Aboriginal Services

Each year, more than 1,240 students from more than 30 different First Nations discover their path through North Island College.Our campuses and centres are located in traditional territories of the Kwakwaka'wakw, the Nuu-chah-nulth, and the Coast Salish peoples of Vancouver Island. We raise our hands to the Elders and Chiefs of these territories where we are guests.

Student Services

Aboriginal students are welcome to see all of the college's educational advisors and counsellors. In addition, Aboriginal Student Advisors are available to assist students in developing educational plans, liaise with instructors, or contact Aboriginal sponsorship organizations. Campus orientation tours can be provided, and each Advisor has an open door, drop-in policy. If you wish to meet with an Aboriginal Student Advisor, having registered status is not a requirement for eligibility.

For more information, contact NIC’s Aboriginal Student Advisor at your local campus.

First Nations Transition

This program, which is held at NIC’s Port Alberni campus, is designed to help Aboriginal students in making a successful transition to college and is based on recommendations from the West Coast Advisory committee.It is comprised of two courses: FNS 060 First Nation Study Skills I and FNS 061 First Nation Study Skills II. For more information, check the Aboriginal Education page,or contact the Aboriginal Student Advisor at the campus nearest you.

Training Services

Staying competitive in today’s changing marketplace means continually updating skills. With North Island College’s custom training programs, your community can update skills when, where, and how you need it.

NIC works with First Nations communities, industry and employers to design, develop, and deliver training that is tailored to your needs. By designing both the delivery and content to suit the demands of your community, NIC’s courses will bring out the best in people, increase productivity and enhance valuable skills.

By combining applied theory and hands-on skill development, NIC’s custom training programs lead to certificates and recognized industry credentials. Our qualified, professional instructors are selected for their excellence in instruction and experience in their field.

We provide:

• Needs identification, evaluations, Return on Investment (ROI), and Skills Transfer
• Customized, cost-effective, and relevant courses designed to increase application and performance
• Accessible and flexible training

Custom Training Programs & Courses

Below are just a few of the programs/courses available:

• Management & Supervision: Leadership and Coaching Skills, Conflict Resolution, Project Management: Jump Start, Professional, Project Management: Laying the Foundation (PPM), Advanced Project Management: Making Tracks to Success (APM), Project Leadership: The Next Level, PMP Exam Prep
• Forestry: Log Scaling, Lumber Grading
• Essential Skills: Test of Workplace Essential Skills (TOWES) testing and upgrading
• Adult Upgrading
• Career Planning
• Marine Training
• Early Childhood Care & Education
• Industrial: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s), Rigging, Scaffolding, Hydraulics, Overhead Crane Operator, Welding, Machining, Cross Connection Control, Air Brakes, Commercial Vehicle Inspector’s Course, Ozone Depleting Substance Control, Carpentry, Plumbing, Piping and Gas Fitting, Small Engine Repair.
• Occupational Health and Safety: WCB Occupational First Aid Levels 1, 2, & 3, WHMIS, H2S, TDG, WorkSafe
• Tourism & Hospitality: Adventure Tourism, FoodSafe, SuperHost, Cashier Training, Service Excellence, Hospitality & Retail Essentials

For More Information

To find out more about the custom training programs of most interest to your community or organization, please contact Vivian Hermansen at 250-334-5205.