Alberta School Counsellor Fall 2015

Fall 2015CounsellorALBERTA SCHOOL

Not Always a Man’s WorldFor young women, considering careers in construction can be overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a perfect fit.

Master ExcellenceLe Cordon Bleu teaches more than 120 years of culinary tradition and innovation.

Scholarship SupportHit the ground running in the hunt for scholarships.

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Keyano College, in collaboration with NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business, offers a four year baccalaureate degree in Fort McMurray. Qualified business diploma graduates can enter this collaborative degree program in year three.

For details on admission requirements visit keyano.ca/creditcalendar or speak to the Program Chair at 780-791-8952

NEW BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

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Keyano College, in collaboration with NAIT’s JR Shaw School of Business, offers a four year baccalaureate degree in Fort McMurray. Qualified business diploma graduates can enter this collaborative degree program in year three.

For details on admission requirements visit keyano.ca/creditcalendar or speak to the Program Chair at 780-791-8952

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The Bachelor of Business Administration degree at SAIT offers career-focused, practical education designed to give students specialized knowledge in-demand by employers. With a higher number of relevant, leading courses courses led by faculty with extensive experience, students will get in-depth preparation for their future careers. Delivered by one of western Canada’s largest and most established business schools, this degree opens the door to graduate studies, professional designations, and of course, excellent employment options.

S2015-08-00298-SOB-BUSINESS COUNSELLOR_8.375x10.875-V2.indd 1 2015-08-28 12:24 PM

Alberta School Counsellor / Fall 20154

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PRINTED IN CANADA 09/2015

CounsellorALBERTA SCHOOLIn this issueScholarShip Support

Hit the ground running in the hunt for scholarships.............................................................................. 6

Not alwayS a MaN’S worldFor young women, considering careers in construction it can be quite overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a perfect fit. .................................................8

poSitive chaNge, additioNal SupportMessage from Alberta Teachers’ Provincial Guidance Council of Alberta ..................................... 10

learNiNg a Better wayMake a difference in your healthy school community ...........................................................................12

life’S Short, tiMe’S preciouS How a three-minute shift in perspective can effect your entire day.................................................. 14

StudeNt SucceSSRed Deer College attracts learners who are going places in their lives and careers ....................15

aN awardiNg career iN coNStructioNThe Merit Contractors Association Scholarship and Grant program .............................................. 16

we caN do it!There’s a lack of women enrolling in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) post-secondary programs across Canada. Mount Royal University takes aim at this nation-wide conundrum ................................................ 18

the future iS goiNg to Be epicMusic grad heads to California for an internship with legendary film composer Hans Zimmer ..........................................................................................20

MaSter excelleNceLe Cordon Bleu teaches more than 120 years of tradition and innovation ..................................... 22

a SMart choiceTake a look at a career in supply chain management ...........................................................................24

MakiNg your MarkEight ways Bow Valley College helps students soar .............................................................................26

BriNgiNg educatioN togetherPartnering with industry for student success ........................................................................................28

what topS the liSt?Seven things to expect at the Canadian Mennonite University .........................................................30

INDEx to ADVERTISERSadlc ................................................................................ 27

alberta institute pMac .......................................... 25

Bow valley college ...............................................oBc

canadian Mennonite university ........................30

keyano college .....................................................7, ifc

le cordon Bleu culinary arts .................................5

local 110 heat & frost insulators .....................iBc

Macewan university ..................................................21

Merit contractors association ............................ 17

Mount royal university ..........................................19

red deer college ........................................................ 15

Sait polytechnic ...........................................................3

women Building futures .......................................... 9

Cover photo Courtesy of Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa.


The scholarship process is easier than ever be-fore thanks in part to technology and the in-

ternet. all you have to do is google

“scholarships canada” and 54 million

results pop up. okay, so maybe things

aren’t easier. thankfully for students

and counsellors, the government of

alberta provides a more manageable

way to hit the ground running in the

hunt for scholarships.

Finding and applying for the right

scholarships with the vast range of op-

portunities out there can seem like an

impossible feat to any student. to help

narrow down the search parameters,

students and counsellors can begin the

scholarship hunt on the student aid al-

berta website (studentaid.alberta.ca).

the site provides information on the 60

plus scholarships available through the

alberta government, with dollar val-

ues ranging from a couple hundred to

several thousands.

“there are scholarships available and

awarded based on a number of quali-

ties, including leadership, academics,

athletics, volunteering, and other qual-

ities, so there’s a wide array available

to a diverse group of students,” says

maggie Deslauriers, executive direc-

tor of student aid with alberta innova-

tion and advanced education. “at the

government of alberta, we are com-

mitted to encouraging and rewarding

the excellence of students by offering

a number of scholarships and awards.

Part of the our work with post-second-

ary institutions and high schools is to

ensure that alberta students are aware

of the many scholarships and awards

available.”

For a broader, but still manageable

search, more than 500 scholarships

are available through the scholarships

connections database, which can be

found via the student aid alberta site.

another valuable government website

worth checking out is alberta learn-

ing information service (alis.alberta.

ca), which provides more general in-

formation on funding options as well

as overall post-secondary information

and career planning.

in addition to government scholar-

ships, counsellors should advise youth

to talk to their parents, relatives,

coaches, and friends about opportu-

nities that may be available through

a parent’s employers, community or-

ganizations, or clubs. these awards

often have a more limited pool of ap-

plicants making an individual’s chances

of receiving an award higher. it’s also

recommended youth check directly

with the post-secondary institution

they’re pursuing. While students may

be automatically entered for some

entrance scholarships, there are many

other school-specific scholarships and

awards up for grabs.

“it really goes back to students do-

ing their research and asking ques-

tions about what may be available to

them beyond scholarships rewarding

academic merit. there may be a mis-

conception that scholarships are only

awarded based on academic excel-

lence,” says Deslauriers. “i’d really en-

courage students to look beyond; look

at niche scholarships for volunteering,

community involvement, athleticism,

and other areas where you excel.”

once students have found scholar-

ships they want to apply for, student

aid alberta’s site provides tips for sub-

mitting a successful application. With

a limited number of scholarships avail-

able and strong competition from simi-

larly well-rounded individuals across

the province, these tips can help make

the difference to a deserving student.

as every scholarship application can

be somewhat different, Deslauriers

advises students do their due diligence

and look carefully at the specific rules

for each scholarship, including eligibil-

ity criteria and deadlines (applications

can be due throughout the year, not

just at the beginning or end of the

school year which is a common mis-

conception), and double check that all

questions have been answered.

Support from and for counsellors

While the government of alberta’s

websites are great sources of infor-

mation for youth, counsellors are still

a valuable resource that can’t be re-

placed by technology.

“counsellors can play a great sup-

portive role with helping students

understand the application process,

understand the intricacies of what’s re-

quired and trying to make the process

as seamless and simple as possible. at

the end of the day there’s a number of

awards and scholarships available to

students and we do want students to

The Search for ScholarShip SupporTBy Lea Currie

Alberta School Counsellor / Fall 2015 7

be able to tap into that information,”

says Deslauriers, who also urges coun-

sellors to talk to students about other

funding options including loans and

grants to ensure finances are not a bar-

rier to post-secondary education.

recognizing that counsellors are at

the forefront of the pursuit for higher

education and the funding to help stu-

dents get there, student aid alberta

has created tools to help the province’s

fleet of school counsellors.

“We want to ensure that students and

counsellors have access to relevant and

timely information. on our website we

offer a number of tools that counsel-

lors can use directly in the classroom

including an electronic scholarships

brochure and a comprehensive Power-

Point presentation that outlines schol-

arships available, the application dead-

line, the eligibility criteria, and how to

apply,” says Deslauriers.

going a step further, the government

also provides free presentations with

the learning clicks ambassadors.

these ambassadors, who are current

post-secondary students, deliver in-

teractive and informative presenta-

tions through storytelling. From their

own personal tales and experiences to

practical tips, they can help students

plan and prepare for their own post-

secondary education in an entertaining

yet informative way. these presenta-

tions are a great benefit as counsellors

can help a number of students at once,

while youth can listen to and learn from

someone who was in the same situa-

tion only a couple years prior. counsel-

lors can request a free presentation for

their school at www.learningclicks.ca.

With the government of alberta’s re-

sources ready at the click of a mouse,

students and counsellors no longer

have to feel overwhelmed while scroll-

ing through millions of search results.

these tools may not fill out the applica-

tion forms or guarantee an award, but

they do make the process a little easier

to manage. ✹

“ At the Government

of Alberta, we

are committed

to encouraging

and rewarding

the excellence

of students by

offering a number

of scholarships

and awards. Part

of the our work

with post-

secondary

institutions and

high schools is

to ensure that

Alberta students

are aware of the

many scholarships

and awards

available. ”

A P P R E N T I C E S H I P T R A I N I N G I N F O R T M C M U R R A Y

For information on how to get started, visit keyano.ca/apprenticeships


NoT alwayS a MaN’S world For young women, considering careers in construction such as electrician, heavy equipment operation or power engineering it can be quite overwhelming, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a perfect fit.

By Emily Pike

F inding the right career path can be a daunting task for even the most confident individual, but

Judylynn archer, president and ceo of Women building Futures believes that making a well-informed choice is the best place to begin.

“it is critical for individuals to do their research prior to entering any train-ing or education program,” says ar-cher. “not only does it help to ensure a strong return on their investment of time, energy, and money; the likelihood of long term career satisfaction increas-es exponentially.”

careers in construction trades offer women an enviable lifestyle and unlim-ited career opportunities, and while of-ten the chatter is about income poten-tial, it is not the first thing that Women building Futures graduates talk about. rather, they talk about how much more confident they feel, about how fit they are and how proud they are to be work-ing side by side with trades profes-sionals building community hospitals,

schools, houses, and roads. they talk about how proud they are to have the opportunity to contribute to their fam-ily, their community, and country. that’s what it’s all about.

“as for the money, statistics tell us that the average income of a woman work-ing full time in alberta is $32,400, which

means that most women are significant-ly underemployed,” she says.

Women building Futures wants women and their influencers to know that wom-en can and do excel in trades careers, and that these opportunities can be, and often are, personally and economi-cally transformative. archer shares, “the average increase in income for Women building Futures graduates is 127 per cent on day of hire. We all know that money doesn’t buy love or happi-ness but it can help us feel secure, and that’s important.”

career focus shifted somewhere in the past few decades and the trades fell out of favour, meaning that fewer young people entered into these in-dustries. between that and the retiring baby-boomers, there’s a sizeable gap between jobs and available bodies. ar-cher shares why the timing is perfect for this type of career,

“canada will lose approximately 24 to 26 per cent of its construction work-force over the next 10 years due to re-tirement. there has never been a better


time in the history of our country for women to enter trades.”

For the right individual, going into trades can be a rewarding life choice, and offer quite a different path from a traditional four-year post-secondary education. archer explains,

“going into trades is a way to earn while you learn – the entire time you are an ap-prentice you will be paid, and paid well.

as you progress through your appren-ticeship the amount you are paid will increase. trades are one of the highest paying areas of work in most countries around the world. Within four years the apprentice can be journeyperson mak-ing very good money (enough to afford the things they want to do) and will have no student debt to pay off.”

like getting a degree, achieving jour-neyperson certification opens the door to a whole new world of op-portunity. many people working in senior positions within the industry started out as trades professionals.

there are oodles of resources to help individuals explore careers, but for a school counsellor sitting across from a puzzled student who is contemplat-ing life and still wondering if a career in the trades is right for them, a few key questions could make all the dif-ference, says archer:

• Does the student enjoy doing things with their hands - this could include anything from household chores to adjusting the brakes on their bike?

• Do they like being physically fit and active?

• Do they like getting things done and solving problems?

• Do they enjoy working with others to get things done?

• Do they dream about travelling or having nice things?

• Do they see themselves playing an important role in their community?

“trades professionals get to do all these things,” she explains

as a social Purpose organization and

registered charity, Women building Futures has been helping women con-fidently choose to work in the trades since 1998. With a 90 per cent hire rate, archer explains why their students are so successful, “Women building Fu-tures graduates are so successful at finding employment because they can demonstrate that they have made a well-informed career decision and they have taken the appropriate measures (safety certification, skill training, work-place culture awareness training, etc.) to ensure they meet or exceed jobsite safety and productivity expectations.”

although the industry is predominately male, archer assures that women are definitely welcome.

“employers in construction, mining, oil and gas, and related industries need workers who are committed to safety (for themselves and everyone around them) and productivity. this often calls for attention to detail, following proce-dures, yet being able to think on one’s feet, technical skill, and very strong in-terpersonal skills. these competencies have little to do with gender. more and more companies are finding that wom-en can and do bring these much need-ed competencies to the job,” she says.

For the student on the fence about choosing a career in trades, Women building Futures would encourage her to explore this world of opportu-nity. talk to women in the industry (the Women building Futures Facebook page is a great place to start), engage in conversation with careers: the next generation, and go online to view women at work. Just get out there and start asking questions. ✹


A lberta school counsel-lors are mostly teachers who have been through specialized training and

are found usually in the larger school

districts in secondary schools. the

alberta teachers’ association has a

provincial specialist council called the

guidance council, www.guidance-

council.ca. school guidance counsel-

lors and para professionals in alberta

and those across canada can become

members by simply going to www.

teachers.ab.ca and searching the spe-

cialist councils.

normally, the provincial guidance

council holds an annual conference in

banff, alberta. this year the guidance

council will host concurrent conferenc-

es in both edmonton and calgary on

november 21, 2015. the conferences

“Voices of counselling; creating con-

nections” will host exceptional profes-

sional development for extremely low

prices. if you are school counsellor,

teacher, career practioner, psycholo-

gist, family/school liaison staff, child

development advisor, or other, check

out the website and join us.

this school year, alberta education

is implementing career technol-

ogy Foundations (ctF), replacing

career technology studies (cts) for

junior high throughout the province.

ctF supports flexible interdisciplin-

ary learning where students explore

interests and passion while making

personal connections to career pos-

sibilities and technologies. ctF offers

opportunities for cross-curricular in-

tegration, with ctF being focused on

the process whereas the former junior

high cts was focused on providing

a product, performance, or service.

therefore, instead of junior high teach-

ers assessing the finished product such

as bench, an animation, an art piece, a

poster, robots, or leadership activities,

they will be assessing the process.

What does this mean for school career

counselling? school counsellors will

appreciate that ctF provides an earlier

introduction to careers, and more data

to assist students in creating richer

dialogue about their personal interests

and passions. For example, a student

working on an project creating a new

style of student desk might figure out,

that although they don’t actually like

working with wood, they like work-

ing in the furniture environment, and

they do like designing and marketing

the product. students in ctF will have

more opportunities to personalize

their learning and have more informed,

practical, and real understandings of

their interests. students engaging in

career conversations may be more apt

to recognize the value of their self-as-

sessments and will be ready and more

able to discuss interdisciplinary and

transdisciplinary notions. this will lead

to interesting discussion opportunities

for the future world of work and post-

secondary, (dual credits, certificate,

diplomas, journeyman, interning, de-

gree) and life-long learning. to meet

the needs of students, career counsel-

lors must have a well-versed knowl-

edge of post-secondary opportunities

in technical and academic colleges and

degree granting institutes, and they

must keep current with each year’s

changes, such as entrance require-

ments, in educational institutions.

poSiTive chaNge, addiTioNal SupporT

A Message from Mary Frances Fitzgerald, president, Alberta Teachers’ Provincial Guidance Council of Alberta

What does this mean for

school career counselling?

School counsellors will

appreciate that CTF

provides an earlier

introduction to careers, and

more data to assist students

in creating richer dialogue

about their personal

interests and passions. For

example, a student working

on an project creating a

new style of student desk

might figure out, that

although they don’t actually

like working with wood,

they like working in the

furniture environment, and

they do like designing and

marketing the product.


another big educational change

in alberta occurred in march 2015.

With bill 10, the alberta legislature

moved to allow the organisation of

gay-straight alliances by students in

alberta schools. an act to amend the

alberta bill of rights to Protect our

children, received royal assent on

march 19, 2015 and came into full

effect on June 1, 2015. according

to https://education.alberta.ca/

department/policy/amend-

mentstobill10 this leg-

islation promotes a

welcoming, caring,

respectful and safe

learning environ-

ment that respects

diversity and fos-

ters a sense of

belonging. the

act amends the

school act to

promote equality

and non-discrimi-

nation with respect

to organizations in

schools such as gay-

straight alliances (gsas)

and queer-straight alli-

ances (Qsas). Highlights of

the new legislation include:

• amendments to the school act

that include a definition of bullying

and acknowledge that all education

stakeholders have a responsibility to

ensure schools are welcoming, car-

ing, respectful and safe;

• requiring boards to allow students to

set up gay-straight alliances (gsas)

or queer-straight alliances (Qsas) in

their schools; and

• enshrining sexual orientation, gender

identity, and gender expression in

the alberta bill of rights as protect-

ed grounds from discrimination.

there is no requirement in the legisla-

tion for parental notification or consent

for a student to participate in a gsa/

Qsa. school boards, staff, and teach-

ers have a responsibility to act in the best interest of their students by en-suring their health and safety. school boards and teachers have a duty of care and the government expects them to act in the best interest of their students within the context of all of their legal obligations.

school counsellors have been working with student matters surrounding gen-der identity and sexual orientation for decades. creating a safe climate for all students in school communities by re-ducing the stigma, building awareness, and creating change is a constant for school counsellors. counsellors must be aware of sensitivities and challenges that may be brought forward on these issues. to understand more on this topic please go to the new 2015 alber-ta teachers’ association publication “gsas and Qsas in alberta schools: a guiDe For teacHers”.

the Prism toolkit for safe and caring Discussions about sexual and gender

minorities provides opportunities for

elementary school teachers to explore

content related to sexual orientation

and gender variance. the Prism tool-

kit was also created by the ata to help

teachers promote safe and supportive

classroom discussions about sexual mi-

norities and gender variance. Prism is

an acronym for “Professionals respect-

ing and supporting individual sexual

minorities.” like the brilliant and

varying colours of the rainbow

refracted through a prism,

alberta`s students are a vi-

brant kaleidoscope of di-

versity. a diverse class-

room environment is

rich in possibility for

teaching and learning

for both students and

teachers. an inclusive

school environment

allows all students to

feel safe and to thrive.

the Prism toolkit

is available in both

english and French at

www.teachers.ab.ca.

mental wellness is another big

theme for counsellors in alberta

and across canada. the earlier onsets

and rising occurrences of anxiety, de-

pression, and self harm in our young-

er students is widespread. although

school counsellors do not do therapy,

counsellors do create therapeutic con-

nections and referrals when necessary.

counsellors must have training in men-

tal health and mental illness. mental

wellness is not simply the absence of ill-

ness, but it is a spectrum that includes

mental health and illness. When men-

tal health issues arise and the student

is not coping in the classroom or with

peers help is needed. often teachers

are the first responders to these stu-

dent situations and need support from

school counsellors who can be there

for students and staff. ✹

This year the

Guidance Council will host concurrent conferences in both Edmonton and Calgary

on November 21, 2015.

The conferences “Voices of Counselling; Creating

Connections” will host exceptional professional development

for extremely low prices. If you are school counsellor,

teacher, career practioner, psychologist, family/school

liaison staff, child development advisor, or other,

check out the website and join us.

www.guidancecouncil.ca


C reating and maintaining a healthy school communi-ty can be a daunting task, but many resources exist

to help you make a difference. ever ac-tive schools is a great starting point for both free and fee-for-service supports.

ever active schools is a provincial initia-tive that provides alberta teachers, as well as those working in health, recre-ation, and active living with professional learning opportunities and resources to support comprehensive school health in school communities.

our staff brings alberta curriculum and comprehensive school health expertise, as well as enthusiasm for personal well-ness - active living, healthy eating, and mental well-being.

We’ve highlighted one free and one paid support to give you a glimpse of what we do, as well as descriptions of some of our capacity building projects.

check www.everactive.org/home for a complete list of resources, learning op-portunities, and projects.

Professional learning opportunities

get your students up and running. request a free alberta medical asso-ciation (ama) Youth run club visit from our provincial coordinator, who will give you access to all of the resources and information you need to host a run club at your school. the coordinator will supply runner and coach’s handbooks and swag, teach you and your students some running games, stretches and drills and provide coaches with informa-tion to safely and effectively lead stu-dents in a run club.

make meaningful and lasting connec-tions with professionals in education, health, recreation, and active living at shaping the Future 2016. Hear from

experts in the field on everything com-prehensive school health related and be engaged by our keynote speakers, who bring something different and unique each year. shaping the Future is an annual opportunity to learn and be engaged with a network of people sup-porting student well-being.

the Healthy active school symposia are a series of events hosted across alber-ta, designed to provide alberta school communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources to enhance student well-ness. the events empower students to be active agents of change in build-ing a school community that enhances their learning and fosters their personal growth and well-being. schools are en-couraged to send school teams - com-plete with six to eight students and one to two adults, including teachers, administrators, parents, or other school staff members.

learNiNg a BeTTer wayMake a difference in your healthy school community

By Megan Hunka, Ever Active Schools


Resources

the Healthy schools alberta magazine is celebrating its first anniversary in 2015-16. sign up for free to receive the magazine delivered to your school, add it to your online ever active schools or-der for free or download the electronic version on our website. We use this tool to share information about positive so-cial environments, physical activity, and healthy eating. You’ll find lesson plans, engaging, relevant articles, and an at-tractive and easy-to-look at format.

check out our new High school recipe card lesson Plans averrable for a fee. they include a total of 36 lessons orga-nized into five units of six lessons each, one for each of the five dimensions of the alberta K-12 Physical education

Program of studies (dance, gymnas-tics, individual activities, and alternative environment). You’ll never be short an activity when you need one. need an easy way to store them? check out our recipe card lesson plan binders, sold on everactive.org.

Projects

We partnered with alberta schools’ athletic association (asaa) and passed a new policy ensuring all food and bev-erages sold and provided at asaa pro-vincial championship events in asaa member school facilities fit within the “choose most often” and “choose sometimes” categories of the alberta nutrition guidelines for children and Youth.

recognizing the importance of promot-ing healthy learning environments, ever active schools is proud to deliver the 21st century spaces initiative. Partner-ing with organizations to leverage the health promoting work of many, this ini-tiative aims to influence the way schools are built in the future. We are currently focusing on two projects within this initiative: “Don’t Walk in the Hallway” and “Don’t sit still in class.” You can get involved in Don’t Walk in the Hall-way by taking a six-question survey to

capture what matters most to you in a healthy learning environment. Find out more about the project by watching a video of the hallway tiles in Panorama Hills school in calgary, which inspired

the project.

ever active schools works closely with the Kainai board of education, the Peigan board of education and Paul band to build relationships and support their goals of building healthy school communities. some of the projects in the communities involve school greenhouses, professional learning opportu-nities and community events.

Resource Quick List

• Free resources

• Online store

• Projects

Have questions? Send us an email at [email protected] or call our office at 780-454-4745. We would love to chat with you. ✹

Comprehensive school health is an internationally recognized frame-work for supporting improvements in students’ educational outcomes while addressing school health in a planned, integrated, and holistic way. It is not just about what hap-pens in the classroom. Rather, it encompasses the whole school en-vironment with actions addressing four distinct but inter-related pillars that provide a strong foundation for comprehensive school health:

• teaching and learning

• social and physical environment

• healthy school policy

• partnerships and services.

When actions in all four pillars are harmonized, students are support-ed to realize their full potential as learners – and as healthy, productive members of society.

- Joint Consortium for School Health (JCSH)

14 alberta School counsellor / fall 2015

Where the heck am I ever going to use this?”at some point, most students ques-tion the practicality and application of

course objectives to their future careers – if they even know what they might want to do in the first place.

“maintaining relevant, interesting, and in-demand learning opportunities takes team work. that’s why our partnerships are so vital,” says cam oulton, aDlc assistant superinten-dent. “in the last few years, aDlc has moved well beyond traditional distance education. We have made it a priority to work with industry to find out what kinds of jobs are out there and to develop innovative courses around these needs.”

For students, this means being able to become virtual rig workers or simulate work in the forestry industry even in the middle of the prairies.

Game-based learning

aDlc has introduced a new online five-credit course that gives students a taste of what it’s like to work on an oil-well service rig. this project is a part of the northern lights school Division’s trades exposure Program.

in energy education 35, students walk their character down a road and up onto a rig, then choose between two entry-level positions. in addition to replicating experience on a real rig and creating safety awareness, the courses include help with resume writing and opportunities to acquire industry safety tickets at no additional cost.

now being piloted in a high school in bonnyville, alberta, energy education 35 is proving to be a hit with students who don’t have immediate post-secondary plans.

“i have this one student who struggles academically who has actually been doing schoolwork on the weekend and has moved several modules ahead of where we expected him to be,” says Janice Zazulak, the learning strategies teacher at bonnyville centralized High school (bcHs).

"it's actually really fun. i like it,” says student Kaelan elchuk. “it's easy to learn because there are lots of videos and infor-mation. if you don't know something, like what a boP drill is, you can click on the hyperlink, and it'll tell you. i also like how fast they mark the assignments."

Following completion of the simulation, students have the opportunity to learn on an actual oil well service rig at a train-

ing centre (the first of its kind in alberta) provided by ensign energy, a calgary-based multinational that operates over 300 drilling rigs worldwide.

Combining virtual and hands-on experience

using equipment simulators and content provided by Wood-land operations learning Foundation (WolF), aDlc has created five forestry courses now being delivered in select schools across alberta. these courses deliver high-tech log-ging equipment simulators to schools, creating a safe, low-cost alternative to training on actual equipment. Participat-ing students take part in a one-week simulator course, which creates awareness among students of forestry as a career and assists the forestry industry in evaluating future machine operators.

in addition to the forestry courses, aDlc also offers a three-day/three-credit cts outdoor camp. taught by experts from inroads mountain sports, this hands-on course teaches stu-dents the fundamentals of outdoor survival—from how to tie knots to celestial navigation.

“the big thing about the cts courses that we’re doing is the hands-on application. [it] is really designed to give people ca-reer awareness,” says Jerry Fochler, owner of inroads moun-tain sports. “i’ve talked to a number of students and asked them, ‘what are you going to do when you graduate?’ they say, ‘i have no idea.’ realistically, how can they have an idea? because they are exposed to so few career choices – how do they even know what’s available? Part of our job is to let them see other parts of the world that they’ve perhaps never been exposed to.”

Social and authentic learning opportunities

by working with government and private industry, aDlc hopes to keep ahead of the increasing demand for such in-novative courses.

“We want to provide social and authentic learning opportu-nities for our students,” says oulton. “continuing to develop new partnerships is in everyone’s best interest: as teachers, we gain a wider perspective, industry gets better trained workers, and students receive a first-rate and practical edu-cation.”

For more information on these or other ADLC courses, visit adlc.ca

geTTiNg realA hands-on and practical approach to education

“

15alberta School counsellor / fall 2015

Red Deer College // f o c u s o n

F or more than 50 years, red Deer college (rDc) has been known for its home-away-from-home atmosphere. small class sizes allow for individu-al connections with other students and instruc-

tors, and practical learning that prepares graduates for suc-cessful lives and careers. the college has instructors who are experts in their field, teaching in one of rDc’s more than 100 programs, ranging from full degrees, certificates, diplomas, and apprenticeships.

rDc knows studying is important, and also recognizes the importance of having fun outside class to make a memorable college experience. students can spend Friday nights cheer-ing on the championship-winning athletics teams, as well as enjoying other extracurricular activities, including a night away from books watching fellow students showcase their

talent in a variety of theatre or music performances in the col-lege’s world-renowned arts centre, relaxing with friends in residence, or participating in a variety of activities organized throughout the year by fellow students in the living room.

rDc continues to open doors to new learning spaces and community events at their growing campuses, including the Welikoklad event centre, and downtown campus, home of the Donald school of business.

rDc’s legacy is that of the thousands of students and gradu-ates who have chosen the college. they have shaped com-munities by making a difference every day.

Visit rDc’s website at www.rdc.ab.ca to find out more about red Deer college or follow them on Facebook, twitter, or instagram and see what they’re up to. ✹

Degrees | Diplomas | Certificates | Trades & Technology Training | Continuing Education

Apply Now www.rdc.ab.ca | 403.342.3400 | 1.888.732.4630

Red Deer College’s vision has always been bold.

We attract learners who are going places in their lives and careers. We support central Alberta businesses as they grow opportunities to innovate at home and abroad. And with more than 100,000 visitors attending RDC each year, we’re proud to be a community hub, contributing to the social, economic and cultural vibrancy of our region.

STudeNT SucceSS Red Deer College attracts learners who are going places in their lives and careers

16 Alberta School Counsellor / Fall 2015

D id you know that merit contractors association sponsors an award at your high school or that it has

supported schools like yours with edu-cational initiative grants? there are nu-merous ways that merit can help your school successfully prepare students for a rewarding career in the trades.

Construction today

the construction industry has been undergoing positive changes for many years, yet it still remains saddled with outdated stereotypes despite many ef-forts to showcase the reality of the industry.

merit contractors associa-tion, which represents over 45,000 construction employ-ees in alberta, is determined to position the construction industry as a great career option for students by pro-viding accurate information, ensuring students and edu-cators can learn the following realities about the industry, such as:

• Exceptional employment opportunities – within the next 10 years 20 per cent of

the construction workforce is expect-ed to retire

• Great growth potential – over 50,000 senior managers will also be retiring within the next 10 years

• Free apprenticeship education – merit’s tuition refund Program fully reimburses successful completion of apprenticeship education to its members, and recently the federal government has announced interest-free loans for individuals entering the trades

• Great compensation and benefits – full benefits and above average com-pensation with merit member compa-nies

• Diversity – the construction industry has become an inclusive place for all people

• Hybrid careers – many field employ-ees make transitions in to starting their own business or choosing a ca-reer within their company’s corporate offices that requires field experience

• High-tech industry – advances in con-struction technology requires to-day’s worker to be more diversely skilled than ever before

• Year-round work – work is avail-able indoors and out through-out the year

Merit’s investment in the future

collectively, merit’s investment in both high schools and apprentices has made it one of the largest ap-prenticeship scholarship providers in the province, second only to the alberta government.

$300 award for high school students

merit has been directly support-

Million being directly invested into Alberta Schools to aid in providing increased opportunities for trades education

Programs funded in 2015 helping hundreds of Alberta Students

Million in Apprenticeship Tuition Reimbursement

Career and Technology Studies Award Sponsored to every high school in Alberta

Scholarships for Merit Member Dependents

$2.2

9$2

$300$750

By The Numbers!

Million

Million

Work for a Merit member company

Merit’s Tuition Refund Program

Pass the apprenticeship training period at a publicly

funded institution

Submit Claims within six months and receive your

tuition refund!

Return to work for a Merit member company

aN awardiNg career iN coNSTrucTioN

The Merit Contractors Association Scholarship and Grant program

17Alberta School Counsellor / Fall 2015

FactAll levels and types of brain

power are required.With 3D modelling and robotics, construction is becoming a very

technologically advanced industry.

MythConstruction is for people who don’t

have the grades for university or college.

FactThere are many

steady year round positions– indoors and out.

54,710 individuals in Construction management will retire soon, providing many job opportunities!

MythThe work is

only seasonal.

FactDiverse workforce with a fast growing number of women.

MythIt’s for men.

MythMy earning potential

is higher with a university degree.

FactConstruction

employees are among the highest

earners in Alberta.

Myths about construction

well-constructed

www.meritalberta.com

medical plans

ing alberta high schools in two major ways for a number of years.

currently, merit sponsors a $300 award to every high school in alberta that ap-plies for it, which is given to the top-graduating career and technology stud-ies student in a trades program.

merit also sponsors several raP scholar-ships each year for students taking part in the program. most notably, we are proud to sponsor the millwright awards.

Tuition Refund Program

For apprentices who have finished high school and are entering their career in the trades, merit has developed the tuition refund Program. the steps are simple: an apprentice begins work with a merit member company, and after they complete their apprenticeship training and return to work for a merit member company, they are eligible to receive a full tuition refund. this program is valu-able for students looking to start a ca-reer in the trades.

Merit’s Educational Initiatives Grants

as a continuation of commitment to developing a larger and more skilled industry workforce, merit contractors association of alberta, its board, and its members want to give back to schools by providing the information, tools, and opportunities they need to better sup-port and encourage the development of

students learning a trade and continuing into their apprenticeships.

We have already accepted and approved seven proposals from schools and divi-sions across the province that relate to raising trades career awareness or con-tribute to the offering of construction trades and career and technology class-es, registered apprenticeship programs, dual credit, etc.

Funded through merit’s educational initiative grants, these innovative pro-posals will see hundreds of alberta’s students getting a chance to pick up a tool for the very first time at a high

school previously unable to offer such programming, all with the aim of ignit-ing the spark that starts a long and ful-filling career. through such investments, merit is helping to ensure a well-skilled workforce remains part of the province’s future.

merit is currently seeking proposals from schools and school boards across the province that relate to raising awareness or contribute to the offering of trades-based learning opportunities. For more information on this opportunity please contact matt trodden at [email protected] ✹


f o c u s o n // Mount Royal University

From her oversized spectacles to her stylish wardrobe and well-paired accessories, you could easily make a snap verdict that Kylie toh is, in a word, “chic”. she’s also a self-professed geek.

“a nerd,” says the mount royal university alumna, with a smile.

she is a founder of chic geek, a calgary-based organization that strives to foster diversity in the high-tech and startup com-munities by educating, engaging, and empowering women.

“Female enrolment in post-secondary is on the rise across canada, yet we’re seeing a decrease in those women taking up computer science, which is really unfortunate,” explains toh. “i grew up with a lot of girls in my life who said things like, ‘i’m bad at math. i don’t get computers. i’m bad with tech-nology.’ You hear that kind of lexicon enough and you begin to think, ‘oK, well i’m a lot like these girls so maybe i’m not good at math either.’ it becomes a part of the subconscious language we speak as women.”

if she could, toh is hard-wired to help other women find career paths not only in tech-startups and computer science, but in all science, technology, engineering and mathematics (stem) fields.

encouraging university students to consider stem program areas has long been on the agenda of government and indus-try leaders, as well as post-secondary institutions.

mount royal has exceptional programs for students to choose from the Faculty of science and technology and through many of the various undergrad options across campus.

but something is happening in stem-focused classrooms that frustrates even the most logical of problem-solving professors

— the lack of female students flocking to lecture halls.

“last semester, i had a class with one woman in it,” says ricar-do Hoar, chair of computer science and information systems at mount royal. “one!”

according to a statistics canada, insights on canadian soci-ety 2013 report on gender differences in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science (stem) pro-grams, while women represent the majority of young univer-sity graduates, they are still under-represented in stem fields.

so what’s it matter if there happens to be more men graduat-ing in stem program areas than women?

“that doesn’t create good balance. that doesn’t create good discussion. it’s simply better when you have a balance of males and females at the table,” explains Hoar.

together, a number of other mount royal graduates, profes-sors, students and other supporters are making it their mission to be part of the solution to canada’s lack of female stem graduates.

the solution comes not only from mount royal’s technology-focused faculties, it comes from across the campus in the form of a number of inspiring faculty and alumnae role models for young women to look up to.

to read more about these inspiring women, check out the full story at mtroyal.ca/summit.

this story was first printed in spring 2015 edition of mount royal university’s summit magazine. the full piece can be found online at mtroyal.ca/summit. ✹

we caN do iT!

There’s a lack of women enrolling in science, technology, engineering and

math (STEM) post-secondary programs across Canada. Mount Royal University

takes aim at this nation-wide conundrum.

By Theresa Tayler, editor of publications, Mount Royal University

Photography by Colin Way

There’s something about this place that will pull you in. You’ll know once you experience it that you belong here.

Find out more.

OPEN HOUSEOctober 24, 2015 mtroyal.ca/openhouse

OPEN HOUSE

INFORMATION EVENINGMarch 9, 2016 mtroyal.ca/UIE

INFORMATION EVENING

alberta School counsellor / fall 20152020

f o c u s o n // MacEwan University

O liver Westall, a member of macewan university’s bachelor of music in Jazz and contemporary Popular music program’s first graduating class, always knew that music would be his life’s

work. He began playing piano when he was a three year old in southampton, england, but it was in 1997 when the film “titanic” was released that he had his first inkling of what could be his true musical calling.

While most kids were focused on what was happening on-screen, oliver couldn’t get the movie’s music out of his head and spent the next two years memorizing the entire soundtrack.

“it started to trigger something,” says Westall. “a decade lat-er when i watched ‘Pirates of the caribbean: at World’s end’, there was a really amazing scene with a guy walking down the ship as it’s being blown up around him. He’s just walking with

a shocked face and you hear this really epic, powerful music written by Hans Zimmer. i thought ‘i’ve got to do this—i have to find a way.’”

that way involved a winding path, but when Westall eventually decided to transfer to macewan university a few years com-pleting his music diploma at mount royal university, it was the contemporary focus of the program and mention of a senior-year film scoring course that really got his attention.

“i did a lot of jazz at mount royal, but that wasn’t really my thing,” he says, adding moving to edmonton wasn’t just about the music—it was also a way to find his focus and meet new people. “i wanted to write music for films, games or tV, so the composition program, the faculty and the film scoring as-pect—which has been my dream for a long time—was really exciting.”

The fuTure iS goiNg To Be epicMusic grad heads to California for an internship with legendary film composer Hans Zimmer


MacEwan University // f o c u s o n

Scoring the opportunity of a lifetime

Partway through the fall 2014 semester, Westall began to see how that dream could actually come true. “one of my class-mates came into class with a big smile on his face, saying that he had an interview to intern with remote control Produc-tions in santa monica. i hadn’t heard the name before, but when he said it was Hans Zimmer’s studio, he immediately had my attention. He came back a few weeks later with an even bigger smile on his face saying he got the position. i couldn’t believe it.”

so Westall set out to see if he too could work with the com-poser behind the soundtracks for movies including “gladi-ator” and “interstellar”. eventually it led to an interview via skype where he learned about the internship, including the opportunities to sit in on writing sessions.

“a stressful few weeks passed after the interview,” says Westall. “i wanted it so badly and when i finally got the email that they wanted to have me, i ran around the house screaming.”

He left for santa monica the day after convocation for what he says is the five-week opportunity of a lifetime. “to learn what i did in the film-scoring course was incredible, but to have it lead to this is just amazing. i’m still numb, actually. it’s a five-week opportunity to make an impression—one i plan to seize with both hands.”

but Westall knows the road to having “film composer”

on his business card is a long one. “You have to be willing to

work hard, and i’m willing to do that. in 10 years time, if i play

my cards right, i’d love to be writing music for film—to be able

to make people feel the same magic i did as a little boy grow-

ing up listening to ‘titanic’. this is the first step, and every step

is progress. i’m excited to see where this takes me.”

seeing where the paths the music degree program’s first

graduating class might lead is something allan gilliland, chair

of the program, looks forward to.

“i can’t wait to hear all the incredible music that this graduat-

ing class will create. the amazing thing about the music busi-

ness is that you never know where you will end up—you want

to have as many tools in your toolbox as possible, and then

you go where the opportunities arise. i know that as the years

go by i will be so pleased to hear their music—written in every

style and every type of ensemble imaginable—popping up on

video games, tV shows movies, cDs, and live performances

all around the world.”

MacEwan University is proud to celebrate the over 2,100 members of the class of 2015. Congratula-tions to this year’s graduates, medal recipients, and distinguished award honourees. ✹

Alberta School Counsellor / Fall 201522 alberta School counsellor / fall 201522

f o c u s o n // Le Cordon Bleu

22

T here are very few culinary institutions in the world with a history as rich in tradition and innovation

as that of le cordon bleu. in october 2015, the school will be celebrating the 120th anniversary of its first French culinary arts class, which was held in 1895.

the journey began in France with the launch of a weekly publication called la cuisinière cordon bleu. in octo-ber 1895, subscribers of the magazine were invited to the first le cordon bleu cooking class in Paris.

led by mr. andré cointreau, president of le cordon bleu, the school grew from a small Parisian cookery school to an ever-expanding international network - one of the foremost training institutions in the world for culinary, hospitality, and management cours-es. today, the international network comprises more than 50 schools in 20 countries with over 20,000 graduates each year.

the school continues to evolve by combining innovation and creativity with tradition through the establish-ment of bachelor’s and master’s de-grees that focus on the demands of the growing international hospitality industry.

MaSTer excelleNce

Le Cordon Bleu teaches more than 120 years of tradition and innovation

By Kelly Singer, Web Marketer,

Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa


Le Cordon Bleu // f o c u s o n

History of the Ottawa campus

in 1988, cointreau bought an eight-

year-old French cooking school in

ottawa, eleanor’s cuisine Française

(opened originally in 1979 by a le

cordon bleu Paris alumni). the ot-

tawa school was the first le cordon

bleu culinary arts institute outside of

France, which began cointreau’s in-

ternational expansion. ottawa’s rich

history in gastronomy and flair for

French architecture made it the per-

fect venue .

in June 2000, le cordon bleu ottawa

relocated to the munross mansion built

in 1874 by scottish lumberman James

mather, one of the first members of

the canadian national railway board

of directors. the house was renovated

to include an addition at the rear of the

building to accommodate the school’s

teaching kitchens. the original build-

ing has been carefully restored to its

original grandeur and is home to two

organizations, le cordon bleu ottawa

culinary arts institute, and le cordon

bleu signatures restaurant.

the school’s faculty includes some of

the best chefs in the world. le cordon

bleu’s master chefs and profession-

als have a range of experience in the

culinary arts industry and could be a

meilleur ouvrier de France, a master

sculptor, or have experience working

in a michelin starred restaurant.

le cordon bleu is considered to be

the guardian of French culinary tech-

nique and the ottawa campus is doing

its part in canada. our culinary programs

continue to preserve and pass on the

mastery and appreciation of the culinary

arts that have been the cornerstone

of French gastronomy for over 500

years. ✹

f o c u s o n // Supply Chain Management Association of Alberta

a SMarT choiceTake a look at a career in supply chain management

In choosing a career path that most high school graduates will spend years studying for in post-second-

ary and professional accreditation pro-grams, there are many important fac-tors to consider. such factors include:

• Is my career choice an area that I will enjoy studying and working within?

• Will there be high–paying jobs in this field for me once I graduate?

• Will there be opportunities to advance my career?

• Will my skills and qualifications meet the needs of employers, once I am ready to start my career?

these are a few of the most important questions that students should ask, as they begin to prepare for their future careers. let’s take a look at each of these questions in greater detail, to an-alyze how choosing a career in supply chain management will answer these questions.

students with an interest in business will enjoy studying and working in sup-ply chain management, as this career choice encourages such students to broaden their knowledge in many busi-ness management areas. this is due to the fact that supply chain management is comprised of many business man-agement functions, including procure-ment, logistics, transportation, con-tracts management, negotiation, and strategic supplier management.

supply chain management is therefore a career that offers many diverse, in-teresting career options. additionally, supply chain management jobs exist in all industries, including manufactur-ing, public sector, education, as well as retail businesses. the ability to work in any of these industry sectors further creates opportunities for a flexible and satisfying career choice.

Within the last decade, many post-secondary schools have seen a steady increase in the competition for their supply chain graduates. in the case of

local alberta post-secondary schools that offer supply chain management programs, it has been noted that the virtually 100 per cent of the supply chain graduates have secured employ-ment in their field by convocation. the average starting salary is higher than those of the graduates of other busi-ness disciplines. a study conducted by arizona state university, indicated that the starting salary of the supply chain graduates in 2012 was approximately $6,000 higher than for the undergrad students in other disciplines (supply chain Digest, June 2013).

Despite the economic downturn af-fecting many sectors of alberta’s econ-omy, supply chain professionals are in demand. in such an economic environ-ment, organizations have learned the importance of supply chain manage-ment functions in order to continue to be effective and efficient within their business operations. additionally, many companies do business globally and thereby rely on the supply chain

By Thomas McDade, MBA, SCMA Alberta


Supply Chain Management Association of Alberta // f o c u s o n

professionals to create business effi-ciencies and cost savings, in the pro-cess of sourcing goods and services internationally.

the dependence that many companies have on their supply chain is further demonstrated by the trend to distrib-uted manufacturing. Distributed man-ufacturing is widely being considered the future of manufacturing, as it links together a network of factories, manu-facturers, distribution networks and consumers. such networks create en-hanced levels of efficiency for all of the participants of the supply chain (core supply chain management trends, cerais.com).

given the increased importance of sup-ply chain in business operations, there will be many opportunities for career advancement. as a core management function, supply chain is experiencing increased visibility in the senior man-agement and leadership levels of many companies, large and small. indeed,

the visibility and transparency of sup-ply chains are increasingly seen as a key component of a company’s contin-ued growth and successful brand im-age.

Pursuing a supply chain education and professional accreditation, within canadian and/or albertan post-sec-ondary institutions and professional associations, will ensure that young professionals are well qualified to be successful in adding value to albertan companies. currently, there are two business programs in alberta that of-fer a business degree in supply chain management: macewan university and mount royal university. both of these supply chain degree programs are highly regarded and recognized by albertan companies. many other business schools in alberta are cur-rently creating and expanding their supply chain course offerings. such schools include university of calgary, university of lethbridge, university of

alberta, and sait. additionally,

the supply chain management

association of alberta has been ac-

tively working with these schools, in

order to ensure that the course con-

tent matches much of the association’s

supply chain management Profession-

al (scmP) designation. these collab-

orative efforts have helped to ensure

that supply chain management stu-

dents, graduating from such business

programs, have received the training

they need to start their careers and can

also fast-track through the scmP pro-

fessional designation program, as they

receive credit for prior learning.

To find out more about an exciting

career in supply chain management,

please visit SCMA Alberta’s website

at www.scmaab.ca or look for the

SCMA Alberta booth at an upcoming

career fair or information session. ✹

CHOOSE A CAREER IN

AND WATCH DOORS OPEN.

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

SCMA is the leading association for supply chain

management professionals in Canada. SCMA Alberta

grants the Supply Chain Management Professional

(SCMP) designation and the Supply Management

Training (SMT) diploma.SCMP stands for Supply Chain Management Professional—and the demand is enormous. In Canada alone, 65,000 supply chain management recruits will be needed for new or vacant jobs every year. And in Alberta, all key industries—manufacturing, agriculture, energy, transportation—are in need of well-trained supply chain personnel at every level.

Contact SCMA Alberta today. It could be the first step of a smart new career.

E: [email protected] | T: 1.866.610.4089 | W: scmp.ca

f o c u s o n // Bow Valley College

MakiNg your Mark

The world needs your stu-dents to be the best they can be; to grow; to make

a difference. A Bow Valley College (BVC) education is designed to get students into the world faster, with qualifications that will lead to success.

1) Learn on their own termsbow Valley knows that many students face challenges on their educational journeys. so we create an environment where students can triumph.

the college gives students an excellent education that fits them - any time, any place, any path, and any pace - ensuring they can overcome any barriers to a ful-filling career.

bVc gives students the opportunity to begin their journey to a successful future because they do more than help people make a living - bVc helps them make a life.

2) Expert instructors teach in-demand skills

instructors have years of real-world ex-perience in their fields. the college also consults with over 100 industry execu-tives to make sure the skills taught are relevant and in demand. the results are grads with valuable knowledge, techni-cal ability, and workplace skills.

3) One or two-year career options

students can graduate with a work-ready education in one year for a cer-tificate or two years for a diploma. they

can choose from the vital fields of business, health care, justice, human services, and administration.

4) They get a job - 93 per cent success rate

bVc focuses on making students more employable by teaching practical skill-sneeded for that first day on the job, as well as the soft skills and intercultural training needed for an entire lifetime of achievement. that’s why over 93 per cent of graduates are working within six months.

5) A magnificent new Calgary campus

calgary’s only comprehensive commu-nity college completed a significant ex-pansion in 2013. the over $290-million transformation created one of Western canada’s leading educational institu-tions, serving over 14,000 learners on three campuses in calgary and seven regional centres in alberta.

6) The School of Health, Justice, and Human Services

these professions have the power to change lives in positive ways, making an important and tangible difference in the lives of others.

Health programs include health care aide programs, nutrition man-

ager certificate, pharmacy technician, practical nurse

programs, and recre-ation therapy aide

certificate

Justice pro-gram offer-

ings are: justice

studies diploma, law enforcement spe-cialization, correctional studies special-ization, and youth justice specialization

Human service programs include: ab-original addictions services counselling diploma, aboriginal addictions services counselling certificate, disability studies diploma, disabilities studies certificate, early learning and child care diploma, early learning and child care certificate, and education assistant certificate.

7) The CHIU School of Business

the cHiu school of business focuses on delivering the most relevant, market-driven programs to meet economic de-mand and community need, so gradu-ates are in demand.

business administration diplomas in-clude: accounting, event management, financial services, general business, global tourism, human resources, mar-keting, public relations, and insurance and risk management.

business certificates include: health ad-ministration certificates, administrative professional certificate, legal assistant diploma, interior decorating diploma, and interior decorating certificate.

8) Proven success

over the last 50 years alberta has grown into a force on the world stage. bow Val-ley college has been an integral part of alberta’s growth, by creating work-ready graduates in vital fields eager to roll up their sleeves and get the job done.

this year marks their 50th anniversary of helping individuals, companies, commu-nities, alberta, and the world rise.

For more information on helping your students triumph, visit bowvalleycollege.ca. ✹

Eight ways Bow Valley College helps students soar


ALBERTA’S CHOICE SINCE 1923.

Alberta DistanceLearning Centre

Explore over 250+ courses today!1-866-774-5333 | adlc.ca | [email protected]

TEACHER SUPPORT & STUDENT INSTRUCTION

Giving every student the options they need.Helping teachers with curriculum resources.


f o c u s o n // Keyano College

Keyano college is Wood buffalo’s only post-sec-ondary institution and their close proximity to the oil sands allows for partnerships with indus-try to train skilled students for the workforce. by

working with companies on program development and work terms, industry receives employees with the skills they need and students are able to get the hands-on experience that enhances their career opportunities upon graduation.

Heavy equipment simulator training

Having a skill set that transfers across a wide range of in-dustries and locations is key to finding employment in to-day’s economy. With that in mind, Keyano college, in part-nership with Western economic Diversification canada and syncrude, have launched the new heavy equipment operator simulator training program.

scheduled to begin the first intake in september, each co-hort will see 12 students spend six weeks learning how to safely operate six different pieces of heavy equipment in a variety of settings and conditions. the equipment line-up in-cludes: a wheeled loader, dozer, grader, excavator, articulat-ing truck, and off-highway truck.

simulator training is nothing new for many industries – flight simulators have been used in training since the 1920s, and the college’s own haul truck program uses state-of-the-art simulators for training. However, using simulators for other types of heavy equipment training is new to northern al-berta and promises to provide industry with employees who are safe and efficient operators.

simulators enable students to safely train in a controlled envi-

ronment and receive objective feedback

on their performance. measurements

include fuel consumption, machine

and jobsite safety, emergency inci-

dent responses, and more.

Haul truck operator

this popular and in-de-

mand four-week course

is designed to provide

participants with es-

sential skills needed to

operate a haul truck safely

and efficiently, based on

manufacturer’s recommen-

dations and industry operating

standards. students who success-

fully complete the course will be

prepared for entry-level haul truck op-

erator positions.

the students are trained by qualified and experienced in-

structors with computer-based training and log over 15

hours in a simulator for the caterpillar 797 and Komatsu 930e

haul trucks.

students will also study occupational Health and safety reg-

ulations, mining operations, radio etiquette and communica-

tion, as well as resume and interview preparation.

BriNgiNg educaTioN TogeTherPartnering with industry for student success

Keyano College // f o c u s o n


upon completion of the four-week course, students may have the opportunity for a work placement with one of the program’s sponsors: north american construction group, shell canada, syncrude, and the suncor energy Foundation.

Process operations

Keyano’s process operations program was developed as a result of identified needs from industry to have process op-erators with power engineering certification. Process opera-tors are responsible for the monitoring and safe operation of industrial equipment, including boilers, steam and gas tur-bines, pumps, and pressure vessels. they also ensure safety and environmental regulations are being followed, conduct chemical tests, and prepare equipment for maintenance work.

the process operations program is sponsored by the suncor energy Foundation and based on academic achievement, availability, and certification, the student may have the op-portunity for a six-month paid work practicum.

Environmental technology

in partnership with shell canada, Keyano has developed a successful two-year diploma program that focuses on

environmental issues, problems, technologies, and solutions related to industries involved in natural

resource development, including the oil sands.

the program is led by an active advisory committee made up of industry experts and employers currently working in the field. this ensures that the program is up-to-date with the newest issues and available technology.

graduates also leave Keyano with certificates, skills, and knowledge in H2s alive, WHmis, ossa bso, First aid, and more. Hands-on labs and field trips, paid co-op opportu-nities, and an over 90 per cent graduate employment rate make the environmental technology diploma program an ap-pealing option for those starting their career.

OSSA basic safety orientation

as of July 1, 2015, the pre-site access requirement for all new contract workers at participating oil sands safety as-sociation (ossa) member worksites will be the ossa basic safety orientation. offered daily from monday to Friday, this half-day course will provide the individual with a gen-eral awareness of critical safety initiatives found on ossa member worksites. ✹

For more information on any of Keyano’s programs or sponsors,

visit keyano.ca.


f o c u s o n // Canadian Mennonite University

30

W e live in a time marked by rapid change, im-mense opportunity, and complex chal-

lenge. today’s university students face many questions about career options and how to make a difference with their lives.

into this wonderfully complex world, a comprehensive education is more rele-vant than ever. at canadian mennonite university you will:

• Learn to dialogue and think - be challenged to understand with depth and clarity. Pursue insight and wis-dom across disciplines of study and within understandings of the world and yourself.

• Develop your character - be part of a community that nurtures a moral imagination, humili-ty, perspective, inner steadiness, integrity, and gratitude.

• Nurture a career and a vocational calling - align your passions and gifts with the world’s deep needs and opportunities. allow a vocational calling to emerge from the contexts of study and life in which you are lo-cated.

• Nourish your faith - strengthen your imagination and capacity for service and leadership in society as you learn from the life and teachings of Jesus christ.

• Encounter a commitment to peace and justice - anticipate that a com-mitment to peace and justice will

colour your cmu experience as you engage the most pressing concerns of our time, including environmental resilience and reconciliation among peoples.

• Be mentored for life by outstanding faculty - get to know faculty who are passionate about teaching and who want to get to know you personally and help you discover your passions and gifts. the discoveries of these researching scholars will benefit you directly.

• Discover educational excellence in a small, vibrant university - experi-

ence how quality relationships and

learning go hand in hand. cmu’s

membership within uni-

vers i t ies canada is

a mark of high-quality

e d u c a t i o n , assuring you of

a recognized de-gree. as published

in maclean’s maga-zine, cmu ranks at the top among canadian universities when it comes to meaningful connections between students and faculty.

cmu is a hospitable and generous university where students from many backgrounds find their place. cmu’s offers undergraduate degrees in arts, business, humanities, music, sciences, and social sciences, as well as graduate degrees in theology, ministry, peace

building and collaborative develop-

ment, and an mba.

cmu has over about 900 full-time

equivalent students, including those

enrolled in degree programs at the

shaftesbury and menno simons col-

lege campuses and in its outtatown

certificate program.

For information about CMU and

its program offerings, please visit

www.cmu.ca. ✹

whaT TopS The liST?Seven things to expect at the Canadian Mennonite University

cmu.ca

Learn to See Differently

EmbraceComplexIssues

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

Ph: 780 426-2874 • www.insulators110.com

Any questions, please call Kyle Matuk at 780-782-0765 or email at [email protected]

APPRENTICE TRAININGThe term of apprenticeship for an insulator is 3 years (three 12 month periods). This consists of a

minimum of 1517 hours of on-the-job training and 7 weeks of technical training in the first, second

and third year of apprenticeship, for a total of 4551 hours.In general, insulators:

• Read and interpret blue prints to determine insulation requirements

• Select the amount and type of insulation and protective coverings to be installed

• Choose a method of preparing and securing it on irregular shaped surfaces

• Measure cut and install the insulating material onto equipment

• Install vapor barriers and protective coverings over the insulated surfaces

WHAT IS AN INSULATOR?Insulators apply, remove and repair thermal and acoustical insulation (e.g., calcium

silicate, mineral wool, fiberglass, foam glass, styrofoam) on all types of industrial and

commercial mechanical equipment (e.g. ducts, piping, tanks, vessels, towers).

An environment where all can triumph.We give your students an excellent education on their terms, overcoming any barriers to a great career. They can choose from career certificates and diplomas in the vital fields of business, health care, justice, human services, and administration. And they will be in demand – 93% find employment in their fields within six months of graduation. Visit bowvalleycollege.ca

Alberta School Counsellor Fall 2015

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Transcript of Alberta School Counsellor Fall 2015