This 10-month program provides in-depth training in the skills required by today's office workers in order to be competitive in the job market. Current computer software applications are stressed, as well as the traditional skills and knowledge of business English, business calculations, office procedures, customer relations, and strong keyboarding skills. After completing Level 1, students specialize in Accounting, Legal Secretary, or Office Administration.
Link to full description of program: http://viu.ca/ABT/about.asp
Preferred Pre-requisites: Touch-typing speed of min. 25 net words per minute based on a 5-minute timing with 5 or fewer errors, English 12 (min. "C+"), Math Essentials 11 (min. "C+"), business, keyboarding and computer courses recommended. Successful completion of ABT Assessment Test.
The Auto Service Technician program prepares students for careers in the auto repair industry. The program includes job-finding seminars and work experience sessions at a local repair facility or dealership to prepare students for the workplace.
Link to full description of program: http://www.viu.ca/automotive/career/.
Preferred Pre-requisites: Valid BC Driver's License, Automotive Technology 11, Automotive 12, English or Communication 12 (min. "C" average), any Mathematics 11 (min. "C+" average). Successful completion of the Automotive Assessment test.
This is a ten-month certificate program designed to prepare students for a career in Baking. In addition to theory courses, the program covers breads, rolls, sweet yeast products, pies, puff pastry, cookies, cakes, decoration, icing and finishing, French pastries, muffins, cup cakes, marzipan and chocolate. Also covered in the program are safety, sanitation, personal skills, and elementary management procedures.
Link to full description of program: http://www.viu.ca/baking/index.asp.
Preferred Pre-requisites: 3 Culinary Arts Courses, English 12/Communications 12 (min. "C" average), any Math 11 (min. "C" average). Successful completion of the Baking Assessment test.
The 8-month Carpentry Level 1 program covers the basic aspects of carpentry and residential construction to prepare students for employment as carpenter apprentices in the building industry. The program includes technical training as well as construction of projects including a house to lock-up stage.
Link to full description of program: http://www.viu.ca/carpentry/index.asp.
Preferred Pre-requisites: Drafting 11, Carpentry 11 & 12, English 12 or Communication 12 (min. "C"), Principles of Math 11 or Math Essentials 11 (min. "C+"). Successful completion of Carpentry Assessment test.
Professional Cook - Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts program provides students with the skills and expertise to enter the field of professional cooking. You will learn, through extensive hands-on instruction, the theory of cooking, cooking methods and techniques of food preparation such as knife skills, safety, diet and nutrition, stocks, soups and sauces, meat, poultry and seafood cookery, grilling, roasting, braising, etc.
Link to a full description of the program: http://www.viu.ca/culinary/index.asp
Preferred Pre-requisites: 3 Culinary Arts Courses, English 12 or Communication 12 (min. "C"), Principles of Math 11 or Math Essentials 11 (min. "C+"). Successful completion of Culinary Arts Assessment.
Entry-level training prepares graduates for employment in the electrical trade. The electrical worker plans, assembles, installs, tests, repairs and maintains electrical equipment and systems in commercial, industrial and marine facilities.
Link to a full description of the program: Electrical Description.
Preferred Pre-requisites: English or Communications 12; Letter grade of "C+" or higher in Principles of Mathematics 11 or Applications of Mathematics 11, Physics 11, valid BC driver's license, successful completion of Electrical Assessment.
This ten month certificate program covers all aspects of hairdressing in both classroom and practical application of skills. Students quickly advance to performing services on clients in VIU's hair salon. Students complete 1500 hours of work-based training.
Link to a full description of the program: Hairdressing Description.
Preferred Pre-requisites: Accounting 11, English 12/Communication 12 (min. "C" average), Specific Related Work Experience, Hairdressing Profile.
Heavy Duty/ Commercial Transport Mechanic
This ten-month pre-apprenticeship preparation program covers all aspects of highway-type trucks and buses, bulldozers, loaders, excavators and earthmovers including shop equipment, safety, mechanical reasoning, air and hydraulic brake systems, power transfer systems, gasoline and diesel engine systems, and welding.
Link to a full description of the program: HD/CT Description.
Preferred Pre-requisites: Valid BC Driver's License, Metalwork 11/12, English 12/Communication 12 (min. "C" average), Math 11 (C+ or higher), Physics 11 (C+ or higher), successful completion of Heavy Duty assessment.
Video: http://viu.ca/heavyduty/index.asp
This program is designed to provide students with the theory and skills required to become a caregiver. The major focus is in providing care for people experiencing changes in their functional abilities. You will be qualified to work as a Home Support Worker (also called Community Health Workers) or a Resident Care Attendant in complex care facilities, home support settings and Assisted Living/Supported Housing.
Link to a full description of the program: Health Care Assistant.
Pre-requisites: English 12 with a "C" or English placement test at the Grade 12 level. Other pre-requisites: Completion of a Home Support/Resident Care Personal Profile form. Interview with program faculty. CPR-C and immunizations. (See the program home page for a full list of the pre-requisites: Health Care Assistant.)
The 9-month Horticultural Technician program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of horticultural principles and practices using "hands-on" training on- and off-campus. The program covers a broad spectrum of horticultural practices including plant propagation techniques, greenhouse floriculture production, nursery crop production, landscape design, landscape construction, and plant identification. As well, pest and disease management, pruning techniques, and maintenance practices are investigated. Two months of related work experience is expected during the summer.
Link to a full description of the program: Horticulture Technician.
A letter of application and an interview are required (see program description above).
Preferred Pre-requisites: Any Math 11 (min. "C" average), English 12 or Communication 12 (min. "C" average), Forestry 11 or Earth Science 11, physically fit.
Information Technology & Applied Systems
The Information Technology and Applied Systems (ITAS) program prepares students for careers in the design, installation, operation, and administration of network and Internet-based information systems. The program combines rigorous theoretical and technical education with hands-on, project-based learning. Using the most up-to-date curriculum, the ITAS program develops a student's technical skills, as well as teamwork, communications, and project management skills to satisfy industry demands for well-rounded, highly employable technology graduates.
Link to a full description of the first year program: ITAS home page.
Preferred Pre-requisites: Grade 12 English and Math. Two years previous experience with computers, including experience installing and maintaining operating systems, and using office productivity software. ICT 11 & 12 (High School Info Tech). A letter of application describing reasons for wanting to take the program (500 - 1,000 words). Include name and contact information, including email. (A handout is available outlining the required content of application letter. Please request the current information package.)
Power Sports & Marine Technician
This nine-month program prepares you for employment in the inboard/outboard marine technician or outdoor power equipment technician jobs. Upon completion, you will be trained in the theoretical and practical knowledge essential for the proper maintenance, service and repair of chainsaws, outdoor power products, outboard and inboard/outboard motors.
Link to a full description of the program: Power Sports and Marine Technician.
Preferred Pre-requisites: Minimum 17 years of age, Minimum of Essentials Math 11 and Communications 12, and successful completion of PSMT assessment.
The three-stage Welding program is structured to enable students to progress through Levels C, B, and A -- only level C is part of the CTC program. Each level consists of prescribed learning modules. On completion of Level "C," students are ready to enter the workforce to acquire experience in the field. Practical assignments to be completed for level C include: Gas Cutting; Gas Welding and Braze Welding; Shielded Metal Arc Welding; Carbon Arc Gouging; Gas Metal Arc Welding; and Flux Core Arc Welding. Classroom instruction includes: Material Handling; Blueprint Reading; and Welding Metallurgy.
Link to a full description of the first year program: Welding home page.
Preferred Pre-requisites: Principles of Math 11/Math Essentials 11 (min. "C" average), English 12/Communication 12 (min. "C" average), Metalwork 11/12, Drafting 11, related work experience, and successful completion of Welding assessment test.