Northwest Community College Connections

NWCC Skills Canada BC Regional Trades Competition 2013 Winners

Junior Skills Category
Spaghetti Bridge — Students from Mount Elizabeth Middle School in Kitimat BC came away with the top prizes with Jared’s team taking first place. Congratulations to all participants, who learned today that spaghetti is not a great building material.

Secondary Skills Category
Automotive
1st place: Scott Beertema, Hazelton Secondary, Hazelton BC
2nd place: Jordan McNiece, Caledonia Senior Secondary, Terrace BC
3rd place: Andrew Martel, Northwest Community College

Carpentry — sponsored by Progressive Ventures
1st place: Brayden Fulljames, Smithers Secondary, Smithers BC
2nd place: William Helps, Smithers Secondary, Smithers BC
3rd place: Kristian Vidal, Caledonia Senior Secondary, Terrace BC

Culinary Arts — sponsored by Sysco Vancouver
1st place: Ben Williams, Hazelton Secondary, Hazelton BC
2nd place: Luc Statham, Charles Hayes Secondary, Prince Rupert BC
3rd place: Phil Ralston, Caledonia Secondary, Terrace BC

Welding — sponsored by KBR
1st place: Kolton Miller, Northwest Community College
2nd place: Jeremy Soares, Caledonia Senior Secondary, Terrace BC
3rd place: Colton Szmata, Mount Elizabeth Middle School, Kitimat BC

Electrical Wiring
1st place: Chris Leblanc, Northwest Community College
2nd place: Duncan Fisher, Northwest Community College
3rd place: Josh Clark, Northwest Community College

Post-Secondary Category
Automotive
1st place: Jocelyn Harris, Northwest Community College
2nd place, tie: Bertram Gonu and Cody Nelson, Northwest Community College

Carpentry
1st place: Brandon Stella, Northwest Community College
2nd place: Ian Fromm, Northwest Community College
3rd place: James Haley, Northwest Community College

Culinary Arts — sponsored by Sysco Vancouver
1st place: Candice Thomas, Northwest Community College
2nd place: Janelle Robinson, Northwest Community College
3rd place: Leah Kolesar, Northwest Community College

Electrical Wiring
1st place: Shonte William, Northwest Community College
2nd place: Linnea Waechter, Northwest Community College
3rd place: Allen Noordhoff, Northwest Community College


Thank you to the sponsors of the Skills Canada BC Regional Competition:
KBR
Progressive Ventures Construction
Galore Creek Mining Corporation
Avanti Kitsault Mine Ltd
Imperial Metals
Shell
Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipelines
Sysco Vancouver
Classic Rock CFNR

Prizes were donated by these generous local businesses:
Convoy Construction Supplies
Spectra Energy
Kaman Industrial Technologies
Rudon Hydraulics Ltd
EB Horsman & Son
Air Liquide
Praxair
NAPA Auto Parts
McCarthy Motors GM
Finning Canada
Western Equipment Ltd
Canadian Tire

NWCC staff co-author guide for literacy practitioners

HOUSTON – Two Northwest Community College (NWCC) employees, both tireless champions of learning and literacy in the Bulkley Valley and beyond, have been instrumental in creating a new tool for literacy practitioners.

Houston-based Sandi Lavallie, Career & College Prep Instructor and Coordinator, and Dee McRae, Regional Literacy Coordinator, teamed with Anne Docherty of the Storytellers' Foundation in Hazelton to create The ACME Guide to Literacy Practice in Community: A Conversation for Literacy Practitioners.

The result is an interesting and provocative look at those complexities and what it means to engage in meaningful literacy practice. Written in an innovative and engaging comic book style and addressed directly to literacy practitioners, it is an accessible and highly engaging conversation for practitioners and tutors in adult literacy settings.

"This guide is about the nature of literacy and the implications for practice," said Lavallie. "It is intended as a professional development tool that will spark dialogue, debate, ideas and reflection about how we define literacy, how we define literacy progress, and other 'big picture' questions.
 
"While it was originally intended to be a fun, informal introduction to measurement, we found that as we wrote, we kept going back to the essence of literacy practice. We first need to look closely at literacy and learning in community to really see the complexities.”

Lianne Gagnon, NWCC's Dean of Student Development and Instruction has read the guide, finding it to be both informative and fun.

"I'm very pleased that Northwest Community College—through the effort, skill and passion of Sandi and Dee—has played a significant part in creating this great new literacy resource," said Gagnon. "Sandi, Dee and Anne possess a wealth of literacy experience and it is reflected in this book for practitioners. These three individuals are well known for their expertise in literacy and their successful grassroots initiatives. The Northwest region is a more literate place because of their endeavours. I recommend the guide to anyone in the field of literacy."

The guide is a product of the project From the Ground Up: A Research-in-Practice Approach to Outcome-Oriented Program Evaluation managed by RiPAL-BC (Research in Practice in Adult Literacy–BC) in partnership with Literacy BC and funded by the Office of Literacy and Essential Skills, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.

In addition to viewing it here in PDF format, the College has six copies available at its campus libraries in Hazelton, Houston, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Smithers and Terrace.

NWCC is a valuable community asset, impacting the lives of students and our communities. Through its nine campuses, 500-plus employees and an annual injection of over $30 million into the local economy, NWCC is an economic engine supporting the many communities that look to us to provide innovative programs and services.

Drill core shack donation brings new training opportunity to NWCC

SMITHERS – Northwest Community College's (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) will be able to offer Drill Core Technician training at remote work sites and on contract thanks to the donation of a portable core shack and equipment.

NWCC SEM is grateful to its industry partners Callinex Mines, Canadian Helicopters, Cyr Drilling and UTM Exploration for their matching $4,550 donations, along with generous in-kind donations from IRL Supplies and Castle. Dave O'Leary, NWCC Vice President of Institutional Advancement, says he was very impressed by the collaborative nature of the donation.

"This is a perfect example of industry working together to support the training that is needed to address the severe skills shortage in our region," O'Leary said. "The donors are to be commended for their innovation and cooperation."

The new training tool will support SEM's experiential, hands-on training model. The core shack is essentially a portable classroom, allowing SEM to offer Drill Core Technician courses anywhere, from NWCC campuses to remote locations and exploration camps.

The first offerings of the Drill Core Technician Basic Training course are just weeks away with one cohort at NWCC Hazelton Campus from March 15-20 and a second one at NWCC Houston Campus from March 28 to April 2.

"The School of Exploration & Mining team is keen to take our training out to our neighbouring NWCC campuses in Hazelton and Houston," said Tony Harris, SEM's Employment Advisor & Industry Liaison. "This is a great opportunity to put our new equipment to use and show our industry partners just how valuable it will be for our students."

Harris adds that Northwest area students will benefit from this generous donation and the specialized, job-ready training it enables because they won't have to leave their communities, saving them time and money. The course provides students with the practical skills required to observe, measure and record information from drill core. Upon graduation, students be able to process and safely handle core boxes, how to operate and maintain a core-splitter, and the correct procedures for handling samples.

Harris says SEM grads are highly employable in an industry known for high wages, strong benefits and regular work schedules.

Provincial and federal employment forecasts show the mining industry and its support activities will grow by 3.5 per cent a year with 12,600 new job openings in the sector between 2007 and 2017.

Since its inception in 2004, SEM has graduated more than 850 students and 83 percent of SEM grads either found work or returned to school. Through workforce training for the exploration, mining and natural resource industries, NWCC SEM seeks to build capacity and engagement in communities involved with minerals exploration and other resource development. By bringing the training to communities, SEM overcomes some of the barriers that learners face in remote locations.

NWCC celebrates Family Literacy Day

TERRACE – Northwest Community College (NWCC) is a strong promoter of literacy and every year, NWCC staff takes part in Family Literacy Day events throughout the region.

The Prince Rupert Public Library held weeklong events to mark Family Literacy Day, with storytelling, displays, and prizes. The library handed out free replacements of lost library cards, hosted an e-book demonstration and held a Family Story Hour with special guests Carolina de Ryk of CBC Daybreak North and Prince Rupert Councillor Jennifer Rice.

On Jan. 27 in the afternoon, NWCC Prince Rupert Campus staff had the floor and entertained families with storytelling, games, refreshments and prizes.

Also on Jan. 27, NWCC Houston Campus hosted an event to celebrate Family Literacy Day in the Bulkley Valley. Success By 6’s Duane Jackson, a certified Early Childhood Educator, read to parents and talked about strategies for reading to children; this was followed by a Q & A session.

The following day, Family Literacy Day was hosted at Suwilaawks Community School in Terrace. Over 100 families braved the snow and slush to attend and were kept busy with a number of different activities.

NWCC Head Librarian Melanie Wilke attended, along with colleagues Pat Stone, Solveig Adair, Jessica Hrechka Fee and a few Early Childhood Education students. Wilke said the event had several information and activity tables set up in the gym and library and families were invited to participate in several literacy activities. The tables ranged from card making, play dough, poetry making at the NWCC table, puzzles and more. There was also a healthy lunch of soup and raw veggies served.

“Reading is all about fun and when we make it fun for both kids and their families, it’s a great start to a lifelong connection to books and literacy,” said Wilke. “Family Literacy Day is a wonderful event and NWCC is happy to be a part of it each year.”

NWCC Hazelton Campus will tie-in Family Literacy Day with Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14. The campus will celebrate the event from 10am to 2pm, with snacks to be served at lunchtime. The public is invited to attend.


  

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.

Hard work pays off in a big way for NWCC grad

HAZELTON – Northwest Community College (NWCC) graduate Martha Wilson has authored a story almost as inspirational as she is and it started with a simple email last year advising her of a scholarship opportunity.

Wilson, a mother and grandmother, recently found out she was selected as a 2011 Upper-Year W. Garfield Weston Scholar, an award with a value of $25,000! Award winners get a tuition waiver from the college they attend, a grant of $8,000 towards their living expenses, and access to a mentorship program, summer funding and a leadership conference in Toronto. The award will allow Wilson to pursue her career goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.

The award caps an eventful two years for Wilson, who graduated with two full-time program credentials this spring – an Associate Degree in Arts and a Social Service Worker diploma, earned at NWCC Terrace Campus.

A proud Gitxsan member of the Wolf (Laxgibuu) Clan belonging to House of Niik'yap, Wilson plans to continue at NWCC this fall, working on credits she’ll need to eventually transfer to a Bachelor program at UNBC in Prince George. She says she’s grateful for the help she received at the College when she suffered a stroke in December 2008.

Wilson emerged from the health setback more determined than ever to achieve goals she had set for herself.

“I set a goal for myself: nothing less than graduating with honours was acceptable,” said Wilson. “The results gave me a lot of validation that if you really want something, it’s never too late.”

But the foundation for Wilson’s big scholarship was built before she returned to school. She has worked in the social service field for 25 years, she owns her own consulting business in which she facilitates workshops on healing, conscious parenting and gives one-on-one counselling, and she has volunteered her time with Highway of Tears advocacy, the Gitxsan Health Society and Gitanmaax interagency for youth at risk. The turning point for Wilson’s community work came when her cousin became a Highway of Tears victim. Ramona Wilson went missing from Smithers in 1994 and her remains were found a year later near the Bulkley Valley town.

“It was an issue really dear to my heart,” says Wilson, who accompanied her aunt on a 2006 walk from Smithers to Prince George to bring awareness to the growing list of unsolved murders on Hwy16. “To get involved with the Highway of Tears, Gitxsan Health and youth is something natural for me. If somebody needs help, you step up – you don’t do it because you have to, you do it because you want to.”

In addition to academic achievement, the Garfield Weston Foundation judges award finalists in three areas: community service, leadership and character and integrity, attributes Wilson displays in spades. The award interview process was intensive with one phone interview and five in-person interviews in Toronto. As part of the latter, Wilson had to present two hypothetical summer projects – one domestic and one abroad – and she drew on her passion for issues relating to First Nations women, youth, health and poverty.

Wilson says she still can’t quite believe the scope of her award, which is the biggest but certainly not the only one she’s recently earned. She is also the recipient of two NWCC awards, the Patti Barnes Humanitarian Award ($2,000 ) and the Northern Institute for Resource Studies Scholarship ($500), among others.

“It’s kind of embarrassing,” said Wilson of her successes. “I think living in the North, you have to create what you have, you have to be resourceful.”

NWCC President, Dr. Denise Henning is a big believer in the doors of opportunity that open through education and she says Wilson’s story is a perfect example.

“Northwest Community College is truly a better place for having a student and person the calibre of Martha Wilson,” said Dr. Henning. “Hers is a story that anyone could draw inspiration from and we wish her every success in pursuing her career goals.”

Gitsegukla students flourish in the sewing arts

GITSEGUKLA – Gitsegukla will never be confused with established fashion capitals London, New York and Milan but for one night in late June residents here were treated to a home-grown fashion show from students in a Northwest Community College (NWCC) art program delivered in the rural community southwest of Hazelton.

It marked the triumphant end to the nine-week Interdisciplinary Art Access (INTA ART) program,  where students strutted on the lit catwalk, exhibiting their clothing creations and designs. Taught by the talented and patient Valerie Morgan, owner of a First Nation fashion business called Raven Tales Studio, her students learned to sew garments and apply their  own unique designs onto fabric. They made pine needle baskets, cedar roses, moccasins, regalia,  jackets, hoodies, children’s clothing, a memory quilt with photos on fabric, and accessories such as purses and medicine bags. They also learned to adjust a pattern, how to apply edging, zippers, appliqués, lining, and sew on slant pockets. On the jackets and hoodies, students attached their own unique designs and crests on the front, back and sleeves of the garment. Some of the designs were done in metallic fabric and looked sensational – the gold or metallic red on a black jacket or hoodie. 

Morgan said she’s proud of all the students, who persevered through initial doubts to thrive. Quite a few of the students were afraid in the beginning that they would be unable to sew all that their instructor had planned for them, but she refused to allow any of them to give up.

“After they got over their initial fears, they wanted to go night and day on their sewing!” said Morgan, adding she really enjoyed working with the people of Gitsegukla. “Everyone has so much talent and the ability to create beautiful work when they have the interest and the desire. I have been really impressed by the efforts and the work of the students and the end results are amazing. To watch them wear their work, honour others with gifts of their work, and see the pride on their faces because they did it, is such wonderful and heart-warming experience. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to have been their teacher.”

The feelings were mutual, as when the show was over, students lined up at the microphone to tell Morgan how much they appreciated her and her expertise, her humour, her patience and strong belief in their own abilities and the long hours she put in. Said student Patsey Aster: “ I had a tough time operating my machine, but it got easier. I am so thankful for Val, I was able to put my graduation gift together for my son. It was great. Thank you, Val.”

The students, young and old, male and female, formed a strong bond in class, where Gitxsan was often spoken. The gem in the program was Elder Flora Howard, who is 92. Because of the class, the village is certain to be a more colourful place with the all the new and beautiful clothing that has just been created!

The Gitsegukla band sponsored the INTA ART program for the village. Special thanks go out to Keith Morgan, Gitsegukla band manager, and to Sheila Russell and Roxanne Alexcee from the Social Development Department in Gitsegukla for their energies and their commitment to making this program happen.

Student jobs available for upcoming 2011 census

The 2011 census is staffing 35,000 jobs across Canada.
If you are over 18 years old and can commit to at least 20 hours per week including evenings, weekends and holidays, apply now.

Rates of pay ($14.72 to $18.04 an hour) vary by assignment. The work period is early March to the end of July 2011, depending on assignment.

Please tell friends and family about opportunities to work on the census. Visit the 2011 Census website for more information.

To download and submit an online application, click on the Apply now graphic (left).

For more information about this opportunity, contact:

Sarah Miller
Communications Officer
Statistics Canada
email: [email protected]
tel: 604-658-8202 

NWCC campuses take a holiday recess

Northwest Community College (NWCC) campuses will be closed to the public during the upcoming holiday season, though the hours differ from campus to campus.

Please see what hours and days each campus is affected:

Note: All campuses will be closed by 1PM on December 24.

Hazelton Campus – closed to the public from 3pm December 24 through January 3 inclusive. Regular campus hours resume January 4, 2011.

Houston Campus – closed to the public December 25 through January 3 inclusive. Regular campus hours resume January 4, 2011.

Haida Heritage Centre at Kaay Llnagaay – closed to the public December 17 through January 3 inclusive. Regular campus hours resume January 4, 2011.

Kitimat Campus – closed to the public from 1pm December 24 through January 3 inclusive. Regular campus hours resume January 4, 2011.

Masset Campus – closed to the public December 17 through January 3 inclusive. Regular campus hours resume January 4, 2011.

Prince Rupert Campus – closed to the public from 3pm December 24 through January 3 inclusive. Regular campus hours resume January 4, 2011.

Village of Queen Charlotte Campus – closed to the public December 13 through January 3 inclusive. Regular campus hours resume January 4, 2011.

Smithers Campus – closed to the public from December 25 through January 3 inclusive. Regular campus hours resume January 4, 2011.

Terrace Campus – closed to the public from 3pm December 24 through January 3 inclusive. Regular campus hours resume January 4, 2011.