Student Comments
In May 2011 we asked our students to tell us about their programs – highlights, why you should take the program, how they'd tell you about the program. Here's a sample of what they said...
A
Academic & Career Connections
The teachers - they listened to me, and accommodated me. They were friendly and funny.
Meeting new people and discovering I had a lot more potential than I thought I did. And, improving my grades significantly from high school.- The learning atmosphere. 95% of the time I would leave class with a big smile on my face.
Adult Learning Program
- You work at your own pace and are responsible for your pace. The teachers are helpful and understanding. This is an excellent program for someone who has been out of school for a long period of time.
The awesome faculty. They really made the program exciting, enjoyable, challenging and motivating.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)
- Our awesome instructors, seeing airplanes every day and getting to work on them. Overall it makes those days in which you don't want to go to school, worth going to school.
- It is the place to be for someone interested in Avionics. It's full of valuable experience taught by those who have experienced it first hand and aren't just teaching from a textbook.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)
- Hands-on experience with real aircraft and amazing teachers.
American Sign Language/English Interpretation
- It's amazing how much you learn about yourself through learning about others.
Applied Media & Communication Arts
- Using a Mac for the first time, furthering my skills in Photoshop, being introduced to Adobe Programs (InDesign, Illustrator and Flash), and meeting new friends in the program.
- I really enjoyed being able to explore different mediums of art with both teachers who have experience in fine arts and with students who aren't afraid to try new things.
- This is program for an aspiring artist who is not sure exactly what to do. If you want to find out what medium of art excites you and sparks your creativity, then ACAP is right for you.
Architectural Engineering Technician
- I have learned manual drafting skills, AutoCAD, building materials, construction practices, and many other related subjects which are in my area of study.
I enjoyed the field trips to Kohler Windows and Doors, Shaw Brick Plant, and Strescon. These trips were very interesting and gave me a better understanding of certain aspects of the construction world.- Commercial design project - started from conceptual plans and a building code analysis, to a finished set of working drawings and a 3D rendering of the building.
Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing
I didn't realize how much hands on learning we would have. I figured most of the time would be spent in theory before we got into the shop; however the split between theory and shop time is basically 50/50.- My program was excellent in every aspect, my instructor was extremely knowledgeable and very patient. The facilities and supplies were great, and there was more than enough space for everyone to work in the shop.
- The most interesting activities are the demonstrations done by the instructor as examples of how to perform repairs.
Automotive Service & Repair
- Completely rebuilding an engine.
- Great teachers, lots of tools and vehicles to work on, excellent student association.
- The environment in shop and the classroom is very relaxed. You go to learn but you don't study from text books much and when you do it is usually very helpful. In the shop everyone works together to get things done.
Automotive Service Advisor
- Shop time.
B
Baking & Pastry Art
- Cheerful environment, Great team work, lots of opportunities and an amazing teacher.
- Making 2 foot tall Easter eggs that are 100% chocolate. You can make anything you can imagine out of it!
- Making great friends, building new skills, feeling accomplished when all the hard work was done for school events.
Behavioural Interventions
- An interesting thing that takes place is our field placements! There is nothing better than hands-on learning in the field.
- You learn so much in 1 year you will be overwhelmed! If you enjoy working with, and helping people, take this program because you will have a job where you can make a difference.
- Because you graduate with a strong set of skills to affect change in a person's life, in a very concrete and observable/measurable way.
Boulanger & Baking Art
- One day we baked eastern breads for ourselves had a party.
- Doing lots of hands-on work and having fun while doing so! The teachers were amazing, and my classmates as well, what a great year!
- It will open up your eyes to possibilities you never dreamed of. Your skill level will be amazing when you have completed this!
Bricklaying Masonry
- 2 months after I completed the program, I got a full time job in a field I love.
- The teachers were very helpful and answered any and every question and made class fun. If you like working outdoors and have a strong back and body this is a trade for you.
- We built a green house at Cole Harbour High School that future students and generations will use for learning.
Business Administration
- I got a complete overview of realistic job prospects available upon completion of my program. I also benefited from our teachers experience in the field and their ability to provide real-life advice and practical expectations of what is to come.
- My advice to other students - take advantage of EVERY minute available for study and homework. There is a substantial workload, and without proper time management, it can become overwhelming very soon.
- The awesome teachers who do all they can to help out the students and the many co-op opportunities.
- The team work with your classmates and realizing that you can pull anything off with the right people.
C
CAD Technician - Mechanical
- My teacher is great. Most of the work is fun. Once you finish a drawing near the end of the first year, you can't believe that you did that and that we have learned that much in one year.
- I got to learn CADD and INVENTOR programs. We touched on a little of everything in our program: from technique of Drafting to hydraulics, and HVAC systems.
- If a person is interested in creating 2D and 3D images on the computer and if they have an eye for detail. The program is very rewarding and you can get a great career.
Carpentry
- Absolutely the teachers. They take the time with you that you need to learn something new, and are always ready to help when you are struggling.
- Working on the Habitat for Humanity house in Wolfville - that was a great experience.
- I loved each shop project that resulted in a finished product and the extra projects I completed at the end of the year. I was thrilled with the feedback, from instructors was always made to feel proud of my successes.
Civil Engineering Technology
- In the civil lab we get to design, batch and test our own concrete.
- Material testing in the lab.
- Great hands on experience designing and test your own concrete and Asphalt. Learning about surveying theory and then applying it two days later was awesome.
Community Disability Supports
- Adding the many certificates to my portfolio - the seminars that I attended, the faculty, definitely the work placements and learning so much about individuals with disabilities.
- Work placements, workshops, Music Therapy project, class and the teacher and hands-on learning. And also Campus Idol!
- It gives you multiple opportunities for jobs, it changes your whole perspective on life and people with disabilities, and you ultimately learn more than you thought possible.
Computer Electronics Technician
- It gives you a better knowledge of computers and the programs on them.
- This program offered not only courses that were directly related to IT, but also courses that would help you to understand the business side of the job.
- The fun people in my class, learning something new everyday, and the hands-on experience.
Construction Management Technology
- This is a solid program that ensures you learn the industry from the ground up. It also sets a base for you to enjoy a career in which every day has a new set of challenges.
- This program was a great challenge. I learned a lot of information and skills related to the construction field and made new friends and contacts in the industry.
- The best part is definitely the high level of knowledge that the faculty possess. Their ability to facilitate my understanding, is what contributed overall to my ability to absorb the more difficult material.
Continuing Care
- All the amazing people I met and how close our class and instructor became.
- It's very rewarding and leaves you with a great sense of accomplishment.
- Lab days are interesting. You get to practice your skills and be tested, while being guided by great instructors at the same time.
Cooking
- Learning basic, fundamental skills in the kitchen. Having the opportunity to learn under a professional, experienced chef, and others who came to visit and share their knowledge. Learning the "whys" and "how's" behind each ingredient, and how it is used, cooked, and served.
Cosmetology
- We actually get to work with real clients as if we were in a salon. We learned all the ins and outs of the industry and got to on trips to hair shows. It's a lot of fun.
- Getting the chance to go to hair shows in Halifax and Moncton. They were lots of fun. You get to learn new techniques from top professionals, watch competitions, fashion shows, as well as reveals of new products.
- Creating a mannequin head design. We created hair made from string, ribbons, balloons, anything we wanted. We made a theme to go along with the chosen hair design. That was the best part :)
Culinary Arts
- For one week, we got to experience what it is like to be a chef in charge of your own kitchen - planning the menu, ordering the food, putting all student in kitchen positions, monitoring the prep and cooking and food costs. What a great learning tool.
- The campus culinary competition. We stayed after class practicing plating techniques, different food ideas and planning a menu. I learned a lot of garnish work out of this and it was one of my favorite events to take part in.
- Learned a lot about team work. You learn all aspects of a kitchen from cooking in the back of the house, bakery and pastry to serving in the front of the house.
- How much hands on work we would do compared to book work classes. Homework - yes in culinary arts there IS homework!
- We had a guest speaker, the 'Sugar Queen'. She showed us how to decorate cakes and make French macaroons.
- Learning the versatility of Pears from the "Pear Lady". We sampled them and tried different recipes and got to eat what we all made! It was a fun and delicious day.
D
Deaf Studies
- Working with the Deaf community offers a dynamic and rewarding career. The demand for qualified individuals who are able to communicate between hearing and Deaf worlds is growing.
- "Learning a new language is inspiring, fascinating and rewarding. I'm learning from some of the best teachers I've ever had in a university or college. My program is unbelievably fun and I have learned more than I thought possible!"
- You enjoy being around people and learning a new language want to assist people in helping them with day-to-day things a hearing person takes for granted.
Dental Assisting - Level II
- Meeting new people, making new friends and just the overall new experiences.
- In March you go to the DAL dental clinic and do a 4-day rotation with their dental students. It's a very interesting and great experience.
- I loved the interaction between the teachers and students, great bonds, trust and teams were made!
- Because it is one year, very interesting, and a growing field with lots of job opportunities. I absolutely love what I'm doing. It's an all around great program.
Digital Animation
- The field trip to the Oakland Zoo in Berwick. This field trip is used for life drawing class, to give students the opportunity to draw live animals, some of which are very exotic.
- You want to develop your skills to a highly professional level in order to compete in a very competitive industry.
- The encouragement to develop creatively and the direction and guidance to help you strive beyond your original goals.
- Watching your characters come to life. It's a lot of work with short deadlines and overwhelming amounts of quality control, but if you have a desire for it you will be rewarded.
- If you put the time in, you'll leave with the skills to work in the animation industry, and a portfolio to show these skills off.
Drafting – Architectural
- "It's so cool to show people your work and get the response, 'how did you do that!'"
- For one of our projects, we were able to design our own commercial building with a 700m square footprint. I designed a new community center for my home town. Excellent experience!
- We use a lot of AutoCAD, we go in-depth about how a building is constructed, and we have chances to show our creativity through designing house plans.
- In second year we did a 3D model that was just amazing. In the first year we completed a Google sketch up project for our residential home that had a great outcome!
- The end result of being able to present a full set of working and structural AutoCAD drawings for a residential home and a Commercial building. Amazing!
E
Early Childhood Education
- I love the program. The staff are amazing, understanding, enjoyable, and they know their stuff.
- Working in groups, we had to pre-plan 3 activities and go into the lab on Mondays and present them to children.
- A 2nd year projects gets you to create your own childcare centre. This project includes budgeting, physical space, and all rules/regulations. It is great.
Electrical Construction & Industrial - Certificate
- The opportunity to work on a renovation of a 180 year old church. We created a working blueprint, upgrade recommendations, material lists, costs and proposals.
- Great classroom experiences. Teachers made everything clear and treated everyone with respect.
- "Learned a lot about electricity. Made some great friends. Gained valuable hands-on shop experience. Learned how to do an excellent resume."
- We wired an entire mock house from planning to finished project.
- That it was fast paced, highly motivating, self-paced but very rewarding
Electrical Construction & Industrial - Diploma
- I liked that so much of the program was hands-on. You learn about it in the morning and get to use it in the afternoon.
- "Building and programming PLC's, working on single/three phase motors and class trips."
Electrical Engineering Technology
- It is difficult and not for everyone, but making it to the end will qualify you for a wide variety of jobs.
- Designing a program to control a Stepper Motor. The motor moved at various speeds to positions along a vertical axis. We also set up sensors and electrical equipment which supported and controlled the PLC.
- Learning about PLC programming will help significantly because of how widely used they are in industry. Learning about the electrical grid and the mathematics behind our understanding of electricity gives a strong base for further learning in the field.
Electro Mechanical Technician
- The great mix between the hands on learning and the class time . There is a lot of practical learning of things you will need to know when you get in the field.
- It has the best of both world electrical and mechanical and will open many doors upon completion.
- The great bunch of students in my class they were great to get a long with and always willing to help others.
- Very competent and experienced instructors. Diverse and comprehensive courses. Excellent shop facilities and modern relevant equipment.
Electronic Engineering Technician
- "The program is challenging and keeps you motivated. Within a few months, I learned more than I thought possible. The instructors were amazing, best in Atlantic Canada. The experience is unforgettable."
- Meeting new friends that share the same interests. Just having fun and being able to rely on them when you need help to get through the program.
- For me, this program was more difficult than university and changed me a student and person.
- Building and troubleshooting electronic circuits.
Electronic Engineering Technology
- The instructors were fantastic and my classmates were awesome. I enjoyed all the projects and hands-on experience we got. This course was intense, but it prepared me for the workplace.
- My program is just all around excellent. The instructors are great, the labs are hands-on, and the classes are informative.
- Electronics is really cool and you will learn so much in this course from troubleshooting electronic, to designing and fabricating electronic equipment. You also learn how to program embedded systems.
- Senior project - you learn a lot doing a project of this calibre. You see it from beginning to end - designing schematics and milling a printed circuit board.
- Tech Showcase. We built the ROV and put it in a pool so people could control it with an XBOX controller.
Energy Sustainability Engineering Technology (ESET)
- The purpose of the program is the best thing. Helping create a sustainable future through green homes and energy conservation.
- Our on-site energy audit. You get to go with your class to local buildings and do your own energy audit. This gives you an understanding for what you need to improve on and what to expect in the industry.
- Building and testing a solar wall - we got hands-on construction experience and got to problem solve the optimal design components. It was fun, and rewarding.
Environmental Engineering Technology
- "My whole class knew each other within the first 2 weeks. Every class we walk into we have fun, and learn at the same time. You're not just a student – you're a friend, you're family."
- I'm only finishing my first year but I already know I am going to love working as an Environmental Technologist in water resources. The program is amazing, and the faculty is awesome.
- Dissecting a salmon and identifying macro invertebrates that we collected on a field trip.
- Going to geology field school for 4 days at the end of second semester.
- That my program is heavy in physics and math.
Esthetics
- Overall this is a great course and I would recommend anyone with an interest in health and beauty enroll in it.
- Hands-on experience, amazing teacher, great resources, amazing volunteer experiences
F
Funeral & Allied Health Services
- Working at a funeral home, every day is different and you never know what will be happening!
- For anyone wishing to go in the Funeral and Allied Health Services Program this is the only school which offers it in Atlantic Canada!
- The first two semesters can be done online. The teachers for the program are awesome.
- If someone is interested in becoming a Funeral Director this is the perfect ways to do it. It provides lots of flexibility for your schedule.
G
Geographic Sciences
- You'll work harder than you ever have before and will learn more about GIS and geomatics than you thought possible in a short time.
- I am not only capable of making printed maps, but can create digital, online, and interactive web mapping products.
- Many guest speakers that come with enthusiasm to encourage you to succeed and to create a career in the Geomatics industry.
Geographic Sciences Advanced Diploma
- In the remote sensing concentration, we conducted an aerial survey. We planned and carried out the project from mission planning to ortho-mosaic. Sweet.
- That there would be a lot of programming.
Geomatics Engineering Technology
- If you like to work in technical environment, problem-solving, working outdoors in all weather conditions, and you like a challenge, take this program.
- It's fun, you get to work outside and you learn a lot of things that are more industry related than you acquire with only one year of surveying.
- Lots of employers come in for presentations and you're almost guaranteed job coming out of the program with the option of continuing your education as well.
Graphic & Print Production
- I love how much is hands-on. We're down in the print shop everyday working on the presses. We do spend time in class doing theory lectures, but the best part is being in the print shop and actually doing the printing.
- "Hanging out in the pre-press/press area, working on assignments in the Mac Lab and making new friends."
- Finding something I love. You do everything from digital printing, colour management, and pre-flighting to making film, striping film and burning plates and running them on press.
- You learn so much in a short time! You're prepared for all aspects of the industry, design, running an offset press and finishing equipment. I'm ready for work.
Graphic Design
- You'll work in an excellent and creatively stimulating environment with great people. You'll also become close with your fellow students and your instructors. It is an amazing experience.
- Instructors were approachable, knowledgeable, offered constructive criticism and worked hard to create new opportunities for us. In addition they created a very fun environment full of laughter that encouraged learning.
- "The teachers were great. The people I met in my class were all very talented. The projects that we did were all very helpful and opened my mind to be a more creative individual. Everything I learned in class supported me during my work term."
- It is the most well-rounded program of this kind that I know of. It teaches a wide range of necessary skills including software, design principles and the business side of graphic design.
- Our class was commissioned to design an 8 foot display for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Designing something for that size was something I never expected to do in school.
- Working on projects for non-profit organizations. It is very rewarding to know that you are making a difference in the community around you.
H
Health Information Management (HIM)
- "Classroom camaraderie, service learning, and achieving goals."
- It is a great deal of work and requires 100% commitment.
- "Faculty with industry experience. A program that is challenging and empowering and a career in high demand nationally. You learn and develop management and leadership skills and get valuable practicum experiences."
Heavy Duty Equipment/Truck & Transport Repair – Diploma
- Excellent teaching staff.
- I had the two best teachers I could ask for.
- The Engines course - very exciting to tear down, and rebuild an engine, and have it still run. It really makes yourself proud that you can accomplish that.
Heritage Carpentry
- Guest speaker who presented the 3 treatments for Heritage Conservation Projects.
- Year 1 consists of basic carpentry skills and fundamentals and year 2 is actual hands-on work (site work and shop work).
Horticulture & Landscape Technology
- The closed learning space made it easy to focus.
- The best thing about my program was being able to do hands-on work. We built waterfalls and streams in our greenhouse! We used the best equipment and machinery and I got to learn from an amazing landscape teacher.
- I love learning about Propagation techniques and having the chance to be involved in the Vertical Garden Project.
Human Resource Management
- Met lots of great people and developed contacts in industry.
- Negotiation simulation - we were split into union and management teams and used a fake collective agreement to research, compile a list of demands and negotiate a new agreement.
- Its outstanding reputation. You get a warm reception from employers and a large number of previous grads working throughout NS are happy to offer assistance and employment to future grads.
Human Services
- "Definitely one experience I will not forget. The teachers are awesome the atmosphere is very welcoming and there are lots of people willing to help you."
- Through our service learning we were able to get hands on experience working directly in the helping field with potential employers in our community.
- I absolutely loved my entire first year of the Human Services program. I loved how relevant the course material is to what you will actually be doing in the field.
- My work placement was a huge highlight. Being able to work with youth in residential care was really an eye opening and amazing experience.
- Lots of one on one time with instructors and information about the field of work we were going into. Also teachers that were in the field provided us the opportunity to ask lots of questions.
I
Industrial Engineering Technology
- I learned about group work and how you delegate tasks to get the job done. I also enjoyed the site visits. They gave us a good look at the different types of jobs that are out there for industrial engineers.
- The highlights were the guest speakers and field trips. It really helped me to understand more about the program to hear from people in the field. It also gave me a better idea of what I would like to do once I graduate.
- Having teachers available to help and basically just having teachers that care. I enjoyed the hands-on projects a lot and all the labs.
- Kaizen week - This was an entire week working on a project. It was a lot of fun and taught me a lot. At the end, we presented at the tech showcase and that was fun.
Industrial Instrumentation
- The teachers are extremely knowledgeable and have real world experience in the trade. They back up the theory taught in class with a demonstration or a lab.
The electronic combination lock project is very interesting, and very rewarding once completed.- I really liked the small class sizes. I liked all the time we spent in the shop and the valuable hands-on skills that we developed
Industrial Mechanical
- A lot of work on the metal lathes. It's tricky at first but once you get the hang out it its very fun and interesting.
- Was definitely shop class. I loved working with my hands and taking some apart, putting it together, and watching it work.
Information Technology
- "Lots and lots of hands-on experience. What you get in 2 years at NSCC beats any other program."
- Designing my own web page , designing my own database, and being part of major projects.
- Getting to create our own fully-functional programs in Visual Basic!
- Working on a bunch of creative projects like websites and visual basic applications. We were always encouraged to go above and beyond with our work, and I learned a lot more because of it.
- Programming things we could run on the XBOX 360.
- Working with the technology and not just talking about the technology. I also got to go Finland to get international experience in my field of study.
- The job experience - not many schools in Nova Scotia work as closely with the business sector as NSCC does.
Information Technology - Database Management
- Computer and information technology professionals have evolved from focusing exclusively on how to advance technology, to how technology is used to advance business solutions.
Information Technology - Programming
- Designing and creating a working application complete with a database back-end for a local small business.
- Courses in C++ and Java, as well as scripting languages.
Information Technology - Systems Management
- All of the hands-on experience. We took apart computers and reassembled them, we rewired classrooms, we made our own networking cables, and much more.
Information Technology - Web Development
- You can learn lots, you get to make cool websites, and the teachers are very knowledgeable and helpful.
Interactive & Motion Graphics
- Working with my classmates on large projects and getting them done well.
- It's extremely fun and entertaining, the instructors are great and we have boat loads of cool equipment to use.
- Most of the projects never feel like work. They're fun to develop and create.
- Every year, students participate in the Animedia Festival. It brings in people from different video game companies, animators and visual effects artists.
- "Learning the fundamentals of game design, mechanics and how to break into the gaming industry. Learning to use the Unity 3D game engine and creating our very own game!"
- I learned so much in such a short amount of time. Before NSCC I wouldn't have thought it possible to learn this much so fast. I love learning industry standard programs.
International Business
- Teachers were great, loved my work experience, and learned a lot about international business.
- The program was amazing. I love that the program helped you see what you could do in this field when you were done and meeting the grads who came back to share what they were doing.
- The chance to get a CITP designation after I graduate.
- Class trips and the Alumni Event.
L
Law & Security
- I love my defensive tactics class. I loved learning about the criminal justice system and policing.
- Tactics - nothing like making a friend feel the pain, and not get hated for it. LOL!
- It is a good experience and you will have good connections after completing the program
Library & Information Technology
- The library tours my class went on in year 1 of the program was really fun and is memorable.
- It is unbelievably practical. It is incredibly empowering to be able to read catalogue numbers correctly, skills that are useful to librarians, researchers, teachers, or really almost anyone.
- Training in Records Management!
M
Machining
- It's a good trade and I found a good job 2 months before I graduated. I felt very comfortable and confident with the knowledge I gained from my program when I began working in my trade.
- It's a great program. You work with big machinery and very accurate measuring tools. The teachers are great and the workshop were expansive and well-equipped. The program led me to great, very interesting new job where I am now using all of the skills I learned.
- "Knowledgeable and friendly faculty, surprisingly diverse library materials relevant to our course material and personal interest, good tools and equipment, prepared me for working in industry."
Marine Engineering Technology
- Good teachers, fast pace and learned a lot.
- Learning the different trades.
- A job is waiting at the end.
Marine Geomatics
- Hands-on hydrographic survey - we installed a number of hydrographic instruments on a vessel, collected, processed and presented the survey data. Being involved from beginning to end is very interesting.
- "It is ideal for people who want to travel as part of their job. Most employers require individuals who can work with their hands, outside, in the weather, but still configure and monitor software as part of their job."
Mechanical Engineering Technology
- If someone is interested in how things work, then they should take this program.
- If you're interested in mechanical engineering, this is a great program. It gives you skills to go into the workforce, or move on to university with more hands-on knowledge.
- The ROV team is great. It allows you to get to know other students from other programs and you'll meet some awesome people.
- Learning about the Falkirk Wheel.
Medical Laboratory Technology
- You get the chance to make a difference in the health care system and, more importantly, in the lives of families that use the health care system. You will help save lives. What is better than that!
- My passionate teachers, the brand new state-of-the-art lab facilities, the hands on approach to learning, the close knit class.
- Working in the labs.
- I was actually prepared for the program because the faculty provided us with an open house and introductory meeting before starting.
Medical Office Administration
- Loved medical terminology and really enjoyed transcription.
- If you have any interest in the medical field but don't want to be a nurse or a doctor, this program gives you the opportunity to be involved. You learn new things everyday, and earn a competitive wage.
- Medical Terminology - it was fun to try and say the words and learn their meanings in class. You really had to pay attention and study but we always looked forward to it and had a laugh or two.
Medical Transcription
- The most rewarding activity was our service learning project. We donated $12,000 that we raised in conjunction with the HIM students for the Bone Marrow unit at the QEII.
- The opportunities for jobs that I now have!
- My program's highlights were using real dictation tapes, and having in depth classes on medical terminology.
Mental Health Recovery & Promotion
- Meeting new people, learning about various mental illnesses, becoming aware of my surroundings, learning about the impact mental health has on people.
- Mental Illness Awareness week. Putting together videos, displays and presentations. Making the public more aware.
- I did a group documentary on workplace wellness.
Metal Fabrication
- How much math was involved in the program.
- The whole class had a great time building the art work for the front of the campus. It is nice to know we left a mark.
- It's a very diverse program with lots of job opportunities.
Motorcycle & Power Products Repair
- Rebuilding a bike with my friends.
- Stripping a motorcycle, diagnosing problems and putting the bike back together.
Music Arts
- Attending the Halifax Pop Explosion and Nova Scotia Music Week. Both included compelling guest speakers, great live shows and ample networking opportunities.
- As a final project in our history classes, we had to write a musical piece in the style we'd learned about (ex.. classical, jazz, contemporary pop/rock). We got to flex our creative muscles as well as get a more in-depth experience of the periods we study.
- The East Coast Music Awards- tons of networking opportunities, good music, and lovely people.
- The breadth of topics: from music theory and practical experience to history, and even the ins and outs of running one's own business.
Music Business
- The experience of meeting new people, great musicians, networking, getting involved in festivals and going away on trips.
- Hands-on learning. We organized events, which was a main focus of our program, and we got to run the events all the way through, it was a great way to learn, and was the most realistic for our industry.
- From an artists perspective, it gives you a HUGE head start on your own musical career, and how to fund your own musical projects ( getting money from the government - grants, business plans and marketing plans)
N
Natural Resources Environmental Technology
- "Geographic Information Systems and GPS training, chainsaw and clearing saw safety and practice."
- Got to go outside to do the work that we needed instead of sitting in a classroom all the time.
- The creation of woodlot integrated resource management plans.
O
Occupational Health & Safety
- I believe it was our participation in Skills Canada. However if one looks at all the inspections, assessment and programs we were involved with there are a lot of close seconds.
- Field trips that are relevant. You get certificates while you do your regular course work. The instructors are spot-on for knowing their information, and the diverse class makes for interesting discussions.
- Because worker safety and a healthy working culture is absolutely necessary. If you believe this, and enjoy a combination of working in the field and desk work, this is a great program.
Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy Assistant
- The 5 work placements and the OTA/PTA conference that we organized. The conference was a huge success.
- My whole first year was pretty amazing! I loved the course content and the amount of information learned.
- It is a very rewarding career. The pay is reasonable and there is work out there!
Office Administration
- The instructors - they were motivating, energizing, positive and great mentors when help was needed.
- If you have a passion for office work and want to grow and know the world of business, the office admin program is great for that.
- Annual Office Administration conference. Each campus was responsible for at least one aspect of the conference. To make all of this happen, the class had to come together as a team and fundraise for the event.
- At our campus we volunteer for Christmas Daddies answering telephones, or doing data entry. It was great to be part of a community event. At NSCC, you get the knowledge to work in an office and be successful, and help your community.
Oil Heat Systems Technician
- A great class - dynamic with both a great instructor and awesome fellow students and learning hands-on with tools.
- You'll always have a future in burner mechanics, almost everybody owns a furnace or a boiler out there and it will need servicing.
P
Paralegal Services
- I love the program, the teachers know their stuff and are easy to talk to about any problem. The best learning experiences were the guest speakers and the class trips to the law courts.
- Class trips to law courts.
- An intense, engaging and competitive program. You study Property Law, Criminal Law, Wills and Estates. Being taught by a lawyer was amazing and super beneficial.
- It taught me so much and I also had a lot of fun doing it. The teachers were great and very helpful.
Pharmacy Technology
- The table clinic. We were assigned a group and did research on a topic we didn't know much about. We made a table to display to present our information on campus. It was an amazing learning experience.
- Compounding labs were the best. Mixing and mashing ingredients - nothing beats it. The best compound was one that included menthol and camphor.
- Combined lab with Dalhousie Pharmacy students. This is very similar to the roles we take on in a community pharmacy setting.
Photography
- You experience a real sense of community and get connected to industry.
- Having 24/7 hour access to the campus and the studio.
- The instructors are awesome, the standards are high, the students are friendly and supportive.
- The end of the year trip to a very small community in Nova Scotia to photograph it and then turning those photos into a book that was presented to the town.
Pipe Trades
- The entire year. Learning plumbing, pipefitting, gas, electrical and welding made it a great learning experience. Also our class had an awesome atmosphere as well as the instructors were very down-to-earth.
- We did 2 different on-the-job training weeks.
- Job shadow weeks - you call companies within the trade and set up a 1 week job shadow. It was a great opportunity to connect with possible employers, gain hands-on experience and learn from current Pipe trade workers.
Plumbing
- Learning to use the different tools and equipment associated with the plumbing industry, and putting them into practice in the shop setting.
- Class project where we worked as a team to install a system. Lots of fun and learning trust for other's work.
- Using the oxy-acetylene torch to weld was quite fun.
Power Engineering Technology
- "My program gave me confidence that I never knew I had. It pushes you to achieve your potential. The best part - hands-on learning with equipment in the shop and your work experience at the end of the program."
- Each student has an opportunity to start a piece of equipment in the shop and run it on their own. My favorite was the Boiler.
- Getting a fourth class ticket halfway through the course - it gives a feeling of completion to the first year.
- Teachers with a lot of experience working in the field, being able to give us inside knowledge as to how a plant works.
Practical Nursing
- We had to do a health promotion project and give it to members in the community - I got to do one for a home for young mothers - it was great experience.
- Definitely my time in the lab and hands-on experience during clinical, as well as the fact that our instructors are actual professionals in the field.
- It is a great program. I love everything about it but especially the way they do clinical.
Process Operations – 4th Class Power Engineering
- A challenging program but the instructors are very good at explaining things in a number of ways, so the difficult becomes simple.
- Learning in a state-of-the-art lab. The equipment we train on is top-of-the-line and exactly what you would be working on if you were in industry.
- Potential of immediate employment with a large starting income in a very technical field.
Public Relations
- The volunteer experience. Not only is this extremely useful when entering your professional career, it allows students to gain experience so they are prepared for the upcoming careers.
- I did more work in 1 year than I had done in my other post-secondary studies. People should take this program because they'll learn a lot. It's a welcoming environment and connects you to the professional world.
- The diversity in classes. I didn't expect to learn elements of graphic design which was really interesting and very helpful. My favourite class was Contemporary Social Issues.
- The media conference-each group (six in total) prepared for a hypothetical event and with research held a media conference with questions asked by the RTA students. It was nerve wracking but felt very real.
R
Radio & Television Arts
- The opportunities we have. If you give it all you got, you will become successful. The faculty, studios and students all work together to provide endless opportunities.
- We got to Skype George Stroumboulopoulos!
- You love telling stories. You're creative and in tune with the world around you. You want positive exposure and the chance to become who you want to be. You love team work.
- Endless opportunities. We can start a radio show and have people from anywhere in the world listen. We can create videos and share them with future employers.
- Canada Games radio coverage. Feeding a national network of Radio Stations with reports, interviews and updates, and showing people in the industry what students can do.
Recording Arts
- I enjoyed being able to work in the studio and having so much hands-on experience with the equipment. I learned the most being in the studio and having to troubleshoot any issues I came across.
- Everything was amazing - meeting new people and working with top of the line gear.
- Because it's a lot of fun. You get a lot of hands-on experience and the instructors are really great and easy to work with.
Recreation Leadership
- The winter survival trip. I also enjoyed how close our class became to each other and learning a lot about leadership.
- The outdoor recreation course. We went on many outings as a group and it was a lot of fun.
- "Having the chance to learn more about one of my favorite things in the world and being able to make that into my lifetime career!"
- If you love challenges, being active and interacting with amazing people. Yes we have text books, but the real learning begins when you're setting up makeshift shelters on a winter survival trip, or dangling 30 ft in the air while your scaling the walls of an indoor rock climbing facility.
Refrigeration & Air Conditioning
- It's interesting. You learn mechanical and electrical applications.
- The program touches on many of the other trades and there is always something different to learn.
- Really enjoyed that I learned about all the different things that I might run into out in the field. Also loved the 5-week work placement - a great opportunity to see what it's like and show how great you are so you can get a job.
S
Screen Arts
- At the end of the year, we have a 5-week Boot Camp. We work as a group and create 3 short films. It challenges you through stress, time, budget, and learning how to deal with different personalities and people.
- Being on a set with a crew of your peers and making a film with real actors, then screening the film in the theatre and watching your vision come to life.
- Met a lot of new people and made many connections with the film industry in Halifax
- You don't learn just one thing. You learn everything and then find your focus. This is an amazing way to experience the broad range of work within every aspect of the film industry.
Steamfitting/Pipefitting
- I liked that so much of the program was hands-on. You learn about it in the morning and get to use it in the afternoon.
- It is a very good program in which women and men can excel. It's also very rewarding to see the things you can accomplish as a pipefitter.
- The best teacher I ever had - the program was interesting and the year was great.
Survey Technician
- Field camp - it was so much fun. I also enjoyed the school functions that were organized by the Student Association.
- Within 3 days of graduating I was hired and using the skill I had learned!
- Definitely the hands on field-work, as well as AutoCAD.
T
Tourism Management
- Our speaker series where we met people from industry and got to hear how they first started out.
- In our first month we toured Jost vineyard, participated in the NSCC amazing race, and visited Glen Breton scotch distillery where we spent a night in a Cape Breton hostel and met other travelers from abroad.
- We toured different tourism properties to see what its like, and got to see things that guests normally wouldn't be able to see. Trying new food was also interesting and fun!
- The teachers, because they are very helpful, passionate about what they teach and always there when you need help on anything at all.
- The capstone course, "Strategic Management". This course takes all of the skills you learn in the 2-year program and combines them all into one in a real-life situation.
U
Utility Line Work - Construction & Maintenance
- Learning the various types of pole equipment and their applications in distribution power and learning how to climb utility poles safely and work safely at heights.
W
Welding
- Blueprint course - I love to draw and work with cad programs and like to measure and calculate distances and angles.
- CWB testing is THE most intense 2 days. It qualifies you for welding tickets. There is a lot of hype but you get time to prepare. The goal-get as many tickets as you can because they impact the money you make.
- I got to work with my hands, but my problem-solving skills were put to the test as well.
- I liked the entire program. I really enjoyed becoming a ticketed welder while I was a student. I liked learning about all the different processes in welding.
Welding Inspection & Quality Control
- An incredible program. Tons of opportunities to learn amazing skills and meet lots of interesting people. Plenty of time to work on projects and assignments.
- Being able to get into the lab and shop to do some inspection testing and welding.
- Everything from Hydrostatic testing to hands-on practice with state-of-the-art welding machines and processes. Blueprint reading to AutoCAD. Proper documenting practices to Non-Destructive testing.
Wood Products Manufacturing Technology
- Being able to construct some quality cabinetry.
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