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News and Events News Archive 2008 News Archive
2008 News ArchiveKenmount and Harding Road Campuses Show True Christmas SpiritStudents, faculty, and staff at our Kenmount and Harding Road campuses embraced the true meaning of the holiday season. As part of their annual fundraising initiative, both campuses raised $2,444.20, and also donated over 30 teddy bears, a flat screen television, and other gifts for the VOCM Cares Foundation Happy Tree. According to Principals James Loder and Cathy Wilson, the students embraced an opportunity to help out Newfoundland and Labrador families at this time of year with their whole hearts. They could not stand the thought that some children might not have gifts on Christmas morning, and felt they needed to do something about it. Their team effort displays our college's commitment and contributions to the community. Students and staff sold tickets, contributed out of their own pockets, and went to their families for donations. All showed great school spirit and gave knowing their efforts would help bring smiles to many families this Christmas morning. Special thanks go to Paul Whalen’s Electrical class for raising $1,532, Greg Saunders’ Steamfitting/Pipefitting class for contributing $468, and other groups for giving their time and effort towards the cause.
Click here to view the related news story titled "Academy Canada Shows Christmas Spirit" on the VOCM News website. Academy Canada Principal Appointed To Provincial Apprenticeship BoardAcademy Canada is proud to announce that James Loder, Harding Road Campus Principal, was recently appointed as Provincial Apprenticeship Board Representative. The Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board was established in 1953 to assist Government in Apprenticeship Policy development to ensure a supply of trained personnel is always available to meet industry demand through organized training programs. Their mandate is extensive and covers a number of apprenticeship training issues such as:
Since 1953, the Provincial Apprenticeship and Certification Board, working closely with industry, training institutions, and Government, has done much to develop and promote apprenticeship system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Among their key accomplishments since 1953 include:
James Loder joined Academy Canada in 1996 after working for several years as an Instructor, Recruiter, Entrepreneur, and Career Counsellor with several Canadian Colleges and Government departments. A Bachelor of Commerce Human Resources degree graduate at Dalhousie University, James was first hired at Academy Canada to open a school in Trinidad and Tobago. Upon Returning to Canada, he joined the Kenmount Road campus as an Admissions Officer. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to a Senior Administrator position. In 2006, he was transferred to the Harding Road Campus as a Principal. He is actively involved in the province's education system and business community. He currently serves as an executive of both the Newfoundland and Labrador and National Associations of Career Colleges. He has been past Vice-President of two provincial Chamber of Commerce, and served on numerous committees include one that reviews/amends the Private Training Act and Regulations, and another provided direction to administrators of Canada Student Loans program. James is excited about his new appointment into the Provincial Apprenticeship Board, and sees this challenge as a new opportunity to further local Apprentice and Journeyperson interests. Students, Faculty, and Staff with any issues or recommendations they like to see brought before the Provincial Apprenticeship Board are asked to contact James directly at the college. His e-mail is jloder@academycanada.com and telephone number is (709) 722-9151. Corner Brook Campus Celebrate Their Autumn Season of GivingWhile the focus of every student is first and foremost placed on their studies, the spirit of giving is alive and well at our Corner Brook campus. Academy Canada staff and students have been very busy during the Christmas season giving of themselves to help those around. This fall, the Carpentry class under a watchful eye of their Instructor, Sherman Wheeler, partnered with the Transition House to build a beautiful new Children's playhouse to help fundraise by selling tickets around the Corner Brook area. On December 3rd, the campus also participated in a delicious Christmas Dinner our Cook Instructor Chef Frank Diamond and our administrative team prepared. All proceeds from this dinner go to the incredible work of the Salvation Army. Over $500 was raised for this cause. To cap our season of giving, Ms. Agnes McCarthy was on hand from the Food Bank Network to receive a cheque for $560.00 and enough groceries to fill her Matrix! Ms. McCarthy was overwhelmed and simply stated, "Its in giving that we receive and I am very happy to receive this wonderful gift on behalf of the Ministerial Association." The money was raised in a Thanksgiving Dinner prepared for the students and staff and the groceries were collected through the hard work and dedication of our Ms. Willie Tobin, Business Administration.
Academy Canada Career FairAcademy Canada will be hosting their "Career Fair 2009" on February 2 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Corner Brook Campus on University Drive. This is your opportunity to meet and discuss employment opportunities and industry trends with upcoming graduates from the Corner Brook Campus in the following programs: Office Administration (Medical, Legal, Dental, Engineering) If you wish to join us with a booth display or presentation, please call Jennifer Coombs, Employment Coordinator at 637-2100 of e-mail jcoombs@academycanada.com. Academy Canada Harding Road Students Participate in Campus Renovations and Community ProjectsWhere appropriate to their curriculum and program, Academy Canada strongly encourages all students under an instructor's direction to complete a wide range of real-world and practical projects both in their campuses and throughout the community. According to Harding Road Campus Principal, James Loder, Academy Canada feels participation in practical community and campus based projects enable students to gain hands-on opportunities to perform actual jobs. At the same time, these activities also enables Academy Canada and its students a chance to give back to the public and community, provides students with fun and practical diversions, and allows them to work on projects that stands the test of time. Over the years, Academy Canada Harding Road Campus students have undertaken numerous projects from building offices, platforms, and sheds to completing electrical wiring jobs, crown moulding, lighting, repair plumbing problems, and help build houses. Besides renovation jobs around campus, students also show their community and volunteer spirit in many ways such as build a shed for the Tommy Sexton Aids Foundation and AIDS Committee of Newfoundland and Labrador, constructed the Easter Seals Newfoundland and Labrador "Haunted House" for their Harbour Haunt event, car repairs for members of the Academy Canada community, and also catered countless banquets and special functions through the Cook program. One of their most noteworthy projects was completely renovating a Mount Pearl home. Their students from various Apprenticeship Trades programs replaced the siding, doors, windows, shingles, fencing, and did considerable work on the house interior. To this day, students participating in this project say its one of the most memorable and rewarding projects completed during their studies. While Harding Road students have accomplished many projects for Academy Canada and non-profit organizations throughout St. John's, their students will continue to make substantial contributions to future community and campus projects including the following:
Academy Canada and Insulators Union Launch New Insulator (Heat and Frost) Program(Date Published: November 10, 2008) Academy Canada Career College in partnership with the "International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers" Local 137 have launched an exciting new Insulator (Heat and Frost) program to be offered to individuals interested in the Heat and Frost Installation industry. The purpose of this agreement is to foster a working relationship between Academy Canada and Insulators, Local 137, for their mutual benefits and goal achievement, and to develop a partnership to allow all Academy Canada training sites and Local 137 to secure their place in training and the job market for the Insulator occupation in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Academy Canada will assist in providing the union with well-trained qualified workers and a long-term training service for its members across the province. Local 137 will also help ensure Academy Canada's graduates are placed in Heat and Frost Insulator jobs. Our 19 week Insulator (Heat and Frost) Program will put students on a path to a Journeyperson status and Interprovincial Red Seal certification as Heat and Frost Insulators. Heat and Frost Insulators specialize in installing and maintaining insulation systems for environment and energy control in buildings, vessels, sound barriers, and fire prevention and protection. According to Heat and Frost Insulators Canada, almost every large industrial, commercial, residential, and institutional construction program across Newfoundland and Labrador, and even across Canada, will require Heat and Frost Insulators. Their work will also help conserve our precious natural resources, save energy, and reduce pollutants. Since every construction project, big or small, will require a Heat and Frost Insulator, their skills will almost always be in demand. To learn more about how you can train for this exciting career where you're skills are almost always in demand, visit the Insulator (Heat and Frost) program page in the Academy Canada website's "Programs and Courses" section at http://www.academycanada.com/programs-and-courses/insulator-heat-and-frost/. For more information about Heat and Frost Insulators and the many exciting career paths from Heat and Frost Insulator to Project Manager, visit the Heat and Frost Insulators Canada website at http://www.heatandfrostinsulators.ca. Keith Goulding Elected Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade "Director At Large"Corner Brook Campus Principal Keith Goulding has been elected Director at Large for with the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade effective November 20, 2008. Keith has been an outstanding leader at the Corner Brook Campus, and continues to provide students and staff with support, leadership, and guidance to help them achieve their full potential. As a community volunteer, Keith has given many hours to the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games 2008, Canadian Association for Disabled Skiers, World Junior Free Style Championships, Corner Brook Winter Carnival, and our upcoming East Coast Music Awards in February 2009. He is also a Lodge Lomond member, and currently holds the Treasurer position with the Masonic Hall Company in Corner Brook. The acceptance of this position allows Keith to highlight the Corner Brook Campus graduates, ensuring that our business community are aware of the potential employees and skilled labour available to this region. Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade's mission is to help the business members do better business for the economic and social well being of the Greater Corner Brook area. Keith will continue to be a community partner and an asset to the vision of this organization. For more information about the Corner Brook Board of Trade, visit their website at http://www.gcbbt.com/index.html Kenmount Road Campus Multimedia Graphic Design Students Visit Hub PrintersOn November 18, 2008, Academy Canada’s Multimedia Graphic Design second year students got an inside peek at the printing world when they visited the Hub Printers on Merrymeeting Road in St. John’s. Becky Pendergast showed them their pre-press room internal workings including a step by step demonstration of their CTP (computer-to-plate) processing machine, the first of its kind in this area. She also gave the students a print-shop area tour, giving them hands-on demonstrations in the CMYK and spot-colour printing processes, perforating, numbering, binding, and embossing. Not only did Becky show them the Hub Printers inner workings and its processes, she also took the time to show tips and tricks of the trade in computer software programs such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Quark Express, giving valuable insight to our students’ education practical applications. She demonstrated the processes and explained the common problems that can occur between the design procedure and the printed material's final production. She also demonstrated the importance of attention to detail in the graphic design field, and the patience required to deal with clients, in order to ensure professional product and happy customers.
Academy Canada Partners with Gonzaga High School’s STEP Cooperative Education ProgramFor the third consecutive year, Academy Canada has partnered with the Student Transition to Educational/Employment (STEP) Cooperative Education Program at Gonzaga High School in St. John’s. STEP Cooperative Programs provide Level III or Grade 12 students with opportunities to participate in programs linked to their personal interest and/or career development plans during their last year of high school. During the Level III or Grade 12 semester with a cooperative education taking place, students complete their high school programs during the mornings and participate in their cooperative education courses during the afternoon. Students participating in STEP Cooperative Education will receive college credit upon successful completion of their course at Academy Canada. Currently two students from the STEP Cooperative Education Program are participating in the Carpenter and Multimedia Graphic Design Programs at Academy Canada. "New Beginnings Class Tours College"On November 18, 2008, the Harding Road Campus was proud to act as a host for participants involved with the Stella Burry Community Services “New Beginnings” program. "New Beginnings" is a fantastic initiative that provides coordinated employment and skills development support for people who have experienced barriers to employment or have had long periods of unemployment. The College hosted 10 participants and two "New Beginnings" Program Coordinators for a campus tour, information session, and campus tour. Former Academy Canada employee, Ford Hibbs, even presented during the day and shared his experiences working as a Newfoundland-Alberta “migratory oil patch worker”. We ended the day with a much-enjoyed pizza lunch. Everyone agreed that they had a great visit and Coordinator Sarah Mills said “This was a great learning tool and I will definitely bring all future groups to visit the College.” Stella Burry Community Services provides support and opportunities for renewal and self-discovery through programs that affirm every individuals strengths and abilities, restoring their sense of self-worth and capacity for change. In addition to residential counseling, the organization focuses on affordable housing creation and programs development that assist people to make sustainable connections with the workforce. Member of the Stella Burry community know that when safe, affordable housing, effective employment programs, and appropriate supports are available, they can transform their lives in extraordinary ways.
For more information about Stella Burry Community Services Centre, visit their website at http://www.stellaburry.ca. Women In TradesAccording to the January 30, 2005 CTV Newsnet Article "Shortage of Canadian Skilled Trade Workers", unless appropriate interventions are implemented to stem the chronic skilled trades worker shortage in industrial, construction, and transportation oriented trades, Canada could experience a shortage of at least 1,000,000 skilled tradespeople in 2015. The reasons for possible chronic shortage of highly skilled tradespeople include mass retirements among existing trades people, insufficient promotion and public awareness campaigns, perceptions among youth that university is a way to go for great paying long term jobs, and lack of knowledge about the wonderful career opportunities and great pay associated with being a skilled tradesperson. Despite warning signs of a possible skilled tradespeople shortage in Canada, meaning a greater demand for skilled tradespeople than ever before, women are still not well represented in skilled trades. In fact, only 17% of women in Newfoundland and Labrador are presently undergoing apprenticeships or apprenticeship training, mostly in service oriented trades like Baker, Cook, Barber, and Hairstyling. Women in industrial and construction oriented trades are still not well represented. The Newfoundland and Labrador Government has undertaken some measures to increase women's representation including the "Jump Start NL" program offered to high school level students across the province, and the "Gender Equality and Diversity Plan". In the 2006-2007 school year, the Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education launched the "Jump Start NL" program to show young women careers in construction and industrial based trades are exciting, challenging, and lucrative, while at the same time, demands creativity, precision, and skill. This program currently has a total of seven trades oriented subjects including at least two courses at level one or Grade 10, with more courses to be added within the next four years. The Newfoundland and Labrador Government also implemented measures to ensure women and other disadvantaged persons have greater involvement in non-traditional trades including a Gender Equality and Diversity Plan in the Hebron Agreement. Through this plan, greater access to training and recruitment will be provided to women, visible minorities, disabled persons, aboriginals, and other under-represented segments. With the oil and gas boom coming as a result of the Hebron deal numerous mega project across Newfoundland and Labrador, the Vale Inco Hydromet Plant to be built in Long Harbour, and other mega projects slated for Newfoundland and Labrador, skilled industrial and construction trades people from all population segments, including women, are going to be in greater demand giving greater hope for women pursuing this lucrative and rewarding career. Therapeutic Recreation Students Host "Celebrating Diversity" Event at St. John's Hindu TempleOn November 13, 2008, Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Professional) students from Academy Canada’s Kenmount Road Campus organized and participated in an event called Celebrating Diversity held at the Hindu Temple in St. John’s. This was an opportunity for students to share and learn with seniors from various nationalities and cultural backgrounds. Participants were treated to a traditional East Indian meal and a woman from Quebec taught them a traditional dance. Celebrating Diversity was the final event in the six-week Bridging Cultures program, which pairs students with seniors from other countries and cultures. They have an opportunity to share knowledge about their country, cultures, and traditions. This event is a time when all participants have an opportunity to come together as a group and share what they’ve learned from each other. Academy Canada's Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Professional) program is offered at Corner Brook and Kenmount Road campuses.
Click here to learn more information about our Therapeutic Recreation (Disability Support and Geriatric Professional) program at Academy Canada. Corner Brook Campus Students Participate in Various Professional Oriented Field TripsAcademy Canada's effort to ensure students gain real world skills not only happens inside the classroom, but also through participation in applied learning related professional shows held across Newfoundland and Labrador, across Canada, and even abroad. These seminars and trade shows also allow our students to learn from their industry and trades oriented leaders, and apply these skills to their chosen career paths. The Criminology and Law Enforcement Administration students recently participated in COTS and self-defence training as part of their programs. Every two years, the Corner Brook Campus invites Peter Kelly from the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary to provide rigourous hands-on self defence training using police batons, pepper spray, hand cuffs, and other self-defence practices and procedures to prepare our Criminology and Law Enforcement Administration students for the rigours of their prospective Law Enforcement and Security based careers. As well, our Hairstyling students travelled to the Rusk Trade Show held in Gander to gain stronger hands-on knowledge of the Rusk Technique and Rusk hair care products. The Rusk Technique is used widely throughout the Corner Brook area, and our Hairstyling students attended the Rusk Trade Show this semester where they saw the Rusk Technique in action. Froude Avenue Community Centre Participants Visit Our Harding Road CampusFroude Avenue Community Centre participants recently spent some time shadowing our trades related programs provided at the Harding Road campus. The program shadowing aim is to guide Froude Avenue tenants to pursue trades related career based training either at Academy Canada or other career colleges throughout the St. John's area. Another focus is to help them get interested in a trades oriented career. Skilled trades professionals are expected to be in great demand over the next 10 years due to increasing needs and demands for major industrial, commericial, and residential construction projects, coupled with expected mass retirements from existing tradespeople and small number of individuals presently pursuing a career in trades oriented professions. Skilled trades professionals are expected to be in great demand over the next 10 years due to increasing needs and demands for major industrial, commericial, and residential construction projects, coupled with expected mass retirements from existing tradespeople. Froude Avenue Community Centre provides recreation, education, social, skills training, and employment service oriented programs for Froude Avenue residents in an effort to create a positive atmosphere, community spirit, and cooperation, and to encourage greater community involvement from Froude Avenue housing project residents.
For more information about the Froude Avenue Community Centre, visit their website at http://www.froude.ca/site/ St. John's International Women's Film Festival shoots a film at Kenmount Road CampusDuring the recent "19th Annual St. John's International Women's Film Festival in St. John's", the festival visited the Kenmount Road Campus to tape a film starring Newfoundland and Labrador's own Mary Walsh. Mary Walsh is best known for her starring comedic roles on CODCO, Dooley Gardens, and "This Hour Has 22 Minutes", including the famous Marg Delahunty and "Marg, Princess Warrior" skits used to mock past and present politicians. She also appeared and produced numerous movies and televison shows including Sophie, "Hatching, Matching, and Dispatching", Mambo Italiano, "The Boys of St. Vincent", "The Wind and The Willows", "Rain, Drizzle, and Fog", "The Divine Ryan's" and "New Waterford Girl". The St. John's International Women's Film Festival was created in 1989 to celebrate films and filmmakers, and to promote feminine international talent. Since its creation, the festival has screen over 580 films with a total of 316 hours screening time. Below are some pictures from Mary Walsh's visit at the Kenmount Road Campus during the St. John's International Women's Film Festival.
For more information about the St. John's International Women's Film Festival, visit their website at http://www.womensfilmfestival.com. Academy Canada Harding Road Campus Recently Featured on CBC Newfoundland and Labrador's "Living Newfoundland and Labrador"Many of us might be familiar with a CBC television program Living Newfoundland and Labrador, a high energy, local lifestyle program profiling exciting things and events happening across the province. Each episode showcases a number of segments dealing with local interest topics, but uses a specific location as their "home base" for the show. The most recent episode, which aired on October 24th, was taped at Academy Canada's Harding Road Campus in St. John's. Producers for "Living Newfoundland and Labrador" show shot footages of our Carpentry, Cooking, Automotive, Steamfitting, and Welding programs. They also filmed an in-depth segment interview with our own Cooking Instructor, Todd Smith. To watch this episode, please go to http://www.cbc.ca/livingnl/. Enjoy! Academy Canada Career College Proudly Presents "Confederation Cup 2009 High School Hockey Tournament"Academy Canada Career College is proud to announce we'll be sponsoring the Confederation Cup 2009 High School Hockey Tournament taking place from February 3-8, 2009 in the St. John's, Kelligrews, Goulds, Conception Bay South, and Mobile areas. High School Hockey Teams from across Newfoundland and Labrador, along with teams from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, are expected to participate in one of Newfoundland and Labrador's largest High School sporting events. To learn more about Confederation Cup 2009, please feel free to view the Confederation Cup 2009 pages located in the Community and "News and Events" sections of our webpage. Academy Canada Student Wins $2000 ScholarshipJoyce Smith, Office Administration, Year 1 student, Kenmount Road Campus, St. John’s, is one of the Recipients of The Successful Post-Secondary Transition $2000 Scholarships made available by the provincial Department of Education. This Scholarship was eligible to ABE, GED, or CAS graduates who have completed their programs since September 2005 and are enrolled in their first year of a full-time university or college program of eight months or longer. Recipients are chosen based on academic excellence and the quality of their written submission. Congratulations to Joyce. A well deserved recipient! ACADEMY CANADA STUDENTS WIN BIG!!On April 4, 2008, Skills Canada Newfoundland and Labrador hosted their 11th Annual Provincial Competition. Over 200 student regional finalist from across the province gathered in St. John’s to compete in a broad variety of skilled trades and technologies. Winners go on to represent NL at the 14th annual national Skills Canada competitions in Calgary in May 2008. In total, the Corner Brook , Harding Road, and Kenmount Road campuses competed in 12 areas that awarded First, Second and Third place. Overall, the College won 2 Gold Medals, 5 Silver Medals and 7 Bronze Medals for a total of 14 awards. An interesting note is the Corner Brook and Kenmount Road campuses scored medals in all events in which they competed! The Harding Road campus also had great success by winning the two golds! A detailed breakdown of medals is below: Gold Silver Bronze Academy Canada also finished Second in Overall Points amongst the 13 competing post-secondary schools. This is an even better showing than our Third place finish in 2007. As perhaps one of the best accomplishments of the day, two competitors actually got offered jobs by judges during the actual competition!!! Congratulations to all who participated. We are very proud of you!! Thanks again to each of you and your coaches for doing such a great job of representing yourselves and the College! We would also like to acknowledge the work of Technical Committee Chairs, Liaisons, Host Organizers (Plumber & CAD were held at Academy Canada campuses) and others who contributed to this great event. Academy Canada would not be the quality institution that we are without your ongoing commitment and dedication to excellence. Special good luck to Martin Whiffen (Automotive Service Technician) and Robert Sears (Plumber) on winning their two Gold Medals and the privilege to represent represent NL at the upcoming Nationals. A detailed breakdown of medals is provided below. 11TH ANNUAL PROVINCIAL SKILLS CANADA 2008 PROVINCIAL RESULTS Aesthetics – Post Secondary Carpentry– Post Secondary Plumbing – Post Secondary Automotive Service – Post Secondary Welding – Post Secondary Mechanical CAD – Post Secondary Internet Web Design – Post Secondary IT Software Applications– Post Secondary Cooking – Post Secondary Electrical Wiring – Post Secondary TOP PLACING SCHOOLS
Simple Pleasures ProjectThis past semester, the Therapeutic Recreation class was involved with a unique project called "Simple Pleasures" - a sensory stimulation program designed to produce age and stage appropriate recreational items in an attempt to reduce isolation, inactivity and boredom amongst residents with Alzheimer’s. Simple Pleasures intervention helps to create a stimulating environment using low cost, disposable items that appeal to the sensory motor needs of an Alzheimer’s resident. In conjunction with Kim Conran, Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, at Agnes Pratt Nursing Home, the Therapeutic Recreation students at Academy Canada designed & produced “Simple Pleasures Sensory Stimulation items”. These handmade items were then donated to Agnes Pratt to be used by the residents with dementia. Our TR class visited Agnes Pratt on March 11th to initiate the “Simple Pleasures” program intervention. It was a memorable experience for both the students and residents alike. The smiles on their faces said it all… Examples of the Simple Pleasures items produced included:
Junior and Senior Culinary Teams win GOLD!This past weekend, both the Junior and Senior Culinary Teams for our province, traveled to Nova Scotia to represent Newfoundland & Labrador in the Atlantic Region Culinary Competition. We are proud to say that more than five months of practice and preparation, and two final exhausting days of hard work paid off and both teams came home with a gold medal! Junior Team members include: Senior Team members include: Thank you to everyone who helped us out with our fundraising and supported us all the way!
Annual Career Day
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