Archives

Options Skilled Trades Fair a Community Showcase

We have all heard about the shortage of skilled trades workers. If not, try calling a tradesperson to do some renovations at your home, and be prepared to wait or to pay more than you expected. With the average age of a trades worker increasing, there is a supply and demand issue in many trades that has caused governments at all levels to re-think the importance of encouraging more young people to pursue apprenticeship training.

Twelve years ago, the Options Skilled Trades Fair was launched at the Petawawa Civic Centre in a grassroots effort to expose more Renfrew County high school students to careers available in the trades. Options has become one of the largest skilled trades fairs in the province, and arguably the most successful.

It has been recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities with a Minister’s Award of Excellence for its ability to bring together Algonquin College, Renfrew County’s four District School Boards, dozens of employers and hundreds of high school students in a collaborative effort to showcase apprenticeship training as the third pillar of Ontario’s post-secondary training system.

At its core, Options has been successful because of its interactive approach to turning young people on to the trades. Each year, more than 200 senior high school students participate in more than ten skills competitions, ranging from carpentry to hairstyling. The more than 1500 grade ten students that attend as part of their career planning course have an opportunity to test several trades through fun activities such as painting, building brick walls, and using power tools to drill holes in lumber.

9 - Molecular Gastronomy Demonstration - Mar 24, 2014

While the event is enjoyed by the students, it has also prompted a swell of community pride. Tradespeople and large skilled trades employers from across the region give up their time and make financial contributions to the event to provide judges and materials for competitions, and prizes for competitors. There is also a pay back for the students. Storage sheds built in the team carpentry competition are auctioned off at the end of the day with all funds raised through the sales supporting bursaries for students who are entering the trades.

OYAP1-EFCol

This year’s Options Skilled Trades Fair will be held on May 13th at the Pembroke Memorial Centre. The event is open to the public and is free. Parents are encouraged to attend.

If you have an opinion on the importance of exposing young people to skilled trades careers, please share your comments.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger

 

 

 

RedBlacks Partnership-A Great Example of Co-Curricular Opportunities for Students

When the new Ottawa RedBlacks take the field this summer, Algonquin College’s Loggersports student athletes will be front and centre every time the football team scores a touchdown! Through a partnership recently announced by the two organizations, the Loggersports team will perform at every RedBlacks home game, a marketing effort by the football club to enhance the fan experience.

This collaboration is a wonderful opportunity for the Loggersports athletes to be recognized on a national stage as all CFL games are broadcast across the country on TSN, but from a student learning perspective, it is a great example of how co-curricular activities can benefit them.

big joe thor2

At Algonquin College, a concerted effort is being made to acknowledge the good work that many of our students are doing outside of the classroom. Staff and faculty have been encouraged to post co-curricular activities on a web site where students can build their own portfolio tracking the events and activities they participate in that are not directly linked to their full-time studies. Being active as a volunteer by participating in things like a College Open House for prospective students, or being part of student government or varsity sporting events, are great examples of things that can be captured on a student’s co-curricular record.

The co-curricular record supports the student’s academic performance and credentials. More employers are now looking for employees that can offer them added value through their community connections or willingness to participate in activities outside of their normal work expectations. Graduates that can present a co-curricular record that clearly articulates their experiences above and beyond their formal training have an advantage when trying to land their first job after graduation.

Jeff Hunt

There is also the added benefit of building a wider network of influencers. Leaving a strong impression through co-curricular work with others can go a long way in landing references from people that can make the difference in persuading an employer to give a graduate that important first job. In a competitive and challenging labour market, participating in co-curricular opportunities can be the edge a student will need after they complete their studies, plus it can be a lot of fun. Just ask the Loggersports team!

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger

Learning From The Best

definition of expert-resized-600

One of the reasons why our programming at the Waterfront Campus is so strong is that our professors are subject matter experts. They have years of experience in their field, they bring with them priceless information that is taught to our students and they have a passion that is unwavering. A prime example of this is Jeff Jackson, Coordinator of the Outdoor Adventure Program has over 20 years of experience in the outdoor adventure industry, including time in the Yukon, Mexico, India, and Costa Rica just to name a few. Jeff has held course director and management positions with Outward Bound, the National Outdoor Leadership School, high profile kayak schools, and cross-country ski facilities. He is a kayak and mountain bike instructor trainer, and teaches leadership and business courses in the program. He is also a well-known writer on river and conservation issues and is involved in international river education programs. Jeff has a degree in Business Administration and a Masters of Education specializing in professional development. He has been a consultant and presenter on risk management issues and is a nationally competitive Nordic skier and mountain bike racer. On top of Jeff’s exceptional list of achievements, he is also a PhD candidate working towards furthering his education in Organizational Behaviour and Safety Performance.

jeff_jackson_in_kayakSource: Adventure Risk Report Blog

For these many reasons, Jeff is a sought-after faculty member and recently appeared on CBC’s MarketPlace to discuss and analyze the risks associated with the adventure sports in Canada and abroad. Jeff’s in-depth knowledge and expertise in risk management issues was a complete asset to the Marketplace episode and included tips on what you need to know to protect yourself. These nationally recognized professionals are who are teaching you, are showing you the ropes inside and outside the classroom and guiding you to your future career.

jeff-jacksonSource: CBC’s Marketplace website

Our Outdoor Adventure Program is just one of the 19 full-time programs offered at our Waterfront Campus that boasts industry professionalism. It’s important to remember that as a student, your accounting or financing course in the Business Program is taught to you by an Accountant, your Introduction to Baking and Pastry course in the Culinary Skills – Chef Training Program is taught to you by a pastry chef, and all the information taught in your Radiation Safety Program is delivered by a professor with years of experience in the Nuclear Sector. That is absolutely one of the best features of a college education – you get to learn from the best, from professionals working in the field! Did you have a professor who impacted your life? Tell us about it! Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz

Speaker Series–One More Way Algonquin College Connects to Community

When most people think of colleges, they visualize young students attending full time programs. Given that the majority of college students are between the ages of 17 and 22 and enrolled in day time programs, they are making the right assumption about college.

But colleges appeal to an entirely different group of learners in their continuing education offerings. Many of these students are working full time, they are older, and they aren’t looking for a career, but rather an opportunity to keep on learning new things. Whether its for professional development or personal enjoyment, these students have a different type of connection to a college.

Algonquin College’s Waterfront Campus wants to reach more of these students. One of the strategies to do this is by expanding the college’s speaker series, an effort to bring high profile subject matter experts or interesting personalities to the community to share a lecture. The strategy is working!

In the next few weeks, the College will be hosting Ottawa RedBlacks President, Jeff Hunt, to speak about the return of professional football to Ottawa and the revitalization of Lansdowne Park into a multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex. Hunt’s talk on March 18th will appeal to sports fans, but also to those who have an entrepreneurial spirit. Hunt is a self made man who started small with a cleaning business and eventually became one of the most influential business owners in the capital region.

Gwynne Dyer is arguably one of the most respected subject matter experts on international issues. The Canadian journalist, historian and commentator now lives in London, England, but frequently returns to Canada for speaking engagements. The 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War will bring Dyer to Pembroke on March 24th to speak about the “Lessons We Learned from the Great War.”

Whether you agree with some of Dyer’s opinions, and he certainly is opinionated, there is no question that he is one of the most compelling and interesting speakers of our time. His lectures are always well attended, and very thought provoking. It’s not surprising Dyer has won many awards for his writing and commentating over the years, including an Academy Award nomination for his documentary series entitled “War.”

It has been a long winter, but spring is near and Algonquin College’s Speaker Series will present CBC Radio’s Ed Lawrence on April 10th at Festival Hall. Lawrence is the CBC’s gardening expert and his weekly call in show attracts listeners from across the country. He certainly has the pedigree to be considered Canada’s top gardener, as he served several Canadian Prime Minister’s and Governor General’s before retiring from his gardening position at Parliament Hill.

The Speaker Series will continue to attract a diverse group of presenters, exactly what it should do. By offering a good variety of speakers, the College will be fulfilling its mandate to offer learning opportunities to people of all ages through its outreach programming. It will also be offering some wonderfully engaging entertainment through the power of listening to the spoken word.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger

Our Alumni Rock And It’s Not Just Us Who Feel This Way!

Algonquin College, Pembroke Campus alumni are celebrated all around the world but sometimes we forget how great our former students, current professionals, really are. It’s time to celebrate their successes!

Linda Magill

Alumna Linda Magill was a recent winner of the Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education. Linda currently works at Carleton Place Childcare Services. She was recognized with this award because of her dedication, guidance and commitment to student success.

Not only does Magill support child development through her customized activity planning, including projects centered around her students’ interests but also with her commitment to diversity in her lessons. She is the type of woman who always has time for her students and their parents. This is the type of characteristic we hope to instil in all of our students and graduates.

biking trip nova cycling tour cyclingPhotos courtesy of www.whatsonthorold.com

Outdoor Adventure alumni, Amy Tunstall and Jonathan Hiscock, are planning on cycling across Canada this May to raise money for Suicide Awareness and Prevention. This 7,400 km journey will take them from Vancouver to St. John’s over approximately four months. The two have already committed a lot of time to training, research and saving money for this adventure and have implemented the skills they learned in the Outdoor Adventure Naturalist program, including extensive expedition planning.

The expedition will not only be gruelling both physically and emotionally but there is also a substantial price tag – the four month cycling journey will cost approximately $7000 each! Amy and Jonathan are also flexing those business skills that they learned in their program and raising funds through donations, fund raising endeavors such as bottle drives and sponsorship. If you are interested in supporting this cause, click here >>

1313070108_31049481 hospitalTom Sidney, a Social Service Worker alumnus has recently helped to pilot a Mental Health Walk-In Clinic at the Pembroke Regional Hospital, where he has had the opportunity to put his studies in action working with troubled youth. This initiative has received attention provincially with CTV news covering this project.

Tom and his team give youth the opportunity to drop-in and speak with a counsellor immediately which is an extraordinary feat. This pilot project and its growing clientele are solely supported through donations made to the Mental Health Walk-In Clinic.

Not only are our alumni absolutely fantastic but they also have a couple other things in common – they are supportive, caring and giving. These are some of the fundamental characteristics that we aim to engender in all of our students. We are so proud of our grads!

Do you know of an Algonquin College graduate who deserves a shout out? Let us know.

Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz

Time Flies

TimeFlies

Whoever first coined that phrase was certainly correct. It’s amazing that January is almost past and students are beginning the 4th week of the winter semester. Some students are focused on the end of term but many more, I think, are looking forward to the winter break which begins in two weeks.

For many students at our Waterfront Campus in the fourth semester of their two-year program, they are deep into developing capstone projects to complete their studies.

Our Early Childhood Education students are deep into their 210 hour Teaching Practicum, where they have the opportunity to experience assuming the teacher’s role in a childcare setting and become fully involved in all aspects of the program. The Top 50 ECE Blogs is a fantastic resource for prospective and current Social Service Worker students.

On the other hand, our Police Foundations students, with the help of Dan Labelle, Coordinator Police Foundations and has experienced team of professors, are delving into their Conflict Management studies. They are currently perfecting their abilities to effectively intervene in conflict and crisis situations with absolute confidence and competency. These observational students are learning how to:

  • Examine conflict situations
  • Engage various problem-solving skills
  • Intervene using non-violent techniques
  • Recognize behavioural patterns

A fantastic student experience that offer direct employable skills! If you are interested in learning more about policing, check out some firsthand experiences with the Police One Blog.

And lastly, our Social Service Worker students are roughly 70 hours into their 240 hour advanced field placement. What better place to transfer those theories learnt in class and develop skills directly related to the social service setting than during an intensive placement! Check out this one-stop-shop for Social Service Blogs.

Wiarton-WillieIt’s hard to say if Wiarton Willie will prognosticate an early Spring, but we can enjoy what’s left for the balance of winter in Ottawa Valley. Local carnivals are up and running and the ice is perfect for some shinny hockey…if you wear your long underwear! For students at our Waterfront Campus, ten weeks and counting before the end of term but lots to do before summer arrives! The expression, “time flies when you’re having fun” hopefully applies.

Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz

College enrolment is up and there’s a reason why!

Undeclared

Anyone thinking about post-secondary studies has grappled with the question: college or university – what’s the right choice?

Enrolment has jumped this year at Ontario colleges and the reason is most likely linked to the soft job market. This emergence was highlighted in a recent Toronto Star article.

“Since we’ve been able to track this — starting in the early 1980s — anytime there is a significant downturn in the economy, college enrolment goes up,” said Linda Franklin, president of Colleges Ontario.

Enrolment is up over 5% this year, which is the highest it’s been. Not only are students applying to college, they are applying to programs that they know will get them gainful employment. Of the top five college programs, identified by in her Toronto Star article, four are offered at our Waterfront Campus!

Continuing Education - January 2014

  1. Business – Occupations in this category are found across every industry and often provide the backbone of success for any type of business or organization. They account for approximately 14% of the employed labour force in Renfrew & Lanark Counties and are consistently in demand.
  2. Practical Nursing – The Health Care and Wellness sector is one of the fastest growing in Renfrew and Lanark Counties. With the average age of the local population being 43.9 and increasing steadily, demand on the health care system is constant.
  3. Culinary – It is important to understand the local labour market and a report prepared by the Labour Market Group of Renfrew & Lanark shows that the market is stable for people educated in the area of Hospitality.
  4. Social Service Worker – Community Social Services profiles high priority occupations that provide essential services to the community through the education and public service sectors.

So why are prospective students going back to school and more specifically, why are they choosing college over university? The answer is not surprising to us. Students understand that they need specific skills training in order to gain employment and colleges offer such training.

Colleges provide:

  • Hands-on programming
  • Co-ops, placements, work terms, etc.
  • Smaller class sizes and better student to professor ratio

If you are considering going back to school, it’s important to understand that it is not too late. Start your application process today!

Posted by: Jodi Bucholtz

Pembroke’s Wild West

Total lawlessness, violence and a lot of liquor consumption. Hard to think about Pembroke in those terms, but according to local historian Bruce Pappin, that’s exactly what it was like to be a Pembrokian during its “wild west” settlement period in the early 1800’s. Of course it wasn’t known as Pembroke then–that came later, when in the mid 1800’s , the area grew from a community of log shanties to a modern Victorian town built with a lumber baron’s money.

Over the past two centuries, Pembroke has evolved to become a small rural city, but it is its founding years that provide the most interesting stories. Those tales will come to life through the words of Pappin, who has been studying Pembroke’s past for almost 40 years, and will teach a “History of Pembroke” series, as part of our new Speakers Series at the Waterfront Campus.

The series is broken into four segments, starting with a History of Pembroke’s Churches and Patterns of Destruction–chronicling the impact of Pembroke’s great fires and how they changed the face of the community. Both of these classes will be offered in the spring. In the fall, Pappin will focus on the Wild West years in the mid-19th century and what he calls “Pembroke’s Golden Years,” from 1861 to the end of the First World War in 1918.

Pembroke’s Grand Trunk Railway Station was always a hub of activity. It was both a passenger and service
link for the community and was located near Pembroke City Hall.

The classes are sure to provide history buffs with a lot of great information and were sparked by a Facebook page that captures the imagination of anyone who is interested in Pembroke’s past. The site, known as “I’m from Pembroke, Ontario and I’m Not Afraid to Admit It,” now has almost 3,000 likes.

What makes the site authentic is its participation by people of all ages and the sharing of photographs that capture Pembroke’s early years. The dialogue is rich and quite often articles are posted that catch people off guard, like the one by local historian Jackie Patterson, who questioned whether Peter White was in fact, the Founder of Pembroke.

For the record, White still has the Founder title, as noted in the City’s official history on its website.

240px-Pembroke_April2006Pembroke City Hall. It was originally the City’s Post Office.

When people talk about Pembroke being a logging town, there is so much more to the story. Yes, it was trees that brought the early settlers here, but to really appreciate its history, you have to dig deeper, as Pappin has done. His research should be celebrated and shared. It’s why Algonquin College is so pleased to present his “History of Pembroke” series. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about Pembroke.

Posted by: Jamie Bramburger