Hundreds of people got a glimpse of what North Island College has to offer during NIC Fest at the Port Alberni campus on Wednesday, March 29.
The day-long event was the third in a series for central and North Island campuses. Tables of information and displays were set up in the cafeteria, tours of the facility were offered and instructors and other staff members were available to answer any questions.
The event drew Grade 10, 11 and 12 students from Alberni District Secondary School, and was also open to the public, said Diane Naugler, executive director of community engagement. Post-secondary education isn’t just for students graduating high school anymore, Naugler said.
“The average age of an NIC student is 30 years old; that’s through the whole enrolment of NIC,” they said. “It’s really interesting because it reflects the needs of the community for post-secondary education.” College is an opportunity for people at all stages of their life, whether it’s graduating from high school or transitioning from one career to another, they added. Coming out of COVID-19, the institution is well-positioned to offer in-person, online and hybrid classes too.
Some new programs were highlighted, such as the Island Pre-Health Science Program, which will take in its first cohort in September. The hope is that students wanting to go into health sciences will take at least their first year at NIC before they transfer to university. The program is set up for “any medical-oriented thing,” said Alex Blair, math and science department chair. That may include nursing, dental, chiropractic, optometry, pharmacy, medical doctors, she said.
“They have foundations and then they have options in each medicine they want to go into,” Blair said. While some classes may be offered in Port Alberni, most of them are at the Comox Valley campus.
The math and science department also offers an engineering foundations certificate with classes based in Port Alberni and course transfers to the University of Victoria.
Other tables offered funding solutions for students. First Nations Forestry Council representatives Denise Gallant, forestry workforce advisor, and Maia Mercure, work force development specialist, were on hand to explain scholarship opportunities for Indigenous forestry workers. Tuition, a living allowance and supply costs are available as well as work placements.
One person at the NIC Foundation table said they had the happiest job, offering money to students.
The provincial government has its sights set on post-secondary programs as a long-term solution to tough economic issues, Naugler said.
“It’s a great time for people who are thinking ‘what comes next,’ they said. “It’s a great time to take a look at NIC and see what we have to offer.”
For more information, go online to nic.bc.ca/yournorth, call toll-free 1-800-715-0914 or email futurestudents@nic.bc.ca.