Certificate in Personal Support Worker

at Humber College North Campus Canada

Humber’s Hospitality - Event Management diploma program offers you the knowledge, practical experience, industry exposure and professional certification necessary to embark on an exciting and successful career as an event planning professional.

Our program provides comprehensive learning and training opportunities aimed at assisting students prepare for and transition to valued positions in the event industry including:

• On-site event management experience
• Guest lectures from industry professionals
• Field trips to local events and elite GTA event venues
• Networking at industry conferences
• Case studies to broaden knowledge of planning events locally, nationally and internationally

In the first semester of the program, you get immediate experience on campus working at a high profile event. And for the next two years, you will be thoroughly immersed in the world of special events via networking, volunteering and event execution opportunities. Students will be working in The Humber Room restaurant live lab for a full semester. Essential skills will be taught to prepare students for many different types of events.

Work Placement
Work experience is integral to developing a diverse and successful career in the event management profession. In this program, you will participate in a comprehensive seven-week work placement experience (280 hours) in your final semester before graduation. While on work placement, you will apply the knowledge and skills you have learned in the classroom to real event work in the field, network, and develop professional connections and relationships you will carry with you throughout your career.

In Humber’s Electromechanical Engineering Technician diploma program, you’ll learn how to support the engineering activities of manufacturers that rely increasingly on automation technology to maintain a competitive edge in the global economy. Develop skills in industrial automation, robotics, control systems, machining, hydraulics, pneumatics, safety, mechatronics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), electrical, programming, manufacturing process, and computer-control methods.

Complementing your technical education are the effective communications, problem-solving and interpersonal skills that add value to any team. Coursework reflects real-world demands through independent and co-operative study in practical environments, including experience with industrial size modern equipment. The industry-relevant curriculum is taught by faculty at the top of their fields, to provide you with the skills and knowledge employers are looking for.

From robotics to mobile devices to automobiles and food processing, our graduates make their mark on processing, packaging, power generation, mining, machine assembly, troubleshooting and testing, systems integration, application support, maintenance, component testing and assembly, automation programming, robotic maintenance and programming, and technical sales and services. Automation systems integrators are needed to build, troubleshoot, and maintain robotic and automated manufacturing cells, as well as mobile equipment. You will also find opportunities in purchasing, customer service, quality control and quality assurance.

Humber’s Bachelor of Health Sciences – Workplace Health and Wellness degree program is a unique honours degree program, the first of its kind in Canada. You will explore various industry-specific areas including the most current developments in evidence-based interprofessional practice.

This program is multi-disciplinary in nature, drawing from the fields of leadership; mental, physical, and psychological health; business and communication; and knowledge translation. All combined, students acquire the competencies to develop proactive, evidence-based workplace health and wellness programs and health promotion programs. You will develop the skills to promote employee health, workplace culture, employee engagement and retention.

Principles of equity, wellness coaching, diversity, ethical and legal practices, and knowledge translation are the foundation of your learning. A team approach to learning collaboratively is key and is emphasized in the classroom. 

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
• Evaluate determinants of workplace health and wellness in order to make evidence-informed decisions, which are supported by theoretical and practical knowledge of key health and wellness concepts.
• Employ appropriate methodologies for research, dissemination of information, program planning, implementation and renewal, problem-solving, interprofessional education and collaboration and project management.
• Apply ethical, evidence-informed strategies to develop and sustain inclusionary proactive and reactive practices, which support continuous improvements in workplace health and wellness.
• Communicate health and wellness messages effectively in a variety of traditional and innovative media modalities.
• Develop habits of mind, which demonstrate awareness of the scope and limits of professional practice.
• Demonstrate responsible leadership, accountability and effective collaboration, modeling the embodiment of personal and workplace health and wellness principles.

Work Placement
You will participate in one mandatory paid or unpaid work placement to gain 14 weeks of full-time professional work experience during the summer months between 3rd and 4th year. The placement will occur in diverse settings such as for-profit or not-for-profit enterprises, health and wellness consulting firms, governmental or educational institutions, or other health and wellness environments.

The experience will enhance the theoretical learning in the program, giving you hands-on skills. Work placement experiences might include successfully developing, evaluating and implementing a workplace health and wellness initiative; functioning as a member of a health and promotion team; working at a public health organization in knowledge translation; working in insurance companies and with workplace insurance claims; and health promotion within a long-term care facility.

Humber’s Media Communications diploma program is designed to meet industry demands within multi-faceted areas of the communications industry. Students graduate with a diverse range of marketable skills in photography, graphic design, web design and writing, social media, and videography.

In the program, you will learn how to:

• Be effective transmedia storytellers across multiple platforms
• Produce corporate video and audio for the web and other applications
• Design, write for and edit effective websites
• Shoot professional photographic images in both the studio and on location environments
• Create and edit content using current software applications such as Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Premiere Pro
• Learn how to establish, operate and market your business through a course in freelance and project management
• Research, write and design communications such as media kits, blogs and brochures

Courses are designed with industry input, ensuring you are learning current and relevant information in state-of-the-art labs from industry experts – people who know the trends and effective methods of communications.

The first semester of this program is shared with the two-year Advertising and Graphic Design diploma, the three-year Journalism advanced diploma, the two-year Advertising and Marketing Communications diploma, and the three-year Public Relations advanced diploma programs, allowing the flexibility to continue in any of these five programs in second semester.

Learning Outcomes

• Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:
  • Perform the duties, tasks and activities required of a media communications specialist in business, government and the not-for-profit sectors.
  • Research and gather information in print, audio and visual formats for communications’ products and strategies.
  • Analyze clients’ communications needs and implement solutions for business, government and the not-for-profit sectors.
  • Create audio, visual and print communications according to the client’s purpose and audience.
  • Design and create content for websites, using current software applications.
  • Capture, scan, download, save, store, and manipulate digital images using current software applications.
  • Produce corporate video and audio using current software applications.
  • Create and manage content for presentations at in-house meetings and media conferences.
  • Adhere to ethical and legal guidelines in communications practice.
  • Maintain professional relationships with business associates and clients.
  • Develop a portfolio of communications’ products and strategies for a variety of projects and audiences.

Work Placement
Students will participate in a mandatory work placement which takes place in the last semester of study. During that time, students hone their skills in professional environments, developing digital communication solutions. They build complete portfolios which, when they graduate, have them standing out from their competitors as corporate communications professionals.

Humber’s Landscape Technician diploma program is based on the principles of sustainability, conservation and environmental sensitivity. You’ll learn about landscape design and development, site construction, general horticulture, grounds maintenance, and related technologies through a combination of in-class studies and hands-on landscape training.

At Humber, we have exceptional facilities for landscape education. The Humber Arboretum, for example, is a 250-acre botanical garden centred on the west branch of the Humber River, surrounding Humber’s North Campus. It includes ornamental, woodland and wildlife gardens serving as a unique living classroom for plant studies, construction, arboricultural and horticultural skills. Our construction lab is housed in a weather-protected 8,000-square-foot facility which allows you to build full-scale structures such as decks, gazebos and retaining walls. Our computer labs use the latest in computer-aided design (CAD) software which enables you to prepare professional construction documents.

Humber’s Building Construction Technician diploma program is one of three stackable programs within the Carpentry-Construction group. Along with the Carpentry and Renovation Techniques certificate and the Construction Engineering Technology advanced diploma, the program introduces students to the carpentry trade, gives practical experience with trade regulations and with best practices. Students will be able to move from this diploma program into the advanced diploma program. Additionally, Humber’s Carpentry and Renovation Technician diploma and Industrial Woodworking Technician diploma offer additional pathways and laddering opportunities.

You will learn worksite health and safety practices in accordance with legislation and regulations; and how to review building plans and complete work in compliance with contractual obligations, codes, applicable laws, bylaws, standards and ethical practices. Coursework will include sustainability practices.

You will learn to produce project sketches and documents in accordance with project specifications, assist in the preparation of estimations and to safely operate tools. You will be well-prepared for all building stages - from site layout and footings to the application of interior and exterior finishes.

Optional Co-op

This program offers a co-op option. A co-op work term enables you to apply your skills and knowledge in a work environment and gain valuable, practical experience related to your program of study. You will learn new skills, learn about the world of work and meet people in your profession.

For students who are accepted into the program, one co-op work term will take place between Semesters 2 and 3. There are limited spaces in the co-op option. Therefore, you will apply for the co-op option during Semester 1 and be informed of the process by which to apply.  While co-op work opportunities are not guaranteed, as students are in a competitive job placement market, participating students will receive a wide range of services to help them find a co-op opportunity.

In Humber's Media Foundation certificate program, you will develop foundational knowledge and skills in digital media, communications, writing, and design, as preparation for further study in advanced media programs in Humber's Faculty of Media & Creative Arts. Your media training and in-studio work on media arts will thoroughly ground you in foundational theory, and you will use up-to-date, industry-standard software to create various media content. 

This program is designed with input from industry partners, and is taught by faculty with strong industry connections and experience who can give you valuable insights into the trends and realities of the media industry. In the first semester, you will develop strong skills for successful postsecondary learning while you are introduced to film studies, photography, communications and digital design. In your second and final semester, you will consolidate your general theoretical knowledge and practical skills in Visual Literacy and will build an area of focus by choosing four electives from Video Production, Script Writing, Audio and Video Editing, Television Studio Production, Media Communications, Image Capture, and Design for Media.

Designed for students who are new to postsecondary education and media, this two semester program will give you a broad understanding of what it is like to work in different sectors of the media industry, and will help you to develop a career focus in preparation for future learning and success in the workplace.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduate will:

• Develop concepts and ideas through ideation processes to form the foundation of creative projects
• Employ appropriate media hardware and software applications and techniques to create and edit media content for a wide range of platforms
• Create original and accessible photographs, designs, videos and audio files using various tools, techniques and processes
• Write creative media content using various styles for an identified audience and purpose that meets industry standard
• Present ideas, information and projects verbally to an audience
• Research using current and relevant strategies to find information inspiration for projects
• Incorporate researched information and opinions into presentations, reports and projects using consistent and complete citations
• Analyze visual and written media content in context to determine meaning, effectiveness, audience and purpose
• Reflect on one’s own knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to develop a personal educational and career plan that aligns with the practices of media industries in Canada
• Collaborate within a media team to meet project goals, deadlines, industry standards and professional expectations

Humber’s Graphic Design advanced diploma program develops creative and strategic designers who execute for a wide range of interactive media such as web and screen, user interaction, motion design and also traditional print products. While learning and mastering design concepts, you will generate creative solutions and produce visuals for effective multimedia communication. As you gain desirable knowledge and skills, you will be exposed to the many topics and tasks required in contemporary design work. You will become strategically and typographically skilled and master digital, editorial, interactive, information, motion and web design techniques. Additionally, relevant programming and entrepreneurship knowledge will round out a comprehensive skillset.

As part of our interaction and design common platform cluster, this program will expose you to many aspects of design and allow you to collaborate with students in related fields. The first semester is shared with the Multimedia Design and Development program, and the first year of this program is shared with the Web Design and Interactive Media program. Your exposure to different types of design work and common programming elements will enable you to investigate your options and choose a focus prior to your second year of study.

You will explore the many facets of graphic design and be instructed and trained on industry-based technology and software. Cross-disciplinary projects will allow you to develop collaborative and teamwork skills while preparing you for workplace environments. This program includes the unique opportunity to work with BuildingF, our in-house creative & business communications hub, working on real projects for clients while building your portfolio and professional contacts.

Humber’s Biotechnology diploma program prepares graduates with the transferable skills needed to build successful careers in a variety of biotechnology and research sectors. The program balances theoretical understanding with experiential practices in specific laboratory skills needed by employers. These practical components are the focus of the program and are developed and reinforced through an integration of practical laboratory experiences. Integrative laboratory projects are designed to simulate a real life experience through translation of theory to practice. The program provides a valuable specialization to students interested in life sciences programs without having to go elsewhere for practical laboratory skills training.

Students will benefit from:

• Laboratory skills development linked to industry demands
• Extensive applied/hands-on laboratory experience
• Simulated learning environments
• Integrative project work that links applied and academic fields (simulating real work experiences)
• Acquiring a recognized skill set applicable to a wide variety of employment opportunities
• A unique integrated approach
• Learning to operate laboratory equipment stable in the field of science and biotechnology
• Learning to adapt to the changing field and stay current

Humber’s Personal Support Worker certificate program gives you the skills you need for a career in this in-demand health-care field. Begin a rewarding career helping people in need such as the elderly, the chronically ill and people with physical disabilities.

The program is designed in collaboration with industry, ensuring you are learning current and relevant material. In this program, you will learn:

• The developmental stages across the lifespan, and the communication and interpersonal skills needed for effective client relationships
• The essentials of providing personal care, applying mobility techniques (lifting and transferring clients), and household management and safety
• Key issues of mental health disorders
• Skills in dealing with common medical conditions including facilitating rehabilitation exercises and assisting with medications

Through assisting individuals at a long-term care facility and in other settings, you will learn to recognize the physical and emotional changes of aging and illness, and become familiar with the restorative techniques used to maximize independence.

Work Placement

• Two unpaid work placements take place in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). In Semester 1, the practicum is completed in a controlled lab environment for six hours per week. This practicum is fully supervised by one instructor per group of approximately ten students. In Semester 2, the practicum is completed at a variety of agencies and facilities.
• The Semester 2 practicum is divided into two rotations over the 13 weeks: 160 hours in a long-term care facility and 120 hours in a community agency. Hours and number of days per week vary depending on the type of facility and shifts assigned; most range from seven to eight hours per day or evening. Students begin placement in the first week of January.
• Placements give you valuable first-hand experience which will serve you well when beginning your career.