Career Connections Magazine – Spring 2014
Transcription
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 Published By: Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Canada Post Publications Agreement Number: 40609661 Return undeliverable copies to: 309 Youville Street Winnipeg, MB R2H 2S9 Toll Free Phone: (866) 999-1299 Toll Free Fax: (866) 244-2544 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.matrixgroupinc.net President & CEO Jack Andress Chief Operating Officer Jessica Potter [email protected] Publishers Joe Strazzullo Peter Schulz Editor-in-Chief Shannon Savory [email protected] Editors Alexandra Walld [email protected] Meg Crane Finance/Accounting & Administration Shoshana Weinberg, Pat Andress, Nathan Redekop, Lloyd Weinberg [email protected] Director of Marketing & Circulation Shoshana Weinberg Sales Manager Neil Gottfred Sales Team Leader Albert Brydges Matrix Group Publishing Inc. Account Executives Andrew DeSivo, Bonnie Petrovsky, Brian Davey, Brian MacIntyre, Chris Smith, Christopher Morrill, Colleen Bell, Frank Kenyeres, Frank McLean, Jeff Cash, Jim Hamilton, John Price, Lindsay Melson, Mark McClain, Miles Meagher, Rick Kuzie, Rob Allan, Rob Choi, Steve Gaebel Layout & Design Kayti Taylor Advertising Design James Robinson ©2014 Matrix Group Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Matrix Group Publishing Inc. 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. x-canada | 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