STEPHENVILLE, NL – If you’re looking for something new and different to study this fall, College of the North Atlantic (CNA) has several innovative programs that could close the gap between you and the successful career you’ve always wanted.
On the academic horizon for future graduates are programs, such as: Agriculture Technician (Co-op); Atlantic Trades Business Seal; Arts & Design Essentials; Cultural Culinary Arts & Tourism; Geological Technician; Retail Meat Cutter; and, Tourism & Hospitality Services.
As with any certificate or diploma program offered at CNA, each of these new initiatives have been designed to fulfill a niche in the labour market and reflect the ever-changing demands for skilled training opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).
Bruce Hollett, President & CEO, says CNA is poised to put forward fresh ideas, and with the support of the provincial government’s recent budget announcement, the college is also able to improve upon existing infrastructure and expand programming throughout NL at several of its 17 campuses.
“We are excited to see so many new programs for students to choose from this fall,” said Hollett. “We pay close attention to industry demands, trends in the labour market and expectations from today’s students in anything that we do. Our strategic planning for academics is not carried out in isolation. We continuously connect with community and industry stakeholders through extensive consultations to develop programs that will enhance our graduates’ opportunities for employment, as well as meet employers’ needs.”
Ashley Buckle recently joined CNA as its Manager of Student Recruitment. She is excited to promote these new, as well as existing, program offerings because they are instrumental in providing real-life training opportunities to prospective students from anywhere in the world.
“I’m excited to be joining the team here at CNA,” she said. “With so many amazing initiatives, including these new great additions, I’m looking forward to promoting CNA’s innovative, high quality, and work-ready programs out there, not just provincially, but nationally and internationally as well. We have a great thing going here, and I can’t wait to start showing it off!”
CNA reviews programs year-round as part of its operational management responsibility, notes Hollett. Therefore, adding or modifying the college’s offerings can be expected each year with a view to ensuring students receive relevant post-secondary education opportunities that align with the current economic climate.
For more information about programs at CNA, visit: www.cna.nl.ca
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Media contact:
Michelle Barry
Communications Manager
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7721
Michelle.barry@cna.nl.ca
BACKGROUND:
Agriculture Technician (Co-op)
A two-year program available at Corner Brook campus. Graduates of this program will assist in overcoming challenges identified in the sector, including agriculture production; agriculture business development and risk management; human resources and labour; research, innovation and diversification; market access and development; and, processing and value-added agriculture. The program curriculum exposes students to the study of plants and animals, including the biological effects of soil, climate and chemical management activities through course outlines in soil fundamentals, agricultural safety, livestock genetics, and nutrient management. The program will also include a business component, which will be outlined in the course areas of agricultural sales and marketing, land use in Canada, and the business of agriculture, among others.
Atlantic Trades Business Seal
This 15-week program is offered on a part-time basis through CNA’s Distributed Learning (DL) service. It is designed for journeypersons to advance their leadership and business skills, as well as to gain regional career mobility. The program prepares graduates for managerial roles, the ability to create and manage their own businesses, or develop skills that existing business owners will use to take their operations to the next level.
Arts & Design Essentials
This 16-course certificate program is available exclusively through DL. Students can elect to complete all 16 for a certificate, or they can select courses that are of interest to them. Courses include traditional practices in drawing, two and three-dimensional design, photography, color theory, art history, and the use of contemporary technologies for digital imaging, time-based media and webpage development. The study of portfolios and their design/function will assist with future application processes related to subsequent post-secondary programs, employment, awards, competitions and professional development within the arts.
Cultural Culinary Arts & Tourism
A two-year program offered at Bonavista campus that connects culture and food. Two parchments are attained upon completion – Cook program certificate (Year One) and Cultural Culinary Arts & Tourism advanced diploma (Year Two). This new offering will allow students to develop their culinary skills in a prime tourism destination where culture, history, place and cuisine come together to create unique opportunities. This joint program expands on the basic technical knowledge acquired in the pre-employment Cook program and advances into unique cultural food preparation and developing relationships between the cultural and culinary sectors of the tourism industry.
Geological Technician
This one-year certificate program will be offered at Grand Falls-Windsor campus. A graduate will develop skills, such as field data collection; field sample collection and preparation; rock, soil and sediment analysis; geo-chemical data interpretation; geophysical data collection and interpretation; and, field navigation. They will also learn to operate equipment relevant to performing the above-listed skills. Work is typically conducted outdoors in a variety of conditions, and physical fitness is a must.
Retail Meat Cutter
This 22-week certificate program is slated for Carbonear campus will provide students with hands-on experience and theory related to retail meat cutting, food safety, meat science and nomenclature, meat processing and cutting, as well as nutrition and cooking. Graduates will have the skills required to work in a retail store environment focusing on production, merchandising and most importantly, food sanitation. Students will learn various cuts of beef, pork, lamb and veal, as well as poultry and fish cutting techniques. Graduates will also receive certification in Standard First Aid, Food Safety and WHMIS training. Employment opportunities exist in the retail environment with local, provincial and national stores, as well as with wholesale and distribution companies dealing in meat product services.
Tourism & Hospitality Services
This 15-course certificate program is available exclusively through DL, and materials are available over a two-year period to accommodate anyone working in the tourism industry who is interested in taking courses through an alternate learning format. The program focuses on tourism knowledge and skills with an emphasis on the core skills and characteristics of the accommodations, and food and beverage industries. Tourism has grown significantly within Newfoundland and Labrador, contributing over $1 billion to the provincial economy. The food and beverage services industry is the largest employer, accounting for more than half of all jobs in tourism industries.