North Island College - Ministry of Advanced Education - Government ...

Institutional Accountability Plan and Report 2011/12The NIC Employment Resource Centre (ERC) surveyed over 150 local employers to solicitfeedback on the College’s current and potential co-operative education and work experienceofferings. Employer survey results revealed a need for more marketing of services provided toemployers, a desire for financial assistance to hire NIC students, and an interest in expanding co-opin healthcare related programs. Employers provided individual suggestions toward making the ERCmore valuable to them and were pleased to know about the free NIC job posting board.Enhance financial sustainability through careful stewardship of our resources andexpansion of revenue generation activities that support our educational goals.We continue to strive to maximize both the efficiency and relevance of our offerings through NIC’sregular education planning processes. Program enrolments are monitored throughout peakenrolment periods to ensure effective utilization of our financial and instructional resources andCollege programs are reviewed on an annual basis. In addition to our base funded activities, wehave also been proactive in seeking out contract training and cost-recovery opportunities that fitwith our educational goals and directions as a community based college.The Continuing Education and Training Division has seen an increase in programming over the lastthree years. As a cost-recovery educational unit, staff are engaged in ongoing program developmentaligned with industry and regional labour market considerations. During 2011/2012, industry-specific,occupational skills training was developed to address labour shortages across specific sectors,including utilities, mining and forestry. The majority of the programs were delivered on a contractbasis, with training funds secured through industry sponsors as well as through the Ministry of Jobs,Tourism and Innovation.NIC International has also taken on a significant role in supporting educational activities at NIC.Through international tuition and partnership grants, NIC has been able to expand learningopportunities and internationalize curriculum across a wide range of programs in business, healthand university studies. NIC International together with Comox Valley Economic Development andSchool District 71 produced a report titled Economic Impact of International Education in the ComoxValley, highlighting some of the present and potential impacts on the local economy and jobs.Seek to involve a broader base of community members in College activities.Over the past year, NIC has continued to offer a broad range of speakers’ series and presentationsin global health, humanities, fine arts, literature and social sciences. The College has also been activein our communities, organizing and delivering a variety of creative writing contests, health careinitiatives, art exhibits and other community events, including:oooAuthor Reader Series, involving presentations by many local and nationally recognizedauthors;Global Learning Initiative presentations of overseas practica; and,Grand Opening of the First Nations Gathering Place at the Campbell River Campus.In April 2012 the Culinary Arts Program hosted the fourth annual Dancing & Tapas fundraiser withthe Campbell River rotary club to raise funds to distribute wheelchairs to those in need in SouthAfrica.41