Next - August 2011

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

Canada’s fitness industry was worth over $2.1 billion last

year. Metro Vancouver, it seems, takes a large slice of that (albeit low-fat) pie.

According to StatsCan, British Columbians are tops in the country when it comes to living healthy life-styles, working out regularly and participating in various physic-al activities. That’s good news if you’re thinking of becoming a per-sonal trainer or yoga teacher.

PERSONAL TRAINERSYou’ve seen them working with cli-ents individually or in groups, in gyms or outdoor settings. Andre Noel Potvin, president of IN-FOFIT Educators, says there’s a growing need for fitness trainers.

“Recent labour statistics re-ported a 27% shortage of personal trainers with an increased public demand of 28%,” Potvin reveals. “Many large fitness clubs are in desperate need of personal trainers because they have such a large de-mand from their membership.”

David Munro, faculty pro-gram manager at Douglas Col-lege’s Sports Institute – the largest

LEARN MORE ➧ GET THE JOB


Richard W. asks: “What should I ask at the end of an interview?” 7

From yoga teacher to YYoga founder 5

Demand for pharmacists up in B.C. 6

Health care workers in the community 8

Helping hand for job seekers 12

Stretch out workplace stress 15

producer of BC Recreation and Parks Association (BCRPA)-rec-ognized courses for fitness profes-sionals – agrees.

“B.C. is a fairly healthy climate … so people are always looking to get in shape, recover from an in-jury or train for elite performance,” explains Munro. “Following the Olympics there was a bit of mo-mentum in terms of healthy liv-ing. There were additional facilities built … that remain as a means of promoting a healthy community.”

Also, after the recession, “people were discovering they could get additional employment and in-come by being a personal trainer, even if it was just on the side. And the investment, just over $1,000 for our program, was better than going back to school for two to three years to open up other opportunities.”

examination;• obtain CPR and first aid certifi-cations;• submit the BCRPA fitness leader – fitness theory registration form;• enrol in a weight training spe-cialty module;• complete all weight training course requirements;• complete all weight training practicum and instructor compe-tency evaluation requirements;• register with the BCRPA in weight training;• complete 20 beginner-level pro-grams (i.e., resistance training, flex-ibility training or cardio training programs);• enrol in a personal training spe-cialty module;• complete all personal training course requirements;• pass the BCRPA personal train-ing exam;• complete all personal training instructor competency evaluation requirements; and• register with the BCRPA in per-sonal training.

The required programs are of-fered by BCRPA-approved train-ing providers, including – among others – INFOFIT, Douglas Col-lege, On the Edge and Vancouver’s Inshape Training.

“We offer training toward our local BCRPA registration as a per-sonal training and group fitness instructor, but we’re also offering training for CFES certification, which is Canadian Fitness Educa-tion Services, our national certifi-

While there’s no legislation re-quiring personal trainers to be-come certified with the BCRPA (the registering body in B.C.), Donna Hutchison, CEO of On the Edge Fitness Educators Inc., warns that “the trainer without any certifica-tion will not be insured and there-fore liable.”

Adds Potvin: “Most trainers need to use a fitness facility to work

“Many large fitness clubs

are in desperate need of

personal trainers”

– Andre Noel Potvin, president,INFOFIT Educators

out of and these facilities, for liabil-ity purposes, require certification and insurance coverage documen-tation.”

To become a BCRPA-registered personal trainer, you must com-plete the following steps (described in more detail and with fee infor-mation on the BCRPA website, www.bcrpa.bc.ca):• pass the BCRPA fitness theory see Yoga, 2

With its yoga teacher training certificate program, Langara College is one of few public post-secondary institutions offering college-certified training in yoga

LA

NG

AR

A C

OL

LE

GE

CO

NT

INU

ING

ST

UD

IES

Working it outFlex your career muscles as a personal fitness trainer or yoga teacher

expert advice

INSIDE

Call today: 604-580-2772 · www.stenbergcollege.comOver 94% of our grads are employed in their fi eld of study within 6 months of graduation.

It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is. – Hermann HesseIn partnership with PHS Community Services Society and the Lookout Emergency Aid Society, this unique curriculum has been prepared to support individuals with mental heath challenges and addictions. Based on the input received from these industry partners, this program has been speci� cally designed to prepare students – philosophically, mentally/intellectually, emotionally, and experientially – for a successful career with longevity and the potential for advancement.

Community Mental Health and Addictions Worker diploma program

In partnership with:

Apply for a full tuition scholarship Change your life today!

August 2011leArn more ➧ get the job

Step into the career you’ve been dreaming of. Call today!bc.vccollege.ca • 1.866.573.3087

.com/VancouverCareerCollege .com/VCCollege .com/VCCollege

Train today for:• Practical Nursing• Health Care Assistant • Pharmacy Assistant • Early Childhood Education• Medical Offi ce Assistant • Rehabilitation Assistant and more....

Most programs are 1 Year or less.

To career.From here.

The Shortest Path To A Health Care Career

VCC_NEXT_runs July.indd 2 7/15/2011 10:37:33 AM

August 2011 leArn more ➧ get the job2

cation,” says InShape owner/operator Sandra Seary. “As well, these programs will prepare students for Amer-ican certifications.”

It may take from three months to two years to com-plete all of the requirements but, “once certified, you get your BCRPA certificate and have $2 million liability in-surance, which is essential to be hired by any other as-sociation,” says Munro. “Im-agine a weight room hiring someone without insurance – not likely.”

Pay for personal trainers, he adds, varies. “Those work-ing for facilities, the city or parks and recreation could be at an entry-level position: $16 to $18 per hour. Or they could move into a fitness program-ming role, which might be salaried and full time.”

If you’re entrepreneurial, Munro says, “the sky’s the limit.” Some will train mul-tiple clients simultaneously, at $40 an hour per client, but “that takes knowledge, be-ing organized and well liked. People who start might be training at $25 per hour, but someone working in Yale-town or downtown business-es might charge $60. It really depends.”

The challenge with self-employment, however, is drumming up enough busi-ness for yourself.

“You need to be a ‘go-get-ter’ … to promote and sell your services,” Potvin advis-es. “Most trainers don’t like to sell, nor do they possess the business skills to main-tain a steady full-time train-ing business.”

In this sense, personality may be key.

“The personality of a per-sonal trainer is almost more important than their educa-tion,” says Hutchinson. “Of course, education is neces-sary and required, but the best personals trainers are ones that can really con-nect with their clients, have a high degree of empathy and understand the processes of behavioural change.”

One thing’s for sure: per-sonal training offers a pleth-ora of job opportunities.

“With our aging popula-tion and trend toward obes-ity, this is an excellent, re-warding and lucrative ca-reer,” Seary says. “I can’t say enough positive about it, and B.C. is the best place to do this in Canada … we are so

active here.”

YOGA TEACHERS “The demand for yoga teach-ers is growing,” confirms Gloria Latham, owner of Semperviva Yoga Studios in Vancouver, which offers teacher training programs through its Semperviva Yoga College. “Teachers may find employment in yoga studios, teaching corporate yoga where they will visit offices to teach, in schools, outreach clinics … most are self-em-ployed contractors.”

“Now is an excellent time to become a yoga teacher,” agrees Naseem Gulamhu-sein, who co-ordinates the yoga teacher training cer-tificate program at Langara College – one of few public post-secondary institutions offering college-certified training in yoga.

“Teaching yoga is a grow-ing profession brought about by the popularity of yoga and its broad range of health benefits within our society,” Gulamhusein adds. “Yoga teacher training programs are a growing market in B.C. and around the world.”

Those best suited to the job, she notes, are positive, confident, energetic and compassionate, possess a commitment to the deeper meaning of yoga and, often, an interest in holistic health and healing.

“Teaching yoga is a path of service, so it’s important to care more about the stu-dent than yourself,” echoes Latham. “There should be genuine passion for the prac-tice and a true desire to share it.”

Though she admits that “those who already have ex-perience being in front of groups – teachers, dancers, actors – sometimes have an easier start to teaching … they don’t always make the best teachers in the long run because they’re used to being performers, which is very dif-ferent from being a teacher.”

Different styles of yoga, Latham adds, attract different teaching personalities. “For instance, Yin yoga is a quiet-er, more meditative practice, whereas Vinyasa Power Flow is more vibrant.”

No matter what type you choose to teach, you must complete at least 200 hours of training to become a cer-tified yoga instructor. The average cost: between $2,500

Yoga teacher training programs a “growing market” in B.C.

Register now. 604.323.5322 www.langara.bc.ca/cs

Discover training opportunities in physical and spiritual well-being modalities.

Yoga Teacher TrainingBecome certified to teach yoga. This professional part-time program provides the skill and experience to teach holistic, balanced yoga classes with confidence and ease.

aDVanceD Yoga Teacher TrainingDiscover advanced yoga techniques and practices to reach your full teaching potential. This 300 hour program provides innovative, continuing education for yoga teachers of all traditions

Open your heart’s teaching potential.HOLISTIC HEALTH STUDIES • FALL 2011

• Expressive Arts

• Integrative Energy Healing

• Cranial Sacral

• Shiatsu Therapy

• Pet Wellness

• Spa Therapy & Holistic Massage

• Image Consultant

• Medical Spa Aesthetics

More prograMs aVailable:

and $4,000. But beware: not all training providers are cre-ated equal.

“There is currently no cer-tification body for the pro-fession of yoga,” explains Gulamhusein. “Many pro-grams are registered through the American Yoga Alliance, which … isn’t a profession-al certifying body – only a yoga teacher and yoga school registry.”

However, locally, “many private yoga training schools are now registered with the Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC [PCTIA] to ensure consumer protection to students,” she says, adding that a qualified yoga teacher training pro-gram often includes: a clear student admission process; experienced (over 10 years) and expert instructors work-ing in the field; classroom hours and prac-ticum experience; comprehensive training and professional experience; and a certification process with course objectives, learn-ing outcomes and evaluation

methods.Once you have complet-

ed training you may begin teaching. Teachers, in gen-eral, are paid per class, and the rate can vary from $20 to $50 for newer teachers and up to $100 for more senior instructors.

While there’s no personal limit to how much you can teach, Gulamhusein says one of the main challenges associated with being a yoga teacher is the competition you’ll face from others vying for work.

The rewards, however, seem well worth it.

“Yoga teacher train-ing is much more than just ‘job training,’” Latham says. “It is an incredible journey of self-discovery. The prac-tice will give you many tools to live a full and rich life, with a lot less stress. It’s the best personal develop-ment program I know of.” • [email protected]

from Working, 1

“Teaching yoga is a

growing profession”– Naseem Gulamhusein,

senior yoga teacher,Langara College

August 2011leArn more ➧ get the job 3

Monday–Friday / 9am–5pmwww.bgccs.bc.ca

Start here ...RICHMOND EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE CENTRECall 604.244.9262290-3631 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC

SOUTH DELTA EMPLOYMENT RESOURCE CENTRECall 604.946.03244899 Delta Street, Ladner, BC

Need aJob?STOP

“Funded in whole or partthrough the Canada-BritishColumbia Labour MarketDevelopment Agreement”

FREE ConvEniEnt 1/2 Day WoRkshops

604-683-2335

Adult EmploymEnt progrAm Workshop sEriEs

Personalized Employment Coaching & Job Search Support

Gordon neighbourhood house1019 Broughton St, Vancouver (West End)

Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

• Targeted Resumes• Interview Strategies• Strategies for the Older Worker

• Cover Letter Creation • Intro to MS Word & Internet• Hidden Jobs & Labour Market Trends

Do you have a Disability or Chronic Condition? Are You Unemployed?

Looking For work?IAM CARES SOCIETY

FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES for people with all types of disabilities

Coquitlam 604-468-7301Surrey 604-580-2226North Shore 604-990-0800

Call IAM CARES SOCIETY [email protected] | www.iamcares.ca

Funded in part or whole through the Canada - British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

Take the LEAPwith your business

idea and we’llhelp you GROW it.

Funding provided throughthe Canada-British Columbia

Labour Market Agreement

CanadaSuite 104 7565 132nd Street, Surrey

Please call or drop by any Thursday.

Funded in whole or part through the Canada-�British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

YWCA Employment Resource Centre

Unemployed? Working less than 20 hours per week?

Need ideas? We can help.FREE job search and training assistance for men and women

METRO VANCOUVER

CALL 604.263.5005ywcajobseeker.org

5th Floor -� 5750 Oak Street(at 41st Avenue)

CAREER

SERVICES

Employment Services forimmigrant job seekers

Services available in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi, Punjabi, Russian & Vietnnamese

Individual employment counselling & support Resource Centre (Computer, Internet,

Laser Printer, Photocopier & Fax) Quality job matches with employers Assistance with resume & El-funded training

#150 - 8400 Alexandra Road, RichmondNear Lansdowne Skytrain Station | Free Parking Available

FREE service - Make an appointment TODAY! Tel: 604-233-7031

Job Searching? Call the Experts!

This program is part of WelcomeBC, a suite of programs

funded by the Government of Canada and the Province

of British Columbia. WelcomeBC helps newcomers settle,

integrate and find employment in their new communities.

Helping skilled immigrants launch their careers in BC

Skills Connect for Immigrants provides:

n Partial funding for qualifications upgrading and credential evaluation

n Soft skills training to help you succeed in the Canadian workplace

n Personalized one-on-one coaching with an experienced employment counsellor

n Free innovative workshops to help you take charge of your job search

Find out more:

E-MAIL: [email protected]: www.issbc.org/skillsconnectPHONE: 604-684-2561 (ext. 2123) (Vancouver, New Westminster, Coquitlam and Richmond)

604-590-4021 (Surrey)

Skills Connect for Immigrants

www.issbc.org/skillsconnect











Find out more:


604-590-4021 (Surrey)













Find out more:


604-590-4021 (Surrey)













Find out more:


604-590-4021 (Surrey)




BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

Although Lara Kozan has long aspired to be an entrepreneur,

she hasn’t always been into yoga. The latter only became a passion after she’d obtained degrees in psychol-ogy and business administration and moved to the West Coast from Saskatchewan in 1998.

“I grew up doing dance and gym-nastics, as well as fitness training,” says the founding partner of YYo-ga, which, since its launch in 2007, has opened numerous highly suc-cessful, upscale yoga studios around the Lower Mainland and offers yoga teacher training through its YYo-ga Teachers’ College in Vancouver. “Yoga wasn’t really on the radar until I got to Vancouver. But as soon as I

tried it I was hooked – I didn’t want to miss a single day of class.”

Kozan’s enthusiasm for the an-cient Indian discipline, which is said to offer myriad physical, mental and spiritual benefits, led her eventually to become a certified yoga instruct-or. Shortly thereafter she began of-fering a corporate yoga program to staff at Vancouver’s Nettwerk Music Group.

Among the Nettwerk employees at Kozan’s classes was CEO Terry McBride, who not only discovered a love for yoga but also a budding business relationship with his in-structor.

“Terry was getting more and more serious about his practice, and we got to know each other really well over those three years,” Kozan says.

“He had sort of seen my trials and tribulations over having this idea for opening my own studio here, and he knew that I had sort of let that dream die, especially after my grandmother, who meant the world to me, passed away.”

Sensing that she could use a friend as she struggled to come to terms with her grandmother’s death, Mc-Bride asked Kozan to dinner. Over the course of the meal the two dis-cussed “how yoga made me feel, how it made Terry feel and wouldn’t it be amazing if we could somehow help more people to feel this way?”

A studio, they decided, would help them to achieve their goal. But how would they differentiate them-selves from other operations in Van-couver’s seemingly saturated yoga

market? What could they offer to attract and retain more – and more varied – practitioners?

“The market [in Vancouver] was fragmented at the time; [there were] a lot of small, single-discipline stu-dios,” Kozan recalls, adding that many “mom and pop” yoga outfits seemed to struggle to attract clients from various walks of life, like men and new moms.

“To us, the heart of yoga is the connection not only to self but also to others,” she says. “That led to this idea of a network of studios that do for yoga what Whole Foods did for the organic food industry: consoli-date and connect.”

Today all seven YYoga studios – in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and Whistler – aim to “provide a so-cial centre where all are welcome and inspired to practise yoga, engage in wellness and … build relationships and community.”

To draw clients to their commun-ity, Kozan and McBride developed a business strategy based on multiple

customer-service “sticking points.” Beyond a generous offering of yoga classes to suit all levels, each multi-studio YYoga centre embraces a guest-focused approach, providing mat and towel service, compliment-ary shower products and wellness services like massage, acupuncture and reflexology – “everything that goes along with great service.”

Now, along with McBride and the rest of the YYoga team, Kozan is eyeing expansion to Toronto – a city where the yoga scene, despite having access to a population twice the size of Vancouver’s, lags several years behind.

Her reasons for continued growth, however, have to do with something much larger than prof-it. Rather, they remain intrinsically linked to her belief that “the more people that do yoga, the better the world will be.”

“That’s the legacy I want to leave,” says Kozan, who nonetheless knows that, in order to bring yoga to as many people as possible, “you need the business to back that up.”

“The balance of yoga and busi-ness is something I’m constantly striving to achieve,” she explains. “As our business grows, we have to stay rooted and connected to yoga, but we also want to continue to ex-pand and be innovative. That’s how we’re going to successfully fulfil our dream.” •[email protected]

Om work

“Yoga wasn’t really on the radar

until I got to Vancouver. But as

soon as I tried it I was hooked”

– Lara Kozan,founding partner,

YYoga

How Lara Kozan went from yoga student to teacher to founding partner of one of the Lower Mainland’s largest yoga studio chains

While opening seven Lower Mainland studios in four years is no small feat, YYoga founding partner Lara Kozan won’t quit until she’s brought yoga to “as many people as possible”

SUCCESS STORY

Become a Personal TrainerTurn your passion for fitness into a lucrative career!In just 40 hours you can become a fully certified personal trainer.

On The Edge offers:➤ One-on-one instruction ➤ Start anytime➤ Payment plan options ➤ Flexible scheduling

On The Edge takes you from certification to paycheck.

Call 604.998.3379 or email [email protected]

Certificate valid for 3 years

Now AvAilAble iN A commuNity ceNter NeAr you!!!!

Red Cross First Aid & CPRTraining Partner

Visit our website:communitycarefirstaid.comfor more details about courses in your area

Standard First Aid and CPR C + AED Aug 13-14 Strathcona Centre. Register: 604-713-1838

Emergency First Aid and CPR C + AED Jul 24; Aug 14 Creekside Centre. Register: 604-257-3050 Aug 7 Roundhouse Centre. Register: 604-713-1800

Emergency Child Care First Aid and CPR Aug 28 Roundhouse Centre. Register: 604-713-1800

Study alternative health care at one of Canada's leading Traditional Chinese Medicine training and clinical institutions. Learn from experienced, licensed practitioners from around the globe and gain practical experience at our on-site clinic.

PREPARE FOR

Help others achieve balance andwellness through natural medicine.

Programs: Tuina / Anmo

Spa practitioner

Acupuncture

Esthetician

Doctor of traditional chinese medicine

Traditional chinese medicine practitioner

Traditional chinese medicine Herbalist

A CAREERNATURAL HEALTH

IN

Call us Today1.800.764.1926train.pcucollege.ca

· Traditional Chinese Medicine· acupuncture· Spa practitioner· Esthetician

facebook.com/PCUCollege

twitter.com/PCUCollege

youtube.com/PCUHolisticCollege

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

PCU_NEXT_quater_runs_July.pdf 1 7/15/2011 9:24:56 AM

August 2011LeArn More ➧ get tHe job 5



treatments available, so people are able to manage those conditions fairly ef-fectively on the whole.”

The growing need for medication has increased growth in the profession. Mitchell said that growth in the number of prescriptions

BY RICHARD CHU, BIV

The growing use of medi-cation in B.C. promises

to keep pharmacy one of the province’s fastest-growing professions.

Marnie Mitchell, CEO of the BC Pharmacy Asso-ciation, says that the use of pharmaceuticals continues to grow by about 10% a year, partly because of rising rates of chronic diseases and the increased availability of drugs to treat them.

She also notes, however, that while some of the in-crease might be attributable

to conditions associated with an aging population, young-er people are facing a grow-ing number of chronic con-ditions ranging from hyper-tension and high cholesterol to Type-2 diabetes.

“That part is a little con-cerning, but there are more

“There’s no sign that the

demand for pharmacy

services is easing off”

– Marnie Mitchell,CEO,

BC Pharmacy Association

Growing pharmaceutical drug needsincreasing demand for pharmacists in B.C.Higher-profile role raises profession’s allure for prospective students

dispensed in B.C. has con-tinued to outpace growth in the number of new pharma-cies, resulting in pharmacies being open longer hours and filling more prescriptions.

The number of registered pharmacists in B.C. has risen by 23% over the past five years to 4,800 from 3,900 in 2006. The only other sectors grow-ing faster include human re-sources and registered mas-sage therapy (see story, page X). Both have grown 30% in the past five years. Account-ing has also continued to see consistent growth.

But another pharmacy growth driver is the ex-panding role of pharmacists in providing health servi-ces to B.C. residents. In ear-

ly 2009, pharmacists were given the authority to renew prescriptions and, in some cases, to modify prescrip-tions originally written by a doctor.

In the fall of 2009, phar-macists who completed a training and accreditation program were approved to administer drugs by injec-tion.

And, earlier this year, pharmacists were given the authority to consult with pa-tients to give them a more comprehensive understand-ing about all the medica-tions they may be taking and identify any issues that could arise from the use of those drugs.

All of these new servi-

Over the counter: new services will add to the demand for pharmacists and could increase the allure of the profession to prospective students, according to the BC Pharmacy Association

Pharmacy among the fastest growing professions in B.C.

Mem

bers

hip

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

4,000

4,500

5,000

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

BC Pharmacy Association College of Pharmacists of BC

ces will likely add to the de-mand for pharmacists and could increase the allure of the profession to prospect-ive students, according to Mitchell.

“A lot of members are very enthusiastic about it, saying things like, ‘This is why I went into pharmacy,’” she says. “They’re excited about the opportunity.

“I know the UBC faculty gets a very substantial num-ber of applicants each year, and when you think about the importance of phar-maceutical products for so many of us for managing our health, there’s no sign that the demand for pharmacy services is easing off.” •[email protected]

6 months course startsSeptember 12th, 2011

START YOUR OWN BUSINESS!!

August 2011 leArn more ➧ get tHe job6

Enroll in the PArA-LegAL PrOgrAM

today for a brighter tomorrow.

Vancouver: 604-320-3332 | Abbotsford: 604-826-3107

Face the future with

a new career!

www.metropolitancollege.ca

Enjoy 24 weeks of Para-Legal paid work experience before graduation!

Also short BC Employment Programs (BCEP) available in:Canadian Securities Course (CSC)Fraud Examination Course (FEC)

Fundamentals of Insurance (CAIB1)Medical Office Assistant (MOA)

Care-Aide & Social Service Support WorkerBuilding Service Worker (BSW)

ASK AN EMPLOYMENT EXPERT

DEAN TREMAINRichard W. asks: “What are some effective questions to ask at the end of an interview?”

The key to acing a job interview is to be pre-

pared for all aspects of the meeting, especially when the interviewer asks if you have questions about the com-pany. Rather than flounder-ing at the end of each inter-view, look professional and put together by having a few questions ready to ask your interviewer ahead of time.

Though there are no rules for how many questions you can or should ask at the end of an interview, employers, hiring managers and human resources staff are generally pleased to answer a handful

of queries related to the pos-ition and company.

Remember: the ques-tions you ask will reflect on both your personality and your research, so make sure you review the job posting, company website, investor relations information and other relevant materials be-fore crafting your questions. You want to appear well-in-formed, intelligent and inter-ested in learning more about the organization.

In terms of specific ques-tions, some best bets are:• What would be my day-to-day responsibilities in this position?• How would you describe the company’s work environ-ment/corporate culture?• What do you enjoy most about working with this or-ganization/department?• Can you describe the com-pany’s organizational struc-ture?• How and by whom will my performance be evalu-ated?

• What are the opportun-ities for training or profes-sional development?• What is the biggest chal-lenge facing the company/industry right now?

While these questions are helpful in understand-ing more about the position

and the company, you still need to stand out from the other candidates. In addition to asking each question, take initiative and encourage a conversation with the inter-viewer. This way the ques-tion-and-answer period will feel more relaxed and per-

sonable. Adding background in-

formation to each question is also important. Utilize the knowledge you gained from researching the company to add power and cause to the question. For example, “How would you describe the com-

pany’s work environment?” can be turned into, “I read in your annual report that the company sponsors over 10 charity events each year, which is very inspirational. Is this a representation of the company’s beliefs and values? How would you de-scribe the company’s corpor-ate culture?”

As you close your inter-view, remember that you want to leave a lasting im-pression. Certainly, this is your opportunity to find out more about the job, but it’s also a chance to showcase why you are the best candi-date for the position. •

Dean Tremain is the director of career and graduate servi-ces for CDI College, which has campuses in Vancouver, Bur-naby, Surrey, Richmond and Abbotsford. For more infor-mation, call 1-888-654-4181 or visit study.cdicollege.ca. Join the career conversation at fa-cebook.com/CDICollege and twitter.com/CDICollege.

An interview is your opportunity to find out more about the job, but it’s also a chance to showcase why you are the best candidate for the position

“Hiring managers and

human resources staff

are generally pleased

to answer a handful of

queries related to the

position and company”

11-058

Since 1995, more than 3,250 businesses have been launched through the Douglas College Self Employment Program.Practical training, business advice and group support. Income support available to those who qualify.

To see if you’re eligible for our FREE program call 604 527 5020 New Westminster Campus604 777 6012 Coquitlam Campus or visit douglascollege.ca/selfemployment

11-12

3

Your Career: Own it.

Angela CrockerProgram GraduateOwner, Author, Speaker, Social Media Trainerwww.beachcombercommunications.com


problem-solving skills, as well as patience,” Manko replies. “Someone non-judgmental who can multitask, work well under pressure and perform many different roles.”

“An ideal personality is someone who can hear people’s stories, be there for them when they’re in pain but also rejoice in everything that makes the community beauti-ful and wonderful,” Hacksel, who is also director of the Sta-tion Street housing project on Vancouver’s Downtown East-side (DTES) and a researcher with PHS Community Ser-vices Society. “There’s a lot of honest and genuine kindness in this community; being able to see that and celebrate it is an important skill.”

CHALLENGES & REWARDS“Probably one of the biggest challenges with this type of work is learning to leave our own judgments, hopes and expectations at home,” Hack-sel continues. “Once we real-ize it isn’t about fixing people but giving them the dignity and respect that they deserve, the job becomes incredibly re-warding.”

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

With the number of sci-ence-related jobs in

B.C. set to grow 26% by 2019 – many in the health care and social assistance field – com-munity health care and ad-dictions services workers are in demand.

We asked experts from CDI College, Stenberg Col-lege and the Vancouver Col-lege of Counsellor Training (VCCT), all three of which offer relevant training pro-grams, to weigh in.”

JOB DESCRIPTION“The terms addictions work-er and community support worker cover a wide spectrum of employment experiences,” says VCCT executive director Lydia Manko.

“Addictions workers usu-ally help people recover from illnesses like drug abuse and alcohol dependency. The community support work-er role depends on what type of people the worker is sup-porting and what setting they’re working in.”

“It’s no accident that the job title includes the word

‘community,’ because, really, community-building is the cornerstone of this work,” adds Clare Hacksel, who de-veloped Stenberg’s commun-ity mental health and addic-tions worker program cur-riculum.

That, she says, could mean assisting a client in obtaining income assistance or simply going for coffee and hearing their story.

“Some days you may be liaising with the hospitals or clinical teams to get someone into treatment, others you could be organizing barbe-cues and camping trips.”

According to CDI’s web-site, addictions and commun-ity services workers may find work in group homes, mental health centres or correctional facilities. Community health care workers, on the other hand, often support people with physical and mental dis-abilities in group homes, long-term care settings and resi-dential care.

PERSONALITY TYPEWho best suits these jobs? “Someone with good com-munication, interpersonal and

Making a differenceCommunity health care and addictions services workers have a positive impact on the lives of others

The terms addictions worker and community support worker cover a wide spectrum of employment experiences within the field of health care

That isn’t to say clients never get better. “They do, all the time, but not when it’s forced and not because some staff person said, ‘You’re broken and you need fixing,’” she says. “Only when we can show people some dignity, share with them some of our love and provide them with some space to just be do they start to do better.”

Adds Manko: “These roles can involve helping people who are often going through a difficult time in their lives so they can be emotionally chal-lenging. The roles may involve shift work or unsociable hours. But the rewards – being able to make a positive contribution to people’s lives and support the community – are high.”

TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONSLes Merson, director of mar-keting and PR at Stenberg, says many employers looking to hire require that candidates possess at least two years of direct experience working in the mental health and addic-tions field, while some require a combination of work experi-ence and education.

However, “Stenberg Col-lege’s community mental health and addictions work-

er diploma program is 60 weeks in length, and both of our industry partners [PHS and Lookout Emergency Aid Society] will waive the two-year work experience require-ment and interview grads for immediate employment with their agencies,” he adds.

Meantime, VCCT’s addic-tions worker certificate pro-gram, says Manko, will intro-duce you to the theory and skills applicable to working in various community support positions.

“It introduces students to a range of substance abuse etiol-ogy and intervention models that include cultural factors, community, family and the individual,” she explains. “The courses are taught by ther-apists with specialized know-ledge of substance abuse, its treatment and management.”

At CDI, choose between an addiction and community services worker or commun-ity health care worker pro-gram, which vary between 43 and 50 weeks in length.

CAREER OUTLOOKOur experts agree: now is a good time to consider becom-ing a community health care or addictions services worker in B.C.

“We believe the growing population and increased need for community support in addictions and youth and family areas will drive job growth,” says Manko. “The best prospects will be for those with good academic and prac-tical skills, as this industry is moving toward a competency-based model.”

“Between the BC Center of Excellence in HIV/AIDS, the Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addictions, Insite and many other progressive and effective programs, B.C. is leading the way in addictions and mental health treatment and research,” echoes Hack-sel. “The more highly trained and skilled workers out there, the better the programs we can offer will be. That’s some-thing everyone in B.C. can be proud of.”

FINAL WORDInterested in a career in com-munity health care and addic-tions? Merson recommends attending Stenberg’s monthly info session and tour in the DTES, where you can speak with industry, clients and pro-gram advisers. (Visit www.stenbergcollege.com.)

Manko adds, “if you’re thinking about this type of work but aren’t sure, volun-teer placements are a great way to gain experience and decide whether or not this is the right career path for you. VCCT offers all students assistance finding volunteer placements.” (Visit www.vcct.ca.)

Details about CDI’s addic-tions and community servi-ces worker and community health care workers programs may be found at www.cdicol-lege.ca. •[email protected]



“Community-building

is the cornerstone

of this work”

– Clare Hacksel,researcher, PHS Community

Services Society

CHWRCA-Ad-July2011-OL.indd 1 7/13/2011 4:51:46 PM

102 East 4th Avenue, Vancouver B.C., V5T 1G2 ➧ Phone: (604) 688-8828 ➧ Fax: (604) 669-2154 E-mail: [email protected] ➧ www.employmentinvancouver.com

Publisher Cheryl CarterEditor Noa Glouberman

Sales Manager Deborah HamiltonAdvertising Sales Kim De Wildt

Graphics & Production Soraya RomãoDistribution Manager Mark Mikiciuk

Accounting/Administration Angela Foster

Reach a wide variety of adults, students and job seekers interested in further learning and upgrading their skills to advance their career prospects.

Business in Vancouver Media Group, publishers of NEXT, offers post-secondary schools, career colleges, service providers a unique advertising vehicle to market full and part-time programs.

Visit us at biv.com for more informationLEARN MORE ➧ GET THE JOB


You can help make NEXT the best carer training resource. Send your comments and suggestions to the address below:

Members

AuGuST 2011 lEARN MoRE ➧ GET THE joB8

OverviewIn partnership with PHS Community Services Society and the Lookout Emergency Aid Society, this unique curriculum has been prepared to support individuals with mental heath challenges and addictions. Based on the input received from these industry partners, this program has been speci� cally designed to prepare students – philosophically, mentally/intellectually, emotionally, and experientially – for a successful career with longevity and the potential for advancement.

Typical Job Duties Community Mental Health & Addictions Workers assist individuals with mental health challenges, housing and addiction issues by encouraging and supporting them in their daily lives. � ey model, teach and support all functions of home life, daily living activities, leisure and recreation for improved quality of life for their clients. � ey provide assistance, support and skill training to adult men and women to establish and maintain a stable living situation, as independently as possible. � ey discuss, isolate and assess problems, develop a � exible plan of action, ensure basic needs are met, network clientele with needed services and provide crisis intervention as necessary. � ey also act as coordinators for volunteers.

Potential EmploymentA� er graduating from the Community Mental Health & Addictions Program, you’ll be quali� ed for employment as a: Community Support Worker; Social Service Worker; Mental Health Worker; Drop-in Worker; Outreach Worker; Community Liaison Worker; Addictions Worker; Tenant Support Worker; Shelter Resource Worker; Child & Youth Worker; Employment Resource Worker; Employment Counsellor; Volunteer Coordinator; Case Manager; Recreational Activities Leader. etc

Wages and Career OutlookBased on recent employment statistics gathered by Stenberg College, the average starting wage for students who have completed this type of program and are working in their � eld of study is $18+ per hour.

Is This Program For You? It is if you: are non-judgmental, mature and tolerant; like to support and encourage others; are interested in improving the quality of life for those with mental health challenges and addictions; are � exible and compassionate; can communicate equally well with clients, their families and healthcare professionals; have patience and can handle stress; can remain calm when others exhibit aggressive behaviour; want to have a career where you can truly make a di� erence in people’s lives.

Program Admission Requirements• 19 years of age or older or completion of Grade 12.• Passing entrance exam and formal interview• Evidence of a minimum of 12 volunteer hours (community

support / street level service experience)• A minimum of 2 years of sobriety for those with addiction issues• Acceptable criminal record check • Reference letter stating suitability to work with mental health

clients.

Duration and FinancingDuration: 60 weeks, including practicumFinancing: You could be eligible for ELMS funding, government student loans and other � nancing options; the Stenberg College Financial Aid O� cer would be happy to provide further assistance.

Additional Certifi cation(s)� e program also includes the following essential industry-related training and certi� cation: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS; FOODSAFE Level One; Standard First Aid - CPR/HCP/AED; and Non-Violent Crisis Resolution. Responding carefully to the needs of today’s employers, a series of Personal and Professional Development Workshops have been integrated throughout the program to develop critical thinking and so� skills. Workshops include Self-Awareness & Listening Skills, Exploring Values & Beliefs, Stress Management, Giving & Receiving Feedback, Leadership, Time Management Skills and Interview Skills.

Program Courses• Orientation and Student Success Skills• Communications 100: Professional Communications in Mental

Health & Addictions• Computer Science 100: Computer Fundamentals & Applications• Occupational Health 100: Creating the Safe Environment &

Self Care: Setting Boundaries, Staying healthy & Dealing with Vicarious Trauma

• Sociology 100: Introduction to Communities & Wellbeing • Sociology 101:Social Inequality, Health & Power I, II, & III • Sociology 200: Understanding Poverty: Economics vs.

Experience, What’s the Di� erence• Public Policy 100: Comparative National Housing Strategies• Psychology 110: Human Development Across the Lifespan • Psychology 120: Mental Health & Psychosocial Rehabilitation • Sociology 220: Youth Homelessness • Psychology 200: Life Skills Mentoring• History 100: Canadian Aboriginal History, History of the

Downtown Eastside and Urban Poverty • Women’s Studies 100: Gender, Power & Poverty • Health 200: Health in the Downtown Eastside I & II • Public Policy 110: Drug Policies, Th eories of Addiction and a

History of the Four Pillars Approach • Psychology 210: Motivational Interviewing • Psychology 250: Advanced Motivational Interviewing • Psychology 220: Seeking Safety: Treatment for PTSD &

Substance Abuse • Psychology 230: Assessment & Resources • Pharmacology 100: Basic Pharmacology in Mental Health &

Substance Abuse • Psychology 240: Concurrent Disorders • Communications 200: Ethics & Case Management • Public Policy 210: Understanding Government Agencies/

Resources • Public Policy 220: Policy Recommendations • Professional Development 110: Career Search Strategies • Practicum

Community Mental Health and Addictions Worker

diploma programIt is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is. – Hermann Hesse

604-580-2772 • www.stenbergcollege.comOver 94% of our grads are working in their fi eld of study within 6 months of graduation

In partnership with:

Apply for a full tuition scholarship Change your life today!


REWARDING CAREERS ARE NEVER HANDED TO YOU. AT CDI COLLEGE, WE’LL HELP YOU EARN ONE.CDI College has been helping people like you launch successful careers for more than four decades. Choose from over 90 market-driven programs in Business, Art & Design, Technology and Health Care. A rewarding career can be in the palm of your hand – you just have to want it.

f fa

cebo

ok.c

om/C

DIC

olle

ge

t tw

itter

.com

/CD

ICol

lege

Y

you

tube

.com

/CD

ICar

eerC

olle

ge

m m

yspa

ce.c

om/C

DIC

olle

ge

PRACTICAL NURSING- Just one of many health care career programs at CDI College.

Canada’s Leading Career Training Provider.

To get started today, visit study.cdicollege.ca

or call 1.888.654.4181

NEXT.indd 4 7/15/2011 1:12:19 PM


If you’re thinking about a new career path, you’re

likely wondering what jobs are in currently in high de-mand – and will continue to be in the next 10 years or so. Here’s what the Canadian Nurses Association found.

NURSEWith an aging population, the demand for nurses has never been stronger. Nurs-es will find a broad range of work in the extensive health care services industry, as well as the home health care industry.

Registered nurses require a college or university de-gree. Diploma programs are also available for those want-ing to become nursing as-sistants or licensed practical nurses.

HR SPECIALISTThe need for human re-source professionals is ex-pected to remain high, as companies place more em-phasis on hiring and retain-ing quality employees in or-der to compete effectively in the global marketplace.

Individuals wishing to enter the HR management field need to obtain either a bachelor’s degree or MBA with a concentration in the field.

SOFTWARE ENGINEERThere’s an increasing need for talented programmers to design, write and test an ar-ray of software for operating systems, video games, busi-

ness information systems and smartphones.

Sof t wa re eng i neers should possess a university degree in computer science.

NETWORK DATA ANALYSTNetwork data analysts de-sign, build, maintain and monitor the systems that al-low communication over the web. The job prospects are projected to remain high as businesses become increas-ingly dependent on the In-ternet.

Network data analysts re-quire, at minimum, a two-year diploma. Those want-ing to move to the top of the profession should obtain a bachelor’s degree in comput-er science.

PHARMACISTWith elderly Canadians representing a higher pro-portion of the population, the need for more phar-macists is inevitable. Plus, people today require greater attention from pharmacists when it comes to identifying and resolving medication-related issues.

Pharmacists will find work in hospitals, industry, government, local commun-ity pharmacies and educa-tion and research. Individ-uals who want to work in this field need a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, the successful completion of the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada exam and practical experience through an internship.

Your best job prospectsHigh-demand careers, now and 10 years down the line

SKILLED TRADESPERSONWith an aging workforce, the demand for skil led tradespersons is strong and not likely to go away for some time. Also, the skilled trades have been stigma-tized as a viable career op-tion, with students pressured to go to university instead. This is unfortunate, as many skilled trades offer excellent compensation that is usually above the national average.

Skilled trades currently in high demand include in-dustrial mechanics, indus-trial electricians, building trades, steel and iron trades and welders. Becoming a skilled tradesperson requires the successful completion of an apprenticeship.

ACCOUNTANT & AUDITOR The accounting and aud-iting profession will con-tinue to be in strong demand as financial information be-comes increasingly more complex to gather, analyze and report.

The recent recession sparked a need for more fi-nancial professionals who can ensure corporations are in compliance with finan-cial regulations. Auditors will continue to play pivotal roles in attesting to the in-tegrity of financial informa-tion.

For those interested in accounting/auditing, ob-taining a designation such as CA, CMA and CGA will ensure the best path to suc-cess. •

With an aging workforce, the demand for such skilled tradespersons as welders is strong and not likely to go away for some time

Are you:• Permanent Resident of Canada?• Unemployed and ineligible for Employment Insurance?• Currently employed but lacking • Local credentials, or • Full-time hours, or • Essential skills?

Contact: Bruce Ratcliffe Email: [email protected] Cell: 604.218.5162Office: 604.517.0884 Fax: 604.517.517.1918 Website: www.success.bc.ca/itti

Funding provided by the Industry Training Authority, through theLabour Market Agreement between the Governments of British Columbia and Canada

If your answer is “YES” to any one of these questions, this project might be for you!

Immigrant Trades Training InitiativeAssisting immigrants towards their

trade certification in B.C.

ITTIInitiativ

Find your Trade Route to a Better Future

Funding provided by the Industry Training Authority, through the Labour Market Agreement between the Governments of British Columbia and Canada

To obtain information or to pre-register for a FREE INFORMATION SESSION, please call: 604-713-4500 orvisit: www.continuinged.ca

Free Information Sessions Available:Education Centre, 1580 W. Broadway

10:00am - 11:00amTuesday, August 9, 2011

Thursday, August 25, 2011Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Vancouver School Board

Building Service Worker DiplomaA full time program designed for those who wish to enter the building service industry. Train-ing includes all aspects of sani-tation and cleaning operation of equipment, correct application of chemicals, WHMIS, operating your own cleaning business and two weeks of on-the-job train-ing with industry professionals. Topics also include: stripping and buffing floors, waxing, wall washing, washroom and window cleaning, fire prevention, car-pet cleaning and equipment training.Next Program begins Monday, September 26, 2011

August 2011leArn more ➧ get tHe job 11

helped over 700 men – men like Brian Tully, who, after decades of alcohol addiction, finally made the decision to turn his life around.

“I was a functional alco-holic – extremely functional. I could always go to work,” the 52-year-old admits. “But alco-hol is a great dissolvent. It dis-solves relationships, teeth, jobs, money – it dissolves every-thing.”

After hitting rock bottom about two years ago, Tully

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

Make no mistake – em-ployment agencies pro-

vide invaluable services to those looking for work. Un-fortunately, all the skills train-ing and resumé writing in the world won’t help you land a job if you don’t have a phone number to put on your CV, a clean shirt to wear to an inter-view or the right gear for, say, a construction site.

Luckily, several Lower Mainland organizations pro-vide the basic items – business attire, work gear and even voice mail – that, frequently taken for granted, are often key to gaining meaningful employment.

“To you they might be an old pair of boots or shoes, but to our customers they really are a hand up,” says Lani John-son, vice-chair of the Working Gear Clothing Society – a vol-unteer-run organization that provides low-income men re-entering the workforce with clothing and footwear free of

charge.“These men for the most

part are on welfare and are actively seeking full-time employment but, with just enough money to live on, the added pressure and expense of buying boots and clothing can lead to discouragement for many.”

Even thrift stores, says Johnson, are beyond the means of many Working Gear clients.

“When you’re living day to day, barely scraping by, that small amount for a second-hand item from Value Vil-lage can mean the difference between sleeping in a shelter and spending the night in the cold,” she stresses.

“There are a lot of organ-izations and clothing stores in the Downtown Eastside, but no one does what we do. We really help these men look sharp and professional as they begin working to change their lives.”

Since opening in Novem-ber 2007, the non-profit has

Work wareSometimes, providing the most basic items can be key to helping people gain employment

has been slowly rediscovering his purpose. Hoping to work in gerontology, the father of three was set up with a Work-ing Gear appointment, dur-ing which he received a pair of DKNY dress pants, shirts, a coat, tie and a dressy wool scarf he says “completes the outfit.”

“It was a really good experi-ence … and [the volunteers] are really great,” he recalls. “Working with seniors full time … I’ll be happy. I don’t have huge plans, it’s not about money anymore – it’s about being content.”

“We want these men to not only look the part but also to begin to feel real change taking place within,” adds Johnson.

“When a customer leaves feeling confident and standing a little taller – that’s the payoff for us initially. When we later hear that they landed full-time employment and are doing well, there’s no better feeling. It’s such a success story.”

A new outfit, agrees Deb-orah Twocock, is just the tip of the iceberg. The executive dir-ector of Dress for Success Van-couver – a charity that provides professional attire to low- and no-income women seeking employment – describes the business suits, shoes, panty-hose and purses that line the racks in her agency’s down-town space as the “dangling carrots” that get clients in the door.

“Once they’re here and feeling more confident and empowered by their new look we can say, hey, we’ve got these other great programs to help you beyond the first interview,” she explains.

“The suits we give symbol-ize our faith in every woman’s ability to succeed, but the ser-vices we offer bolster that faith by providing ongoing support to help them build a success-ful career.”

Clients who have returned

to the workforce can become members of Dress for Suc-cess’ Professional Women’s Group or Breakfast Club – programs that meet regularly to network and learn about workplace conduct, personal finance and communication. Former participants are also encouraged to – and often do – assist new referrals.

“One of the people we dressed, who then went through our Professional Women’s Group and then became a mentor, is now in a position to donate a scholar-ship to our program,” Two-cock says.

“We had [another] girl come in carrying one beauti-ful suit in a garment bag. She said, ‘You gave me this suit, and I don’t need it anymore. I just wanted to pass the karma on to someone else.’ When our clients become our com-munity of help, it’s really quite cool.”

While James Foster can’t offer silk suits or steel-toed boots to his clients, the pro-ject manager for Vancou-ver’s Community Voice Mail (CVM) program, launched in 2010 by Lu’ma Native Hous-ing Society, is able to provide private phone numbers and

personal voice mail boxes – tools he claims are critical to job-search success.

“Imagine applying for work and not being able to give a number where you can be reached, or having to rely on the shelter you’re staying at to take messages for you,” he explains. “It’s a critical piece of the employment puzzle that most of us take for granted.”

The program – the first of its kind in Canada – distrib-utes batches of phone num-bers to frontline organizations and community caseworkers, who then assign them, free of charge, to clients as they see fit. After the initial 500 live, local numbers literally flew off the shelves, CVM purchased 500 more to meet the grow-ing demand.

“An important aspect of this program is, because the phone number is local and the greeting is in the client’s own voice, there’s no pov-erty stigma attached to it,” Foster says. “They can con-fidently give that number to a prospective employer … and they won’t be alerted to this person’s situation.”

Clients keep their voice mail accounts for an average of six months (at which point the number is recycled and reassigned), and Foster says 70% of users report having achieved at least one of their planned goals by the time they exit the program.

“The program is a huge success because it helps people who already work in the com-munity to do their jobs better – they have a useful tool to help people help themselves,” he says.

“There’s nothing more important for people in crisis and transition than being able to help themselves. That’s the most fundamental way for anyone to effect change in their life.” •[email protected]

“There’s nothing more

important for people

in crisis and transition

than being able to help

themselves. That is the

most fundamental way

for anyone to effect

change in their life”

– James Foster,project manager,

Community Voice Mail program

Volunteer stylist Natalie Clarke and Dress for Success program co-ordinator Lucia Crosson consider a piece of colourful clothing at the agency’s downtown office

Do

min

ic S

ch

ae

fe

r

Progressive Intercultural Community Services Society (PICS) www.pics.bc.ca • Fax: 604-596-7721

604-596-7722 Ext. 125

MEGA JOB FAIRMEGA JOB FAIR

7TH ANNUAL

Looking for work?Want to upgrade your skills? Numerous employers & training centers will be

attending the PICS MEGA JOB FAIR!

North Surrey Recreation Centre10275 - 135th Street, Surrey

10:00 am - 5:00 pm(near Surrey Central Skytrain Station)

AND TRAINING SOLUTIONSAND TRAINING SOLUTIONSTHURSDAY, JULY 21st, 2011

AuguSt 2011 leArn more ➧ get the job12

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

CDI_NEXT_ad4of4_IT runs July, August.pdf 1 7/15/2011 11:38:28 AM


604-580-2772 · www.stenbergcollege.comOver 94% of our grads are employed in their fi eld of study within 6 months of graduation.

You want a better life. Job satisfaction. Financial security. Respect. You want to help others.

Change your life todayCardiology TechnologistThe Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has granted this program its highest accreditation status, a 6 year accreditation.

Community Mental Health & Addictions WorkerIn partnership with PHS Community Services Society and the Lookout Emergency Aid Society, the unique curriculum for this program has been prepared to support individuals with mental heath challenges and addictions. Entry level wages range from $18.03 to $19.72/hr. Apply for a full tuition scholarship today.

Early Childhood Educator“The most important job in the world.” According to the 2008 ECE Registry Survey commissioned by the BC Ministry of Children & Family Development, the average wage for Early Childhood Educators in BC is $17.43/hr. Graduates may qualify for $3000 bursary though the BC Family Child Care Association.

Health Care Assistant (formerly Resident Care Attendant / Home Support)Make a difference in the lives of others! Graduates will be registered with the BC Care Aide & Community Health Worker Registry which will allow you to work in government funded health care facilities. The starting wage for Health Care Assistants is $17 - $21/hr.

Hospital Support SpecialistWork in hospital and healthcare administration as an Admitting/Registration Clerk, Health Records Clerk, Diagnostic Imaging Clerk, Hospital Switchboard Operator, Medical Secretary and much more. Entry level wages from $18.16 - $21/hr.

Medical Laboratory AssistantThis program has been reviewed and approved by British Columbia Society of Laboratory Science and exceeds their requirements in many areas. The wage range of Stenberg MLA grads working in their fi eld of study is $18.04 - $23.70 per hour.

Medical Offi ce AssistantConsider a rewarding career in healthcare administration or expand your career options as a Hospital Support Specialist (see above).

Nursing Unit ClerkNursing Unit Clerks, originally known as ward clerks and sometimes referred to as Nursing Unit Coordinators, act as the anchors of patient care departments. The average wage for Stenberg grads is $20.77/hr. plus 12.2% in lieu of benefi ts.

Practical NursingWe offer Free Biology 12!

Psychiatric NursingThere is an urgent need for more Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPN) in BC. The only program of its kind in BC, students can learn within their local communities via distance education, local and/or regional clinical placements, and some regional classroom delivery. Entry-level earnings start at $29/hr. This 23 month program is recognized by the CRPNBC.

Special Education AssistantOur program includes training and certifi cation from the Provincial Outreach Program for Autism & Related Disorders (POPARD). Two POPARD courses are offered in this program: Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders & Introduction to Applied Behaviour Analysis. Starting wage for Special Education Assistants is approx. $22/hr. Starting wage for Special Education Assistants is approx. $22/hr.

Professional Studies for working healthcare professionals• Advanced Leadership Skills for LPNs• Immunization Skills Workshop• Phlebotomy Course

FREE College Preparatory program and ongoing ESL support.

You may be eligible for government student loans and funding.

“The teachers and staff at Stenberg were very supportive throughout my entire program … Working towards completion of this program requires a lot of hard work but because everyone in the class cooperates and encourages each other to succeed, it helped me a lot.”– Amanda P.


A c c e l e r a t e y o u r c a r e e rGet what you need to succeed, enrol in a Supply Chain Management program.

Register now, call1 800 411-7622 orvisit www.bcipmac.ca

B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A I N S T I T U T E P M A C

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

Supply Chain Management Professional

Do you suffer from head-aches, neck pain, tense

shoulders, poor concen-tration or back pain? How about workplace stress?

Welcome to the club. These conditions, unfortu-nately, are part of most people’s experience on a day-to-day basis at work. Occu-pational and postural stress “syndromes” are endemic and practically unavoidable in our workplace environ-ments. Most chiropractors will say the same thing: “It’s not traumatic injury patients we see most, it’s the nine-to-fivers.” But do we really have to live with it?

The answer is, “Absolute-ly not!” Stress is all around us in the workplace, and the body has a tendency to ab-sorb it in the form of muscu-lar and spinal tension. In fact, accumulation of enough ten-sion will ultimately lead to discomfort and/or pain.

You have a choice to reach for medications to numb the symptoms or to try to find the source of those symp-toms. While masking symp-

toms with medication may be a “quick fix,” ultimately those symptoms will come back because the core root of the problem has not been solved.

The key is to minimize this accumulation of stress and tension. The best way to do this is two-fold. First, look for ways to improve your posture in the workplace. This is called ergonomics – the science of fitting the hu-man body to the work en-vironment.

Second, f ind ef fect-ive ways of releasing this stress/tension. By combin-ing chiropractic checkups, regular physical exercise and routine stretching to your daily activities, you are in es-sence practicing good spinal hygiene – the equivalent of dental hygiene but for your musculoskeletal system.

Dentists, after all, encour-age you to brush (equivalent to exercise) and floss (com-parable to stretching) your teeth and come in for oc-casional dental checkups (chiropractic tune-ups). We certainly put a lot of effort into maintaining the health of our teeth – as we should – but there is no structure more essential to the hu-

man body than the spine and nervous system.

Which stretches are best? Check out the “Stretch of the Day Series” at www.vancouverchiropractic.net/Stretch-of-the-Day – a list of 30-plus stretches most often recommended to our own patients. Each session in the series is intended to help you release stress and tension

from the most commonly stored spots in the body.

For a more specific pro-gram to release stored oc-cupational and postural stress and tension, contact your chiropractor. He or she will be able to combine treatment with recommen-dations on nutritional, ac-tivity and postural modifi-cations. •

Michael Horowitz is a Vancou-ver chiropractor who runs a multidisciplinary practice that includes a team of chiroprac-tors, registered massage ther-apists, acupuncturists, person-al trainers and custom orthotic services. Reach him at Hycroft Chiropractic & Massage: 604-733-7744, [email protected]. or www.van-couverchiropractic.net.

You can minimize the accumulation of stress and tension at work by combining chiropractic checkups, regular physical exercise and routine stretching to your daily activities

“It’s not traumatic injury

patients we see most,

it’s the nine-to-fivers”

STRETCH OF THE DAY

DR. MICHAEL HOROWITZStretching can soothe workplace stress


YES GRADUATESKEEP THEIR IPAD

ASK USABOUT OURACUTE CAREPROGRAM

604-730-1106Info Sessions Daily. Reserve Yours!

All c Coast Community College HealthCare Assistant Students receive an

Apple iPad(Best Text Book Ever!)

Next Class starts August 22nd

Hurry and sign up for the next intake!• 27 Weeks - hands-on and clinically focused Program

• 7 Certificates including St. John’s First Aid & CPR,WHMIS, Foodsafe,

Diabetes, Footcare, and Medication Administration

• 3 practicums prepare you to work in a variety of Healthcare settings

• Job placement assistance provided to all graduates


Next - August 2011

Documents

Transcript of Next - August 2011