Career Connections Magazine – Spring 2014

careerconnections
YOUR GUIDE TO CAREER COLLEGES
Spring 2014
Courtesy of the National Association of Career Colleges
Food
for Thought
Timeless,
Ageless,
Flawless
From
Inkling
to Ink
Canada Post Publications Agreement Number: 40609661
careerconnections
| tableofcontents |
7
Food for Thought
Many exciting opportunities await those who explore
the culinary arts. Learn more than cooking and
preparing food—study cost control, sanitation and
safety, menu and beverage management, nutrition,
and kitchen management.
| UP FRONT |
5
9
Timeless, Ageless, Flawless
If you have a knack for hair design, hair colouring, skin
care or makeup artistry, a career as a cosmetologist or
esthetician could be your calling!
A Message from the CEO of the National Association
of Career Colleges
Career colleges in Canada give graduates a pathway to a quality job.
| STUDENT STORIES |
15 Ain’t Seen Noth’n Yet Helps Kids See it All
Jennifer Fontaine feels best when she is belting out a tune and says there
are few other things that give her the same sensation. Find out how Fontaine
tries to bestow joy through performing to children on a daily basis.
| THE BASICS |
16 Accommodating Shared Accommodations
Sharing a basement suite or an apartment with another student can be
an economically sound decision. Before answering or putting out an ad
for a roommate, consider how it can affect living arrangements.
17 Keys to Online Job Hunting
11
From Inkling to Ink
If you have a passion for creating visually-appealing
graphics, attention-grabbing online videos and
user-friendly websites, a job in media design and
web development may be just what you have been
searching for!
Job hunting used to mean scanning the classifieds and dropping off
resumes. The internet provides more current and convenient postings.
Update your resume and cover letter, and follow these tips to make the
most of your online job hunt.
| X-CANADA |
18 Coast-to-coast, people just like you are on a career path destined for success.
Check out their stories, here.
23 Buyer’s Guide
Spring 2014 3
4 Career Connections | www.nacc.ca
| upfront |
A Message from the CEO of the National Association of Career Colleges
Career Colleges in Canada:
A Pathway to a Quality Job
Serge Buy, CEO of the National
Association of Career Colleges
More than ever before, a career college
education is one of the best paths you can
take to getting the skills and experience you
need for the jobs of today and the careers of
tomorrow.
For well over 100 years, career colleges across
Canada have been training millions of students to
meet the needs of employers so they can secure
better jobs with higher pay. Every year, Canada’s
private career colleges are educating over 150,000
students from coast to coast to coast. If you are
looking for an education that provides you with the
skills you need to succeed in the job market, look
no further than an NACC member college.
Career colleges: partnering with
employers to guarantee success
You may have heard that Canada is suffering
from a “skills gap.” High unemployment rates are
being reported, while many employers complain
of not being able to find workers for their businesses. How could it be that Canadians are looking for work while employers can’t find workers?
If you look more closely at the numbers, you
will find that the employment rate among young
people is even higher. Many young Canadians
who are struggling to find work have university
degrees. While many of those struggling to find
work have impressive degrees in lofty subjects,
they lack the skills and training employers need.
Unlike public institutions, career colleges are
able to work directly with employers to make sure
that their programs provide students with the skills
employers are looking for. NACC members have a
long history of working with industry to ensure the
success of their graduates.
For example, when California-based Fortune
500 company Fortinet had trouble finding skilled
workers for their growing business, they partnered
with Willis College in Ottawa to develop a curriculum for a new Advanced Network Security Professional Program, which will provide graduates with
the skills they need to work at Fortinet upon completing their studies.
By introducing the Canada Job Grant, the federal government, along with provinces and territories, have recognized the value of skills training
and are helping employers invest in the training of
Canadians for jobs that are available now; jobs that
can be filled by students like you. The program will
help students get the training they need with funding of up to $15,000 per student.
For the employer, this will mean they know
they will have a qualified individual. For the student, it means that they know they will have a job
when they graduate. It’s simple: career colleges
train graduates for jobs that are available TODAY.
Ensuring quality education
Since the 1800s, career colleges in Canada
have been able to offer training to people in order
to get them back in the workforce sooner, with a
better job and higher pay. All career colleges are
regulated by provincial governments and adhere
to rigorous standards. Many programs are accredited by professional associations (like the Canadian
Medical Association and the Law Society of Upper
Canada).
Colleges, programs and instructors are constantly reviewed and audited to ensure that they
are abiding by regulations and providing students
with quality education.
Fast facts about career college programs
Career colleges:
•• Are flexible. Programs range from condensed
shorter programs, to courses offered on weekends and evenings. Many schools will work
with you to develop learning opportunities that
fit your schedule.
•• Have smaller classes. This allows each student
to interact directly with the instructor.
•• Offer the hands-on, practical experience for
which employers are looking. This increases
your chances of getting a job faster.
•• Are credible. All registered career colleges are
required to abide by strict provincial regulations
to ensure quality education standards.
Choose Quality Education. Choose a
Canadian Career College.
Published For:
The National Association of
Career Colleges
Suite 270, 44 Byward Market Square
Ottawa, ON K1N 7A2
Tel: (613) 800-0340
Toll-Free: (855) 839-5151
Fax: (613) 789-9669
[email protected]
www.nacc.ca
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Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Account
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Spring 2014 5
| careerspotlight |
By Jarrod Tully
Top three photos provided
by Le Cordon Bleu
Ottawa Culinary Arts
Institute.
Thought
Food for
These days, it’s hard
to flip on your
television and channel-surf without stumbling upon a seemingly endless array of
cooking shows. From restaurant reality
shows, to cupcake competitions and everything in between, the culinary arts have
never been more visible or more popular.
Julian Bond, executive chef and vicepresident of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) in Vancouver, BC, maintains
that job availability is a key reason the culinary career path is flourishing.
“Within the next 10-plus years, the food
and beverage industry job opportunities
are slated to increase dramatically, meaning there are jobs out there—and great
ones, with the right training,” he says.
The British-born chef also believes that
an increased focus on sustainable and
environmental food practices has pushed
culinary professionals into the public eye.
“We are making a difference from
behind the plate by making choices that
push food initiatives with public effect,”
says Bond.
PICA offers an intensive six-month training program. Over 917 kitchen hours are
accumulated with a one-year dual diploma
option. PICA, like many culinary colleges
across Canada, also offers accreditation in
wine and spirit certification and food and
beverage operations management. Students also learn in areas such as cost control, sanitation, food safety and nutrition.
A career in culinary arts can be challenging but attracts a wide range of people.
“Students from all over the world,
representing more than 70 nationalities,
find a common bond here in their passion
for the craft of fine food,” says Le Cordon
Bleu Ottawa’s general manager Philippe
Kopcsan.
Julian Bond and a student get creative in the
kitchen. Photo provided by the Pacific Institute of
Culinary Arts.
“Everyone walks in with equal opportunity. Those who are best-suited for a
culinary career are people with the passion,
dedication and the drive to succeed.”
Food preparation is very much an active
and practical line of work. While theory is
an important part of the learning process,
students will be busy applying their knowledge in the kitchen. Many of Canada’s
culinary schools employ world-class chefs
who guide students through workshops,
group demonstrations and hands-on practical sessions.
When considering the broad scope of
culinary careers, the salary range is vast.
“For fresh graduates, there seems
to be huge salary variances,  page 8
Spring 2014 7
 page 7 according to both the quality of education a culinary student has
received and the nature of the employer,”
says Kopcsan.
Government labour market data indicates that the average annual salary for a
chef in Canada is in the region of $30,000
to $40,000. As it is with any profession,
as a culinary expert’s experience and skill
set starts to grow, so does their earning
potential. Some national head chefs earn
over $100,000 annually. Kopcsan adds
that once graduates start to gain industry
experience, they have limitless earning
potential, especially if they start their own
business.
Graduates that aren’t ready to jump
right into a culinary business of their own
still have a wide variety of career options
to pursue. They work in professional
kitchens in hotels and restaurants, in private kitchens of government institutions
and in catering houses. Graduates can
also find culinary careers as food writers,
pastry chefs, recipe developers and food
salespeople.
Although starring in your own cooking
reality show may be a long shot, there
8 Career Connections | www.nacc.ca
Photo provided by
the Pacific Institute
of Culinary Arts.
is plenty to enjoy in the working life of a
culinary expert. Bond takes great pride in
making a difference through industry associations and initiatives. But he says the best
part of his job is all about his students.
“For me, personally, it is seeing our
graduates out in the industry, hearing
their international success stories and, on
occasion, sitting down to eat in their own
restaurants.” cc
Check out a culinary arts program at
an NACC career college near you!
For complete details on courses, check out
www.nacc.ca.
British Columbia
Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
Ontario
Bonnie Gordon College of Confectionary
Arts
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts
Institute
Liaison College
Newfoundland & Labrador
Academy Canada Career College
| careerspotlight |
By Kim Babij-Gesell
Timeless,
Ageless,
Flawless
Left: Special effects makeup for movies, television, theatre
and even costume parties has seen a boom in popularity.
BOTTOM LEFT: Hairstyles are always changing. Extensions
and different fashion colours have become trendy.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Esthetics has come a long way from
just basic manicures and pedicures. All photos in this layout
provided by the Academy of Cosmetology.
It is estimated the first mirrors were created around 8,000
years ago, made from polished volcanic glass in what is now
known as Turkey. And it was probably right around the same
time when humans began searching for the so-called fountain of
youth, hoping not only to feel younger but to look younger, too.
Fast forward many, many centuries and that search continues.
Except now, people are turning to the latest modern technology
in the world of clinical esthetics to achieve their desired results.
“No question, the biggest thing now in esthetics is anti-aging,”
says Angela Ponee, the owner/director of the Academy of Cosmetology in Dartmouth, NS. “Micro-dermabrasion, peels, lasers,
body wraps—there’s a high demand for all of that. People always
want to look better. Esthetics has really come a long way from just
the basic manicures and pedicures. And we are finding we don’t
just have clients who want to get it done; we have a large intake
of students to want to learn to do it.”
The Academy of Cosmetology was founded in 1978. Ponee
studied there in the early ’90s, and then bought the school and
took over as director in 2004.
She says a lot has changed in the time since she graduated, but
that is one of the reasons clinical esthetics and cosmetology (the
study of hairstyling) have become
such popular lines of work.
“This is one of those industries where you will never be
bored because it is changing all
the time—and so quickly. As long
as they keep updating themselves
and their skills, the sky is the limit.
And actually, we are seeing a lot
of people who, after their children
are grown and gone, are coming
to take the course. So, it is a really
diverse age group, compared to what it used to be,” says Ponee.
The other area of the industry that has recently seen a boom
in popularity is special effects makeup, and she says the Academy
of Cosmetology is the only school in the Maritimes offering the
courses.
“We teach them everything, from applying the Woochies (latex
prosthetics, such as fake noses, scars or bald caps) and other
appliances, to how to do blood or create werewolves. Really, there
are all kinds,” says Ponee.
Although movies, television and the theatre are some of
the more common places special effects makeup is used, she
explains it is a skill that can be used much more often than that.
“There are so many applications now for special effects makeup; even something as simple as a costume party throughout the
year. It is really an addition into what we already teach them as
far as basic makeup, like bridal makeup, daytime or night time
makeup. We wanted them to have those extra skills when they
leave here.”
And of course, with a range of skills that includes everything
from anti-aging to being able to turn a human into a very serious
looking vampire, travel is a real possibility.
 page 10
Spring 2014 9
 page 9
“Years ago, you were just stuck behind the chair
doing your job. But now, you have the option where you can
become a platform artist and travel with shows and do all the
stage work. And then working on cruise ships is another element
that wasn’t in play a few years ago. There are tons of opportunities
for growth and rewards in this career.”
But for students who are looking for a slightly more mainstream career in a hair salon or esthetics studio, Ponee says it is
still an incredibly rewarding career on many levels.
“First off, especially with cosmetology, it is in high demand
and it always will be, because you will always need someone to
do your hair. And it is ever-changing, because styles are always
changing. Plus, we have recently seen extensions become popular, and different fashion colors and foils. And, we are seeing that
incomes are increasing because services are becoming more
expensive as they get more in depth,” she explains.
The average annual salary for cosmetologists in Canada sits
around $44,300, and for estheticians, the average annual salary
in our country is about $28,000, however, location plays a factor when it comes to how much money you could make in the
industry.
But there is one reason in particular Ponee has stayed in the
beauty business and why so many people fall in love with it: the
clients.
“You can have someone come in who is maybe down in the
dumps and they leave happy with a whole new look—you just
feel so good that you can change somebody’s day. The fulfilment
you get in this career is amazing.” cc
Check out a cosmetology or esthetics program at an
NACC career college near you!
For complete details on courses, check out www.nacc.ca.
British Columbia
All Body Laser Corp. Training
Institute
Aveda Institute
Kosmetae Academy
MC College
Tru Spa Institute of Aesthetics Ltd.
Alberta
ABM College of Health &
Technology
Columbia College
Delmar College of Hair &
Esthetics
EIE MediSpa & Laser Training
Centre
Eveline Charles
MC College
Saskatchewan
Marvel School of Hairstyling
& Esthetics
MC College
T & H Academies Career
Training Centre
Manitoba
MC College
The Salon Professional Academy
Wellington College of Remedial
Massage Therapies
Ontario
Academy of Hair Passion
Anderson College of Health,
Business & Technology
Body Pro Beauty & Aesthetics
Academy
Brampton Skin Care
Academy Inc.
Bruno School of Hair Design
Bryan College of Applied Health
& Business Sciences
Canadian Beauty College
Canadian College of Business,
Science & Technology
Cestar College of Business,
Health & Technology
Chellsey Institute of Aesthetics
College of Health Studies
Elegance School of Esthetics
Elegance Schools Inc.
10 Career Connections | www.nacc.ca
Everest College of Business,
Technology & Health Care
Looks Aesthetic Academy
LubaMera School of Aesthetics
& Cosmetology
Medix School
National Institute of Esthetics
National Institute of Hairstyling
& Advanced Aesthetics Inc.
North American College of
Information Technology
Ottawa Academy: School of
Hairstyling Esthetics & Beauty
Protégé School
Royal Institute of Science
& Management
Toronto Aesthetics & Hair
Academy
Trillium College
The Fioro Beauty Academy
Universal Hair & Aesthetics
Academy
Versailles Academy of Make-Up
Arts, Esthetics, Hair
Voila Academy of Hair Design
West End Academy
New Brunswick
Academy of Hair Design Inc.
Eastern College
L’Institut Jon rayMond
McKenzie College
Medes College
Nova Scotia
Academy of Cosmetology
Eastern College
MBC School of Esthetics
Newfoundland & Labrador
Academy Canada Career College
Corona College
Eastern College
LeMoine’s School of Hair Design
Woodford Training Centre, Inc.
| careerspotlight |
From
Inkling to
From the websites you
By Paul Adair
Ink
surf, to the
t-shirts you wear, to the very pages of this
magazine that you are reading, graphic design
plays an impactful role in the world in which
we live. If you are searching for a way to mould
your creativity into a career, then you may find
that media design and web development are
the perfect fit for a career that will allow you to
take your ideas from concept to page.
Upon completion of a media design and
web development program, a student can
find rewarding employment as a graphic or
advertising designer, illustrator, layout artist, photo editor, web developer or designer,
commercial artist, prepress technician, interactive media developer, commercial artist, or
multimedia illustrator. The different paths for
graduates are only limited by the inspiration
which fuels their craft.
In the various programs offered by career
colleges across the nation, students will learn
design fundamentals to better structure and
organize visual information for the purpose
of effectively communicating ideas to their
intended audience.
Prior to acceptance into a program, prospective students will often need to go
through a screening process, which takes the
form of a pre-enrolment interview that gauges
their interest and aptitude for the profession.
A media design and web development program requires a commitment from the student; that commitment is based on the knowledge of what they are getting into.
“This interview is primarily to outline the
content and material taught as part of the
program,” says Rich Chapman of Saskatoon
Business College. “I always ask prospective
students if they like to draw and be creative,
as, really, this is a big component to the program during their 10 months in class. I would
then advise someone who is interested in this
profession to be really sure that this is what
they wanted to do.”
A career in media design and web
development is not for everyone. It is a
demanding profession best suited for creative people with the ability to meet strict
deadlines. Those who can work on a team
and have a keen eye for detail will do well in
this career, developing their talent and competency through dedication and practice.
“Anyone starting out in this field must
also be open to continuing portfolio
development to advance throughout their
career,” says Jennifer Flynn of Mactech Distance Education. “It is also beneficial to be
a good listener and verbal communicator,
who is able to build and sustain positive and
productive business relationships.”
That being said, the eventual hunt for
a career in the media design and web
development field can be competitive; an
online search for graphic designers and
illustrators reveals that approximately 1,100
jobs are currently available throughout Canada, with quality of job prospects depending
on region.
“Halifax, Winnipeg, Prince Edward Island,
Quebec, Bay Saint Lawrence and Saguenay
areas are reported as having good prospects,”
says Flynn. “Many beginning designers work
on smaller or independent contracts, until
they gain experience and find opportunities
that suit their preferred specialization. The
most employable students take advantage
of opportunities to gain experience wherever
necessary.”
Once employment is secured, the salaries
for the profession can be diverse. Currently,
the national wage average for a graphic artist
in Canada is $41,600, annually. For those just
entering the workforce, the compensation is
somewhat lower than the national average,
at about $30,000. However, with skill, experience and good location, a hard-working
graphic designer can earn up to $78,000,
annually.
“A career in media design and web
development is dynamic, challenging and
deadline driven,” says Flynn. “If you are interested in art, design or illustration, this is a very
rewarding career choice. There is something
fulfilling about seeing your work in print, on
television or featured online.” cc
Check out a media development and web design program at an NACC career
college near you!
For complete details on courses, check out www.nacc.ca.
British Columbia
Academy of Learning Career & Business College
Canadian Tourism College
CDI College of Business, Technology &
Health Care
Discovery Community College
Excel Career College
Fraser Valley Community College
Greystone College of Business & Technology
Lost Boys Studio
Alberta
ABM College of Health & Technology
Academy of Learning Career & Business College
Campbell College Ltd.
Columbia College
Digital School
Mayfair Business College
Training Inc.
Saskatchewan
Academy of Learning Career & Business College
McKay Career Training
Saskatoon Business College
Manitoba
Academy of Learning Career & Business College
CDI College of Business, Technology &
Health Care
Herzing College
Robertson College
The Academy of Broadcasting Corporation
 page 14
Spring 2014 11
Check out a media development and web design program at an NACC career college near you!
For complete details on courses, check out www.nacc.ca.
 page 11
Ontario
A Plus Institute
Academy of Learning Career & Business College
Algonquin Careers Academy
Brampton College of Health, Business &
Technology
Business Education College
Canada College of Business & Technology Inc.
Canadian All Care College
Canadian Business College
Canadian Business Skills College of Technology
Canadian Career College of Innovative
Technology & Management
Canadian College for Higher Studies
Canadian College of Business, Science &
Technology
Canadian College of Health, Science &
Technology
Canadian Institute of Management & Technology
CDI College of Business, Technology &
Health Care
CITI College of Canadian Careers
CompuCampus College
Computek College of Business, Health Care
& Technology
Concordia College of Canada for Health,
Business & Technology
CTS Canadian Career College
Durham Business & Computer College
Everest College of Business, Technology
& Health Care
Grade Learning
HBI College
Herzing College
IBT College
Innovations in Business Solutions Inc.
JRS Institute
KLC College: Healthcare, Business & Technology
Maple Leaf College of Business & Technology
Medix School
Metro College of Technology
MLC College of Business, Technology
& Healthcare
New Skills College of Health, Business
& Technology
North American College of Information
Technology
Osilla Institute for Health Personnel Ltd.
Oxford College of Arts, Business & Technology
Pures College of Technology
RAC Digital Arts College
RCC Institute of Technology
Stanford International College of Business
& Technology
Synergy College
Transitions College of Business & Career Studies
Trebas Institute
Trillium College
triOS College Business, Technology, Healthcare
Victoria International College of Business
& Technology
Westervelt College
Willis College of Business, Health & Technology
Quebec
Collège Canada
Collège CDI College of Business, Technology
& Health Care
Collège Herzing Institute of Montreal
Collège Radio Télévision de Québec
Collège Salette Enr.
Institut Trebas Institute
New Brunswick
Academy of Learning Career & Business College
Atlantic Business College
Centre for Arts & Technology
Eastern College
The Gaming & Animation Institute of Fredericton
Prince Edward Island
Academy of Learning Career & Business College
Nova Scotia
Academy of Learning Career & Business College
Centre for Arts & Technology
Centre for Distance Education
Eastern College
Mactech Distance Education
Newfoundland & Labrador
Academy Canada Career College
Corona College
Eastern College
Western College
14 Career Connections | www.nacc.ca
| STUDENT STORIES |
By Kim Babij-Gesell
Ain’t Seen
Noth’n Yet
See it All
Helps Kids
Jennifer Fontaine feels her abso-
lute best when she is belting out a tune.
As strange as that may sound, she says
there are few other things in life that can
give her the same sensation.
“I am just one of those people who
find pure happiness while singing,”
exclaims Fontaine. “And I love the fact
I can try to bestow that happiness upon
others, and to give that to children is
even better.”
Fontaine tries to bestow a feeling of
joy through performing to children on a
daily basis. The 30-year-old Ottawa resident and graduate of the Canadian College for Performing Arts (CCPA) is not
only the music and theatre teacher at
the Joan of Arc Academy all-girls school,
she also runs her own private company
called Ain’t Seen Noth’n Yet, a summer
musical theatre program for kids.
And if that isn’t enough, she also offers
private voice and theatre lessons. It’s a lot
for one person to have on their plate, but
Fontaine loves it that way.
“Well, CCPA was the beginning of me
not being able to stop for five seconds,
and I kind of live my life that way now,”
she laughs. “I am just extremely happy.”
The Canadian College for Performing
Arts, located in Victoria, BC, is owned and
operated by the Canadian Heritage Arts
Society (CHAS), a non-profit society and
registered charitable organization. CHAS
created the college 15 years ago as a way
to encourage higher education, while supporting young people looking to establish
careers in performing arts.
It was 2003 when Fontaine auditioned for, and was offered a spot in,
countless performing arts programs
across Canada. She quickly decided the
CCPA was where she needed to be.
“The CCPA audition really felt like
family to me. And as a girl with family as
her main priority, that was really important to me. Yes, competition happens
everywhere, but it is nice if you have
support around you to help you survive
in the world,” says Fontaine.
“The musical theatre world can be
difficult to be in, so if you can learn in a
loving environment, then you grow more
quickly. To me, that was really important, and that is why I chose to go there.
Plus, the reputation of the program and
the teachers made it
 page 16
Ain’t Seen Noth’n Yet allows kids to be creative and explore the arts.
Jennifer Fontaine.
RIGHT TOP: Fontaine works with a student enrolled in the
Ain’t Seen Noth’n Yet summer program.
RIGHT BOTTOM: A production by Fontaine’s theatre
company, Ain’t Seen Noth’n Yet, which offers a summer
musical theatre program for kids.
Spring 2014 15
| thebasics |
 page 15 such an easy decision,” she
explains.
So, she began the two-year diploma program, which also includes a
“third year,” which is actually an intensive, four-month, collaborative theatrical
collective called Company C.
Fontaine was part of the first graduating class of Company C, where participants get the chance to work with
special guest directors and other Canadian theatre industry professionals,
while, ultimately, being responsible for
every aspect of the performances they
put on. From costumes, makeup, lighting
and set design, to producing, marketing
and fundraising, it is up to the players in
Company C to make it happen.
“You build three shows from the
ground up, so there was a classical
Shakespeare play, we also did our own
written show, and we did a musical
called Into the Woods, which is a Sondheim piece,” says Fontaine.
Her time in the program flew by,
and as soon as Fontaine was done, she
turned her attention to her new business. She says the CCPA program gave
her the tools she needed to be able to
provide something to children that she
never had when she was young.
“At Ain’t Seen Noth’n Yet, we do a
summer program running for six weeks,
and it is intensive—9:00 to 5:00, Monday to Friday. And we also have evening
rehearsals with professionals and semiprofessional s that come in to work with
the kids,” says Fontaine.
“I grew up in a small town, where
these kinds of activities were not easy
to come by, and it was very hard to do
the kind of things I loved doing. So, my
parents had to drive up to an hour-anda-half into town in the summers or on
Saturdays. To be able to offer that to
children around me, I just love it,” she
says.
“And, you know, I wasn’t one of those
studious kids; I wasn’t one of those A+
students at school. It always took me a
lot of work to be where I needed to be
or wanted to be. The only place where
it came easier to me was the arts. And I
am glad to give that to children around
me, where they can succeed, because it
is all about dedication and having a love
for it.” cc
16 Career Connections | www.nacc.ca
By Joel Mangin
Sharing a basement suite or an
apartment with another student can be
an economically sound decision. Not only
does it cut rent in half, but internet, cable,
heating and electricity bills typically don
not increase with a second tenant. Before
deciding to answer or put out an ad for a
roommate, you should consider the reality
of how a roommate can affect your living
arrangements.
Kindergarten teaches you life’s most
essential skill: sharing. When living with
a roommate, this ability will be put to the
test. In a perfect world, each tenant has their
own possessions, and there is an imaginary
line down the middle of the refrigerator. If
you are going to be sharing cleaning products or condiments, be sure to work out a
plan before getting settled. This will help
you avoid conflicts, such as who bought the
ketchup last time.
Petty arguments can ruin living arrangements; it is best to discuss everything in
advance and, if possible, have it in writing.
Have an open discussion regarding petpeeves. If both parties agree to manage
bad habits, it can make for a more peaceful
partnership. It prevents frustration over dirty
plates in the sink or toilet paper rolls not
being changed.
Give each other space. Whether your
roommate is a lifelong friend or a new
acquaintance, be sure to respect personal
space. It is not mandatory to watch television or sit at the table with your roommate
at all times. If you have separate bedrooms,
try to have your own TV or computer to
enhance your private space. Respect closed
doors at all times, and try to avoid constantly
asking what the other person is doing. This
will make you enjoy the time you do spend
together.
Have a guest policy. Having your own
pad makes you an easy host before or
after a night out. This works if both parties
approve of the gathering, but discuss what
happens when frequent visitors come over
and don’t contribute. If someone’s boyfriend
or girlfriend stays over regularly, it may feel
like there is a third roommate. This can
lead to frustrations if you have to wait for
the shower or if your food is disappearing at
an alarming rate. Hammer out expectations
before things get out of hand.
Make a cleaning schedule. Work out an
arrangement so basic cleaning tasks are
completed and responsibilities are shared.
Alternate weeks for less desirable chores,
like cleaning toilets. If neither roommate
likes cleaning, split the cost of a housekeeper. Living in a perpetual mess can cause
friction.
Living with a roommate can be a great
financial benefit. cc
Accommodating
Shared
Accommodations
| thebasics |
By Joel Mangin
Keys
to Online Job Hunting
Not too long ago,
job hunting
meant flipping to the classified section
of the local newspaper and dropping off
resumes. Although print media still has
many job offers, the internet offers more
current and convenient postings.
Before beginning your online job hunt,
be sure to update your resume and cover
letter. Many online job postings allow you
to apply directly through the website.
In fact, some organizations only accept
online submissions. Some companies
want PDF files, others want Microsoft
Word documents and some want you to
fill out an online form. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different formats.
If a company requires you to fill out an
online form, always type it out beforehand
to check spelling and grammar. You will
want to reread your answers thoroughly
to avoid errors that are not recognized by
spell-check before pasting them into the
application form. Don’t leave any blanks,
and keep your answers concise and to the
point. Rambling answers may do more
harm than good, since the person on the
receiving end likely has many applications
to sift through.
Before applying online, be sure to do
some research on your potential employer
by reading reviews, following their Twitter
feed and exploring the corporate website.
If you can be selective and it doesn’t feel
like the right fit, save yourself the trouble
of applying.
The digital world has many ways to
increase productivity. One of these is the
ability to screen applicants based on their
electronic submission. Companies frequently use an applicant tracking system
to filter applicants based on certain job
criteria. Be sure to focus on what needs to
be submitted; if the application requires a
cover letter, omitting it will surely eliminate
your application. Also, read job descriptions thoroughly, so you can use key
words and reference specific skills related
to the posting. This does require a little
extra work but will allow you to pass the
first hurdle: online screening.
Be aware and in control of your digital
footprint. Applying online is convenient
and practical since you don’t have to
leave home. However, the accessibility of
information also allows your employer to
research you and your online behaviour.
Don’t avoid social media, but whether
you use Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn,
keep clean profiles. You may think you are
safe by protecting tweets or adjusting privacy settings but employers have ways of
accessing your profiles. Be present online,
but keep it professional.
The ease and convenience of job
hunting has been greatly enhanced by the
internet. However, the same can be said
for employers who can filter candidates
more easily. Online job hunters must be
more diligent than ever to avoid having
their application cast away into cyberoblivion. cc
Spring 2014 17
A testimonial from a successful ATC graduate
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff at
the ATC for their dedication to the Dispatching & Transportation Operations program. When I first walked through the
front door, I was greeted by Rebecca and Ricardo, and then it
just got better. Once in the classroom, Jerry made us feel like
we were going to conquer the world.
“When I first started, I wondered what had I gotten into,
but as the weeks went by and I immersed myself in the
weekly segments, I found I could learn and retain what Jerry
was trying to teach us. Jerry’s vast knowledge of the trucking
industry was very much appreciated and made it so that I
wanted to learn more.
x-canada
| provincialsnapshots |
BRITISH COLUMBIA
CDI College hosts dental info session
As the demand for quality dental care grows, there will
continue to be a need for well-trained dental professionals,
including dental assistants, dental technicians and dental
office personnel. Those looking to train for a dental career
learned more at an information session about the Dental
Assisting, Dental Technician and Dental Receptionist Coordinator programs at CDI College in Surrey in February 2014.
Dental professionals carry out specific duties on the job.
Dental assistants work with dentists to provide quality care
to patients on a daily basis. Technicians create custom-made
dental appliances that improve a patient’s overall oral health.
Dental receptionists keep the dental office running smoothly.
At the dental info session, attendees found out how CDI
College’s dental programs train students for each of these
important careers. They also had an opportunity to chat with
instructors and staff, tour the campus and check out the
state-of-the-art facilities, including the new dental labs and
classrooms.
Guest speakers provided an inside perspective of the
dental field in BC. Attendees heard from dentists, denturists,
dental surgeons, supply company reps, dental manufacturers
and representatives from the College of Dental Technicians
of BC and the Dental Technician’s Association of BC.
18 Career Connections | www.nacc.ca
“Jerry seemed to like giving us lots of tests, but in the end
it paid off; with 19 weeks in class, four weeks out in practicum
and a final week to refresh and study for the final exam, it was
very fulfilling.
“I also enjoyed how the staff encouraged us to stick with
it—that in the end, it would be worth it, and that they would
take the time to talk with us, even though we were all very
busy. Once again, thank you for all the help!”
David R. Lennox
ATC graduate
Eton College reads
By July 2010, when Eton received its EQA designation, the
college had committed itself to providing a combined academic and career-training environment. To meet this commitment, the management set aside a space during its campus
expansion for a library, ensuring students, staff and faculty had
access to adequate and organized reading material for study
and enjoyment.
After shelving, an electronic library system and a generous
boardroom table were installed, the first 300 to 400 books
were acquired and catalogued. There are now nearly 1,500
items in the library, mainly books, with a few videos and DVDs,
as well as desks and computers to provide students with a selfstudy language learning lab. One section is devoted to a range
of periodicals and pamphlets, particularly magazines related to
business and the tourism industry.
There is a range of reference books: dictionaries (both
general and specialized), as well as grammar and writing style
manuals, and atlases snuggling up to a selection of government
policy guidelines and tourist board publications. Patrons can
also find a nice selection of classics in literature and philosophy,
drama and poetry, which are interspersed with lighter fiction,
from Harry Potter books to a couple of Stuart McLean’s Vinyl
Café books.
Of the nonfiction books, about half deal directly with subjects studied in Eton’s programs: tourism, hospitality, airlines,
and business administration, as well as career development
and job search strategies. Others cover culture, self-development, history and environmental issues.
Many items were purchased on recommendation of college staff who thought they would be valuable to the community. Some were selected to complement events like the Japan
Week, Disney Day or Eton’s 10th Anniversary celebration theme.
The library has become the heart of Eton College, occupied
by teams working on group projects, students studying or writing assignments or browsing titles to open the world or keep
them company for an afternoon or evening.
Massaging marathon runners
On June 1, 2014, MaKami College students and staff will
be volunteering in the 50th anniversary of the Calgary Scotiabank Marathon, one of North America’s largest marathons.
“We are very happy to provide massages to participants
of the race,” says Marija Pavkovi-Tovissi, managing director
of MaKami College. “Our students are trained in sports massage therapy, and this is a great opportunity for them to gain
hands-on training on athletes; it’s a win-win situation.”
A number of MaKami staff members will also be running in support of Queen Esther Education Foundation, a
registered charity that helps newcomers and immigrants
improve their lives in Canada. “This is the 50th anniversary of
the race,” says Tovissi. “Our goal is to get 50 runners to raise
a total of $50,000.”
If you would like to donate to the college’s runners,
visit the team page at www.my.e2rm.com/TeamPage.
aspx?teamID=485947&langPref=en-CA.
Capilano Truck Driver Training Institute has moved
The big move is complete! Capilano Truck Driver Training
Institute has made the transition from Sylvan Lake into the
City of Red Deer, AB, on the North Hill. The group occupies
the building at #1 7611-49 Avenue, Red Deer, one block east
of Gaetz Avenue. Capilano still welcomes you for truck training, hours of service training, air brake training, cargo, weights
and dimension and defensive driving.
We want to hear your news!
If you are a NACC member, we want to hear what's new!
Send your news stories (new programs being offered, graduate success stories, etc.) to [email protected].
x-canada
Damien Carney visits
EvelineCharles Academy
One way to stay motivated is to see what heights
your career path can take you
to is to meet someone who
has reached that pinnacle.
This March, students at EvelineCharles Academy dove
into an incredible weekend
working with internationally-renowned hairstylist Damien Carney, international artistic director of the prestigious hair care
brand, Joico.
Carney has worked with celebrities like Ryan Gosling and
Krysten Ritter, been lead stylist on America’s Next Top Model,
and had his work showcased in major fashion magazines,
from Harper’s Bazaar, to ELLE, to Vogue.
Students, instructors and stylists witnessed an electrifying
presentation, starting with a demo of a gorgeous modern cut.
Carney walked the audience through the technicalities of the
cut, discussing graduation, layering, and the hair’s structure/
texture, while dispensing career-making advice.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re gay, straight, have Afro hair,
straight, or thin hair—hair is hair,” he explained. “Just the thickness and fabric that might be different; when you focus and
apply the right amount of tension, you will get the clean lines
you want on a cut.”
For stylists beginning their career, Damien had two pieces
of advice: find a great salon, and follow fashion. “You want to
work somewhere that gives you ongoing training, and where
other stylists inspire you, giving you something to work toward
and aspire to.”
Asia Ismail, a hair design student at EvelineCharles, felt
motivated by the show. “He is so inspirational! But in a way
that feels real. He is not at all fake, and he really showed us
what the industry is like.”
TCM presentations held at Calgary libraries
This March, Calgary College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
& Acupuncture (CCTCMA) was invited by the Calgary Public
Library to give presentations about Chinese herbs and acupuncture. Teachers and students from CCTCMA were assigned
to make their presentations at different public library branches.
The presentations were free to the public.
Topics included Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture,
which explained how acupuncture works to treat illness and
promote an optimum health balance; and Traditional Chinese
Medicine: Herbs, which discussed origins, uses of herbs and
their therapeutic benefits.
| provincialsnapshots |
ALBERTA
Spring 2014 19
MC College graduate finds success
Sid Neigum graduated from the Fashion Design
and Apparel Production program at MC College in
2009. Since then, he has attended the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, an internationally recognized college for design, fashion and art,
and has shown collections in Edmonton, Vancouver
and Toronto.
Neigum has also won the Toronto Fashion Incubator designer competition, which gave him free studio
space in Toronto for one year, $25,000 and a feature
of his collection in Flare magazine.
Today, he is a business owner, designer, patternmaker and salesperson as he grows his own fashion
line.
Enticed by MC College’s fast track program,
Neigum learned everything he would need to know
in 12 months. At the beginning, he had only ever
sewn one garment. Afterwards, he had put together
around 30 pieces, including complicated designs.
While he has been to FIT, Neigum says he learned
more at MC College; because of the smaller class
sizes (nine students per instructor, as opposed to
classes of 30), Sid felt he was getting private instruction and learned a lot.
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| provincialsnapshots |
Saskatchewan
20 Career Connections | www.nacc.ca
MANITOBA
Herzing College faculty awards
The following Herzing College Winnipeg faculty were
recently recognized for their service and commitment to further education.
The Faculty Service Award was given to Nancy Scott, Winnipeg’s Health Care Aide Instructor, for outstanding service
to the students and college. The Faculty Scholarship Award
is given to those who have demonstrated a commitment to
further education. This year’s winner is Luba Krywonizka, Winnipeg’s Medical Office Assistant Instructor, who is also the winner for all of Canada.
The Teacher of the Year Award goes to the faculty member
who has shown an above average commitment to Herzing
College and its students, and this year’s winner is Dale Harrington, Winnipeg’s Medical Office Assistant Instructor.
Congratulations to everyone who received an award and
to the college’s faculty for their commitment to Herzing’s
students.
ONTARIO
AAPS now authorized provider of IACET CEUs
Internationally educated nurses or graduates from one of
the colleges or universities in Canada who wish to practice
nursing in Canada need to assess, update and improve themselves to be successful in the RN or RPN exams.
The Academy of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences’ (AAPS)
applied programs and courses are specifically designed to
help students gain the required knowledge and skills needed to pass the exam and find a job as a registered nurse in
Canada.
The AAPS exam preparation courses are offered through
workshop-style sessions followed by frequent tests to evaluate your progress and ensure your success in the Canadian
Registered Nurse Exam (CRNE).
Courses are designed to enable completion on a weekly
basis, which lets you build your professional credentials, while
maintaining employment and/or family responsibilities.
In 2012, exam preparation at AAPS underwent extensive
revisions and improvements in an effort to provide unique services to all applicants preparing for the exam. This program is
recommended for graduates of all accredited and recognized
nursing programs, who wish to take the RN and/or RPN exam.
Medix College, NATS students eligible for
tuition grant
The government recently announced expanded
eligibility for the 30 per cent tuition grant, to include
post-secondary students attending career colleges
in Ontario. Students who wish to attend Medix College or North American Trade Schools could be
eligible.
The 30 per cent off tuition grant was developed
to make post-secondary education more accessible
and affordable for Ontario students. The amount for
the grant may be up to $1,730 per year for students
x-canada
Second International
Health & Safety Summit
In cooperation with the
Administration of Work Safety for Guangdong Province,
China, Willis College delivered an Occupational Health
and Safety (OHS) training
program from March 10 to
12, 2014, to train Chinese
government officials to better
understand Canadian OHS
legislation, programs and applied practices.
In its second International OHS Summit,
training focused on the Canadian mining
industry as a case study. Delegates examined
how Canadian employers, supervisors and
workers benefit from OHS legislation, programs and tools. Delegates examined specific
OHS practices associated with training, equipment, facilities and sites. They also looked at
how the Internal Responsibility System works
to prevent workplace incidents and injuries.
The importance of roles, rights and responsibilities in the workplace were also explored.
An OHS lawyer from Fasken Martineau, a recognized, leading expert in Canadian mining
health and safety, provided a concise review
of mining OHS regulations, inspection processes and enforcement outcomes.
Health and safety awareness training
offered by Willis College is part of a continuing effort by the Guangdong Administration of
Work Safety to modernize their programs and
services modelled after Canadian standards.
The college looks forward to strengthening
this ongoing international relationship and is
excited to welcome more Chinese delegates
in the future.
enrolled in programs. The deadline for applications is
based on program length and start date.
“We applaud the government’s decision to include
career college students in the tuition grant program;
after all, a student is a student. When students choose
a post-secondary institution that best suits their needs,
it should not impact their access to support programs,”
says Peter Dykstra, vice-president, Medix College.
For eligibility requirements or more information,
contact the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges
and Universities’ website, www.ontario.ca/educationand-training/30-off-ontario-tuition; Medix College at
www.medixcollege.ca or (866) 962-7685; or North
American Trade Schools at www.natradeschools.ca or
(888) 763-2159.
| provincialsnapshots |
ONTARIO
ONTARIO
Spring 2014 21
| provincialsnapshots |
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
First TV pilot produced at Trebas
Created within the TV Production course, the first television
pilot at Trebas, Chasing Zebras, was filmed by eight students
under the supervision of their teacher, John Koutroubis.
The pilot’s creator, Tara Al-Dakkak, won the Kodak Award and
the Certificate of Excellence. Adrian Caleanu, director, won the
Certificate of Excellence.
The pilot will be screened in a cinema soon, and details will
be announced on the Trebas website, www.trebas.com, as they
become available. To watch the trailer, go to www.youtube.com/
watch?v=Mm59eUoIHPE.
APTA presents annual appreciation awards
Representatives of Commercial Safety College were pleased to attend the
2013 Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association (APTA) annual awards banquet
in. Congratulations to all of the winners for their dedication to our industry!
The awards recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Atlantic Canada’s trucking industry. The 2013 annual awards banquet
was held at the Ramada Plaza Crystal Palace and over 100 members gathered
to celebrate.
The 2013 award recipients included:
•• Service to the Industry: Jean St.Onge, Midland Transport Ltd.; sponsored
by Shaw Tracking.
•• Driver of the Year: William Everett Lunn, Professional Carriers, Inc.; sponsored by Volvo Trucks Canada.
•• Dispatcher of the Year: Terry Geddes, Loblaw Atlantic; sponsored by TMW
Systems.
•• Safety to Motor Transportation: Dave Miller, Armour Transportation Systems; sponsored by Northbridge Insurance.
•• Good Samaritan: Fred Sears, Midland Transport Ltd.; sponsored by Marine
Atlantic Inc.
“We are pleased to pay tribute to these men and women for their hard
work and dedication to the industry,” says executive director, Jean Marc Picard.
x-canada
QUEBEC
Collège MultiHexa launches new site
MultiHexa Québec is proud to present its new website, which
can still be found at www.multihexa.ca. The redesigned site shows
updated courses and services offered by the college. Congratulations and thank you to all those who worked on the project.
A testimonial from a successful graduate
“I dropped everything in my life to live my passion through this
course. There is no day or any minute that I regret. I managed to
succeed and I put in 110 per cent. The staff, the school and the
atmosphere were very good. I enjoyed my year, and mechanics
is now part of my life full-time.”
Kevin Levasseur
Graduate, Automobile Mechanics
Aviron Québec Collège Technique
NEW BRUNSWICK
CPA Atlantic silver medalist
From everyone at Eastern College, a huge
congratulations goes out to St. John’s, NL student
Frances Pendergast. Pendergast is the CPA Atlantic Silver Medal
Recipient, scoring the 2nd highest mark on the Canadian Payroll
exam in all of Atlantic Canada! This is a great achievement and
a reminder that anyone can achieve success with hard work,
dedication and the right training.
Congratulations, Frances!
22 Career Connections | www.nacc.ca
NOVA SCOTIA
Bursary awarded to A+ MDE student
Mactech Distance Education (MDE) is pleased to award the 2013-2014
Bursary for Persons with HIV/AIDS to, Rodney Levett. Rodney has been awarded $3,500 toward his training at MDE in the field of A+ Technical Support.
Living with HIV for over 20 years played a role in increasing Rodney’s determination and fortitude. After learning his Canada Student Loan funding didn’t
cover the full costs of his tuition and books, Rodney explored avenues for
additional funding but met little success until the MDE Bursary Program.
The award from MDE has allowed Rodney to take the next steps toward
his dream of opening his own business in computer sales and service in his
local area.
“I’m very healthy; retraining and re-entering the workforce are at the top of
my mind,” he says.
MDE would like to congratulate Rodney and wish him best of luck with his
A+ program and his future endeavours!
| buyeR’Sguide |
Aesthetics & Massage Therapy
Distance / Home Education
Music Industry Education
Protégé School............................................ 21
Mactech Distance Education..................12, 13
Trebas Institute........................................... 20
Audio, Video & Television Production
Entertainment & Event Management
Online Web-Based Search Engine
Trebas Institute........................................... 20
Trebas Institute........................................... 20
Beelineweb.com................... inside front cover
Audio Engineering
Hairstyling & Aesthetics
Trebas Institute........................................... 20
DelMar College of Hair & Esthetics............. 10
National Institute of Hair Styling &
Esthetics..................................................... 4
Personal Care Worker Training, Home
Management
Audio Recording Arts
Harris Institute............................................. 21
Health Care College
Beauty College
Systems Beauty College................................ 4
Medix School........................ inside back cover
Dan Robert College of Health Care.............. 21
Textbooks
John Wiley & Sons......................................... 4
Paradigm Education Solutions....................... 4
Career Colleges
Academy Canada Career College................. 22
Academy of Learning College........................ 8
Everest College............................................ 14
Greystone College....................................... 18
Herzing College.................. outside back cover
Saskatoon Business College........................ 17
Trebas Institute........................................... 20
Computer-Aided Drafting
Digital School.............................................. 19
Culinary Arts
Le Cordon Bleu – Ottawa.............................. 6
NEWFOUNDLAND
& LABRADOR
Staff and students raise $14,000
for Young Adult Cancer Canada
Keyin College is proud to announce
that during the month of March 2014,
staff and students raised $14,000 for
Young Adult Cancer Canada by participating in the Shave for the Brave. In honour of its 34th anniversary, students and
staff collected donations, ran fundraising
events and one business class used the
opportunity to run a not-for-profit business dedicated to raising funds for the
effort.
“We are really proud of how this was
both a community and an educational
effort by our staff and students,” says Des
Whelan, president of Keyin College. “Our
college community came together in support of this great cause, as part of our 34
years of education in Newfoundland and
Labrador celebration.”
Two of Keyin’s campuses in Carbonear and Clarenville took part in additional,
standalone events this May, with proceeds
going to Young Adult Cancer Canada.
Spring 2014 23