Northwest Community College Connections

NWCC ESA program graduates close to 400 students

TERRACE - Thanks to Northwest Community College’s (NWCC) government-sponsored Employment Skills Access (ESA) program, 372 Northwest BC residents are now prepared to take advantage of new job opportunities in the region. 

By waiving covering the cost of tuition, student fees, and the cost of books and materials, and sometimes transportation and childcare costs, the ESA program aims to help unemployed and low-skilled workers access training and transition into new jobs. 

“We – meaning the college, Northwest BC and its residents – have been extremely fortunate to receive this funding,” said Margo Van der Touw, NWCC Dean of Workforce Training and Continuing Studies. “The funding translates into locals accessing free training, and finding well-paid and challenging work on big projects coming to the area. This benefits the region as well as industry looking for skilled, certified workers.”

NWCC has received ESA funding through the government for three years. This year, ESA is funding five intensive training programs developed specifically to meet the needs of Northwest BC communities and industry projects in the area. These are Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers; Essential Office Skills; Industry Field Medic; Value-Added Carpentry; and Value-Added Heavy-Equipment Operator. 

Programs are running in communities throughout the region including Gitanyow, Gitwangak, Gitwinksihlkw, Hazelton, Kitimat, Prince Rupert, Smithers, Terrace and on Haida Gwaii, in Masset and Skidegate.

“Programs like Employment Skills Access help unemployed British Columbians get the kind of training opportunities they need to secure employment in their regions,” said Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. “ESA programs, along with our other skills and trades training programs, are helping to build a strong skilled labour workforce, which will help us meet the future labour demands in our province, particularly in the North.”

Already, a high percentage of ESA-funded graduates have found jobs or are continuing their education. Just last month Tiffany Rush of Gitanyow and Becky Buck of Terrace completed the Essential Office Skills program in Terrace. 

“I thought it would only be office skills we learned, but there was actually a lot about self-worth in the course, too,” said Rush, who hopes to take more training. “I’m really proud of myself. I’m normally shy but this class taught me to come out of my shell. Just this week, one of my friends told me I seemed more confident.”

“I was never a big fan of school, but this course made me realize if I commit to something, I can succeed,” said Buck. “I feel like I did really well and I can’t wait to use the skills I’ve learned.”

One more ESA-funded course is starting at the end of this month and eligible students are encouraged to apply. Construction Trades Helpers and Labourers will run in Terrace from April 23 to June 15. 

To be eligible for free tuition, participants must be unemployed. They also must not be collecting Employment Insurance, have not collected it in the past three years or, if it was a maternity or parental claim, have not collected it in the past five years.

For more information, contact NWCC ESA Case Manager Carrie Hobenshield at [email protected] or toll-free 1.877.277.2288 Ext 5267.

NWCC also expects to offer ESA-funded programs again next year and students can start applying in late summer.

ESA funding is provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. 

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 more than $30 million in the local economy, NWCC is an economic engine supporting the many communities that look to us to provide innovative programs and services.

Funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement

 

NWCC promotes First Nations and industry partnerships in Yukon

SMITHERS – Northwest Community College (NWCC) is on the road again, promoting First Nations and industry partnerships, as modeled in its award-winning School of Exploration & Mining (SEM).

Beverly Moore-Garcia, NWCC's Vice-President of Education and Student Services, was invited to present at the third annual Yukon First Nations Resource Conference & Student Job Fair in Whitehorse. The conference, which runs from March 20-21, is a chance for First Nations, governments and resource companies to learn best practices and techniques for working together in a cooperative and beneficial manner. 

"We went with three goals in mind," said Moore-Garcia, who presented yesterday, March 20. "First, we wanted attendees to understand that the SEM training model - which incorporates practical, hands-on and cultural learning in real life work camps – works and why it works. Second, our graduates are skilled, certified and ready to enter the workforce. Third, NWCC is willing and able to deliver SEM programs in the Yukon and other remote areas."

"The scope of exploration going on in the Yukon is exactly the type of work SEM students are trained for," said Tony Harris, SEM's Employment Advisor & Industry Liaison, who also attended the conference. "We actually expect some of our students will work in the Yukon this summer."

Topics at the conference included working effectively with Aboriginal people, education and training, successful community outreach and engagement, and much more. Participants and attendees were comprised of First Nations leaders and elders, recruiters, engineering and environmental consultants, government personnel and financiers. 

In partnership with Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC, SEM develops industry-related courses and programs, and offers training in various areas of mining and exploration. Since its inception in 2004, the school has graduated more than 850 students, and 83 percent of grads have either found work or returned to school. 

Through workforce training for the exploration, mining and natural resource industries, Northwest Community College’s School of Exploration & Mining seeks to build capacity and engagement in communities involved with minerals exploration and other resource development.

Northern Quebec's Inuit People hope to replicate NWCC School of Exploration & Mining

SMITHERS – Northwest Community College's (NWCC) award-winning School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) is poised to share its training expertise with the Inuit People of Quebec’s far north as a result of presenting at a minerals exploration forum there last month.

Tony Harris, SEM's Employment Advisor & Industry Liaison, attended the Nunavik Mineral Exploration Conference in Kuujjuaq from February 14 - 17. At the event, he talked about NWCC’s School of Exploration & Mining hands-on and culturally sensitive training techniques and in particular, its Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program. 

"The presentation was met with enthusiasm from members of the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) the Village Elders, industry stakeholders and other conference attendees. They were impressed with the teaching model used by Northwest Community College and could visualize using it in the Nunavik region," said Harris.

As in Northwest BC, major projects and thousands of jobs are coming to the area, yet a shortfall of skilled workers has been projected.

“That means, similar to here in Northern BC, by training local residents such as the Inuit for those jobs, there’s a real opportunity to ramp up capacity and increase benefits to the region,” Harris said. 

Margaret Gauvin, KRG’s Director of the Sustainable Employment Department, said “We are hoping to set up a similar program for Inuit here in Nunavik. We will be visiting SEM this summer to see the program working, and hope that a collaboration between the NWCC and KRG will result.

She continued, ”Training young persons about exploration and mining through an experience on the land is the way it should be done. Hands on experience, certification, cultural learning, with the help of experienced trainers and counselors – that’s a winning combination.”

Most presenters at the Kuujjuaq Mineral Exploration Conference were major mining and exploration companies speaking about their work in the area. Attendees included the general public, delegates from 13 outlying villages, and members of the Kativik Regional Government and Makivik Corporation, which supported Harris’ trip to the conference. 

Harris was the last speaker at the conference; as a result of plane troubles, he missed his original time slot and almost didn’t get to speak.

“This turned out to be a blessing,” he said. “It ended the conference on a positive subject that everyone could support. The projects planned for the Nunavik region through Québec’s Plan Nord are staggering and though locals are keen for work, they have some concerns about social and environmental impacts.”

In partnership with Smithers Exploration Group and the Province of BC, SEM develops industry-related courses and programs, and offers training in various areas of mining and exploration. Since its inception in 2004, the school has graduated more than 850 students, and 83 percent of grads have either found work or returned to school. 

Through workforce training for the exploration, mining and natural resource industries, Northwest Community College’s School of Exploration & Mining seeks to build capacity and engagement in communities involved with minerals exploration and other resource development.

NWCC determines layoff numbers

TERRACE – Northwest Community College (NWCC) will have to reduce a total of 31.49 positions from management, faculty and staff across the College region to balance its budget as mandated by the College and Institute Act. NWCC has a total of 673 employees which account for 276.28 Full-time equivalent (FTE). Over the next two weeks, Consultation Committees comprised of union leadership and administration will meet to consider alternatives to individual layoffs and explore possible options.

For more information about NWCC's financial situation, please visit our Budget Update website at http://budget.nwcc.bc.ca.

Talking trades at Smithers NWCC campus

SMITHERS/HOUSTON – Trades careers ­— from getting started to the rewards and challenges in the field — will be the focal point of a panel hosted at Northwest Community College (NWCC) Smithers Campus next week.

The panel, scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 23 from 1:30 to 3pm, comprises people representing a variety of trades, from plumbing to heavy equipment operating. The panel is organized by the Employment and Training Service Providers Committee made up of local service providers, such as Community Futures of Nadina, WCG International and NWCC. The committee meets once a month to share ideas and network information. Since its inception two years ago, it has also has organizing monthly Ramp-Up to Employment events related to training, employment maintenance and industry. This June’s Ramp-Up to Employment event included a field trip to the NWCC School of Exploration and Mining’s (SEM) Camp Ganokwa. It focused on how to enter the Mining Industry and tips on successfully finding entry-level positions. Students from SEM in the Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program met service providers and their clients for an afternoon of learning and fun.

“Through partnership, collaboration and innovation, the committee works to offer opportunities for the service providers and their clients and students to participate in information sessions with guest speakers regarding current news, trends, techniques or training for employment,” said Regina Saimoto, NWCC’s Campus Principal for its Smithers and Houston campuses. “The purpose of such a group is to keep up-to-date with local opportunities and to increase local employment and relevant training for those that need it.”

In the Bulkley Valley, NWCC offers local trades opportunities. In 2012, the College will offer the Heavy Equipment Operator Foundation program, followed by the Heavy Equipment Technician program in Smithers, plus a Primary Care Paramedic Training course and Do It Yourselves Trades sessions. Also in 2012, the Carpentry Foundations program will be offered in Houston.

Next week’s panel will feature a handful of local trades people addressing how they got started in the field. There will be a question and answer period followed by an informal networking session, where the audience and the panel can mingle over some donated refreshments and snacks, thanks to the support of BV Wholesale. One of the panellists is Brian Badge, NWCC Trades Chair (right). He will discuss the rewards and challenges of a career in trades.

“Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the panel,” said Saimoto. “His sharing his passion and knowledge of the trades industry with our community will greatly benefit those with interest in the field. Our hope, as employment and training service providers, is to create links between those that are interested in trades and local training, and potential employment. We want to connect those that are thinking about trades with those that are already in the industry.”

To register for this free event, or for more information, contact Community Futures of Nadina at 250.847.1389.

Seth Downs hired to oversee events at NWCC

TERRACE – Northwest Community College (NWCC) has hired Seth Downs to oversee its events and conference planning and to ensure it aligns with the overall strategic goals and directions of the College.
 
Downs, who has been with NWCC since 2010 and served most recently as a Marketing Communications Officer, began his new role as Manager of Events & Conference Planning on Oct. 17. Downs has also taught, coordinated and developed a variety of BCGEU Instructional programs and courses and developed the curriculum for a Sustainable Tourism program.
 
Downs will be responsible for the management, planning, coordination, execution and evaluation of College-wide and campus-specific events. His attention will immediately focus on planning for next year’s Challenging the Paradigm Gathering, NWCC’s yearly conference that focuses on integrating inclusive practices in post-secondary education.
 
“This position was created not only to increase revenue for the College but to support the economic development of existing hospitality and infrastructure in the region,” said Dave O’Leary, NWCC’s Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Seth has proven he can take on a number of different challenges at the College and we’re confident his experience and enthusiasm will meet the needs of this position.”   

PDAC bursary awarded for outstanding achievement and leadership

SMITHERS – The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) has awarded a recent graduate of Northwest Community College’s (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) program with a $500 bursary. 

The PDAC is a national organization with 8,000 members representing a range of companies and individuals in mineral exploration and development. The association works to advocate, inform and provide networking opportunities for its members to ensure a robust mining industry in Canada.

Over the years, PDAC has supported students through unique opportunities to experience different facets of the exploration and mining industries. These include scholarships and awards, conferences, workshops and other activities aimed at engaging students in the mineral exploration and development industries. 

This particular award recognizes students with a combination of high academic standing, leadership, service and best all-round performance. 

Owen Nisyok, 18, recently completed a seven-week Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program held at NWCC’s Ganokwa Camp outside of Smithers, BC.  The camp simulates a working exploration camp where students live and learn in an experiential environment.  

“Owen demonstrated exceptional leadership in the classroom and on field trips,” says Andrea Kosalko, SEM manager. “In particular, he actively sought out students who were struggling and provided emotional and academic support. Owen was an inspiration to fellow students and program staff.”

Shortly after graduating from the program, Nisyok began working with New Nadina Explorations Ltd. at its Silver Queen Project as a drill core technician.  “He is a big help and his personality is awesome,” says Ellen Clements, the company’s president and CEO.
 
The next PDAC bursary will be presented at a Celebration of Learning event on Oct. 14 at the completion of the season’s final WEST program. 

New grads ecstatic about experiential learning at School of Exploration & Mining

SMITHERS – “This program is life altering,” says Cody Joseph, a 25 year-old graduate of Northwest Community College’s (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining. “I haven’t graduated from anything in my life, and here I am today graduating.”

Joseph and 29 other students enrolled at the School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) have graduated from a first-of-its-kind program in northern BC.

The Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program is a seven-week training program based at Ganokwa Camp, north of Smithers. The program features hands-on training of employable skills for careers in exploration, mining and other resource industries, and is provided at no cost to eligible participants through funding provided by the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. 

A Celebration of Learning ceremony was held Aug. 17 at Ganokwa Camp to honour the program’s first graduating class. 

Click here to view the Celebration of Learning photo gallery

Dignitaries and delegates representing industry, communities, and First Nations were also in attendance at the celebration, providing words of support and encouragement, and presenting deserving students with a number of awards. Student award recipients and a sample of what they had to say at the Celebration of Learning:

Mason Berg, Most Improved Student award:

"Without this program, I'd be working as a dishwasher or who knows what, but with this program, I know I just won't have a job, but a career. I'm leaving camp a changed man."

Conan Aukland, Highest Academic Standing award:

"Thank you for all the support we've gotten from the staff. I'd also like to thank all the students for their support. I'm really proud of everybody - we accomplished a lot, without your support, I wouldn't have been able to do this. Thank you very much."

Owen Nisyok, Prospector's and Developer's Association of Canada (PDAC) $500 award for the Best All Around Student:

"The best moments were when we were at the top of the mountains, smiling at each other, saying, 'We did this!' This is an amazing feat in our lives."

Beatrice West, Most Inspirational Student award.

At the conclusion of the celebration, Judi L’Orsa, Grant Administrator from the Smithers Exploration Group addressed the students:

“You are leaving here today armed with new technical knowledge, health and safety skills, knowledge of best practices, environmental awareness, and a better understanding of the modern minerals industry.  I would like to congratulate you on your achievements and welcome you to our industry.” 

The second and final intake of the WEST program starts Aug. 25 at Ganokwa Camp. Find the School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) online or on Facebook for more information about upcoming courses and programs. 

Steer straight to your career with computer program at NWCC

PRINCE RUPERT – Northwest Community College (NWCC) offers post-secondary training for a number of potential careers, but for some students or would-be students, the hardest decision is which one of those to pursue.

What has made that decision easier is a user-friendly computer program used by the NWCC Student Services team with a number of activities to assist students and community members determine career options. Because of this, the Bridges Career and Education Explorer software has been renewed for another year.

“One portion of the program matches individuals’ skills and interests with specific careers,” says Sherry Beal, NWCC Educational Advisor in Prince Rupert. “Once these are matched, people can research the careers, accessing information relating to required education, potential wages, and employment outlook. Additionally there are interviews with people already in these types of jobs, which give people more personal information about the work, including the pros and cons of this type of career.”

If people have an idea of the field in which they would like to be employed, another Bridges activity allows users to research by career clusters, finding the specific area of interest. The same research information will be available as in the previous activities. An additional activity bases one’s areas or subjects of interest (i.e. biology, history) to match potential careers, enabling individuals to research the career profile and interviews with students who are in those specific programs.

Beal says the program is a winner. “Bridges gives students and community members a great opportunity to explore education and career options that they may have not have considered in the past. In many cases, people tend to consider your typical and traditional careers, but this program broadens minds to look at all the opportunities that are out there. The wealth of information the program provides can give individuals a clear sense of what specific jobs entail, along with outlook for employment, which I find is always a concern for people making career decisions or making that all-important career change.”

As an Educational Advisor, Beal knows all too well the obstacles students can face. The idea of starting post-secondary education can be a daunting task, but when students have a clear goal in mind, the idea of heading back to school is embraced as the beginning of an exciting new journey, she says.

Prospective students interested in using the Bridges program simply have to make an appointment with an NWCC Educational Advisor to get started. They are then recommended to do further research in the College library computer lab, after which they can make appointments with an Educational Advisor to discuss their findings and start educational plans to reach their employment/career goals. Along with educational planning, Educational Advisors are able to direct people to financial aid options to help pay for their education.

Beal cites one student, who was struggling with what type of career she wanted. The student said she was drawn toward studying history, but she didn’t think there would be any jobs for people with a degree in history other than teaching – Bridges provided many other options. Contact an NWCC Educational Advisor for more information!

NWCC's School of Exploration & Mining in full swing and changing lives

SMITHERS - Some educational programs are hyped as being life-changing learning experiences, however few actually ever deliver on that promise. Yet the students at Northwest Community College's (NWCC) School of Exploration & Mining (SEM) enrolled in this summer's Workforce Exploration Skills Training (WEST) program are saying that is exactly what they are experiencing at Ganokwa Camp, north of Smithers.

"I'm really glad I found this program, because before coming here I felt kind of lost," says Giselle Larouche from Penticton. "This has been the most fun I've had at school. It's beautiful out here!" Larouche adds that she is excited about the opportunities this program is providing her.

WEST is a seven-week bush camp training program based at SEM's Ganokwa Camp north of Smithers, which features hands-on training of employable skills for careers in exploration, mining and other resource industries.

Students are into their fifth week of training and have many miles of walking in the mountains and nights under canvas tents behind them.

"I love camp life," says Nicole Cromarty from Terrace. "My favorite experience so far is making vests and moccasins in the cultural tent and playing volleyball after classes with new friends. We're like a family already."

Cromarty says she has also gained a ton of self-confidence through the WEST program. "I think this program helps you further your life, with all the outdoor skills you learn and the driving course to help you get your license. Not to mention you can make a lot of money!"

Felicia Isaac Johnson from Vanderhoof says she has enjoyed meeting new friends and getting physically fit from all the hikes. "Everyone has been so helpful, and I'm learning a lot. I would recommend this program to anyone."

SEM is accepting applications for its upcoming Mining Exploration Field Assistant Aug. 18-25 and the next WEST program, which runs from Aug. 25-Oct. 14. This program is provided at no cost for eligible participants, with funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement. 

For more information, please visit sem.nwcc.bc.ca or call Tony at 877 277-2288 ext 5831.

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For more information contact:

Kristine Kofoed
Director of Communications & College Advancement
Northwest Community College
Phone: 250.638.5470
Toll-Free: 1.877.277.2288
Email: [email protected]