CHETWYND – The last few months have been busy ones for students and staff at the Chetwynd Campus of Northern Lights College.
Several programs, designed to meet labour demands in the regional job market, are currently being offered in Chetwynd, providing local access to programs usually available only at the Dawson Creek or Fort St. John campuses.
Offerings include: Professional Office Skills, Welding Level C, Oil and Gas Field Operations, and Workplace Essential Skills. Each of these programs provides entry-level training in its respective area, allowing graduates the opportunity to step right into the workforce.
The Oil and Gas Field Operations program is being offered in Chetwynd for the first time, and continues until June 13. Students are trained to become professional and technically knowledgeable individuals for the oil and gas industry, including a workplace practicum with local industry.
“I wanted to take this course because the Oil and Gas Field industry has a vast range of expertise that touches many fields. Without this training, I do not think I would be very successful in the industry,” said Lee Grove, one of the students in the program.
The 28-week Welding Level C program continues until June 27 and provides students with practical and theoretical training in welding of various steel and aluminum parts in the fabrication, construction, erection, and repair of components or structures using various welding processes. The program consists of high school Dual Credit and adult students, who participate in a practicum placement to experience first-hand what it is like to work in the trade.
“Welding is a great trade. I can work with my hands and it provides the job security I am looking for for me and my family,” said Clorrisa Bigfoot, a student in the Welding program, adding she was motivated to take the course because she loves new challenges.
Professional Office Skills (POS) ran from September to January, training students in entry-level administrative skills to be customer service-oriented and computer-knowledgeable, and learning communication, thinking and accounting skills. POS was a special training program offered thanks to funding under the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training Employment Skills Access program. A workplace practicum in a local business was also a key component of this program.
“I now feel more confident not only in my abilities to get any office-based job that I want, but also to be able to return to the workforce with relevant and employable skills after a 20-year absence,” said Tracy Davis, who added she learned communications, business and computer skills that are essential for a satisfying career in business and office environments.
Workplace Essential Skills is a 30-hour program that will wrap up on March 31. The program is designed to increase literacy, employability and essential skill levels of people preparing to enter the workforce.
“It is a targeted program with people who need either to upgrade or acquire particular work skills or safety training,” according to Donna Merry, NLC’s Chetwynd Campus Administrator.
For more information on programs and courses available at NLC, check the website at nlc.bc.ca, or contact Campus Services at any NLC campus, toll-free 1-866-463-6652.