Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems - Applications Specialist

at Sault College - Ste. Marie Campus Canada

Want to contribute to conserving and protecting our natural environment? Are you interested in learning how natural ecosystems function and interact? Do you want a rewarding career carrying out work leading to the sustainability of natural resources?
If you answered yes, this is the program for you. Our team of experienced Natural Environment faculty can teach you the skills you`ll need to gain meaningful employment in the rapidly expanding environmental sector.

Students will study the natural environment and learn to understand how ecosystem components interact together. You`ll be taught how to identify organisms including birds, fish, mammals, insects, fungi, plants and trees. The physical parts of ecosystems are critically important to their function, so emphasis will be placed on understanding the climatic and geological forces that have shaped the land. Courses in forest soils and aquatic resources will provide students with knowledge of these processes.

The focus of this program will be on teaching field skills and techniques which are essential for the inventory, evaluation and monitoring of natural communities. Practical field training will be provided to teach navigating in wild areas using compasses and GPS, and using canoes, motorized boats, ATV`s and snowmobiles for back country transportation. You`ll also learn the latest techniques to monitor and measure natural resources.

The location of Sault College makes it ideal for this program. The rugged natural wilderness of the Algoma Highlands and Lake Superior provide unlimited opportunities for outdoor activity. While classroom lectures and labs provide the theoretical background for the program, much of your time will be spent outside doing hands on applications of what you`ve learned. A critical appreciation of ecosystem function within urban environments will also develop, as students learn of the capacity of the natural environment to solve common urban issues.

Numerous Natural Resource agencies make Sault Ste. Marie their home (e.g., Ontario Forest Research Institute, Great Lakes Forest Research Centre, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Sea Lamprey Control Centre, and Invasive Species Centre). The city is also touted as the renewable energy capital of Canada. With the opportunity to visit a variety of local sites, students learn how natural resources are assessed and utilized to provide clean energy. At the core of these projects are the natural heritage assessments and ongoing monitoring that contribute to long term sustainability. Students will apply a variety of technologies in this important effort to mitigate climate change, yet ensure an energy rich society.

Graduates of this 2 year program are encouraged to continue their studies in the Natural Environment Technologist program though a technician diploma may be awarded after 4 semesters. Students may have the opportunity to be involved in applied research projects. Please see the `Applied Research Centre` section for more information relating to the Sault College Applied Research Centre.

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.

It may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but robots are replacing jobs! Over the next 10 years, nearly half of the Canadian workforce could be affected by automation.

The growth of automation means a growing industry in solution-driven product design, development and testing. We know you’re ready to change the future of industries. The Robotics and Automation program will have you thriving in a changing workforce. Gain knowledge, specialized expertise and professional skill related to robotic applications and automation. Use a state-of-the-art laboratory to simulate a manufacturing environment and put your ideas into action to solve real-world problems.

The Electrical Engineering Technician – Process Automation program provides practical knowledge of electricity and electronics. As a graduate of the technician program, you will be able to install, test, modify, troubleshoot, and repair electrical systems. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to evaluate, analyze, design, and develop those same systems!

Our state-of-the-art Electrical Engineering labs boast the latest equipment including Rockwell PLC 5000’s, ABB Robots, Rockwell Powerflex DC Drives and so much more! Plus, learn from and gain valuable insights from experienced instructors who have worked in many industrial settings (we kind of think of them as mentors).

The Personal and Developmental Support Services program at Sault College will prepare you for the various challenges and experiences that are part of the expanding health care and community settings.

The faculty and staff at Sault College are ready to assist you in preparation to become a successful graduate in these dynamic environments. The Personal and Developmental Support Services program is based upon various components: the person, health, caring, holistic wellness, respect, inclusivity, and support work. These components will prepare you for the role of assisting clients and families to achieve and maintain an optimal quality of life. To reflect these beliefs, Sault College has developed a holistic and evidence-based program that incorporates the required knowledge, theory, values, and hands on skills to be successful within the various settings in healthcare and the community.

When you have completed the Personal and Developmental Support Services program at Sault College, you will be able to work with clients across the lifespan in settings such as long term care facilities, hospitals, private agencies, retirement homes, home care settings, boards of education (special needs children), palliative care settings, senior citizen recreation centres, respite settings, and group homes. This program will provide you with a lifelong and rewarding career. Some students choose to use it as a foundation to further their learning.

In 8-months obtain a Business Fundamentals Certificate to enter the workforce faster or to discover your unique interest in Business by exploring the possible pathways and subject areas that lead into a 2 and/or 3 year Business program.

Join our well-respected Professors as you explore human resources, accounting, marketing and business principles and concepts toward a greater understanding of the world of business. Students will have access to curriculum that integrates the use of current technologies and innovative software in a look into the real world of business to give you an edge to succeed.

Sault College`s unique geographic location, bordering the United States, allows us the opportunity to provide a global perspective to the important study of business. You can rest assured that the Business Fundamentals program will provide you with a unique set of skills that are in increasing demand and highly regarded by the business community. At Sault College, preparing you for a successful career is Our Business.

Program Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Identify factors that have an impact on an organizations business opportunities.
• Explain the impact of corporate sustainability*, corporate social responsibility and ethics on an organizations business initiatives.
• Use current technologies to support an organization`s business initiatives.
• Apply basic research skills to support business decision making.
• Perform basic accounting procedures and financial calculations to support the operations of an organization.
• Describe marketing and sales concepts used to support the operations of an organization.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Outline the functional areas of a business and their interrelationships.

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 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.

The Mechanical Techniques - Industrial Maintenance (Millwright) program is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in mechanical trades. It provides you with a solid foundation in mechanical skills and the hands-on aspects of the trade, including such things as blueprint reading, operating hoisting and lifting devices, and installing and troubleshooting various systems. As a graduate of this program, you will also gain practical skills in the use of shop equipment and precision-measuring instruments to support the production and repair of components in a mechanical environment. Industrial mechanics (millwrights) are often sought-after to work in manufacturing plants, with utilities, and other industrial organizations maintaining, repairing, and installing equipment.

The Mechanical Techniques - Machine Shop program is designed to provide you with a solid foundation in the use of shop equipment and precision measuring instruments.
After only one year of study, you`ll receive an Ontario College Certificate in Mechanical Techniques - Machine Shop.
The Mechanical Techniques - Machine Shop (Machinist) program is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in the use of shop equipment and precision measuring instruments. As a student of this program, you will gain knowledge and hands-on skills with a wide variety of equipment including lathes, milling machines, and grinders, as well as precision measuring instruments, to support the production and repair of components in a mechnical environment.

Program Outcomes
A graduate of the Mechanical Techniques Program at Sault College will reliably demonstrate the ability to:

• Complete all work in compliance with current legislation, standards, regulations and guidelines.
• Contribute to the application of quality control and quality assurance procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
• Comply with current health and safety legislation, as well as organizational practices and procedures.
• Support sustainability best practices in workplaces.
• Use current and emerging technologies to support the implementation of mechanical and manufacturing projects.
• Troubleshoot and solve standard mechanical problems by applying mathematics and fundamentals of mechanics.
• Contribute to the interpretation and preparation of mechanical drawings and other related technical documents.
• Perform routine technical measurements accurately using appropriate instruments and equipment.
• Assist in manufacturing, assembling, maintaining and repairing mechanical components according to required specifications.
• Select, use and maintain machinery, tools and equipment for the installation, manufacturing and repair of basic mechanical components.

This Ontario College Certificate program is intended for students interested in improving their English language skills in order to pursue a diploma program at the post- secondary level at Sault College. This program is for students who don`t currently meet the College`s English Proficiency requirements, but who have some English proficiency (i.e., minimum average 4.5 IELTS or equivalent).

This program would allow students to familiarize themselves with Sault College`s campus and college life, upgrade their English skills by practicing oral and written communication skills, and understand the college`s expectations regarding academic integrity, managing course work and navigating college life.

Emphasis is on building academic oral and written communication skills. Students will learn through interactive classroom and community-based activities.

Program Outcomes

• Critically read and analyze a variety of academic texts from a range of subjects at the level required for postsecondary studies.
• Communicate competently, showing flexibility and clarity of thought and expression.
• Conduct research and write essays to ensure success in post-secondary studies
• Develop a sense of personal and social responsibility through the examination and evaluation of various aspects of our changing society.
• Develop and apply skills an