Diploma in Outdoor Adventure

at Algonquin College - Pembroke Campus Canada

The two-year Police Foundations Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, provides you with a foundational knowledge of the field of policing. Curriculum includes both theory and applied lessons in policing - helping you prepare for the workforce. This program offers instruction in:

• Police powers and procedures
• Community law enforcement
• Investigation processes
• Diversity
• Ethics
• Communication

While there is a strong theoretical aspect to this program, there are many opportunities for hands-on learning in both labs and scenario rooms. There are various activities outside the classroom, such as community volunteering opportunities, and program-related initiatives.

The program prepares you to apply for and be tested for employment in law enforcement. As fitness is an important part of a career in law enforcement, you use an on-site fitness facility to prepare for physical fitness tests required by law enforcement agencies. In addition to your work in our fitness facility, you establish and maintain your own exercise schedule.

There are a number of potential job opportunities for graduates of this program in areas such as:

• Municipal, provincial or federal police services
• Military police service
• By-law services
• Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
• Corrections
• Security agencies

In the one-year Urban Forestry - Arboriculture Ontario College Certificate program, you experience a hands-on education exploring arboriculture science with tree care skills.

You acquire the skills and knowledge related to a range of tree care services provided by professional arborists, including:

• tree climbing
• tree identification
• tree pruning
• tree removal
• tree care
• tree planting
• indenification of common tree wildlife
• identification, diagnoses and management of tree diseases

Spend the majority of your time in the program outdoors, in a variety of weather conditions and heights. Working on real trees, practice climbing techniques and learn to become proficient in the use of arborist-related equipment, including chainsaws, chippers and pruning essentials.

Develop foundational tree identification and safe tree climbing skills through theoretical, laboratory and hands-on learning.

Participate in workplace scenarios that replicate actual challenges faced by arborists. In classroom and labs settings, examine tree science and arboriculture practises, such as planting, pruning and removal.

Graduates may find a career as a(n):

• crew leader
• lead climber
• arborist
• climber
• consulting arborist
• ground crew

There are employment opportunities in a wide variety of areas such as:

• commercial tree service companies
• public utility companies
• city, county, and other government agencies
• landscape maintenance firms
• nurseries
• garden centres
• industrial complexes
• private estates
• theme parks and resorts
• arboretums
• botanical gardens
• tree research centres
• golf courses

If you choose to pursue further education, you are ready to write the College of Trades (COT) exemption exams for some college courses.

The two-year Environmental Technician program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, offers theoretical and extensive practical education in all areas of environmental sciences.

You explore the disciplines of biology, chemistry, physical science and engineering as you learn to collect, measure and analyze variables commonly considered in environmental studies. Gain field and laboratory experience in soil, water and air testing as you develop a basic knowledge of:

• Freshwater environment systems
• Soils and land forms
• The chemistry of pollutants
• Ecological processes

Use the appropriate tools and equipment needed in biology, hydrology, ecological field sampling and analytical chemistry.

This program includes applied research projects that allow you to apply skills and theory to real environmental issues, all while supporting important community initiatives, such as:

• Water quality monitoring and implementation of agricultural best management practices in the Muskrat Lake watershed
• Soil testing, weather/climate monitoring and pest/disease surveying for a local vineyard.

Benefit from the opportunity to gain more than 20 certifications in various preferred specialties including provincial certification in water and wastewater operation, electrofishing, and geospatial analysis.

The one-year Geographic Information Systems Ontario College Graduate Certificate program provides you with knowledge and skills relating to geographic and cartographic science, with a focal point on information systems technology.

In this program, you use both hands-on and theoretical approaches to explore topics such as:

• Field data collection
• Programming
• Remote sensing
• Enterprise geo-database design and management
• Cloud-based services
• Application development
• 2D and 3D cartographic design
• Spatial analysis and project management

A key part of this program is the independent project that you begin in your first semester and complete throughout your studies. You identify an area of interest, develop a project proposal, and then implement and complete your project, all in collaboration with an industry or government sponsor.

Cooperative education (Co-op)    
Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience though paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op online readiness activities and in-person workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and facilitates the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to re-locate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses.

Develop valuable business skills, get the big picture and learn to think like a leader.

The two-year Business Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, provides you with a well-rounded education in multiple areas of business - from finance, accounting and marketing to operations management and human resources.

Using a combination of theoretical and hands-on learning, you develop essential business skills, such as:

• Persuasive presentation and communication skills
• Standards of excellent customer service
• Advanced business computer applications
• Problem solving

Complete projects that reflect real business responsibilities, including participating in a mock trade show and completing a professional business plan.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

This flexible diploma gives you many options after graduation. Graduates may find work in a broad range of employment settings in all sectors of business and industry, both domestic and international, including:

• Manufacturers
• Financial institutions and insurance
• Government offices
• Retailers
• Manufcaturers and non-profits
• Medical facilities

Graduates may be employed as:

• Entrepreneurs
• Marketing assistants
• Accounting support personnel
• Management trainees
• sales managers

You may also choose to specialize your education after graduating, taking advantage of several articulation agreements that allow you to progress to advanced diplomas and degrees.

The two-year Outdoor Adventure Naturalist Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 43 weeks, is the perfect choice for anyone interested in working as a professional in the adventure/ecotourism sector, guiding and educating clients through interpretation of natural environments. The Program has been created with our partner, Wilderness Tours, Canada`s largest outdoor adventure company.

As a student, you spend approximately 600 hours completing field study and practical skills training in outdoor settings/classrooms. Explore areas such as:

• River touring (kayak touring and gentle rafting)
• No-trace camping and wilderness travel skills
• Cross-country cycle touring
• Flatwater canoeing
• Astronomy
• Winter camping and travel skills
• Tracking
• Wildlife viewing
• Photography
• Wild edible and small plant identification
• Birding

Complete extended activity skills training sessions and take on several expeditions - the last being self-executed. The program`s curriculum also includes business courses in interpretive media, marketing and financial and small business management to enhance your career options and pathways.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability. Students who elect to apply to the non co-op version of the program may not have the opportunity to transfer to the co-op version at a later date.

Obtain several industry-related certifications, such as:

• Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) Wild Educator Facilitator
• Assistant Cycle Tour Guide
• Paddle Canada Waterfront Canoe Instructor and Camping Program
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
• Paddle Canada Level I or II Sea Kayak Skills
• Heritage Interpreter Certification
• Leave No Trace (LNT) Master Educator

Upon graduation, you are ready for an exciting, in-demand career. Be prepared to work as:

• Nature and heritage interpreters
• Nature or ecotourism guides
• Program managers

Co-op
Cooperative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience though paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op online readiness activities and in-person workshops.

Construct your future.

The one-year Carpentry and Renovation Techniques Ontario College Certificate program prepares you for a future in construction, whether you pursue apprenticeship training, employment as a framer or finisher or just want to tackle a few projects around the house.

You acquire a well-rounded education, combining traditional carpentry skills with newer technologies. Algonquin College`s Waterfront Campus in Pembroke is a great place to learn, as you have access to high-quality tools in a state-of-the-art shop.

Gain knowledge and skills in:

• Hand and power tool usage
• Carpentry/framing techniques
• Blueprint reading
• Welding
• Hoisting and rigging
• Plumbing
• Applied construction geometry
• Mathematics
• The Ontario Building Code
• General and specific safety training

Throughout this physically demanding program, explore the latest green technology and energy-efficient construction techniques. Apply your construction skills to building projects that will help local communities.

There is an anticipated shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry as a result of an aging workforce and local expansion. That means there are many opportunities for employment available to graduates. With this certificate, you may pursue a specialized education in construction, or seek exemption from the Basic Level of the General Carpenter Apprenticeship training.

Graduates may find work as a(n):

• Apprentice carpenter
• Construction framer
• Interior systems installer
• Exterior systems applicator
• Renovator
• Door and window installer
• Concrete form worker
• Deck and porch designer/builder
• Junior construction site supervisor
• Junior estimator

The two-year Forestry Technician Ontario College Diploma program, delivered in a compressed format over 45 weeks, is the most hands-on and field-oriented program of its kind in Ontario. It prepares you to participate in the management of natural resources for timber and non-timber values by the forest industry, sustainable forest licence holders, private landowners and ministries.

Acquire experience in the planning, execution and monitoring of forest, environment, ecosystem and wildlife management activities.

Spend approximately one-third of your time outdoors, exploring a variety of landscapes such as forests, parks and private woodlots. Practise collecting, compiling and analyzing forest resource data while learning to make recommendations for its use.

Benefit from the opportunity to earn a minimum of 10 industry certifications. These are customizable and give you an advantage entering the workforce.

In your third semester, complete an 80-hour field placement. This gives you the opportunity to practise your skills in a real work setting.

With a Forestry Technician diploma, you may find entry-level work in the fields of:

• Tree marking
• Forest inventory
• Forest environment and ecosystem assessment
• Compliance monitoring
• Forest renewal
• Harvesting
• Parks and wildlife management
• Nature interpretation
• Arboriculture
• Bio-energy management

The Personal Support Worker Ontario College Certificate program prepares you for immediate work in healthcare. This two-term program provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to work as a care provider in a range of healthcare settings.

Develop the ability to engage with persons and families of various ages and health-related needs to promote healthy living. Learn how to assist clients with their daily personal care needs, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. In your career, you help those who need assistance to remain as independent as possible.

Through theory, lab practice and clinical/community experiences, learn how to:

• Deliver person-centered care
• Encourage independence
• Improve the quality of life for your clients

Participate in clinical experiences, where you focus on the various skills needed to succeed in the field. In these clinical placements, you demonstrate your knowledge and expertise and learn about applying different concepts to real-world environments. These clinical experiences provide you with the opportunity to continue working as a member of a healthcare team.

After graduating, you may find employment as a Personal Support Worker. In this role, you work under the supervision of Registered Nurses and/or Registered Practical Nurses in:

• Retirement homes
• Long-term care facilities
• Home care agencies, and
• Hospitals

The 42-week Early Childhood Education Ontario College Diploma program, prepares you to become an educator of children in a variety of early learning settings. Gain the knowledge and skills necessary to work with families and other professionals to support children`s learning and development.

This program provides you with the ability to create, implement and assess play-based curricula while building stimulating child-centred environments.

Benefit from both theoretical and hands-on learning opportunities. You have three field placements during the program that focus on children from birth to age 12. These real-world experiences allow you to integrate theory with professional practice in early learning programs.

You assist in providing guidance to children while planning, implementing and evaluating programs. Through your placements, you gain valuable hands-on skills and experience to help you understand the diverse roles, settings and responsibilities of an Early Childhood Educator.

Upon graduation, you are eligible to register with the College of Early Childhood Educators (CECE). Registration with the CECE is required to be eligible to work as an Early Childhood Educator in Ontario.