October 16, 2013 - 5:18am
Interested in learning more about a lucrative career in Trades?
Vancouver Island University is hosting a “Discover Trades” event at the Nanaimo campus as part of the University’s campus wide Open House on Friday, Oct. 18.
“Parents, teachers, students and anyone else in the community interested in Trades and technical training programs and job opportunities are invited to attend two panel discussions at 11 am and 5 pm on Friday, Building 180 at the Nanaimo campus,” says Glynis Steen, Associate Dean of Trades and Applied Technology at VIU.
“We’re also opening up our trades shops for public tours starting at 10 am and we’ll provide interactive opportunities for the public to try out various Trades.
“It’s a great opportunity for the public to see our facilities and talk to students and instructors in programs including welding, carpentry, automotive, professional baking, culinary arts, hairdressing, and electrical programs.”
Steen says VIU is working hard to spread the word to parents of school aged children that Trades are a valid career choice. “Kids in school hear that message all the time, but it’s their parents we’re trying to reach,” she adds.
The Discover Trades panel discussions will be each an hour long. Current students and instructors will talk about their experiences in Trades, including high school students enrolled in VIU’s dual credit programs.
“These are students who have chosen to pursue a specific Trade instead of the traditional academic route,” explains Steen.
Dual credit programs are offered jointly by VIU and school districts to allow students to complete their high school graduation requirements and an entry level Trades course at the same time. Some funding assistance to help cover tuition is available.
In addition to the Discover Trades event, other Open House highlights Friday include free public lectures, program information sessions, a panel on international field schools, science demonstrations, a World Café, and open classrooms where the public can observe various University classes.
Behind the scenes tours of fisheries and aquaculture facilities, the new international sturgeon centre, the theatre department and other departments are also scheduled. Parking on campus is complimentary from 1 to 6 pm Friday, and food and prizes will be available.
For a complete line-up of VIU Open House activities, go to
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Media Contact
Janina Stajic, Manager, Vancouver Island University P: 250.740.6288
E: Communications@viu.ca Twitter: @VIUNews
Tags: In the Community
