Canadian University Press Releases/Newswire

Source: Malaspina University College
http://www.mala.ca/media/release.asp?ID=974

Malaspina enhances trades training programs

October 18, 2006

Malaspina
University-College is enhancing popular trades training programs to make
graduates more employable.

Dan Lines, Associate Dean, Trades & Applied Technology programs, says five
new "Essential Skills for the Workplace" courses will be introduced in
select trades programs by September 2007.

The new courses will educate students in five key areas: Personal Management
Skills, Trades Math, Business Operations, Emerging Workplace and Employment
Strategies.

Initially, the courses will be offered in the Automotive Services
Technician, Carpentry Framer Technician, Heavy Duty Commercial Transport
Mechanics, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning, and Power Sports &
Marine Technician programs (formerly Inboard/Outboard & Marine/Outdoor Power
Equipment Technician program). Malaspina hopes to incorporate the new
courses into all trades programs within two years.

Fred MacDonald, Dean, Trades & Applied Technology, said the enhanced
programs respond to industry needs and will ensure that Malaspina graduates
meet the challenges of an evolving and highly technical workplace.

"According to the BC Automotive Sector Council, there’s general agreement in
industry that while technical expertise is critical, the most successful
employees are those who also possess soft skills, such as problem-solving,
independence and business acumen," MacDonald said. "The Essential Skills for
the Workplace courses, which we developed in consultation with industry,
will ensure that Malaspina University-College continues to deliver the high
quality education that makes our graduates so well-received in the
workplace. Our graduates will be even better prepared to secure and retain
employment."

In addition to course enhancements, Malaspina has streamlined admission
procedures for students applying for trades programs. Malaspina will accept
applications between November 15 and March 31 for trades programs that begin
in September. Students who submit all necessary documentation will find out
soon after they apply whether they have been accepted into their preferred
program. "Students will no longer have to wait until spring to find out if
they’re accepted," said Lines. "We're making the application process easier
for students."

Students not accepted into a specific trades training program due to lack of
space will be placed on a high priority list for the next available program.

While most of Malaspina’s trades training programs begin in September, some
programs are offered multiple times throughout the year. The next Culinary
Arts, Hairdressing and Pulp and Paper Operations programs start in January.
Students may also start the Applied Business Technology program in February.

For more information about Malaspina’s trades training programs, and for
details on how to apply, visit the website at www.mala. ca.

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For more information contact: Toni O'Keeffe, Director of Communications &
Public Relations. Phone (250) 740-6341; FAX (250) 740-6474; E-mail
okeeffet@mala.bc.ca