Diploma in Personal and Developmental Support Services

at Sault College - Ste. Marie Campus Canada

Sault College and Humber College are partnering to offer an innovative opportunity for post-secondary learners. Beginning September 2021, the Colleges will co-deliver the Bachelor of Engineering - Mechatronics, allowing students to study at either Sault College – Sault Ste. Marie Campus or Humber’s North Campus. This collaboration strengthens opportunities for learners, particularly those in the North, to study in exciting and emerging fields while living closer to home.

The Bachelor of Engineering – Mechatronics discipline gives you hands-on experience with industry-standard advanced technology. You can choose from focused study in either robotics or embedded systems.  During the course of  the program, students will solve real industry and community problems and gain knowledge and skills in mechanical, electrical, electronics and computer engineering. Students use emerging and cutting edge  technologies in robotics, control, electronics, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), motors, mechanical components, digital and analog circuits, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), machine learning, modeling, simulation, embedded systems, and advanced manufacturing. Each of these themes provides theoretical knowledge alongside hands-on training to complement a systems-thinking approach to solving real world problems. 

In addition, this program provides an opportunity to work on industry-led projects through multidisciplinary capstone projects as well as applied research opportunities. Through these experiences, students apply the theoretical knowledge gained during their education to solve real industry problems, while improving their professional skills such as teamwork, communication, collaboration and problem-solving.

Are you interested in being part of a profession that works to improve the lives of individuals, families, groups and communities? Are you ready to learn through classroom and hands-on field placement experiences? Join us in the Social Service Worker program to develop your knowledge and skills to assume the challenging and rewarding role of a helping professional.

The core skills that you will learn in the program involve taking strengths-based, ethical, problem solving approaches that promote social justice and social well-being. You will develop strong interpersonal, group and community capacity building skills that will enable you to provide support to individuals, groups, families and communities. You will gain an understanding from a social work perspective of the needs and strengths of diverse populations, and barriers to meeting these needs. You will learn theories that are based on an anti-oppressive approach to social work, and that involved empowerment and systems based approaches. You will expand and deepen your understanding of the multiple factors involved in both creating and addressing social inequities. Throughout the second year of the program you will experience approximately 500 hours of agency field placement which provides the opportunity to apply classroom learning within a community based organization.

Program Outcomes
A graduate of the Social Service Worker Program at Sault College will reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Develop respectful and collaborative professional and interpersonal relationships that adhere to professional, legal, and ethical standards aligned to social service work.
• Record information accurately and communicate effectively in written, digital, verbal and non-verbal ways, in adherence to privacy and freedom of information legislation, in accordance with professional and workplace standards.
• Integrate a practice framework within a service delivery continuum, addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities at micro, mezzo, macro and global levels, and work with them in achieving their goals.
• Plan and implement accessible and responsive programs and services, recognizing the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families and communities, and meeting these needs.
• Examine current social policy, relevant legislation, and political, social, historical, and/or economic systems and their impacts for individuals and communities when delivering services to the user/client.
• Develop strategies and approaches that support individual clients, groups, families and communities in building the capacity for self-advocacy, while affirming their dignity and self-worth.
• Work from an anti-oppressive, strengths-based practice, recognizing the capacity for resilience and growth of individuals and communities when responding to the diverse needs of marginalized or vulnerable populations to act as allies and advocates.
• Develop strategies and approaches to implement and maintain holistic self-care as a member of a human service profession.
• Work with individuals, groups, families and their communities to ensure that service provider strategies promote social and economic justice, and challenge patterns of oppression, discrimination and harassment, and sexual violence with clients, coworkers and communities.
• Develop the capacity to work with the Indigenous individual, families, groups and communities while respecting their inherent rights to self-determine, and to identify and address systemic barriers that produce ill-effects, developing appropriate responses using approaches such as trauma informed care practice.

This advanced diploma expands on courses taken as part of the two year Natural Environment Technician curriculum. The Technologist designation earned through a third year of study takes learning to a new level. Students will participate in a number of legacy field projects related to Conservation and Management of natural resources. Study layout, data collection, analysis and reporting are the overriding elements of courses taught within this program. Students will hone their problem solving skills and work independently on unique projects in aquatic ecosystems, species at risk, invasive species and climate change.

Students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of related agencies through a field placement and legacy projects. This chance to network facilitates important industry connections and allows for real life contributions to natural resource management. Integration of technology is a crucial component, as GIS applications and other relevant software are fundamental to the third year. All of this is presented within a strong framework of sustainability, creating a foundation for an impactful career working in and with the Natural Environment.

Co-operative Education (Co-op)
Co-operative Education (Co-op) provides opportunities for you to learn beyond your classroom as you integrate relevant work
experiences into your academic studies. Co-op also lets you further develop life and employment skills while earning money.
You can also get a better idea of the career options available to you and build your network of contacts for future employment. Many employers prefer hiring co-op grads because of the applied learning they receive. We will prepare you for your summer work term and employment upon graduation.

Goals of Co-operative Education:

• Provide opportunities for students to learn and apply job search skills.
• Enable students to develop a network of employer contacts.
• Expose students to the realities of the workplace in their chosen field.
• Provide quality work experience where students can apply their knowledge and skills.
• Assist employers by providing well-trained, enthusiastic Co-op students.

If you`re interested in the trades but aren`t sure which area you would like best, this introductory program in Pre-Trades and Technology will give you the chance to sample different skills and backgrounds while giving you a solid foundational year in trades and technology. You will develop knowledge in areas such as welding, electrical, automotive, construction, millwright, machine shop and plumbing. The program is also appealing to those who may not have the high school courses required for admission into a technician or technology diploma program, or who meet the admission requirements, but would like to upgrade or explore a variety of vocations before choosing a focused area of interest.

Unique to the province of Ontario, the Sault College Advanced Repair program in Motive Power will provide you with thorough knowledge in the automotive sector as well as in the repair of trucks and heavy equipment.
Using high-grade, state-of-the-art equipment including the newest tools in the industry, faculty teach a wide breadth of knowledge to give successful graduates of our program an edge over other candidates.

Our College has two distinct fully-equipped shops in both the automotive and truck and heavy equipment areas, complete with highly advanced electronic diagnostic equipment as well as cutting-edge simulated repair and computer lab facilities to increase the ease and depth of learning.

The lay-out of our shops mimic the actual workplace environment, which helps graduates transfer their skills and learning experience to the real world. Further, we include parts and service and customer service components in our program along with a mock service counter facility that is fully integrated in our shop to practice what is needed to succeed after graduation.

Our Motive Power Advanced Repair program is one of only two schools in the province of Ontario that have a Canadian Forces endorsement for this trade. If you are considering a career in the Canadian Forces, you will have accelerated career opportunities through advanced standing as a Motive Power Technician after successfully completing the Sault College program.

Designed to prepare you for an exciting career working in the industry to repair a wide variety of cars, trucks and heavy equipment, as well as work with parts and service, this program will teach you how to analyze, diagnose and solve various motive power system problems by using problem-solving and critical thinking skills and strategies. We also provide each student with hands-on experience based on solid theoretical approaches that work.

In this way, you will gain the skills that employers seek by applying advanced knowledge of automotive, truck/coach and heavy equipment vehicle operation, components, and their interrelationships.

This eight-month program, unique in the province of Ontario, is designed for those who don`t have a business-related background or education, but recognize the importance of having key knowledge of business to enhance job prospects and for advancement in their careers. In only a few months, you will develop the skills in the key areas of management, marketing, accounting, finance, human resource management and other critical business-related functions, while earning a graduate certificate from a recognized post-secondary program. Most other college programs take two years to give you the level of study you will gain at Sault College in less than one. Business knowledge is recognized as a necessary piece of one`s portfolio when actively seeking exciting opportunities in the domestic and global marketplace. In today`s economy, employers seek what this program will provide you: the skills required to solve problems, make decisions, and perform a multitude of tasks, all with a strong foundation of what it takes to lead and succeed.

You’re good at connecting people and creating a buzz. This is what makes public relations your calling! The Sault College Public Relations and Event Management Program is unique in Ontario and will have employers eager to hire you as a professional with two in-demand skill sets.

During this in-class and experiential two-semester PR program you’ll learn successful public relations strategies, dynamic presentation skills, strategic communication techniques and in-depth training in media relations.

Plus through engaging event planning courses, gain expert instruction in online event planning, and fundraising for corporate and non-profit sectors.

There’s no doubt you’ll make waves in this field! As you earn your public relations diploma, gain real event management and PR experience through organizing events and executing campaigns for real clients – this is not your typical public relations college in Ontario. This program also includes a four-week Field Placement opportunity that enables students to apply their knowledge and skills with a local organization.

The Gerontology Certificate Program provides students with the knowledge and skills for not only understanding, but also successfully working with and on behalf of older clients.

Emphasis is on services for elders using a holistic, quality-focused and inter-professional approach aimed at reaching safe and optimal level of functioning. In addition, students will be provided the skill set to become leaders as elder-advocates.

This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is designed to bridge the economic, environmental and social issues that influence communities. Students will develop expertise, skills and knowledge in sustainable community and business development by participating in theory and practice in the field with a focus on the current needs and trends of sustainable societies, communities, and organizations.

This program introduces effective tools to bring collaboration, dialogue, environmental protection and resource stewardship to the social, ecological and economic implications of change in varying communities. Students will develop strategies influencing the elements of environmental health to address challenges faced in developing a sustainable society.

This graduate certificate program is geared to experienced internationally educated nurses holding a bachelor's degree in nursing. The program will support you in acquiring essential nursing knowledge and skills required to practice within the Canadian healthcare system, with a focus on caring for seniors throughout the continuum of care. You will learn from experienced nursing faculty in active learning environments.