A new workshop series is expanding educational opportunities for those affected by mental health and addiction issues.

The free, seven-part series is the result of a collaboration between the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) – Canada’s largest mental health and addiction teaching hospital – and Niagara College.

Called, ‘ExperieNCe: Working in Groups,’ the workshops are available through the CAMH Recovery College, which is focused on supporting people through education and creating pathways for opportunities they may not have had. The series is open to participants who self-identify as having lived experience with mental health, addiction and/or substance abuse challenges.

Participants have the opportunity to engage in college-level learning in a safe environment, and may earn a credit towards Niagara College’s Child and Youth Care (CYC) or Educational Assistant – Special Needs Support (EA-SNS) programs.

The online workshops focus on building skills in group-work, communication and collaboration, roles and relationships, decision-making, and conflict management – which may be applied to enhance their personal or professional lives.

“It was a natural fit to join forces with Niagara College. Through this partnership we can offer a low-barrier opportunity for people to explore college level learning,” said Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, CAMH’s vice-president of Education. “We are very excited to have this opportunity to partner with Niagara College and expand opportunities and offerings to our student base.”

“Here at Niagara College we know education can transform lives, and in collaboration with CAMH, we are proud to present these ExperieNCe workshops which help do just that,” said Carol Phillips, NC’s associate dean, School of Community Services. “In addition to helping break down the barriers to education for many who face addiction or mental health challenges, we are excited to work with CAMH to offer support for those who wish to transition into college life.”

The workshops were spearheaded by CYC professor Jessica Morris who liaised with representatives from CAMH to co-create, develop, design and produce the series alongside administrators and faculty members from the College’s School of Community Services. They began working on the project last year, incorporating learning outcomes from selected CYC and EA-SNS courses into the workshops.

“Working with CAMH was an incredible experience. They have the same trailblazing mindset that we foster at Niagara College and I am so proud to see our NC logo and the CAMH logo side by side on this project,” said Morris. “These workshops are poised to benefit those experiencing mental health and addiction challenges who may prefer a safe and less formal environment. It presents a perfect opportunity for them to build their self esteem and dip their toes into a college-level learning experience in a course that has many built-in, reflective tools to support them on their journey.”

EA-SNS professor Ann Marie Raos noted that it was an honour to contribute to the project.

“This initiative with CAMH will definitely expose potential students to a different professional field that they may not have thought of before. Through EA-SNS, there is such a rewarding feeling of being able to support individuals with disabilities in our communities,” said Raos. “What an amazing opportunity to speak to our program which is unique in that it prepares students for not only the educational field but agency support as well.”

A non-clinical program, the ExperieNCe workshop series operates on self-referrals; a diagnosis is not required.

Two styles of workshops are available. A self-directed online option through the Moodle platform gives participants an opportunity to earn a NC credit. Participants must complete five workshops before selecting their final workshop in either CYC or EA-SNS. Synchronous live workshops are also available, which are currently being held virtually due to the pandemic but do not give the option of earning a NC credit.

In addition to collaborating on creating the new series, NC is also co-facilitating the workshops and providing ongoing support to students in the course who are identified as motivated and ready to enter the labour market.

Details are available through CAMH Recovery College.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine science, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Wales
Manager, Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101
[email protected]

Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-328-2532
[email protected]

 

Spring represents the season of new beginnings and Niagara College is ready to give prospective students a warm ‘NC virtual welcome’ as they look ahead to the next chapter in their educational journeys.

On Saturday, March 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the College will host its Spring Virtual Open House, a live, interactive online event that provides future students the opportunity to learn about NC’s innovative programs, state-of-the-art campuses and student supports, along with a chance to win a $3,000 credit towards their NC tuition (for Fall 2021, Winter 2022, or Spring 2022).

“Open House is one of the most exciting times at Niagara College, as we get to showcase our trailblazing programs and welcoming learning environments,” said NC president Sean Kennedy. “I hope that you’ll join us virtually to hear about the ‘NC difference’ directly from the people who make our college such a special place to learn and position yourself for success.”

During the virtual experience, future students and their families can connect with current students, staff and faculty, who are eager to highlight what makes the Niagara College experience truly like no other and share examples of the interactive learning that continues to be delivered at NC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Live Program Information Sessions will cover NC’s many program choices in detail to provide students a visual of what their upcoming educational experience could look like. Additionally, live Ask Me Anything sessions will give students the chance to learn about the many supports and services available at the College, including financial and mental health supports, and illustrate how students can become a part of the inclusive ‘NC community’ to help enrich their student experience.

Students can also explore NC campuses – with their student-focused labs and award-winning facilities – through virtual, self-guided tours and access recorded video content that provides even more engaging information about the College’s programs.

“We know that much has changed over the last year but what hasn’t changed is Niagara College’s commitment to delivering an outstanding learning experience for students,” said Kennedy.

Whether tuning in locally or from around the world, NC’s Virtual Spring Open House is a not-to-be-missed opportunity for students to ask questions and get the information they need to help them make informed decisions about their future. International students logging in from their home countries can connect early on the day of the event to participate in two customized sessions starting at 8 a.m. (EST).

Additional ways to connect with NC’s recruitment team members beyond event-day, including one-on-one virtual visits and virtual college exploration sessions, will also be shared during the event.

Registration is required for the event and is currently underway. Attendees are encouraged to log in prior to March 27 to review Virtual Open House content, including schedules for live information sessions. In addition to a chance to win a $3,000 tuition credit, those who attend and register before Thursday, March 25 at 11:59 p.m. will be eligible for a chance to win one of 20 $100 Visa gift cards.

Visit niagaracollege.ca/openhouse for more information and to register.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquires, please contact:

Michael Wales
Manager, Corporate Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101
[email protected]

Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-328-2532
[email protected]

A group of Niagara College Brewmaster students got a head start on International Women’s Day in an effort to stamp out gender stereotypes and kick down barriers when it comes to women in brewing.

On Friday, March 5, women from different classes of the College’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program joined together at the NC Teaching Brewery with their ‘Pink Boots’ on – figuratively or, in some cases, literally. Their mission: to celebrate International Women’s Day by collaborating to create a special beer in support of women in the beer industry. In doing so, they became part of a global effort, launched by the Pink Boots Society, to raise the profile of women in brewing around the world.

“It is very important to me to raise awareness, break down barriers and help level the playing field for women in the brewing industry,” said second-year Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management student Nicola Davey, who took the lead in organizing this year’s Pink Boots initiative at the NC Teaching Brewery. “There are opportunities for us in craft brewing, and the support we get from each other will increase that involvement and inspire us to grow more.”

NC’s Canadian Food and Wine Institute dean Craig Youdale pointed out that the College’s recent creation of a Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce sends a clear message that this issue is important to NC, and that more needs to be done to support the community and students.

“The Pink Boots Collaborative Brew initiative is a very important message to our female students and community that we need to do all we can to celebrate women in the brewing workforce,” said Youdale. “Seeing our students so excited to showcase their talent and collaborate with other women in the industry is a positive image that can only help continue the fight for equality and diversity.”

Pink Boots Brew

The collaboration beer they created, Pink Boots Brew, is an American Pale Ale with tropical, herbal, citrus and woody aromatic notes. It was designed to complement the exclusive Pink Boots hops blend chosen for this year’s Pink Boots Society Collaboration Brew Day initiative – used by participants around the world. Pink Boots partner Yakima Chief Hops donates $3 from every pound sold to the Pink Boots Society for education and programming.

Two second-term Brewmaster students, Michalla Bent and Laura Park, crafted the recipe for Pink Boots Brew, embracing the opportunity to produce their first commercial beer while contributing to a meaningful initiative.

“Not only is this a great opportunity to establish our first recipe, with the help of the other girls, but to prepare us for the future ahead of us,” said Bent. “I think it’s important to raise awareness of women in brewing. Often times, women can be looked down upon for pursuing a trade that is so-called a ‘man’s job,’ and it’s nice that we have the support and encouragement from other women in the brewery industry to beat the odds and speak our minds freely.”

Park valued the opportunity to collaborate and make a beer with all women in the Brewmaster program and was excited to see their first commercial brew put out for others to try. The beer will be available for purchase in April at the Wine Visitor + Education Centre.

“It is also very meaningful as this event also shows women in the brewing industry that there is support for them and they are encouraged to pursue this path despite being underrepresented,” said Park. “It acts as that extra boost of encouragement that I need to know I made a great decision to take this program and pursue my interests in making beer, and there is support backing me up whenever I need it.”

Pandemic safety measures in place

With restricted campus access and on-campus safety measures in place during the pandemic, this year’s Pink Boots Collaboration Brew Day at the Teaching Brewery was limited to 11 participants – the number of women enrolled in the program. The brew day complied with all COVID-related safety measures, including physical distancing and enhanced personal protective equipment (PPE).

Co-organizer Mackenzie Vivani noted that while she regrets that brew day was held on a smaller scale than the College’s inaugural event on International Women’s Day last year, when local brewers were also invited, she was excited to be part of it once again for 2021. It was the first time the Brewmaster students were able to gather with their peers from other classes since the 2020 Pink Boots event, held less than a week prior to the College shutdown last March.

“To have all the women in the program come together is still very exciting. We are few and far between in the program and in this industry,” said Vivani. “All we want to do is encourage more women to come into this industry and establish a way for the women in the program to build connections with women who are already working in the industry.”

NC’s Brewmaster and Brewery Operations Management program was launched in 2010 as the first of its kind in Canada. The award-winning, two-year program offers extensive hands-on training at an on-site, state-of-the-art Teaching Brewery to prepare students for employment in the expanding brewery, microbrewery and brewpub industries. Located at the College’s Daniel J. Patterson in Niagara-on-the-Lake, students learn from award-winning faculty and have access to on-site hop yard and local farm products to brew a full range of beer styles. Visit ncteachingbrewery.ca.

Niagara College offers more than 130 diploma, bachelor degree and advanced level programs; as well as more than 600 credit, vocational and general interest Part-Time Studies courses. Areas of specialization include food and wine sciences, advanced technology, media, applied health and community safety, supported by unique learning enterprises in food, wine, beer, distilling, horticulture and esthetics. For more information visit niagaracollege.ca.

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Media inquiries, please contact:

Michael Wales
Manager, Communications
Cell: 905-328-4101
[email protected]

Julie Greco
Communications Consultant
Cell: 905-328-2532
[email protected]

NC ushers in the month of March with an added focus on co-op and work-integrated learning.

A roster of student-focused initiatives are lined up to celebrate Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL)’s National Co-op and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Month, which aims to promote awareness across Canada during the month of March, including the inaugural National Day of WIL on March 24.

“It is important for Niagara College to continue to be active in the national movement and to promote all-around advantages that co-op opportunities and WIL provide – not for only postsecondary students but for our community partners, businesses and organizations,” said Dina Fox, associate director of Student Engagement, Academic Advisement and Career Services. “It is our role to educate and assist in formalizing and monitoring these connections for our students and our many stakeholders.

“Especially in times where traditional opportunities may be impacted and limited, as we have seen over the last year, the competitive advantages and gains need to be spoken to even more.”

Today marks the first day of National Co-op & WIL Month! Join us in using #innovativeWIL throughout the month as we continue to build the capacity for work-integrated learning opportunities in Canada! Check out the toolkit here – https://t.co/235fmiSCOi pic.twitter.com/PsV3CNvlqg

— CEWIL Canada (@CEWILCanada) March 1, 2021

Weekly contest

A weekly contest will kick off during the second week of March to promote the initiative among the student body. Each week, EAC will post students a new question around the topic, which will be sent to students through their weekly engagement email, along with a link to submit their response. Students will be asked to fill out a short form and prizes will be drawn every Friday. Questions include:

• March 8: To students heading out on a co-op, placement, internship, what are you doing to get prepared for your co-op opportunity;
• March 15: To students who have completed a co-op, placement, internship, give one piece of advice to students who still need to complete their co-op, internship, placement; and
• March 24: Co-op/WIL Bingo will run on the official National Day of WIL.

Winners will have the opportunity to share their photo using a dedicated co-op/WIL photo frame.

Podcast Series

The CSEL’s podcast series, Go to College They Said, will highlight members of NC’s alumni community who will share their advice and experience with current students.

Confirmed speakers to date include Premier’s Award winner David Pratt, crop system specialist for Damatex Control Systems, who graduated from the Greenhouse Technician program in 2007; and Janine Young, strategic sourcing analyst for the Niagara Health System, who is an alumna of the Business Administration program (2018).

Episodes are released every Friday and are available on Spotify and the Apple Podcasts app.

Student Workshops

CSEL is also hosting several workshops for students.

On March 16, 10 a.m. An Interview Preparation Session will teach students how to prepare for online or in-person interviews (hosted by Marsha Fiorino).

On March 23, at 3 p.m., an Essential Skills Workshop will help simplify the challenging task of skills identification. Students will learn to identify skills they did not know they had, recognize the ways they transfer into their academics, and incorporate them into their job search and career development. They will also find out how to access resources to continue their skills recognition as they complete their academic career (hosted by Julie Stuart).

On March 25, at 10 a.m. a Connect the Dots Volunteer to Career will show students how to recognize, highlight and speak to their experiences from outside the world of formal work. Mastering this will help them to be better prepared to speak to employers and highlight the vast and valuable skills they have and how they can translate into job success (hosted by Dana Brown).

Details about all activities/workshops will be posted to the MyCareer Calendar.

Continued support for students

Fox noted that the College’s Engagement, Academic Advising & Career Services (EAC), extends beyond the month of March. In fact, EAC promotes co-op and WIL opportunities from the beginning of a student’s journey at NC – from onboarding and student transition programming, starting with KickSTART. Their goal is to ensure that students understand how advantageous it is to expand the knowledge they gain from their academics and apply it directly to a work experience, such as co-op, prior to graduation, and that that it involves their active participation and ‘buy in’ to make the most of this experience. Throughout each academic term, EAC offers programming and services that support this.

For co-op students, the initiatives also serve as a reminder that several supports and services are available including one-on-one appointments with co-op career consultants, postings on the MyCareer portal, interview prep, and job search support.

“Being a part of National Co-op & WIL month is another way for us to bring this information to the forefront for the NC community,” said Fox.