PAGE 4

HOW DO I?Student loan

answers

KEY DATESCome to talk to us this summer

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SPECIAL ISSUE JULY 2012

COLLEGE CONNECTIONTOP STORIES

START YOUR DEGREEBrowse your degree options at www.nic.bc.ca/programs

Always wanted to go to university? Are you looking to learn in a creative way? Interested in exploring your options?Discover NIC’s transfer plans and degree pathways in arts, sciences, fine arts, social work, criminology, engineering, and more.

Join us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube

Email us anytime questions@nic.bc.ca

Visit us online www.nic.bc.ca

Call us for details 1-800-715-0914

PAGE 1

Learn what you can do at your community college

UNIVERSITY TRANSFER

HIGHLIGHTS

NEW PROGRAMSActivity Assistant...............2

Business HR option ..........2

Exercise & Wellness ..........3

Professional Potter ...........3

Metal Jewellery Design ...3

Trades Access Course .....4

Sylva Wiedeman has always wanted to be a doctor.

The science-focused student started at NIC in 2010, with a plan to take a year of first-year classes close to home before transfer-ring to a bigger urban university.

“I didn’t want to go too far away right out of high school and the costs, of course, were a lot lower,” Sylva said.

Two years later, she’s graduating from NIC on track as the college’s top university transfer student in the math and sciences department with a clear plan to attend medical school.

At NIC, Sylva found instructors and stu-dents as passionate about science as she is.

“Learning biology was more of a conversa-tion than a lecture,” she said.

Along the way, Sylva discovered that by taking two years of sciences at NIC, she could enter directly into the third year of her degree at UNBC, home to UBC’s

Northern Medical Program and some of the most recognized rural medical training in Canada.

The program is drawing more than just Sylva north.

Two years ago, NIC university transfer student Camila Sanchez entered UNBC as a biomedical studies major in the Health Sciences program. She’s now complet-ing her honour’s thesis and preparing her application for the Northern Medical Program in September 2013.

“All of the courses I took at NIC transferred quite nicely into something I could use for my degree,” said Camila. “We were exposed to so much in labs at NIC; we did our own prep work and had access to equipment that took extra time to set up. I don’t think that would be practical in most undergraduate programs.”

NIC university transfer student Christine Law moved from NIC sciences to UNBC

two years ago. She was accepted into the Northern Medical Program this summer.

“Going to NIC was the best choice I ever made,” said Christine, who intends to return to the Comox Valley to start her own medical practice after graduation.

“The transition from high school to univer-sity is a big step. At NIC, I was able to take advantage of small class sizes so that by the time I got to the second or third year at UNBC, class sizes were much smaller and more approachable.”

Both students appreciate UNBC’s acces-sible research facilities, which encourage undergraduate participation and give students a chance to get more involved in their field of study.

NIC offers a complete selection of first and second-year science courses that transfer to UNBC’s Bachelor of Health Sciences, including Organic Chemistry I/II (CHE 200/201), Cell Biology (BIO-200), Introductory Microbiology (BIO-215), Principles of Genetics (BIO-202), and Introduction to Biochemistry (BIO-201).

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/mathsciencesOr call: 1-800-715-0914

TOURISM 2New business degree bridging options

INTERACTIVE 3MEDIAWeb design & development

TRADES 4& TECHNOLOGY NIC graduates off to sea

NIC science graduate Sylva Wiedeman heads north to UNBC this September.

DOCTOR, DOCTOR UNBC Health Sciences degree draws second-year NIC science graduates into medical careers

HOW DO I? Quick answers to student loan questions

How do I apply for a student loan?You can apply online or download an appli-cation at www.studentaid.bc.ca. Online applications are processed faster than paper forms, which may also be available through your NIC financial aid advisor.

When should I apply?Student loan applications are avail-able June 1 for programs beginning in September and January.

Is there someone I can talk to?Yes, absolutely. Any questions you have about your Student Aid application, can be directed to StudentAid BC at 1-800-561-1818 or make an appointment with your NIC financial aid advisor.

Learn more: www.nic.bc.ca/financialaidOr call: 1-800-715-0914

KEY DATESJuly & Aug

We’re open all summer!Come talk to a student advisor,get help choosing courses,apply for fall programs, orsee a financial aid advisor.

Aug 20-23

Are you ready for university? Our University Studies 101 course will help you get grades you want, with far less effort. 1 - 4 pm in Campbell River & 9 am - noon in the Comox Valley.

Sep 4 Orientation Day. No classes.

Sep 5 Fall term 2012. Classes begin.

Get the latest events and notices delivered directly to your computer. Subscribe to www.nic.bc.ca/rss

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NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE JULY 2012

CAREER SHIFT: FROM COMMERCIAL DIVER TO NAVAL ELECTRONICSIndustrial Automation diploma students off to sea

Three years ago, Leigh Walls went looking for a career shift and found it.

The former commercial diver was a single parent, out of work, and looking for stable employment when an aptitude test at a Campbell River employment agency sug-gested she try electrical engineering.

Realizing the career combined her love of solving intricate puzzles and a desire for year-round work, she looked into training programs in BC.

She soon discovered NIC’s Electronics Technician Core certificate, a nine-month program leading directly into the second year of NIC’s Industrial Automation Technician diploma in Campbell River.

Two years later, she’s graduated with a rewarding career as a naval electronics technician with the Canadian Forces.

“It was definitely the right choice for me,” Leigh said. “This job is relaxing, challeng-ing, interesting, and fun. If you love solving puzzles and want a long-term employable skill, you’ll love it.”

Along with Aircraft Structures Technician (AME-S) and Professional Cook programs, NIC’s Industrial Automation Technician program is Canadian Forces accredited. Leigh and three other students in her class earned wages, benefits, and tuition support while they studied, knowing they’ll have a guaranteed career in the military on graduation.

“I found out the military was looking for naval electronics technicians, hiring stu-dents, and paying for school,” said Leigh.

“So I signed a six-year contract and I know I’ll get guaranteed work and additional training as I go.”

The Industrial Automation Technician program teaches students to design, install, and maintain electronics equipment used in modern industrial processes. On gradu-ation, they’re prepared to work in the mili-tary, coast guard, marine aquaculture, food processing, communications, pulp and paper, lumber, oil and gas, manufacturing and mining industries.

“People don’t realize that industrial auto-mation crosses everything you touch that has anything to do with manufacturing —your cell phone, your keyboard, a lot of the food you eat, everything,” she said. “We’ll graduate prepared to know the processes, automate the systems, or troubleshoot and maintain the operations in all of those industries.”

Graduates are second-year technicians qual-ified to work across Canada and the United States under the Canadian Technology

Accreditation Board (CTAB) in the electrical, instrumentation, and IT fields.

Students work as electronics techni-cians and are also awarded credit by the Industry Training Authority for two years technical training toward an Industrial Instrumentation and Controls apprenticeship.

This summer, the program will incorporate full-sized industrial robots into their lab facilities.

“We try to maintain current technology training to suit the industry,” said NIC instructor Andrew Marr.

Entrance to the Industrial Automation Technician program is via the Electronics Core program, or an Interprovincial (Red Seal) electrical trade and a prior learning assessment. Electronics core students need a minimum of a C+ in English 11 and Principles of Math 11, or equivalent to start.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/trades Or call: 1-800-715-0914

TRADES & TECHNOLOGY

Advance in your trade and work toward your Red Seal with apprenticeship training options in carpentry, plumbing,

electrical, heavy duty mechanics, and professional cooking.

COME TALK TO USWe’re here all summer to answer your questions and help you get started this fall.

PAGE 4

Leigh Walls works on the final Industrial Automation class project: a potato chip processing machine, which slices, fries, seasons and bags three kinds of potato chips.

TRADES ACCESS NEW SUMMER COURSEDevelop your applied math skills for trades and/or English for entry into trades programs this fall. Class lessons are tailored to your skill level and areas needed for improvement, helping you build your confidence and prepare to write your entry assessment.

Starts: July 16 for up to 6 weeks, class times are flexibleCost: $265 approx

1-800-715-0914 | questions@nic.bc.ca

PAGE 2 WWW.NIC.BC.CA

NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE JULY 2012

THINK BUSINESSBrowse all of your options at www.nic.bc.ca/programs

Ever dream about starting your own business? Do you like working as part of a team? Are you an accountant at heart? Discover a world of opportunities with degrees in marketing, accounting, management, or international business.

BECOME AN ACTIVITY ASSISTANT IN JUST FOUR MONTHSAre you a health care or community supportgraduate? If so, you qualify for a four-monthpart-time program available for the first time inthe Comox Valley—NIC’s new Activity Assistantcertificate.

In the program, you’ll learn to how to effectivelyplan and lead recreation activities for seniorswith cognitive and physical impairments. You’llboost your employment opportunities andlearn from professionals in the field.

“NIC’s program instructor Deb Provencheris well-respected in the field of therapeuticrecreation,” said Liz Friis, Director of ResidentLifestyle & Community Programs at GlacierView Lodge. “She brings exceptional training,energy, and insight; and her graduates areready to contribute from day one on the job.”

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/healthOr call: 1-800-715-0914

HUMAN RESOURCES OPTIONFOR 1-YR POST DEGREE DIPLOMAWant to add to your bachelor’s degree andincrease your employability in just one year?

Learn to recruit staff, understand benefit andcompensation regulations, and negotiate col-lective agreements with NIC’s new HumanResources Management option. The BusinessAdministration post degree diploma alsoincludes options for students interested instudying general or international management,marketing, or accounting.

Starts Sep & Jan, $2,635 approx + books/supplies.

GET A BUSINESS DEGREE,WITH A MARKETING EDGEEarn a Bachelor of Business Administrationdegree with a Marketing major and gain skillsand contacts needed to succeed in business.

Study communications, professional writing,and project management in the classroom andthrough paid Co-op positions. On graduation,you’ll qualify for a wide range of positions inmarketing and public relations for profit, non-profit, and government organizations.

Starts Sep & Jan, $2,635 approx + books/supplies.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/businessOr call: 1-800-715-0914

BUSINESS

HEALTH CARE

Tourism program now

bridges directly into NIC

business degree

Paresa Habibi is combining her love of travel and meeting people with a strong business background.

NIC’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program gave her the opportunity to work and learn across BC and around the world.

In two years, Paresa completed a paid Co-op position at the Delta Grand Hotel in the Okanagan, studied at Kapiolani Community College in Hawaii, and helped to organize the Wine Festival in Campbell River, a fund-raising event for the program’s annual behind-the-scenes tour of Las Vegas resorts and hotels.

Her skills and education earned her a position as a front desk supervisor at Courtenay’s Oh Spa at the Old House Village Hotel and Suites.

Paresa then applied to NIC’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree program last fall.

“Creating seamless educational pathways for students—at NIC and beyond—is one of our key priorities. The new bridging option

gives our tourism graduates two years credit and access to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration degree right here in the Comox Valley,” said Dr. Jan Lindsay, NIC president.

Paresa is taking full advantage of the new pathway, travelling to the International

School of Management in Dortmund this spring while earning business degree credit.

“After graduation I changed my focus and realized that with just two more years of study I could go on exchange in Germany and graduate with a business degree,” said Paresa.

Tourism and hospitality management stu-dents enter direcly into the third year of the Bachelor of Business Adminstration

degree’s Marketing or General Manage-ment major.

Already, alumni such as Amy Veloso are benefiting from the dual credentials.

“It’s a huge bonus,” said Amy, one of the first tourism students to earn a business degree in 2012. “The new business degree option opens up many more doors for tourism students.”

She plans on accepting a position in Victoria this summer, where she’ll combine her management and marketing skills.

For more information on study abroad opportunities available to tourism and business students, visit www.nic.bc.ca/studyabroad.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/tourism Or call: 1-800-715-0914

STUDY TOURISM, TRAVEL THE WORLD AND GET YOUR BUSINESS DEGREE

Paresa Habibi managed the front desk at Oh Spa in Courtenay before earning credit on exchange in Germany toward her NIC

business degree, which she will complete this year.

The new business degree option opens up many more doors for tourism students.”AMY VELOSO, 2012 GRADUATE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

As one of the world’s fastest growing industries, tourism employs more

than 200,000 people in BC.

PAGE 3WWW.NIC.BC.CA

NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE JULY 2012

MORE TO EXPLOREBrowse all of your options at www.nic.bc.ca/programs

Interested in getting an Emily Carr degree on Vancouver Island? Want to follow your passion in photography? Check out our Professional Photography program and Emily Carr Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

EXERCISE & WELLNESS: NEW PART-TIME OPTIONS

Turn your love of fitness into a career with NIC’s new eight-month Exercise and Wellness certificate.

Study human anatomy, and sport and exercise psy-chology while you kayak, ski, and more. On comple-tion, you’ll be eligible to transfer into the second year of Camosun’s Exercise and Wellness diploma.

Option for part-time study are also available. Apply now for classes starting this September.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/communitycare Or call: 1-800-715-0914

NEW PROFESSIONAL POTTER PROGRAM STARTS MAY 2013

Want to take your pottery design and production skills to the next level and gain the business edu-cation you need to effectively market your work?

With the new Professional Potter advanced diploma, you can study full time over 10 months in NIC’s 4,000 ft2 studios and access a wide range of kilns, including Gordon Hutchens’ rare Tozan-style Anagama wood-fired kiln. Learn from internationally known potters and complete a two-month internship with a practicing potter or at the Medalta International Artists in Residence Program in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Find out more: Email alan.burgess@nic.bc.ca Or call 250-334-5056

METAL JEWELLERY DESIGNLearn to create metal jewellery from established artists this fall in Campbell River. Instructors include Jan Hellerud, Tracey Gibbons, Tim Haley, Leanne Helin, Joan Irvin, Cheryl Jacobs, and more. Study metal casting, Northwest Coast Aboriginal jewel-lery, silversmithing, and more starting Sept. 17.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/finearts Or call: 1-800-715-0914

IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCEInteractive media student

finds work-life balance

with web design and

development career

Yosuke Hasumi has gone from swinging a hammer to hammering out code, and he couldn’t be happier.

The former apprentice carpenter moved his young family across Alberta and BC in 2009 in pursuit of a better quality of life and a new career.

“Once I had kids I realized I really didn’t want to work in carpentry any more; by the end of each day I was exhausted and start-ing to acquire health issues,” said Yosuke.

“It was time to make a move to something where I could work from home.”

With family in the Comox Valley, he and his wife decided to buy a house and return to school for new careers in design and social work.

The full-time students found innovative ways to balance school and work with family time.

Design and development has proven to be the solution Yosuke was looking for.

“I can build my work into my lifestyle rather than the other way around,” he said. “I work the hours I want to work and I still earn 50 per cent more than when I was in my previous job.”

He couldn’t have done it without NIC’s Interactive Media programs and support-ive instructors who pushed him beyond his comfort level to improve his design and programming skills.

“Now I have a concept of what will look good and make it work,” said Yosuke. “If it wasn’t for the design portion of the program and the instructors, I would have never known how much I was capable of.”

He is now in his final year of the Advanced Communication Design diploma, which blends web design and development to give students a multidimensional skill set.

Students can register for the three-year

program directly or, start their studies with the eight-month Web Design certificate and two-year Web Development diploma.

The program works with an advisory board of employers to ensure graduates meet current industry demands. In addition, stu-dents apply their knowledge in workplace practicums and make contacts in their field.

Yosuke started working with Jamie McCue, one of the founders of the Comox Valley Web Posse and owner of Architexture, a Comox Valley-based creative studio.

His success led to work with instructor Tom Keenoy, a partner in Medium Rare Interactive, Inc., which does work for

U.S.-based clients in New York, Florida, and more.

Locally, he’s found that a growing network of clients such as Done Creative and Better Mouse Trap Marketing keep him busy throughout the year.

“NIC programs have created a huge com-munity of web developers and designers that feed into each other and we’re all working. It’s starting to feel like a mecca of designers and developers.”

NIC alumni Chris Patterson agrees. She started Takeflight Design, a graphic design and website company before finishing the program.

“If you’re good at what you do and source out people for the stuff you need help with, that’s when you’re going to be suc-cessful. We really have a great community of web specialists in the Comox Valley.”

Interactive media courses are avail-able individually or as part of a program. Students can apply to register for full or part time courses starting this September.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/fineartsOr call: 1-800-715-0914

Interactive media student Yosuke Hasumi is kept busy designing and programming

for local and international clients while working toward his Advanced Communication

Design diploma.

There are more than 1,000 painters, sculptors, ceramic and fibre, wood, graphic and media artists and crafts persons working and living in the Comox Valley.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA COMMUNITY CARE

FINE ARTS & DESIGN

If it wasn’t for the design portion of the program and the instructors, I would never have known how much I was capable of.YOSUKE HASUMI, STUDENT ADVANCED COMMUNICATION DESIGN DIPLOMA

PAGE 2 WWW.NIC.BC.CA

NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE JULY 2012

THINK BUSINESSBrowse all of your options at www.nic.bc.ca/programs

Ever dream about starting your own business? Do you like working as part of a team? Are you an accountant at heart? Discover a world of opportunities with degrees in marketing, accounting, management, or international business.

BECOME AN ACTIVITY ASSISTANT IN JUST FOUR MONTHSAre you a health care or community supportgraduate? If so, you qualify for a four-monthpart-time program available for the first time inthe Comox Valley—NIC’s new Activity Assistantcertificate.

In the program, you’ll learn to how to effectivelyplan and lead recreation activities for seniorswith cognitive and physical impairments. You’llboost your employment opportunities andlearn from professionals in the field.

“NIC’s program instructor Deb Provencheris well-respected in the field of therapeuticrecreation,” said Liz Friis, Director of ResidentLifestyle & Community Programs at GlacierView Lodge. “She brings exceptional training,energy, and insight; and her graduates areready to contribute from day one on the job.”

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/healthOr call: 1-800-715-0914

HUMAN RESOURCES OPTIONFOR 1-YR POST DEGREE DIPLOMAWant to add to your bachelor’s degree andincrease your employability in just one year?

Learn to recruit staff, understand benefit andcompensation regulations, and negotiate col-lective agreements with NIC’s new HumanResources Management option. The BusinessAdministration post degree diploma alsoincludes options for students interested instudying general or international management,marketing, or accounting.

Starts Sep & Jan, $2,635 approx + books/supplies.

GET A BUSINESS DEGREE,WITH A MARKETING EDGEEarn a Bachelor of Business Administrationdegree with a Marketing major and gain skillsand contacts needed to succeed in business.

Study communications, professional writing,and project management in the classroom andthrough paid Co-op positions. On graduation,you’ll qualify for a wide range of positions inmarketing and public relations for profit, non-profit, and government organizations.

Starts Sep & Jan, $2,635 approx + books/supplies.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/businessOr call: 1-800-715-0914

BUSINESS

HEALTH CARE

Tourism program now

bridges directly into NIC

business degree

Paresa Habibi is combining her love of travel and meeting people with a strong business background.

NIC’s Tourism and Hospitality Management program gave her the opportunity to work and learn across BC and around the world.

In two years, Paresa completed a paid Co-op position at the Delta Grand Hotel in the Okanagan, studied at Kapiolani Community College in Hawaii, and helped to organize the Wine Festival in Campbell River, a fund-raising event for the program’s annual behind-the-scenes tour of Las Vegas resorts and hotels.

Her skills and education earned her a position as a front desk supervisor at Courtenay’s Oh Spa at the Old House Village Hotel and Suites.

Paresa then applied to NIC’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree program last fall.

“Creating seamless educational pathways for students—at NIC and beyond—is one of our key priorities. The new bridging option

gives our tourism graduates two years credit and access to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration degree right here in the Comox Valley,” said Dr. Jan Lindsay, NIC president.

Paresa is taking full advantage of the new pathway, travelling to the International

School of Management in Dortmund this spring while earning business degree credit.

“After graduation I changed my focus and realized that with just two more years of study I could go on exchange in Germany and graduate with a business degree,” said Paresa.

Tourism and hospitality management stu-dents enter direcly into the third year of the Bachelor of Business Adminstration

degree’s Marketing or General Manage-ment major.

Already, alumni such as Amy Veloso are benefiting from the dual credentials.

“It’s a huge bonus,” said Amy, one of the first tourism students to earn a business degree in 2012. “The new business degree option opens up many more doors for tourism students.”

She plans on accepting a position in Victoria this summer, where she’ll combine her management and marketing skills.

For more information on study abroad opportunities available to tourism and business students, visit www.nic.bc.ca/studyabroad.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/tourism Or call: 1-800-715-0914

STUDY TOURISM, TRAVEL THE WORLD AND GET YOUR BUSINESS DEGREE

Paresa Habibi managed the front desk at Oh Spa in Courtenay before earning credit on exchange in Germany toward her NIC

business degree, which she will complete this year.

The new business degree option opens up many more doors for tourism students.”AMY VELOSO, 2012 GRADUATE BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

TOURISM & HOSPITALITY

As one of the world’s fastest growing industries, tourism employs more

than 200,000 people in BC.

PAGE 3WWW.NIC.BC.CA

NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE JULY 2012

MORE TO EXPLOREBrowse all of your options at www.nic.bc.ca/programs

Interested in getting an Emily Carr degree on Vancouver Island? Want to follow your passion in photography? Check out our Professional Photography program and Emily Carr Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

EXERCISE & WELLNESS: NEW PART-TIME OPTIONS

Turn your love of fitness into a career with NIC’s new eight-month Exercise and Wellness certificate.

Study human anatomy, and sport and exercise psy-chology while you kayak, ski, and more. On comple-tion, you’ll be eligible to transfer into the second year of Camosun’s Exercise and Wellness diploma.

Option for part-time study are also available. Apply now for classes starting this September.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/communitycare Or call: 1-800-715-0914

NEW PROFESSIONAL POTTER PROGRAM STARTS MAY 2013

Want to take your pottery design and production skills to the next level and gain the business edu-cation you need to effectively market your work?

With the new Professional Potter advanced diploma, you can study full time over 10 months in NIC’s 4,000 ft2 studios and access a wide range of kilns, including Gordon Hutchens’ rare Tozan-style Anagama wood-fired kiln. Learn from internationally known potters and complete a two-month internship with a practicing potter or at the Medalta International Artists in Residence Program in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Find out more: Email alan.burgess@nic.bc.ca Or call 250-334-5056

METAL JEWELLERY DESIGNLearn to create metal jewellery from established artists this fall in Campbell River. Instructors include Jan Hellerud, Tracey Gibbons, Tim Haley, Leanne Helin, Joan Irvin, Cheryl Jacobs, and more. Study metal casting, Northwest Coast Aboriginal jewel-lery, silversmithing, and more starting Sept. 17.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/finearts Or call: 1-800-715-0914

IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCEInteractive media student

finds work-life balance

with web design and

development career

Yosuke Hasumi has gone from swinging a hammer to hammering out code, and he couldn’t be happier.

The former apprentice carpenter moved his young family across Alberta and BC in 2009 in pursuit of a better quality of life and a new career.

“Once I had kids I realized I really didn’t want to work in carpentry any more; by the end of each day I was exhausted and start-ing to acquire health issues,” said Yosuke.

“It was time to make a move to something where I could work from home.”

With family in the Comox Valley, he and his wife decided to buy a house and return to school for new careers in design and social work.

The full-time students found innovative ways to balance school and work with family time.

Design and development has proven to be the solution Yosuke was looking for.

“I can build my work into my lifestyle rather than the other way around,” he said. “I work the hours I want to work and I still earn 50 per cent more than when I was in my previous job.”

He couldn’t have done it without NIC’s Interactive Media programs and support-ive instructors who pushed him beyond his comfort level to improve his design and programming skills.

“Now I have a concept of what will look good and make it work,” said Yosuke. “If it wasn’t for the design portion of the program and the instructors, I would have never known how much I was capable of.”

He is now in his final year of the Advanced Communication Design diploma, which blends web design and development to give students a multidimensional skill set.

Students can register for the three-year

program directly or, start their studies with the eight-month Web Design certificate and two-year Web Development diploma.

The program works with an advisory board of employers to ensure graduates meet current industry demands. In addition, stu-dents apply their knowledge in workplace practicums and make contacts in their field.

Yosuke started working with Jamie McCue, one of the founders of the Comox Valley Web Posse and owner of Architexture, a Comox Valley-based creative studio.

His success led to work with instructor Tom Keenoy, a partner in Medium Rare Interactive, Inc., which does work for

U.S.-based clients in New York, Florida, and more.

Locally, he’s found that a growing network of clients such as Done Creative and Better Mouse Trap Marketing keep him busy throughout the year.

“NIC programs have created a huge com-munity of web developers and designers that feed into each other and we’re all working. It’s starting to feel like a mecca of designers and developers.”

NIC alumni Chris Patterson agrees. She started Takeflight Design, a graphic design and website company before finishing the program.

“If you’re good at what you do and source out people for the stuff you need help with, that’s when you’re going to be suc-cessful. We really have a great community of web specialists in the Comox Valley.”

Interactive media courses are avail-able individually or as part of a program. Students can apply to register for full or part time courses starting this September.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/fineartsOr call: 1-800-715-0914

Interactive media student Yosuke Hasumi is kept busy designing and programming

for local and international clients while working toward his Advanced Communication

Design diploma.

There are more than 1,000 painters, sculptors, ceramic and fibre, wood, graphic and media artists and crafts persons working and living in the Comox Valley.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA COMMUNITY CARE

FINE ARTS & DESIGN

If it wasn’t for the design portion of the program and the instructors, I would never have known how much I was capable of.YOSUKE HASUMI, STUDENT ADVANCED COMMUNICATION DESIGN DIPLOMA

PAGE 4

HOW DO I?Student loan

answers

KEY DATESCome to talk to us this summer

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SPECIAL ISSUE JULY 2012

COLLEGE CONNECTIONTOP STORIES

START YOUR DEGREEBrowse your degree options at www.nic.bc.ca/programs

Always wanted to go to university? Are you looking to learn in a creative way? Interested in exploring your options?Discover NIC’s transfer plans and degree pathways in arts, sciences, fine arts, social work, criminology, engineering, and more.

Join us on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube

Email us anytime questions@nic.bc.ca

Visit us online www.nic.bc.ca

Call us for details 1-800-715-0914

PAGE 1

Learn what you can do at your community college

UNIVERSITY TRANSFER

HIGHLIGHTS

NEW PROGRAMSActivity Assistant...............2

Business HR option ..........2

Exercise & Wellness ..........3

Professional Potter ...........3

Metal Jewellery Design ...3

Trades Access Course .....4

Sylva Wiedeman has always wanted to be a doctor.

The science-focused student started at NIC in 2010, with a plan to take a year of first-year classes close to home before transfer-ring to a bigger urban university.

“I didn’t want to go too far away right out of high school and the costs, of course, were a lot lower,” Sylva said.

Two years later, she’s graduating from NIC on track as the college’s top university transfer student in the math and sciences department with a clear plan to attend medical school.

At NIC, Sylva found instructors and stu-dents as passionate about science as she is.

“Learning biology was more of a conversa-tion than a lecture,” she said.

Along the way, Sylva discovered that by taking two years of sciences at NIC, she could enter directly into the third year of her degree at UNBC, home to UBC’s

Northern Medical Program and some of the most recognized rural medical training in Canada.

The program is drawing more than just Sylva north.

Two years ago, NIC university transfer student Camila Sanchez entered UNBC as a biomedical studies major in the Health Sciences program. She’s now complet-ing her honour’s thesis and preparing her application for the Northern Medical Program in September 2013.

“All of the courses I took at NIC transferred quite nicely into something I could use for my degree,” said Camila. “We were exposed to so much in labs at NIC; we did our own prep work and had access to equipment that took extra time to set up. I don’t think that would be practical in most undergraduate programs.”

NIC university transfer student Christine Law moved from NIC sciences to UNBC

two years ago. She was accepted into the Northern Medical Program this summer.

“Going to NIC was the best choice I ever made,” said Christine, who intends to return to the Comox Valley to start her own medical practice after graduation.

“The transition from high school to univer-sity is a big step. At NIC, I was able to take advantage of small class sizes so that by the time I got to the second or third year at UNBC, class sizes were much smaller and more approachable.”

Both students appreciate UNBC’s acces-sible research facilities, which encourage undergraduate participation and give students a chance to get more involved in their field of study.

NIC offers a complete selection of first and second-year science courses that transfer to UNBC’s Bachelor of Health Sciences, including Organic Chemistry I/II (CHE 200/201), Cell Biology (BIO-200), Introductory Microbiology (BIO-215), Principles of Genetics (BIO-202), and Introduction to Biochemistry (BIO-201).

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/mathsciencesOr call: 1-800-715-0914

TOURISM 2New business degree bridging options

INTERACTIVE 3MEDIAWeb design & development

TRADES 4& TECHNOLOGY NIC graduates off to sea

NIC science graduate Sylva Wiedeman heads north to UNBC this September.

DOCTOR, DOCTOR UNBC Health Sciences degree draws second-year NIC science graduates into medical careers

HOW DO I? Quick answers to student loan questions

How do I apply for a student loan?You can apply online or download an appli-cation at www.studentaid.bc.ca. Online applications are processed faster than paper forms, which may also be available through your NIC financial aid advisor.

When should I apply?Student loan applications are avail-able June 1 for programs beginning in September and January.

Is there someone I can talk to?Yes, absolutely. Any questions you have about your Student Aid application, can be directed to StudentAid BC at 1-800-561-1818 or make an appointment with your NIC financial aid advisor.

Learn more: www.nic.bc.ca/financialaidOr call: 1-800-715-0914

KEY DATESJuly & Aug

We’re open all summer!Come talk to a student advisor,get help choosing courses,apply for fall programs, orsee a financial aid advisor.

Aug 20-23

Are you ready for university? Our University Studies 101 course will help you get grades you want, with far less effort. 1 - 4 pm in Campbell River & 9 am - noon in the Comox Valley.

Sep 4 Orientation Day. No classes.

Sep 5 Fall term 2012. Classes begin.

Get the latest events and notices delivered directly to your computer. Subscribe to www.nic.bc.ca/rss

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NORTH ISLAND COLLEGE | COLLEGE CONNECTION | SPECIAL ISSUE JULY 2012

CAREER SHIFT: FROM COMMERCIAL DIVER TO NAVAL ELECTRONICSIndustrial Automation diploma students off to sea

Three years ago, Leigh Walls went looking for a career shift and found it.

The former commercial diver was a single parent, out of work, and looking for stable employment when an aptitude test at a Campbell River employment agency sug-gested she try electrical engineering.

Realizing the career combined her love of solving intricate puzzles and a desire for year-round work, she looked into training programs in BC.

She soon discovered NIC’s Electronics Technician Core certificate, a nine-month program leading directly into the second year of NIC’s Industrial Automation Technician diploma in Campbell River.

Two years later, she’s graduated with a rewarding career as a naval electronics technician with the Canadian Forces.

“It was definitely the right choice for me,” Leigh said. “This job is relaxing, challeng-ing, interesting, and fun. If you love solving puzzles and want a long-term employable skill, you’ll love it.”

Along with Aircraft Structures Technician (AME-S) and Professional Cook programs, NIC’s Industrial Automation Technician program is Canadian Forces accredited. Leigh and three other students in her class earned wages, benefits, and tuition support while they studied, knowing they’ll have a guaranteed career in the military on graduation.

“I found out the military was looking for naval electronics technicians, hiring stu-dents, and paying for school,” said Leigh.

“So I signed a six-year contract and I know I’ll get guaranteed work and additional training as I go.”

The Industrial Automation Technician program teaches students to design, install, and maintain electronics equipment used in modern industrial processes. On gradu-ation, they’re prepared to work in the mili-tary, coast guard, marine aquaculture, food processing, communications, pulp and paper, lumber, oil and gas, manufacturing and mining industries.

“People don’t realize that industrial auto-mation crosses everything you touch that has anything to do with manufacturing —your cell phone, your keyboard, a lot of the food you eat, everything,” she said. “We’ll graduate prepared to know the processes, automate the systems, or troubleshoot and maintain the operations in all of those industries.”

Graduates are second-year technicians qual-ified to work across Canada and the United States under the Canadian Technology

Accreditation Board (CTAB) in the electrical, instrumentation, and IT fields.

Students work as electronics techni-cians and are also awarded credit by the Industry Training Authority for two years technical training toward an Industrial Instrumentation and Controls apprenticeship.

This summer, the program will incorporate full-sized industrial robots into their lab facilities.

“We try to maintain current technology training to suit the industry,” said NIC instructor Andrew Marr.

Entrance to the Industrial Automation Technician program is via the Electronics Core program, or an Interprovincial (Red Seal) electrical trade and a prior learning assessment. Electronics core students need a minimum of a C+ in English 11 and Principles of Math 11, or equivalent to start.

Find out more: www.nic.bc.ca/trades Or call: 1-800-715-0914

TRADES & TECHNOLOGY

Advance in your trade and work toward your Red Seal with apprenticeship training options in carpentry, plumbing,

electrical, heavy duty mechanics, and professional cooking.

COME TALK TO USWe’re here all summer to answer your questions and help you get started this fall.

PAGE 4

Leigh Walls works on the final Industrial Automation class project: a potato chip processing machine, which slices, fries, seasons and bags three kinds of potato chips.

TRADES ACCESS NEW SUMMER COURSEDevelop your applied math skills for trades and/or English for entry into trades programs this fall. Class lessons are tailored to your skill level and areas needed for improvement, helping you build your confidence and prepare to write your entry assessment.

Starts: July 16 for up to 6 weeks, class times are flexibleCost: $265 approx

1-800-715-0914 | questions@nic.bc.ca