Graduate Certificate in Computer Software and Database Development (Co-op)

at Lambton College - Sarnia Campus Canada

This accelerated program is designed to meet industry's future requirements for a skilled workforce. It provides the opportunity for a graduate with an Engineering Technology Degree, Engineering Degree, or Science Degree in Physics or Chemistry, to earn an advanced technical diploma in instrumentation and control within a shorter time frame than those registered in the Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology program. The accelerated program is delivered in seven terms including three recommended co-op terms. The standard three-year Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology program includes three co-op terms delivered in nine terms.

The program provides the theory and technical hands-on knowledge to operate, maintain and troubleshoot various control systems. These computer control systems can be used to control countless processes. Instrumentation devices (i.e. transmitters and switches) are used to measure process variables (e.g. composition, temperature, pressure, level, density, mass, flow) in a variety of industrial, commercial and residential applications. Final control elements (i.e. valves, dampers, heaters, electric motors, conveyors) are then used to modify the process to maintain control.

Students enrolled in this program will train in Lambton College’s newly renovated Centre of Excellence in Energy & Bio-Industrial Technologies. The Centre offers state-of-practice technology laboratories and infrastructure to support learning and research in next-generation technologies in collaboration with industry.The program labs replicate real-life manufacturing environments and the technologies developed can easily be scaled-up and transferred to an actual operating unit. Moreover, students in this program will have the opportunity to work in relevant industries within the three co-op terms.

Securing a Co-op
The job market for co-op is very competitive.  Students who have met the co-op eligibility are highly encouraged to actively participate in the recruitment process in the semester prior to their co-op work term. This includes, but is not limited to, attending all recruitment workshops, meeting with your program co-op advisor, regularly searching through the MyCareer Job Posting System and other job posting sites, networking; and contacting potential employers. The MyCareer Centre actively pursues employers, however there may be limited availabilities so students should seek out additional employers to secure their own co-op.

If a co-op position is not secured prior to the start of a co-op semester, students should meet with their program co-op advisor to discuss next steps.  Any student who secures their own position must contact their program co-op advisor prior to the start of employment to determine if this position is considered acceptable as a co-op and to complete the appropriate paperwork to register the co-op.  This is necessary in order for either the insurance to be put in place or for the employer to get a tax credit letter. For more information on securing a co-op, read the Co-operative Education and Internship Policy (2000-8-1).

Students enrolled in a co-operative education program pay a mandatory fee to cover the costs of employer relations development, job development, job-readiness preparation and co-op service administration. Payment of fees does not secure a co-op position.

This program is designed for those seeking challenge and responsibility, advanced technical skills, and are known for paying close attention to detail. Students will learn advanced administrative professional skills and professional business applications to achieve highly-skilled office careers.

Today's competitive global businesses require office professionals to be responsible, to manage the administrative tasks that support their fast-paced, dynamic office environments and to provide effective support to all levels of management. Employers need administrative professionals with exceptional computer skills using a wide variety of software programs, the ability to communicate professionally, the ability to provide excellent customer service, and the organizational expertise to keep the office running smoothly.

Students develop their technical skills including accounting, communication, interpersonal, social media and web management. With a wide variety of hands-on practical experience built into the program, and emphasis on business applications, critical thinking, event management and problem-solving, graduates of the Office Administration - Executive program are fully trained to meet the demands of today's evolving office environment. Students experience an active learning environment including an optional internship in Term 4 that provides up to 180 hours of practical office experience. Students also produce a professional portfolio and participate in a professional mock job interview.

In the 2018 Key Performance Indicators (KPI) survey, 100% of the students were satisfied or very satisfied that the Office Administration - Executive program developed their computer skills. Likewise, 90% of the students were satisfied or very satisfied that the program provided them with the knowledge and skills that were useful for their future career.

The Hairstylist program is offered over three consecutive terms, and provides students with a two-year Ontario College Diploma delivered in only 12 months. This pre-apprenticeship program includes 1,500 hours of hairstyling education: 510 hours of hairstyling theory and 990 hours of practice in hair cutting, styling, colouring and lightening, permanent waving, chemical relaxing and hair additions and trends. Students will also have the opportunity to study three general education courses.

A highlight and important aspect of the learning experience is the operation of the Salon & Spa at Lambton, a live practical lab where students practice hairstyling skills and salon business skills in preparation for salon management or ownership. Each week, students welcome clients into the salon and offer a variety of services. The array of services grows throughout the year as students develop their knowledge and mastery of hairstyling skills.

At any point, the student may be eligible to register at an apprenticeship branch of the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development as an apprentice to complete 2,000 hours of in-salon apprenticeship hours. Once both components, in-school and apprenticeship (in-salon) hours have been satisfied, graduates are able to write the provincial Certificate of Qualification Exam for an additional fee. Upon successful completion of this exam they become licensed hairstylists. 

The Cyber Infrastructure Specialist program is a two-year program where students gain highly marketable technical, business, and life skills in the Information Technology field. The program enables students to become proficient in the practices and techniques used in modern IT environments. Throughout the program, students will gain technical proficiency in Microsoft Operating Systems, Linux Operating Systems, virtualization technologies, server administration, disaster recovery, configuration of networks and network services, and security from a user desktop to enterprise systems. 

Students also receive valuable training in several business-related topics such as project management, communication skills, leadership, teamwork, and IT service management. Students bring all these skills together by working on Request for Proposals (RFPs) to provide solutions to common IT projects. 
This program creates a unique, stimulating learning environment in which students can safely master current workplace behaviour, resulting in a smooth transition from education to employment. Opportunities are provided to present creative technical solutions to solve typical IT problems. Instructional methodology across all courses integrate discovery - learning techniques, real-life scenarios, and hands-on applications. Students apply their acquired knowledge and skills to industry-based cases, and projects. This is done through several collaborative team projects and a co-op term. 

This program prepares students for success when studying to write industry certifications for CompTIA A+ (PC hardware), CompTIA Project+, Windows Operating System, Cisco CCNA, and ITIL. Certification requirements are listed at microsoft.com, PMI.org and comptia.org.

Co-op Info
Co-op students have the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace. Co-op placement opportunities help students gain valuable work experience that may assist them in finding permanent employment after they graduate. Students have access to our Co-op & Career Advisors who provide comprehensive co-op and career development services and resources for co-op students.

The Lambton College Biomaterials & Chemical Laboratory Analysis - Applied Science, Ontario College Graduate Certificate, two-year program provides focused, experiential education to meet the demands of the energy, advanced materials, cannabis and other natural health product industries. 

In this program, students study advanced concepts in chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics and mathematics applied to chemical analysis and complex problem solving in a hands-on laboratory environment.

Students conduct tests and develop solutions to problems in analyses of raw materials, products, or environmental samples, synthesize organic or inorganic compounds and prepare reports and technical documentation related to chemical analyses. Within the laboratory environment, graduates implement, coordinate and evaluate quality assurance and quality control procedures, in accordance with international and industry standards and government regulations. The program prepares students to analyze natural products, energy and advanced materials for quality and contribute to research and development.

This two-year program will prepare students for a profession that provides services and advocacy for individuals with a wide range of cognitive, physical, social, and emotional limitations. During the program, students will learn theoretical foundations and practical skills which will allow them to competently work through the therapeutic recreation process.

The practice of Recreation Therapy is based on the belief that play, recreation and leisure are essential to achieving an individual’s optimal health and sense of wellbeing which leads to improved quality of life. Through the development of meaningful goals and objectives individuals working in the field of Recreation Therapy will use recreation as a therapeutic tool to improve health and restore wellness.

Through volunteering, field placements, and a variety of community experiences, students will receive valuable hands on experience. These experiences will provide students with the opportunity to further develop their skills in the areas of assessment, program development, planning and evaluations. In addition, students will have the opportunity to receive additional specialized training while enrolled in the Recreation Therapy program, such as Gentle Persuasive Approach and Mental Health First Aid.

In this multi-disciplined program, students in the Lambton College Facilities and Property Management, Ontario College Graduate Certificate utilize existing related education or experience to learn and apply a variety of skills to help operate, administer and manage facility and property operations. In this program, students study the skills and knowledge associated with facility and property administration, including land use, property evaluation, financing, site administration and maintenance and owner/management relations. Students develop a foundation of business skills, including communications, accounting, human resources, relationship managing and marketing strategies that apply to the property facility and management industries of today.

Co-op Info
Co-op students have the opportunity to apply classroom learning to the workplace. Co-op placement opportunities help students gain valuable work experience that may assist them in finding permanent employment after they graduate. Students have access to our Co-op & Career Advisors who provide comprehensive co-op and career development services and resources for co-op students.

The Massage Therapy program at Lambton College is well-known provincially and nationally for producing highly qualified and successful Massage Therapists! Graduates of the Lambton College Massage Therapy program perform extremely well at the Provincial Registration exams year after year. In fact, in 2017 85% of the graduates successfully completed the registration exams to become Registered Massage Therapists in Ontario. Lambton College's advanced diploma program will equip students with the academic knowledge, hands on skills, and experiential learning opportunities needed to succeed as a regulated health professional. 

The Massage Therapy program is offered in the new state-of-practice NOVA Chemicals Health & Research Centre that is fully equipped with the latest industry standard technologies.

Lambton College Massage Therapy students will be surrounded by experienced professional faculty and will also get the opportunity to develop their skills in the community with a variety of diverse populations. Graduates of the Lambton College Massage Therapy program have amazing opportunities to pursue University degrees if they choose to take advantage of the many transfer or articulation agreements that exist. 

Many industries, ranging from construction and manufacturing to energy and health care are seeking specially trained workers to support and promote healthier workplaces. The Workplace Safety & Prevention Technician program is uniquely designed to assist students in identifying, assessing, and managing risks in a variety of work environments. Graduates can expect to attain the competencies required to effectively implement and evaluate health and safety systems in occupational settings.

Program curriculum will define health and safety objectives and students will develop corresponding policies and procedures. Emphasis is placed upon the understanding of legislation and recognizing, preventing and evaluating workplace hazards. Students will also develop the skills necessary to identify and report on safety and health conditions in a workplace. 

Graduates will be able to conduct risk assessments and hygiene tests to prevent hazards and harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general public. These graduates may find employment in a variety of industry sectors as safety inspection, auditing, risk management, emergency management, environmental management, and human resource management roles.

The 280-hour field placement prepares students to work with employers to address workplace health and safety. Students will be directly exposed to people, protocols and technology with a focus on injury and disease prevention in the workplace. Program curriculum prepares students for placement in a variety of occupations including all major employment sectors and within the public sector. Students will apply skills and knowledge to anticipate, evaluate, and control a variety of health risks including chemical, biological, physical, and psycho-social related hazards.

Looking for a program that leads to a rewarding career in accounting, that challenges students to develop valuable critical thinking and analytical skills, and has an option for a simple pathway to a university degree – then the three-year Business Administration – Accounting program is definitely the right fit for you! This program can lead to various pathways to professional accounting credentials that can be beneficial to career development and advancement. Graduates of this program pursue careers as managerial accountants, financial analysts, tax professional, auditors and small business controllers.

Students in this program receive a well-rounded and thorough education in important aspects of business such as human resources, law and marketing in addition to the comprehensive accounting courses taught by Lambton's accounting faculty who bring a wealth of industry experience and all hold the Chartered Professional Accountants designation. There is a focus on developing strong communication, planning, teamwork, and analytical skills while studying accounting theory and practice, financial statement analysis, cost management and control, taxation, and computerized accounting systems.

Experiential Learning Opportunities 
Because practical work experiences are vital, students are given the option to participate in a co-op work experience in term 5. This provides exposure to a business environment and valuable work experience in the accounting field. In the final year of the program students utilize all their knowledge, skills, and abilities gained over the duration of their program in the Entrepreneurship capstone courses. Through a series of culminating reports and presentations, students showcase their knowledge, skills and abilities to corporate partners who provide feedback and enhance this experiential learning opportunity.