“My goal is to be an Architect and I am specializing in Architectural Drafting at Winnipeg Technical College,” said Fontaine. “I found out about the program at the WTC open house and knew registering would help me achieve my goals so I made it happen. Architectural Drafter is step one for me and I’ll be graduating in May this year. I’ll then find a full time job while I prepare for my Masters in Architecture (U of M) in 2013,” she added.

Louisa Fontaine is a role model for students who wish to combine the best of both worlds – applied technical education and a University degree. Winnipeg Technical College currently offers partnership programs with the University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba and University College of the North.
Partnership programs include the Network Security Diploma and Business Administrative Assistant program with the University of Winnipeg; Personal Support Worker Diploma with the University of Manitoba and the Diploma Program in Trades with the University College of the North. These partnerships provide educational pathways with shared and transferred credits.

“Students in these partnership programs receive a solid academic and technical foundation as well as applied practical experience, with credits that can link directly to degrees,” said Rae-Lynn Rempel, Manager, Marketing and Communications. “The Diploma Program in Trades also offers certified Apprentices or Journeypersons the opportunity to take their careers to the next level,” added Rempel.

The option of post-secondary training in skilled trades and technology is now a solid option for Manitoba high school students and youth. There is continued industry demand for skilled workers and these careers are rewarding and well-paying. And when you combine practical skills training with a University degree, the sky’s the limit.
“The Technical Drafting program at WTC is hands-on and the instructors allow me to work at my own pace,” said Fontaine. “As part of the practical training component, I was able to work with an Architect and designed an extension for a home and now I am working on a home for nurses in Africa with the same employer.”
Looking back on her education path, Fontaine sees how the courses she has completed have complemented each other. “At WTC, I have learned a lot about 3D drawing, modeling, and the basics in the architecture world. My previous knowledge is being enhanced and when I graduate I will be ready to work in the field,” said Fontaine.

Fontaine says WTC is a good place to start for students looking to include applied skills training in their education path. “If you are looking to work in trades, then technical, practical education is a great choice because you will leave the program job-ready,” said Fontaine. “The instructors at WTC are super friendly and outgoing and are always looking to help you.”

Winnipeg Technical College provides training in health care, human services, information and business technology, and skilled trades. For more information, visit: www.wtc.mb.ca

As printed in the Careers section of the Winnipeg Sun on April 6, 2012.

For more information on the Rotary Career Symposium, visit: http://www.career-symposium.org/

Henlow Campus and Fultz Campus will now be open 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

If you have any questions, please call us at 204.989.6500.

The Conversation Café is an informal gathering of students who meet over lunch-hour with the goal of increasing their confidence to verbally express themselves. The Conversation Café will help students prepare for the conversational part of work practicums, job search, employment and workplace success.

Gerry Pearson, Conversation Café coordinator at WTC, says that the Conversation Café will be of interest to anyone who enjoys helping young people. “We are looking for volunteers who are warm and caring, interested in different cultures and able to facilitate a small group of students,” said Pearson. “Training and support will be provided to all volunteers,” she added.

The Conversation Café gatherings will be once a week from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. at both our WTC Henlow Campus and our Pembina Campus. The Cafés will run from mid-January to the end of May, 2012. Volunteers are asked to make a commitment to facilitating one or two gatherings per month.

The role of Conversation Café volunteers will be to welcome participants and the facilitate conversation.

For new Canadians, the lack of English language speaking skills can negatively affect a work practicum experience and possibilities for employment. Many international students find it difficult to practice speaking English outside of class as they usually are with family and friends from the same cultural background. Strengthening English language skills and assisting to develop confidence in speaking are the focus of the Conversation Café.

The Conversation Café will support both international students – by providing an opportunity to further develop their English language speaking skills – and other students, with improved  conversation skills. “The ability to speak with ease and comfort in a group setting is an important skill in the workplace and in all aspects of life,” said Pearson. “Volunteer facilitators will really make a difference in the student’s lives.”

If you are interested in supporting and getting to know Winnipeg Technical College students as a volunteer in the Conversation Café, or for more information, contact: Gerry Pearson, 989-6575, or email, gerpea@wtc.mb.ca

Contact:
Gerry Pearson
Curriculum Development Assistant
Winnipeg Technical College
T:  (204) 989-6575
E:  gerpea@wtc.mb.ca

We wish everyone a happy and safe hoilday. Take care and see you in the new year!

Three of WTC programs will be providing demonstrations, including Culinary Arts & Design, Industrial Electronics, and Production Art.

Speakers:

• The Honourable Erin Selby, Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy
• John Bobbette, President, Winnipeg Technical College
• Bev Stuart, Executive Director, Alliance Manitoba Sector Councils
• Annette Willborn, Director, Manitoba Healthy Living, Youth and Seniors

Information Booths:

• Alliance of Manitoba Sector Councils (AMSC)
• Apprenticeship Manitoba
• Arts and Cultural Industries Assocation (ACI)
• Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME)
• Civil Service Commission
• Employment Manitoba
• Film Training Manitoba (FTM)
• Manitoba Aerospace Human Resource Council (MAHRC)
• Manitoba Aviation Council (MAC)
• Manitoba Career Development Gateway
• Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC)
• Manitoba Customer Contact Association
• Manitoba Environmental Industries Association (MEIA)
• Manitoba Tourism Education Council (MTEC)
• MB4Youth
• Winnipeg Technical College
• Workplace Education Manitoba (WEM)