Education/training
For the adventurousCameron Stewart, a graduate of the Professional Scuba Dive Instructor (PSDI) program offered at Capilano College's Sunshine Coast campus in British Columbia, is now swimming the azure seas of Turkoise, Turks and Caicos as a Club Med scuba instructor. Sun Wire Services |
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 [ 2006-06-28 ] |
"I've seen some amazing creatures," says the former Surrey, B.C. resident. "Sharks, moray eels, sea horses, whales, dolphins and all sorts of rays - things I had only seen in books or on TV."
The 23-year-old former construction worker says he was working within a month of graduating from the eight-month certificate program, which he began in September 2004.
WORK IN MEXICO
"I love what I'm doing and would totally recommend Capilano College's Scuba Dive program," he explains. "It gave me the chance to do something I really enjoy and meet a lot of great people, as well."
Students complete a minimum of 100 dives and earn credentials as a PADI open water scuba instructor while experiencing a 140-hour work experience practicum in Mexico with Scubacaribe, one of the largest watersport providers in the Caribbean. They will also gain an appreciation of marine stewardship and environmental responsibility.
The PSDI program is the only one of its kind in Canada. Courses prepare graduates to work in a variety of jobs, including outdoor education, tourism management, diving safety and scientific diving support.
Starting this September, mountain biking enthusiasts will also have a unique opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills to find employment doing something they love.
The two-term Mountain Bike Operations certificate program runs from September to April at Capilano College's Sunshine Coast campus. Twenty-four students will learn about the tourism industry, risk management and event management, as well as sustainable trail and park design and building.
Employment opportunities for graduates exist within the expanding tourism industry and placements could be found at various resorts, municipal and provincial government organizations, and with non-profit clubs and sport organizations.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for people to take this program in British Columbia, considered by many to be one of the best mountain biking destinations in the world," says Jean Bennett, dean of the Sunshine Coast campus. "Plus, we've attracted two of Canada's best trail design experts as instructors."
Credits from both programs can be used towards several other tourism programs offered at the College. For more information on the Professional Scuba Dive and Mountain Bike Operations programs, call 604-885-9310 or visit www.capcollege.bc. ca/programs/sunshine/Home.
Would you ever work for a social or charitable enterprise in the third sector?