November 30, 2012

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SPECIAL ISSUE NOVEMBER 2012

COLLEGE CONNECTION TOP STORIES Explore outdoor careers

Emily Carr degree, with benefits

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PROFESSIONAL 4 COOK

Young, creative, & culinary

HIGHLIGHTS

HOW DID YOU KNOW?…

Criminology Diploma...........2 Nursing......................................2 Bachelor of Business.............2

NEW PROGRAMS WWW.NIC.BC.CA

Landscape Horticulture........3 Mobile App Development....3 PAGE 4

DID YOU KNOW? Facts about tuition-free upgrading this winter.

Learn what you can do at your community college

UNIVERSITY TRANSFER

ADVENTURE 2 GUIDING

FINE ARTS

Call us for details 1-800-715-0914

YOUR UNIVERSITY STARTS HERE

Secure your seat at NIC and UVic and qualify for awards at both institutions.

Smaller class sizes, same credentials, fewer expenses, and less stress. NIC students have many reasons why they start their studies close to home.

For Charlotte Grant, Casey Watamaniuk, and Alistair Vanbergen, NIC’s partnership with the University of Victoria gives them more reasons to study at NIC for up to two years.

The agreement guarantees UVic admission to eligible NIC students and allows students to qualify for scholarships and awards at both institutions.

Highland graduate Charlotte Grant is planning to study anthropology after a year in NIC’s UVic Dual Admission program.

to Casey, who initially thought the letter was too good to be true.

“I thought it was fake,” she said. “I didn’t apply for the scholarship, they just give it to you based on your marks in high school after you apply,” Casey intends to pursue an environmental engineering career after a year or two at NIC.

“I chose NIC because it’s close to home and I know first-year science classes at many Charlotte Grant was one of many NIC institutions are pretty standard, so it’s not like students who received UVic Entrance awards I would be missing out.” ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.

To her, quality of life was also key to her

“Attending NIC for my first year means I can decision. “I wasn’t ready to stop spending enjoy smaller class sizes with professors who money because I need to pay rent,” she added. recognize me, save money to travel, have the “The more money I save this year, the more it opportunity to live with my family for one means I can travel to Portugal this summer.” more year, and have a gradual transition to Casey and Alistair Vanbergen, both Mark R. the craziness, hard work, and excitement of Isfeld graduates, received $20,500 each in UVic university life,” Charlotte said.

Entrance Scholarships, to be awarded over the Charlotte and Casey Watamaniuk also course of their studies when they get to UVic. received NIC’s $2,570 Honourable Stanley B. The award is peace of mind for Alistair, who Hagen Memorial Scholarship. is exploring political science courses at NIC The scholarship came as a complete surprise before heading to UVic.

“NIC was an easy choice for me – I didn’t have to worry about moving, finding a place to live, or how things work at a new campus during my first year at university,” he said. “My brother Sean went to NIC for a year before transferring to UBC and he told me NIC really helped prepare him for university.”

“The quality of education, equipment, and facilities at NIC were great,” said Sean. “There is nothing lacking at NIC that a first-year student needs.”

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/ut Or call: 1-800-715-0914

COURSES STARTING THIS JANUARY Physical Anthropology & Archeology (ANT-151) Explore the origins and development of human cultures, including Old and New World civilizations.

Principles of Modern Biology I (BIO-102) Study ecology, evolution, cell division, genetics, classification, diversity, and more.

Lab work required.

Always wanted to go to university? Interested in exploring your options?

Discover degree pathways in arts, sciences, social work, engineering, criminology and more, in NIC’s video. Visit www.nic.bc.ca/ut or call 1-800-715-0914.

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NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE NOVEMBER 2012

HOW DID YOU KNOW…

WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE? Jennifer Tait

Program: Criminology Diploma Length: 2 years Starts: January, September

ADVENTURE GUIDING

GUIDED BY ADVENTURE

Love of the outdoors opens doors to marine biology, guiding, & tourism careers.

Career goal: Interested in restorative justice and becoming a Crown prosecutor.

Why NIC: Transferability! “I love the fact that I can walk into a third or fourth year class at SFU, no questions asked.”

“I figured out what I liked to do most, then found a career that got me involved.”

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/ut Or call: 1-800-715-0914

Tom Thomas Program: Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Length: 4 years Starts: September, get a head start this winter with program electives Career goal: Interested in travelling and helping others.

Why NIC: Global Learning.

“When I tell other nurses about my NIC experiences, their jaws drop. I can’t imagine doing everything I did at NIC anywhere else.”

“I wanted to contribute to society and help people make a difference in their lives.”

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/health Or call: 1-800-715-0914

Samantha Agnew Program: Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Accounting major Length: 4 years Starts: September, January Career goal: Full-time accounting career.

Why NIC: Co-op at Seymour Pacific Developments Ltd. in Campbell River. “NIC’s Co-op experience really helped solidify that I was in the right field. I was able to see what the job was like in real life and loved it.”

“I like math, problem solving, and administrative work. Accounting is perfect.”

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/business Or call: 1-800-715-0914 PAGE 2

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Adventure Guiding program students discover west coast careers with regular field trips to Tofino, the Discovery Islands, and more.

Sabina Hamilton is starting her marine biology education with the hands-on skills needed to work on the water.

The 17-year-old completed NIC’s Adventure Guiding program last year, looking for industry certification and adventure. While most of her classmates were planning guiding careers, Sabina wanted to build her boating and leadership skills from expert instructors before starting a science degree.

May, just in time for peak guiding season and qualify for entry-level leadership and guiding positions with sea kayaking companies, coastal resorts, whale and wildlife tour operators, youth wilderness programs, and more. Many find that in the off season, their industry certifications qualify them for work in other coastal industries.

Jason Steele spent last summer at Sonora Resort and now uses his skills to work in the Island’s shellfish industry during the off “Spending time out on the water with such knowledgeable instructors was amazing,” season. “I was 100 per cent prepared for my Hamilton said. “You learn so much from their work placement,” he said. “Every single skill I learned was transferable to both industries.” experiences. I would definitely do it again.”

Steele plans to spend the next few seasons She completed the program while she was leading boat tours but loves that Adventure still in high school, through a partnership Guiding now transfers into NIC’s Hospitality between the Qualicum School District and North Island College. The district paid for Management diploma, Bachelor of Business her academic courses, leaving her to pay for Administration degree, and a variety of other industry certifications. She’s now back in tourism-related programs across BC.

INSTRUCTOR PROFILE

Dave Pinel Lead Adventure Guiding faculty since 2002 • Co-owner, West Coast Expeditions in Kyuquot • 25+ years guiding, sea kayaking, and teaching on BC’s waters

high school completing her technical science requirements before starting university.

“It’s nice that the door is open for me if I want to continue my studies.”

• 10+ years on the BC Adventure Tourism Articulation Committee

The eight-month Adventure Guiding program starts in September. Students graduate in

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/tourism Or call: 1-800-715-0914

• Examiner & Guide Instructor Sea Kayak Guides Alliance of BC

Do you love working with people? Want to explore career options in one of BC’s biggest industries?

Discover sustainable tourism, hospitality, adventure guiding, and business degree pathways in NIC’s tourism programs. Visit www.nic.bc.ca/tourism.

NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE NOVEMBER 2012

NEW PROGRAMS

FINE ARTS & DESIGN

LANDSCAPE HORTICULTURE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE NOW

NIC OFFERS EMILY CARR DEGREE WITH BENEFITS

Professional artist instructors and amazing studios make career shift worthwhile.

Train for a new career in Landscape Horticulture this winter with Vancouver Island’s only Level 1 Apprenticeship Training program.

NIC’s new programs start in February in the Comox Valley. Take classes evenings and weekends, and graduate in May, in time to meet peak industry demand. Start at an apprenticeship training level with an employer sponsor, or grow your gardening skills with the Landscape Horticulture Fundamentals Certificate.

Growing up, Heather Koning never considered being an artist a responsible career choice.

Instead of following her artistic interests after high school, she studied to be a health care assistant, and got a well paying job at a long term care facility at home in Port Alberni.

While online, she stumbled across NIC’s fine arts programs and realized how easy it would be to explore drawing or painting classes. Within a year, the program’s Comox Valley location, professional instructors, and ties to Emily Carr University of Art and Design had her hooked.

“My plan was to do a semester or two and go back to my health care career,” she said.

“Two years later, I finished my diploma and I’m on my way to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Emily Carr University – without leaving Vancouver Island.”

She credits NIC’s amazingly well-equipped studios, accessible equipment, and encouraging instructors for her success.

“All of my instructors are professional artists used to showing their work – even the techs here are practicing artists. So if I’m having difficulty, I know my instructors are aware of the trends and can talk about the technique from a personal perspective.”

Throughout the program, artists such as John Hooley, Elizabeth Russell, and Linda Perron went out of their way to inspire her, encouraged her to apply for professional awards and scholarships, connected her with artists in the community, and constantly pushed her beyond her expectations.

Learn more at a free program information session for prospective students December 6 at the Comox Valley campus.

Find out more: julia.peters@nic.bc.ca Or call: 250-923-9724 Heather Koning completes a project on NIC’s large format parallel screen printing press.

Presses of this size and quality are available at very few colleges in Canada.

The school supports students introduction into art and encourages experimentation by providing basic art supplies, a rarity in art schools across BC. Koning, for example, explored new art forms and developed skills in painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture she didn’t know she had.

“It’s pretty awesome, especially when you’re trying a skill you’re not sure you’re going to like,” she said.

Small class sizes led to more one-on-one time with instructors and peers and allowed her more space and time in the studios.

Now an Emily Carr degree student at NIC, Koning spends more time on self-directed projects and is submitting work to galleries.

Next year, she hopes to get her own on-campus studio space, a luxury afforded to Emily Carr students at NIC in their final year of study.

Has the shift from health to fine arts been difficult? Not really, she said.

Her background in health informs her art, her quality of life has remained constant.

“I was worried at first because I got used to having a job and steady income,” Koning said. “But I enjoy a good standard of living, I live on my own, have a car, and participate in events. These are all things I can do because I’m doing my degree at the Comox Valley campus and not a major urban centre – I don’t feel I have to sacrifice anything.”

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/finearts Or call: 1-800-715-0914

COURSES STARTING THIS JANUARY Drawing & Two Dimensional Lang. (FIN-110) Learn to express yourself more easily by exploring drawing and mark-making.

Introduction to Photography (FIN-145) Explore photographic equipment and design techniques, including darkroom and print development.

Interested in getting an Emily Carr degree on Vancouver Island? Want to follow your passion in photography or ceramics?

Explore Professional Photography, Ceramics, and Fine Arts pathways in our new program videos. Visit www.nic.bc.ca/finearts or call 1-800-715-0914.

DEVELOP MOBILE APPLICATIONS AT NIC Starting in September 2013, NIC’s suite of web design and development programs will include a new Mobile Applications Development certificate.

The North Island is fast becoming a creative hub for designers and web developers, many of whom are graduates of NIC’s Interactive Media programs.

Now, they can add a Mobile Applications Development certificate to their training.

“Interactive Media programs support an emerging digital economy on Vancouver Island,” said Gregory Cran, NIC’s Dean of Instruction in the Schools of Business, Tourism, Fine Arts & Design, Humanities and Social Sciences.

“This program will allow NIC students to learn the skills needed to address an increasing consumer demand for mobile applications. Oneyear technology programs are very attractive to many students, eager to quickly acquire new marketable skills.”

Find out more: susanne.sampson@nic.bc.ca Or call: 250-334-5228.

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NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE NOVEMBER 2012

TRADES & TECHNOLOGY

YOUNG, CREATIVE, AND CULINARY Professional Cook 2 student uses competition and training to drive her career goals

What matters is where you’re headed. At NIC, you’ll start at a level that feels right and you’ll move forward at your own pace with one-on-one instructor support.

You might not need math.

The NIC Professional Cook 2 program student already has a string of awards and accolades to her name.

Depending on the program, you may only need a C in English and no math at all. If you do need to upgrade or refresh your skills, you can often upgrade and start your college program at the same time.

In addition to a $1,500 BC Hospitality Foundation Scholarship, Tang won a gold medal at the Skills Canada North Island regional event, and a silver medal at the BC Skills Canada competition.

Upgrading classes are flexible and free.

“I’m a competitor,” Tang said. “From the first spark of competition, something clicked. I thought, wow, I could do this for a living.”

She accomplished much of this while in high school, through NIC’s dual credit programs.

At 18, she’s already spent two years working at the Kingfisher Oceanside Resort and Spa restaurant (now called the Breakwater), where she’s moved from preparing breakfasts to cooking for weddings and events. As she nears three years at the resort, she knows she’s ready for a change.

“My chefs always encourage me to branch out, and study different techniques,” she said. “By February, I hope to be working under Chef Willi Franz at the Grapevine restaurant with Grey Monk Estate Winery.”

Upgrading classes are offered days and evenings to suit your schedule. Your courses are free, you only pay for books/ fees. Funding may be available..

College is NOT high school.

Tina Tang works at the Farmers Market for the North Island Chefs’ Association and hones her Professional Cook skills.

She credits NIC’s chefs as well as Campbell River kitchen staff for creating a knowledgeable family of support for students. And, she says, public enthusiasm at the student-run Third Course Bistro, is always encouraging.

From all accounts, the feeling is mutual. “Tina is an exceptionally hard working student who has immersed herself in learning with every opportunity, said NIC Chef Chris Hansen.

By 2014, Tang hopes to complete her Professional Cook 3 program and qualify to write her Interprovincial (Red Seal) exam.

For now, she’s preparing for the Junior Hot Competition in Vancouver, where she and her classmates are sure to impress, again.

WHAT IS DUAL CREDIT? • An early entry program for high school students wanting to complete college courses before finishing high school • Successful students earn credit toward Grade 12 graduation, as well as NIC’s trades, career, or university-transfer programs

At NIC you’re part of an adult learning community, with classmates who are working toward their goals, just like you.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/upgrading Or call: 1-800-715-0914

SEE FOR YOURSELF!

NIC’S UPGRADING VIDEO NOW ONLINE

• Students who do well, and meet the requirements of participating school districts, may be eligible for tuition reimbursement.

• Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/dualcredit

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/trades Or call: 1-800-715-0914

Curious about how things work? Interested in building new creations? Want to develop your skills and turn your passion into a career?

Explore NIC’s trades and technology programs in our new program videos. Visit www.nic.bc.ca/trades or call 1-800-715-0914.

Visit www.nic.bc.ca/upgrading

1-800-715-0914 | questions@nic.bc.ca PAGE 4

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In the Professional Cook 2 program, she’s developed leadership, menu planning, and inventory skills as well as honed her ability to prepare soups, sauces, meats, vegetarian dishes, and more.

Facts about upgrading at NIC Your previous grades don’t matter.

If all goes to plan, Tina Tang will be a Red Seal certified chef with a culinary resume that includes BC’s top resorts within two years.

As a junior member of the North Vancouver Island Chefs’ Association, she was chosen as the BC Chefs’ Association first junior alternate in Daejeon, South Korea. And, she regularly speaks to students about her experiences in person and as moderator of the association’s Facebook page.

DID YOU KNOW?