Northwest Community College Connections

Short-term programs offer employment-ready skills at NWCC

TERRACE – Northwest Community College’s (NWCC) Workforce Training & Continuing Studies (WTCS) department is offering several short-term training options in various Northwest communities designed to prepare students for work in a number of in-demand fields.

These programs meet the training needs of Northwest BC communities, assist unemployed individuals gain employment in industry, and ensure opportunities for a well-trained local workforce for the major projects on the horizon in the Northwest. These programs begin in January and February and are being offered at NWCC campuses and, in some cases, delivered in First Nations communities.

Construction Trades Helpers & Labourers is an eight-week program delivered in three sections: Safety Certificates, comprising WHMIS, Helicopter & Chainsaw Safety, Traffic Control Flagging, Bear Awareness, and more; Basics of Construction, with training in Backfill & Compaction, Basics of Concrete, Working Safely around Electricity and more; and Skills for Work & Life, covering skills such as Working in Teams, Time Management, Business of Listening, Job Search & Interviews and more. This program started in Terrace last week and begins in Gitanyow on Feb. 20 and in Prince Rupert on March 26.

A Value Added Carpentry program in Gitwangak started last week, which gives students employment-ready skills, while simultaneously benefitting the First Nations communities of Gitwangak, Gitsegukla and Gitanyow through practical projects the students work on during the course, as participants gain news skills for work at home and in major projects throughout the region. The 5-module program begins with the Carpentry Foundation program – Level 1 curriculum that includes 450 work-based hours credit towards completion of Carpenter Level 1 Apprenticeship Program. Modules 2-4 are composed of Safety Certification, ITA Essential Skills and Skills for Work & Life. Module 5 is the Residential Building Maintenance program, an additional four weeks of hand-on skills for the repair and maintenance of residential buildings in accordance with federal, provincial and local building codes and bylaws and BC Safety Authority Regulations.

Industry Field Medic (Terrace – Feb. 6 - March 2; Smithers – Feb. 13 - March 7; Haida Gwaii – Feb. 27 - March 20; and Hazelton – March 12 - Apr. 12) is an intensive four-week program that includes certification in a number of industry-specific training, including WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System), plus a Job Search Essentials (job search, resumé writing, networking & interview preparation) course.

Changing gears, the Essential Office Skills program (Terrace Jan. 30 – Mar. 16, Prince Rupert Feb 20 – Apr 13 and Haida Gwaii Jan. 23 – Mar. 16) is an intensive seven-week program that prepares participants with the communication, business, and computer skills essential for a career in business or office environments.

The program is delivered in 8 modules: Customer Service Skills, Office Environment, Communication, Computer Skills, Business Writing, Accounting, Time Management and Jobs & Careers.

And in Terrace, starting Feb. 13, get trained in what is estimated to be one of the most sought after trades in the Northwest over the next decade—Heavy Equipment Operator. The 10-week program prepares participants with the knowledge, skills and certifications needed to begin a career in Heavy Equipment Operation. It also includes hands-on experience along with essential and life/business skill development training. The program is delivered in nine modules: Industry Orientation & Overview; Tool & Equipment Operation & Maintenance; Civil Engineering Principles; Worksite Preparation; Safety Certifications; Skills for Work & Life; Equipment Operational Theory; Seat Time on Equipment; and Job Search Skills.

Each of these programs is partly funded by the Canada-BC Labour Market Agreement, which provides money for students that are eligible for the Employment Skills Access (ESA) program. To find out if you’re eligible, contact Charlynn Toews at [email protected] or 1.877.277.2288 Ext. 5357.

Test Drive NWCC on July 12-14!

Are you entering grade 11 or grade 12 and wondering what it would be like to attend NWCC? Well, here's your chance!

We're excited to announce our new Test Drive event taking place on July 12-14. Test Drive NWCC allows students from Terrace and the surrounding areas to experience campus life by living in the dorms for two nights and taking part in classes and events on campus.

Students will be introduced to a variety of academic and technical subjects by taking part in 1-2 hour classes.

Classes may include: Ecology, Trades, Anthropology, Business Administration, University Writing, Geology, and Health Sciences. This will introduce students to different programs and career paths available at NWCC.

All students will attend 1 hour workshops on Student Success and Financial Aid. Student life is also part of this experience so students will be able to take part in interactive and social activities and events on campus.

This program includes 1 Continuing Education certificate course and students will be able to select from: Resumé Writing, Employment First Aid Kit, or Young Workers Safety.

 Space is limited so download this information package and application form and register today!

Coastal Log Scaling course trains next generation

MASSET – With the steady rebirth of BC’s forestry and logging industries comes a renewed demand for skilled forestry workers, and Northwest Community College (NWCC) continues to lead the way in providing industry-specific training and certifications to meet these growing demands.

Thanks to an investment in workforce training by Taan Forest Ltd. and support from other local logging companies, NWCC is offering a Coastal Log Scaling course on Haida Gwaii for the first time in its history.

Eight students are enrolled in the course, which is running in Masset on weekends from May to October. The Coastal Log Scaling course prepares students for the Coastal Log Scaling exam which will be administered by the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations in October 2011. This is the first time that the Log Exam has been offered on the coast since 2006.

“The economy has had dramatic effects on the coastal logging industry in recent years. Locally, there are signs of improvement in the economy with the increase in logging activity,” says instructor Lawrence Musgrave. “Presently, there is a demand for Coastal Log Scalers, and especially as much of the work force moves towards retirement.”

Log Scaling plays an important role for government, industry, and other parties. It determines the volume of timber harvested and the quality of that timber. Scaling data is used to invoice the forest industry for stumpage and to administer the annual allowable cut.  The Coastal Log Scaler is the key to providing a meaningful and accurate scale for these purposes.

“The forestry industry on Haida Gwaii is in a process of renewal, as it seeks to operate in an environmentally sustainable way while still competing in a global market place. NWCC is committed to supporting this renewal, and part of that process involves training the next generation of skilled forestry workers here on-island,” states Ken Leslie, NWCC Director of Education - Haida Gwaii. “A strong partnership with local industry has afforded us this opportunity to offer the Coastal Log Scaling course in Masset, and we are grateful for that support.”

Taan Forest Ltd., a Haida-owned business of the Haida Enterprise Company, has the responsibility of overall management of a substantial holding of the future forest harvesting on Haida Gwaii with the core objectives of sound sustainable forest management and improving the overall employment opportunities and benefits from the forest sector to the Haida people and all communities on Haida Gwaii.

NWCC wins Mining and Sustainability Award

SMITHERS – Northwest Community College’s (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) has been recognized as an industry leader in promoting sustainable development within British Columbia’s mining sector.  

The Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) presents the award annually to honour those committed to advancing and promoting sustainable development in BC’s mining sector. “The Environmental Monitor Assistant Program at NWCC’s School of Exploration & Mining provides innovative training that focuses on sustainable development and environmental excellence,” says NWCC President Dr. Denise Henning. “We are very proud that EMAP is being recognized by both the industry and the province as a success. The school is committed to those core concepts while it develops programs to prepare First Nations and other northerners as the industry’s next generation of employees.”

 The Mining and Sustainability Award is a joint initiative between the Mining Association of British Columbia (MABC) and the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. The award provides MABC the opportunity to publicly recognize the diverse companies, communities, First Nations, non-governmental organizations, government agencies and individuals committed to advancing and promoting sustainable development in the B.C. mining sector.

 “As the mining sector embarks on a period of growth not seen in a generation, it is more important than ever to find new and better ways to dig the minerals that are critical to a clean and green economy out of the ground,” said Pierre Gratton, President and CEO of the Mining Association of BC.  “This award is intended to celebrate those new and better ways, and it is an honour to recognize this year’s recipients for their leadership.”

NWCC’s School of Exploration & Mining continues to rack up the awards. In the past three years, SEM’s industry specific training programs have been recognized with a number of prestigious awards, including the 2009 & 2010 Northern BC Business & Technology’s Sustainability Award, as well as the 2010 Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Award from the Province of BC. 

The award was presented at a special event in Smithers during BC’s Mining Week, May 16-20, 2011.

Photo:  Mining and Sustainability Award presentation in Smithers. Pictured left to right: Robin Curry, former Director, School of Exploration & Mining (SEM); Christine Ogryzlo, Communications Director, Smithers Exploration Group; Beverly Moore-Garcia, Vice-President, Education & Student Services; Tanya Reedy, SEM Coordinator; John Wilson, SEM Instructor; Regina Saimoto, Smithers Campus Principal; Kathie Williamson, SEM Program Support; Rob Maurer, former SEM Employment Advisor & Industry Liaison; Judi L'Orsa, Grant Administrator, Smithers Exploration Group.

 

 

 

NWCC set to offer Workforce Exploration Skills Training

SMITHERS – A new program at Northwest Community College’s (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) will offer internship opportunities and workforce skills training for eligible participants interested in a career in the exploration and mining industry.

The Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program is a 7-week bush camp training program based outside of Smithers that features hands-on training of employable skills for careers in exploration, mining and other resource industries. This program is provided at no cost for eligible participants, with funding provided in part by the Government of British Columbia.

“WEST is a great bridge between the skills and rewarding careers British Columbians want to have, and our investment of $1.6 million will help meet the current and future needs for a well-trained, well-educated workforce within B.C.’s growing mining sector,” says Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Economic Development, Donna Barnett.

Internship opportunities are available to eligible participants who demonstrate an interest and aptitude for camp support or office positions will be piloted during the program.  Interns will gain valuable work experience in one of four chosen areas; camp maintenance and safety, cultural skills coaching, office administration and cooking in a camp environment.  

Upon successful completion of the internship, participants will receive an NWCC School of Exploration & Mining Internship certificate and an employment reference. SEM staff will also provide students with pre-employment counselling and job search assistance.

“The hands-on learning and cultural context offered through the WEST program is a great way to meet the needs of both students and industry, giving participants more career choices and building on the success we’ve already seen through earlier versions of the program,” states NWCC President, Dr. Denise Henning. “Graduates of our mining programs are in very high demand, and industry often asks us when the next group will be ready to hire.”

The WEST program will run for a total of 23 days in camp, followed by a 6-day break and then another 23 days in camp. The dates of the program’s first offering are June 28 – August 17 and the second offering August 25 – October 14.  For more information or to apply to the program, please contact SEM’s Employment Advisor & Industry Liaison Rob Maurer at [email protected] or 1.877.277.2288 Ext. 5831.

Pilot mining program at NWCC goes national

A work readiness mining program for Aboriginals will soon be offered across Canada as a result of a successful pilot project recently completed at Northwest Community College (NWCC) in cooperation with the College’s School of Exploration & Mining (SEM). The program was offered in partnership with the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiHR), the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), and Skeena Native Development Society (SNDS).

Mining Essentials: A Work Readiness Training Program for Aboriginal Peoples teaches students basic skills needed to enter the mining industry. The program is unique in that skills are taught using workplace examples and traditional knowledge methods. It also combines industry recognized standards with hands-on learning experiences.

“We need to help mining and exploration companies better connect with alternative sources of labour as the baby boomer generation heads into retirement,” according to Melanie Sturk, Director of Attraction, Retention, & Transition at MiHR. "The recent BC pilot went very well, and learners are now empowered and excited about their futures in the mining sector; they are ready for hire. This wouldn't be possible without the support of our partners, including the AFN and NWCC. "

NWCC was one of only three locations in Canada chosen to pilot the Mining Essentials program, which took place in Hazelton between November 2010 and February 2011. Twelve students successfully completed the training, and are now working with SEM staff to find work. Several students have also decided to take more SEM courses.

“The course will benefit me because it really helped me to prepare for work and taught me how to look for work. I would recommend this course to anybody who is interested in the mining industry,” says Mining Essentials graduate Richard Alexander.

The course was very informative in a lot of ways,” added another graduate of the program, Brent Dennis. “It opens up opportunities for finding the right job that is best for me.”

Mining Essentials was partially funded through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada’s (HRSDC) Aboriginal Skills and Training Strategic Investment Fund, British Columbia Aboriginal Mine Training Association (BCMTA) and Smithers Exploration Group (SEG).

Industry partners includedImperial Metals, Goldcorp, Thompson Creek Metals, LowProfile Ventures and Metal Mountain Resources.

SEM Manager Andrea Kosalko and two of SEM’s instructors travelled to Toronto earlier this month to present the results of the Mining Essentials pilot project at NWCC.

Based on those results and those from the two other pilot locations, MiHR is finalizing a plan for the future delivery of the program across the country, including a train-the-trainer workshop.

NWCC meets transmission line training needs

Northwest Community College (NWCC) is starting to offer more industry training in more locations as a result of increased demand related to the recent provincial government approval of the Northwest Transmission Line.

In partnership with BC Hydro, NWCC’s Continuing Education & Industry Training (CEIT) department will offer two weeks of bootcamp-type training in Dease Lake starting this week.

Bootcamp training is essentially a one-stop approach to training. NWCC offers a variety of courses relevant to Northwest Transmission Line job opportunities in one location in a short period of time. Courses offered include Occupational First Aid, H2S Alive, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, WHMIS, Chainsaw Safety and many more.

The bootcamps are geared towards workers who want to be prepared to apply for jobs as soon as they become available.

“Accessing training can sometimes be difficult so community members are especially excited about being able to complete so many courses at once without the need to travel,” according to Margo Van der Touw, NWCC Dean of Trades, and Continuing Education & Industry Training.

As word about the courses has spread throughout the Tahltan region, the communities of Telegraph Creek and Iskut have also put in requests for local training.

The College expects more requests in upcoming months as work on the transmission line ramps up.

“There’s been a strong demand for certificate training in the last couple months, especially from First Nations groups,” Van der Touw said. “Northwest Community College is set up to help Northerners take advantage of the employment opportunities sure to come with the construction of the power line, and we plan to do as much as we can to do so.”

For more information or to contract bootcamp training courses in your community, contact Sue-Ann Norton, CEIT Program Coordinator based at NWCC Terrace Campus, at [email protected] or 1.877.277.2288 Ext. 5408.

Newest NWCC trades programs for women only

For the first time ever, Northwest Community College (NWCC) will offer two trades programs for women at its Terrace Campus.

The Women in Road Building and Heavy Construction (WRBHC) program will run from Feb. 21 until Mar. 25, while the Women in Heavy Equipment Operator (WHEO) Apprentice program will run from Mar. 28 until Apr. 29.

“Women have much to offer in the world of trades and Northwest Community College wants to do whatever it takes to encourage more to get involved,” according to NWCC Trades Coordinator Brian Badge.

“We are offering these particular programs as both have healthy local job prospects – especially with the Northwest Transmission Line in the works and significant exploration and mining activity in the area,” Badge continues.

Both the WRBHC and WHEO programs are five weeks long and combine classroom and worksite training. During the WHEO program, students also gain significant hands-on experience driving heavy equipment such as an articulated rock truck, excavator, dozer and loader.

Eligible applicants may be able to access funding to help pay tuition and fees through NWCC’s Employment Skills Access Program.

For more information, please contact Char Toews at 250 635-6511.

NWCC offers new ESL for Employment course

At the end of this month, Northwest Community College (NWCC) will offer a new course at its Terrace campus designed to give ESL learners linguistic and practical skills for gaining employment.

ESL for Employment will help students with limited English navigate the Canadian employment system, learn about their community and improve their language skills. Lessons will include various field trips and guest speakers.

“Northwest Community College has run a successful ESL program in Prince Rupert for a number of years. At some point, we’d like to replicate that program in Terrace and this course is just one step in that direction,” says Lianne Gagnon, NWCC Dean of Student Services and Instruction.

NWCC Continuing Education & Industry Training (CEIT) department is offering the ESL for Employment course in partnership with two local community organizations, Skeena Diversity Society and Literacy Terrace.

Literacy Terrace has run an ESL Language program with local volunteers as tutors since 2005.

According to Murray George, the program’s coordinator, "Many of the immigrants to the Terrace area bring with them a tremendous amount of skills and abilities but may be lacking in either the specific English skills they need to continue their chosen careers in Canada, or simply have not learned how to seek jobs here. ESL for Employment will help immigrants who may have less than fluent English skills do just that.”

Skeena Diversity project director Sasa Loggin adds, “Skeena Diversity Society works with newcomers and long-time residents who immigrated to Canada from different parts of the world. They identify learning English as the number one priority that will help them find employment and become engaged in their new community.”

NWCC is able to offer this new course thanks to funding for unemployed and underemployed people through the Employment Skills Access (ESA) program. This funding has been provided through the Canada-BC Labour Market Agreement.

Course seats are limited but still available. For more information or to apply for the course, potential students should contact Charlynn Toews at NWCC Terrace Campus at [email protected] or 1.877.277.2288 Ext. 5357.