hands-on training in specifi c courses and in co-op placement programs

NIC engineering students test key design concepts by building autonomous robots.

>> FIND OUT MORE: WWW.NIC.BC.CA/ARTSSCIENCES

Congratulations 2014 grads!

Early Childhood Care and Education students are excited to work with children.

Students from Cameroon, Nigeria, India, Switzerland, and Uganda graduated with local and national job off ers.

Congratulations to hundreds of the North Island’s newest graduates in a wide variety of careers, including nurses, plumbers, engineers, educational assistants, and business professionals. Whether you’ve earned a credential or this is the fi rst step on your learning journey, we know the education, experiences, and support you’ve received at NIC will provide a strong foundation for you and your community. We’re extremely proud of each and every one of you and wish you much success in your next adventure.

at university.“I would recommend NIC to anyone. It’s

fantastic,” said engineering student Mike Demone. “Having access to professors who really care makes you want to succeed more than anything.”

Fall 2014 programs at North Island College’s Comox Valley and Campbell River campuses:

UPGRADINGAll levels up to Grade 12Meet program entry requirements

UNIVERSITY TRANSFERAssociate of Arts DegreeAssociate of Science DegreeCriminology DiplomaDegree pathways to UVic, UBC, SFU, UNBC and

institutions Canada wide

BUSINESSBachelor of Business Administration DegreesBusiness Administration Certifi cateBusiness Administration DiplomaBusiness Administration Post Degree DiplomasVIU MBA/MScIB Guaranteed Admission

APPLIED BUSINESS TECHNOLOGYAdministrative Assistant Certifi cateComputing Accounting Assistant Certifi cateLegal Administrative Assistant Certifi cateMedical Offi ce Assistant Certifi cateOffi ce Assistant I Certifi cateOffi ce Management Certifi cate

FINE ARTS & DESIGNFine Arts DiplomaMetal Jewellery Design Certifi cate

INTERACTIVE MEDIAAdvanced Communication & Interactive Design DiplomaCommunication Design DiplomaMobile Application Development Certifi cateWeb and Mobile Application Development DiplomaWeb Design Certifi cate

COMMUNITY CAREAnimal Care Aide Certifi cateEarly Childhood Care & Education Certifi cateEarly Childhood Care & Education Diploma - FullVIU Education Pathway

HUMAN SERVICESEducational Assistant / Community Support Certifi cate - FullHuman Services DiplomaSocial Service Diploma - Full

HEALTH CAREActivity Assistant Certifi cateBachelor of Science in Nursing Degree - FullFirst Aid & CPR TrainingHealth Care Assistant Certifi cateHospital Unit Clerk Certifi catePractical Nursing Diploma - Almost full!

TOURISM & HOSPITALITYAdventure Guiding Certifi cateGlobal Tourism & Hospitality Management Advanced Certifi cateGlobal Tourism & Hospitality Management Advanced DiplomaProfessional Cook (Culinary Arts)Tourism & Hospitality Management Certifi cateTourism & Hospitality Management Diploma

TRADES & TECHNOLOGYAircraft Sheet Metal Manufacturing TechnicianAircraft Structures Technician (AME-S) - Almost full!Automotive Service Technician FoundationElectrical Foundation - Almost full!Electronics Technician Core Certifi cate - Almost full!Heavy Duty & Commercial Transport Mechanics Foundation - FullIndustrial Automation Technician Diploma - Almost full!Marine TrainingMetal Fabrication Foundation (Welding requirements)Plumbing & Piping Foundation - Almost full!Underground Mining Essentials Certifi cateWelder Foundation

APPRENTICESHIP TRAININGCarpenter, Level 2, 3, and 4 - Almost full!Electrician Level 2, 3 - Almost full!Heavy Duty, Level 3 - Almost full!Landscape Horticulture, Level 2 Plumbing, Level 1, 3 - Almost full!Welder Level 1,2,3

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NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE AUGUST 2014

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

PAGE 4

1-800-715-0914 | questions@nic.bc.ca

We’re hereall summerCan’t decide?Explore your interests! Take as many or as few courses as you like this fall.

Not ready?Upgrade your high school English, math, and science tuition free for entry into a wide variety of programs.

Need money?Most NIC programs are eligible for student loans. Apply online at www.studentaidbc.ca.

Student advisors can help you fi nd the programs, funding options, and career paths right for you. Call 1-800-715-0914 to make your appointment.

More programs start in Winter 2015Visit www.nic.bc.ca

PAGE 2 WWW.NIC.BC.CA

NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE AUGUST 2014

Students, Staff and Alumni in the NewsEvery summer NIC instructors, staff, and alumni reach for new learning adventures. Find out where they are and what they’re doing this summer.

CO-OP IN THE COMMUNITY

Bachelor of Business Administration degree student Neera Melaysho is completing her co-op work term in the City of Courtenay’s Financial Services Department this summer. She is one of 25 business and tourism co-op students earning academic credit and paid work experience at businesses, municipalities, and organizations here and across Western Canada. >> WWW.NIC.BC.CA/COOP

GOING GREEK

English instructor Anne Cumming is in Chania, Greece, scouting locations for NIC’s 2015 Greece Field School. The school is an opportunity for students to earn credit for three university level humanities courses (travel writing, history, and anthropology) in one educational trip to Greece. “I spent the afternoon reading and beginning the itinerary for the 2015 field school, working with a great map of Crete that I brought with me for the purpose,” writes Anne as part of her writings from Greece. >> WWW.NIC.BC.CA/ARTSSCIENCES

MEDICAL SCHOOL, HERE THEY COME

Sylva Falk and Camila Sanchez became NIC’s third and fourth students to be admitted to the UBC Medical Program in just three years. Both students credit NIC’s small supportive class sizes and hands-on biology and chemistry labs for their success.“North Island College shaped me as a learner,” said Falk, during a return visit to NIC this spring. “It molded me into an academic who strives for excellence and questions the world we live in; it has been instrumental to my success.”>> WWW.NIC.BC.CA/ARTSSCIENCES

Its website features black bears, bald eagles, pacific white-sided dolphins, and gourmet food.

Sonora Resort sounds like the perfect escape for the well-heeled traveller looking for a luxurious, west coast vacation. But for three North Island College Tourism and Hospitality Management diploma graduates, it’s just another day at the office. Amber Quigley, Tessa Pollard, and Alex Sewell will spend this summer ensuring each guest has the vacation of their life.

The five-star, all-inclusive, Relais & Chateaux property regularly gets rave reviews from major publications like Forbes Magazine, Photolife, and the Globe and Mail. In 2013, Real Weddings Magazine, called it “Paradise Found.”

“Sonora is an exceptional opportunity for NIC grads,” said Amber Quigley. “It shapes the way you view the tourism industry and changes the way you think about service. We go to incredible lengths to exceed guests’ needs. If a guest likes a certain newspaper, we’ll helicopter in a copy the next day.”

The property is just one of the businesses tourism graduates will work at this summer. Another 15 to 20 students will get paid co-op work experience at local hotels and tourism companies, including Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn (named Travel & Leisure magazine’s top Canadian resort in 2014), Fairmont Resorts in Whistler and Banff, as well as Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River. Students also work at Alberni Outpost, Crown Isle Resort, Quadra Island Kayaks, and many more local businesses and organizations.

Next year, the college intends to expand its co-op offerings to include the Four Seasons Resort in Whistler as well as key Alberta hotels.

“Co-op provides vital industry experience for our students,” said instructor Deborah Forsyth. “We recognize people are central to every tourism business and, at NIC, we emphasize employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, giving our graduates a strong marketable advantage in the workplace.”

Tourism students tour Sonora as one of many field trips during the year.

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT DIPLOMALength: 2-year diplomaTuition: $2,925 to $9,160 approx + fees/equipmentWhere: Comox ValleyStarts: September, January

New Adventure Guiding option

Want to be a certified adventure guide and get the business skills needed to own or operate your own business? Now you can balance guiding, sea kayaking, and a variety of outdoor skills with co-op opportunities in NIC’s new Tourism and Hospitality Management diploma. Earn valuable skills and a credential in just two years, or ladder into degrees here and across BC.

SUMMER IN PARADISETourism and hospitality students graduate into jobs at Sonora Resort

All in a day’s catch: Amber Quigley at work.

>> FIND OUT MORE: WWW.NIC.BC.CA/TOURISM

PAGE 3WWW.NIC.BC.CA

NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE AUGUST 2014

Ed Crookes knows BC’s coastal forest industry needs young, educated forestry professionals as much now, as it ever did.

After 40 years in the forestry industry, the instructor of North Island College’s (NIC’s) Coastal Log Scaling certificate program says that while the secondary logging industry has faltered, primary forestry trades such as loggers, fallers, and log scalers are in high demand.

“There is a drastic shortage of scalers out there,” said Crookes. “The last group of NIC log scaling students we trained didn’t begin to fill the demand for the current industry; we had employers call-ing students before the program ended, and they still need more scalers.”

Log scalers play an important role in measuring the quantity and quality of timber leaving BC forests. They work for independent contractors at dry-land sorts across Vancouver Island and the Main-land Coast, calculating the value of usable timber in fallen logs.

Their data helps industry and govern-ment accurately harvest the region’s forests, through its annual allowable cut.

The industry, however, is facing a human resource challenge. It predicts a 26 per cent increase in the demand for skilled forestry workers in the next 10 years.

But how do you staff machines, fall logs, and measure timber values when many coastal residents perceive the industry to be dead, or dying? How do you fill demand for skilled workers before the current wave of log scalers retire?

While oil and gas draws young trades people north, many young workers are failing to notice forestry is approaching a human resource crisis in their own backyard.

The Coastal Log Scaling certificate is part of the solution.

Crookes is encouraging young outdoors-loving residents, who love living and playing on the coast, to find out more about NIC’s Coastal Log Scaling certifi-cate, starting in February 2015.

The program is also ideal for forestry workers and owners who want to upgrade or certify their skills. “Many people in the industry want to develop their skills to qualify for higher paying positions, or understand how to properly value timber. The skill gives them more opportunities to control their future,” Crookes said.

Students graduate prepared to write the Ministry of Forests’ Coastal Log Scaling exam. Once certified, they earn an average of $28 to $29 per hour.

“It’s good, solid, year-round work,” said Crookes, who estimates most scalers earn substantially more during the long summer days. “As long as the trucks are working, you’re working.”

Admission to the program is on a first applied, first qualified basis. Students are advised to take the required math assess-ment early to allow time for tuition-free upgrading, if required.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLEThe BC Truck Loggers’ Association

and the Minerva Foundation will provide two $1,500 scholarships for qualified students registered in NIC’s Coastal Log Scaling certificate program this February. For more information, or to apply, contact Wendy Samaroden at 250-923-9728.

Measuring the value of fallen timber is a highly sought-after skill in BC’s forestry industry, which is predicting a skilled worker shortage in the next 10 years.

Develop skills employers are looking for!Consider a career in trades, including:

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNICIAN

Why automotive: Automotive service technicians are creative and technical problem solvers who can diagnose a vehicle’s faults by the roar of its engine. Depending on where you work, you’ll get day-to-day job variety, regular hours, and an ability to grow with your trade as new technologies develop.

Salary range*: $12/hr at entry and up to $31/hr or more at journey person level, depending on your employer and experience.

Get started! Automotive Service Technician Foundation starts this fall in Campbell River, 30 weeks full time, $2,135 + fees/ equipment.

PROFESSIONAL COOK

Why culinary: Professional cooks have more than just a passion for food. They’re rewarded every day by the adrenaline rush that comes from creating mouth-watering meals in a fast-paced environ-ment. Plus, you can take your skills across Canada or work in a wide variety of settings close to home.

Salary range*: $13/hr at entry and up to $42/hr at journey person level, depending on your employer and experience.

Get started! Professional Cook 1 and 2 start this fall in Campbell River, 27 to 14 weeks full time, $915 to $2,135 + fees/equipment.

WELDER

Why welding: Welders are project-oriented people who love it when sparks fly. Choose from a huge variety of job sites from manufacturing to shipmaking and more.

Salary range*: $19/hr at entry and up to $43/hr or more at journey person level, depending on your employer and experience.

Get started! Welding Foundation and Levels 1, 2, and 3 apprenticeship training. Continuous entry, Campbell River, 28 to 8 weeks full time, $2,135 to $435 + fees/equipment.

*Source: www.payscale.com/research/CA/Country=Canada/Salary

>> FIND OUT MORE: VISIT WWW.NIC.BC.CA/TRADES

COASTAL LOG SCALING CERTIFICATELength: 13 weeks, full timeTuition: $7,000 approx + fees/equipmentWhere: Campbell RiverStarts: Winter, 2015

TRADES & TECHNOLOGY

DEMAND FOR LOG SCALERSSPIKESTraining the next generation of coastal forestry workers

>> FIND OUT MORE: WWW.NIC.BC.CA/PROGRAM/COASTAL_LOG_SCALING_PROGRAM

PAGE 2 WWW.NIC.BC.CA

NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE AUGUST 2014

Students, Staff and Alumni in the NewsEvery summer NIC instructors, staff, and alumni reach for new learning adventures. Find out where they are and what they’re doing this summer.

CO-OP IN THE COMMUNITY

Bachelor of Business Administration degree student Neera Melaysho is completing her co-op work term in the City of Courtenay’s Financial Services Department this summer. She is one of 25 business and tourism co-op students earning academic credit and paid work experience at businesses, municipalities, and organizations here and across Western Canada. >> WWW.NIC.BC.CA/COOP

GOING GREEK

English instructor Anne Cumming is in Chania, Greece, scouting locations for NIC’s 2015 Greece Field School. The school is an opportunity for students to earn credit for three university level humanities courses (travel writing, history, and anthropology) in one educational trip to Greece. “I spent the afternoon reading and beginning the itinerary for the 2015 field school, working with a great map of Crete that I brought with me for the purpose,” writes Anne as part of her writings from Greece. >> WWW.NIC.BC.CA/ARTSSCIENCES

MEDICAL SCHOOL, HERE THEY COME

Sylva Falk and Camila Sanchez became NIC’s third and fourth students to be admitted to the UBC Medical Program in just three years. Both students credit NIC’s small supportive class sizes and hands-on biology and chemistry labs for their success.“North Island College shaped me as a learner,” said Falk, during a return visit to NIC this spring. “It molded me into an academic who strives for excellence and questions the world we live in; it has been instrumental to my success.”>> WWW.NIC.BC.CA/ARTSSCIENCES

Its website features black bears, bald eagles, pacific white-sided dolphins, and gourmet food.

Sonora Resort sounds like the perfect escape for the well-heeled traveller looking for a luxurious, west coast vacation. But for three North Island College Tourism and Hospitality Management diploma graduates, it’s just another day at the office. Amber Quigley, Tessa Pollard, and Alex Sewell will spend this summer ensuring each guest has the vacation of their life.

The five-star, all-inclusive, Relais & Chateaux property regularly gets rave reviews from major publications like Forbes Magazine, Photolife, and the Globe and Mail. In 2013, Real Weddings Magazine, called it “Paradise Found.”

“Sonora is an exceptional opportunity for NIC grads,” said Amber Quigley. “It shapes the way you view the tourism industry and changes the way you think about service. We go to incredible lengths to exceed guests’ needs. If a guest likes a certain newspaper, we’ll helicopter in a copy the next day.”

The property is just one of the businesses tourism graduates will work at this summer. Another 15 to 20 students will get paid co-op work experience at local hotels and tourism companies, including Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn (named Travel & Leisure magazine’s top Canadian resort in 2014), Fairmont Resorts in Whistler and Banff, as well as Painter’s Lodge in Campbell River. Students also work at Alberni Outpost, Crown Isle Resort, Quadra Island Kayaks, and many more local businesses and organizations.

Next year, the college intends to expand its co-op offerings to include the Four Seasons Resort in Whistler as well as key Alberta hotels.

“Co-op provides vital industry experience for our students,” said instructor Deborah Forsyth. “We recognize people are central to every tourism business and, at NIC, we emphasize employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, giving our graduates a strong marketable advantage in the workplace.”

Tourism students tour Sonora as one of many field trips during the year.

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT DIPLOMALength: 2-year diplomaTuition: $2,925 to $9,160 approx + fees/equipmentWhere: Comox ValleyStarts: September, January

New Adventure Guiding option

Want to be a certified adventure guide and get the business skills needed to own or operate your own business? Now you can balance guiding, sea kayaking, and a variety of outdoor skills with co-op opportunities in NIC’s new Tourism and Hospitality Management diploma. Earn valuable skills and a credential in just two years, or ladder into degrees here and across BC.

SUMMER IN PARADISETourism and hospitality students graduate into jobs at Sonora Resort

All in a day’s catch: Amber Quigley at work.

>> FIND OUT MORE: WWW.NIC.BC.CA/TOURISM

PAGE 3WWW.NIC.BC.CA

NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE AUGUST 2014

Ed Crookes knows BC’s coastal forest industry needs young, educated forestry professionals as much now, as it ever did.

After 40 years in the forestry industry, the instructor of North Island College’s (NIC’s) Coastal Log Scaling certificate program says that while the secondary logging industry has faltered, primary forestry trades such as loggers, fallers, and log scalers are in high demand.

“There is a drastic shortage of scalers out there,” said Crookes. “The last group of NIC log scaling students we trained didn’t begin to fill the demand for the current industry; we had employers call-ing students before the program ended, and they still need more scalers.”

Log scalers play an important role in measuring the quantity and quality of timber leaving BC forests. They work for independent contractors at dry-land sorts across Vancouver Island and the Main-land Coast, calculating the value of usable timber in fallen logs.

Their data helps industry and govern-ment accurately harvest the region’s forests, through its annual allowable cut.

The industry, however, is facing a human resource challenge. It predicts a 26 per cent increase in the demand for skilled forestry workers in the next 10 years.

But how do you staff machines, fall logs, and measure timber values when many coastal residents perceive the industry to be dead, or dying? How do you fill demand for skilled workers before the current wave of log scalers retire?

While oil and gas draws young trades people north, many young workers are failing to notice forestry is approaching a human resource crisis in their own backyard.

The Coastal Log Scaling certificate is part of the solution.

Crookes is encouraging young outdoors-loving residents, who love living and playing on the coast, to find out more about NIC’s Coastal Log Scaling certifi-cate, starting in February 2015.

The program is also ideal for forestry workers and owners who want to upgrade or certify their skills. “Many people in the industry want to develop their skills to qualify for higher paying positions, or understand how to properly value timber. The skill gives them more opportunities to control their future,” Crookes said.

Students graduate prepared to write the Ministry of Forests’ Coastal Log Scaling exam. Once certified, they earn an average of $28 to $29 per hour.

“It’s good, solid, year-round work,” said Crookes, who estimates most scalers earn substantially more during the long summer days. “As long as the trucks are working, you’re working.”

Admission to the program is on a first applied, first qualified basis. Students are advised to take the required math assess-ment early to allow time for tuition-free upgrading, if required.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLEThe BC Truck Loggers’ Association

and the Minerva Foundation will provide two $1,500 scholarships for qualified students registered in NIC’s Coastal Log Scaling certificate program this February. For more information, or to apply, contact Wendy Samaroden at 250-923-9728.

Measuring the value of fallen timber is a highly sought-after skill in BC’s forestry industry, which is predicting a skilled worker shortage in the next 10 years.

Develop skills employers are looking for!Consider a career in trades, including:

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNICIAN

Why automotive: Automotive service technicians are creative and technical problem solvers who can diagnose a vehicle’s faults by the roar of its engine. Depending on where you work, you’ll get day-to-day job variety, regular hours, and an ability to grow with your trade as new technologies develop.

Salary range*: $12/hr at entry and up to $31/hr or more at journey person level, depending on your employer and experience.

Get started! Automotive Service Technician Foundation starts this fall in Campbell River, 30 weeks full time, $2,135 + fees/ equipment.

PROFESSIONAL COOK

Why culinary: Professional cooks have more than just a passion for food. They’re rewarded every day by the adrenaline rush that comes from creating mouth-watering meals in a fast-paced environ-ment. Plus, you can take your skills across Canada or work in a wide variety of settings close to home.

Salary range*: $13/hr at entry and up to $42/hr at journey person level, depending on your employer and experience.

Get started! Professional Cook 1 and 2 start this fall in Campbell River, 27 to 14 weeks full time, $915 to $2,135 + fees/equipment.

WELDER

Why welding: Welders are project-oriented people who love it when sparks fly. Choose from a huge variety of job sites from manufacturing to shipmaking and more.

Salary range*: $19/hr at entry and up to $43/hr or more at journey person level, depending on your employer and experience.

Get started! Welding Foundation and Levels 1, 2, and 3 apprenticeship training. Continuous entry, Campbell River, 28 to 8 weeks full time, $2,135 to $435 + fees/equipment.

*Source: www.payscale.com/research/CA/Country=Canada/Salary

>> FIND OUT MORE: VISIT WWW.NIC.BC.CA/TRADES

COASTAL LOG SCALING CERTIFICATELength: 13 weeks, full timeTuition: $7,000 approx + fees/equipmentWhere: Campbell RiverStarts: Winter, 2015

TRADES & TECHNOLOGY

DEMAND FOR LOG SCALERSSPIKESTraining the next generation of coastal forestry workers

>> FIND OUT MORE: WWW.NIC.BC.CA/PROGRAM/COASTAL_LOG_SCALING_PROGRAM

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SPECIAL ISSUE AUGUST 2014

COLLEGE CONNECTION

PAGE 1

Learn what you can do at your community college

Email us anytime questions@nic.bc.ca

Visit us online www.nic.bc.ca

Call us for details 1-800-715-0914

Join us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube

ENGINEERING PATHWAYLength: 1-year study planTuition: $3,380 approx + fees/equipmentWhere: Comox ValleyStarts: September

INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION TECHNICIAN DIPLOMALength: 9-month diploma, post Electronics Technician Core certifi cateTuition: $2,740 approx + fees/equipmentWhere: Campbell RiverStarts: September

Engineering and Industrial Automation off er options for the mechanically minded

Every June, Comox Valley and Campbell River students are immersed in robots. From Tonka-sized autonomous robots in the engineering labs to Volkswagen-sized industrial arms in the industrial automation workshop, the college is abuzz with technology.

Both programs are part of a growing student interest in science and technology careers drawing students into engineering, life sciences, math, computer science, and automation programs.

Engineering students complete the fi rst year of their degree with ENR-110, an Introduction to Engineering Design course, where they design, build, and test engineering concepts before heading to university.

Industrial automation students fi nish their fi nal project aft er two years at NIC, building and testing an industrial manufacturing process before heading off to careers in a wide variety of industries.

“They’re two sides of the same coin,” said Dennis Lightfoot, an NIC physics instructor. “They both appeal to mechanically minded problem solvers.”

Together, the programs blur traditional lines between NIC’s academic, trades, and technology programs.

“Engineers have strong math and science skills to work on high-level design. Th ey have the ability to create detailed plans out of blank sheets of paper,” said industrial automation technician instructor Brad Harsell. “Technicians implement

PREPARE FOR A TECH-DRIVEN FUTURE

technical plans and make changes as issues come up.”

Most technicians spend their days solving problems on the workshop fl oor; engineers work mainly in offi ces, designing solutions and meeting clients.

Students are also at diff erent stages of their education. All of NIC’s industrial automation students graduated with a broad skill set and job off ers this year.

“I’m a bit of an electronics and mechanical geek,” said industrial automation student Mike McLean. “Th is program gave me the opportunity to develop my interests and fi nd a career in my fi eld. I already have two job off ers to choose from in Campbell River.”

Engineering students are looking for a strong educational start to their degree before specializing in civil, mechanical or biomedical engineering. Many will look for practical hands-on training in specifi c courses and in co-op placement programs

NIC engineering students test key design concepts by building autonomous robots.

>> FIND OUT MORE: WWW.NIC.BC.CA/ARTSSCIENCES

Congratulations 2014 grads!

Early Childhood Care and Education students are excited to work with children.

Students from Cameroon, Nigeria, India, Switzerland, and Uganda graduated with local and national job off ers.

Congratulations to hundreds of the North Island’s newest graduates in a wide variety of careers, including nurses, plumbers, engineers, educational assistants, and business professionals. Whether you’ve earned a credential or this is the fi rst step on your learning journey, we know the education, experiences, and support you’ve received at NIC will provide a strong foundation for you and your community. We’re extremely proud of each and every one of you and wish you much success in your next adventure.

at university.“I would recommend NIC to anyone. It’s

fantastic,” said engineering student Mike Demone. “Having access to professors who really care makes you want to succeed more than anything.”

Fall 2014 programs at North Island College’s Comox Valley and Campbell River campuses:

UPGRADINGAll levels up to Grade 12Meet program entry requirements

UNIVERSITY TRANSFERAssociate of Arts DegreeAssociate of Science DegreeCriminology DiplomaDegree pathways to UVic, UBC, SFU, UNBC and

institutions Canada wide

BUSINESSBachelor of Business Administration DegreesBusiness Administration Certifi cateBusiness Administration DiplomaBusiness Administration Post Degree DiplomasVIU MBA/MScIB Guaranteed Admission

APPLIED BUSINESS TECHNOLOGYAdministrative Assistant Certifi cateComputing Accounting Assistant Certifi cateLegal Administrative Assistant Certifi cateMedical Offi ce Assistant Certifi cateOffi ce Assistant I Certifi cateOffi ce Management Certifi cate

FINE ARTS & DESIGNFine Arts DiplomaMetal Jewellery Design Certifi cate

INTERACTIVE MEDIAAdvanced Communication & Interactive Design DiplomaCommunication Design DiplomaMobile Application Development Certifi cateWeb and Mobile Application Development DiplomaWeb Design Certifi cate

COMMUNITY CAREAnimal Care Aide Certifi cateEarly Childhood Care & Education Certifi cateEarly Childhood Care & Education Diploma - FullVIU Education Pathway

HUMAN SERVICESEducational Assistant / Community Support Certifi cate - FullHuman Services DiplomaSocial Service Diploma - Full

HEALTH CAREActivity Assistant Certifi cateBachelor of Science in Nursing Degree - FullFirst Aid & CPR TrainingHealth Care Assistant Certifi cateHospital Unit Clerk Certifi catePractical Nursing Diploma - Almost full!

TOURISM & HOSPITALITYAdventure Guiding Certifi cateGlobal Tourism & Hospitality Management Advanced Certifi cateGlobal Tourism & Hospitality Management Advanced DiplomaProfessional Cook (Culinary Arts)Tourism & Hospitality Management Certifi cateTourism & Hospitality Management Diploma

TRADES & TECHNOLOGYAircraft Sheet Metal Manufacturing TechnicianAircraft Structures Technician (AME-S) - Almost full!Automotive Service Technician FoundationElectrical Foundation - Almost full!Electronics Technician Core Certifi cate - Almost full!Heavy Duty & Commercial Transport Mechanics Foundation - FullIndustrial Automation Technician Diploma - Almost full!Marine TrainingMetal Fabrication Foundation (Welding requirements)Plumbing & Piping Foundation - Almost full!Underground Mining Essentials Certifi cateWelder Foundation

APPRENTICESHIP TRAININGCarpenter, Level 2, 3, and 4 - Almost full!Electrician Level 2, 3 - Almost full!Heavy Duty, Level 3 - Almost full!Landscape Horticulture, Level 2 Plumbing, Level 1, 3 - Almost full!Welder Level 1,2,3

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NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE AUGUST 2014

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!

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1-800-715-0914 | questions@nic.bc.ca

We’re hereall summerCan’t decide?Explore your interests! Take as many or as few courses as you like this fall.

Not ready?Upgrade your high school English, math, and science tuition free for entry into a wide variety of programs.

Need money?Most NIC programs are eligible for student loans. Apply online at www.studentaidbc.ca.

Student advisors can help you fi nd the programs, funding options, and career paths right for you. Call 1-800-715-0914 to make your appointment.

More programs start in Winter 2015Visit www.nic.bc.ca