Canada - A Source for Telecommunications
Short Term Trades & Technology Programs
- Why They CAN work!
Trades and technology training is becoming a
focus again after many years of being put on the back burner
- the reason: JOBS! JOBS! JOBS! Employers are in constant
need of highly-qualified employees in these fields.
The decision to enter into short-term programs
can be a difficult one. There are many preconceptions about
the quality of the education you receive in a short term,
as opposed to a longer (more 'traditional') form of education.
Although both long and short-term programs can benefit their
graduates, many individuals want to enter these dynamic industries
sooner than later. In other words: 'strike while the iron
is hot'. The fact is that many of these short-term programs
can adapt to market needs quickly, which is what the employers
need and want. Short-term Trades and Technology programming
can be beneficial to a wide variety of individuals, including
those new to a career, by upgrading and providing additional
hands-on education to a formal education already attained.
Educational institutions that offer short-term
Trades and Technology programs must stay on the leading edge
of the field. Global employers require individuals to possess
training and experience to international standards. In addition,
the educational facility should be registered and approved
by governmental education departments and associations, which
ensures there are standards in place to be met by the institution.
Accreditation is a must.
Programs such as Telecommunications Infrastructure
and Surveying are examples of two dynamic fields that are
currently experiencing explosive growth and opportunity. With
the global marketplace growing faster and faster, there is
a need for infrastructures to keep up the pace. Elements in
Telecommunications such as Fibre Optics, Copper and Coax are
as essential as the software elements that are so often emphasized.
The connectivity end of the Telecommunications industry holds
many global opportunities for individuals trained in this
sector.
The current workforce in the Geographic Information
and Survey industry cannot keep up with the need for qualified
individuals. With the introduction of technologies such as
Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Computer Aided Design
(CAD), much of the existing workforce has no formal training
and experience with these new technologies, creating a need
for new hires possessing these highly sought after skills.
Intensive and exciting, short-term programs
require a concerted effort on the part of both staff and students.
Ensure that the student/teacher ratio is low, as this will
give all students the opportunity to work on equipment, ask
questions and clarify points when they arise. In a short-term
program, there is no time to waste, and those who don't clarify
or ask questions may be left behind.
In addition, the physical set-up of the institution
should play a major role in any decision. Lab and classroom
areas should be conducive to all learners, and should closely
emulate the workplace. The main focus of short-term programs
should be the hands-on portion, with reinforcement provided
by theory elements. In a few short months, individuals will
need to be knowledgeable about and perform the duties expected
on the job.
Author
Jennifer DeBruin
Marketing Manager
Lincien College
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