North Island College (NIC) is launching a new Computer Information Systems certificate in September.
Web scripting, computer programming, systems administration, and database fundamentals will be covered during the one-year program.
“Employees who maintain networks, systems and software are invaluable and in high demand in the region,” said Neil Cruickshank, NIC dean of arts, science, and technology. “This program provides students with the foundational skills to find employment in a wide range of information technology areas.”
The program will mainly be offered digitally, but in-person learning is also available.
The Campbell River campus has a new dedicated computer lab, and students will be required to go to this location for one day in the fall to finish an assignment.
The Comox Valley and Port Alberni campuses also have reserved lab space for participants.
“We wanted to provide opportunities for students to access the program across the region, while also ensuring they could come to campus to use our computer lab facilities, including our brand-new dedicated lab in Campbell River, if they wanted to,” said Cruickshank.
NIC started creating the program after receiving feedback from employers in the area about a lack of qualified candidates in the information technology (IT) sector.
“Part of what makes this certificate program truly exceptional is that while students will earn a credential and be prepared for a job in the IT sector, the program was also designed with transferability in mind, so students can also continue their studies, if they want,” said Cruickshank.
Applications and more information about the program can be found here.
