Everyone is invited to stop by the Loyalist campus on Saturday, April 26th and experience the energy and excitement that make this College community such a positive and vibrant learning environment. Not only will visitors have the opportunity to talk with faculty and current students, they will also be able to tour the campus and ask questions regarding the wide range of student support systems available. Advice on financial assistance and ways in which their previous learning and work experience could be credited toward their selected program will be available.
Second Career is an Ontario government program that offers training for a new job, including financial support. It provides career planning and financial support specially designed to help laid-off Ontarians participate in long-term training for a new job. First-year Culinary Management student Michael Labossiere explains the impact that Second Career funding, and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR), have had on the direction his life is now heading.
“In 2001 I was in Loyalist’s first Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), following which I headed West and worked in the Lake Louise ski area and several restaurants in B.C.,” Michael explained. “From there I went to Northern Ontario as a first cook at Detour Gold Corporation for Domco Food Services.”
Although his employer was considering promoting Michael to the position of executive chef, there was an obstacle in the way – his lack of formal education and Red Seal Program certification. They were exploring ways to fast track his apprenticeship when Michael’s mother fell ill and he came home to care for her. Having returned to the area, he began exploring the possibility of enrolling at Loyalist and obtaining formal credentials within his field. Through PLAR he received accreditation and was able to go directly into the second semester in addition to qualifying for the Second Career Funding.
“Without this funding there is little chance that I would ever have enrolled in the Culinary Management program at my age,” he said. “I am very happy to have this opportunity. The knowledge that I am gaining with the hands-on training of my amazing professors is indispensable. It feels great to be back in school. Initially I was a little nervous but that quickly passed. The chefs are excited to pass on their experience and do so with a passion.”
Kelly Briggs, Coordinator of Children’s Separation and Reunion Programs at Trenton Military Family Resource Centre, received credit for 17 courses in the Social Service Worker program through PLAR. This resulted in her program being shortened by three semesters.
“Initially I approached Professor Mark Gallupe to ask if I would be able to take the program on a part-time basis,” said Kelly. “He encouraged me to consider PLAR. I feel opportunities like these break down the barriers for mature students. I know that I had strong skills but to have them recognized by the College is a wonderful validation. My family and employers have been very supportive and I feel so fortunate.”
Ulana Orrick was a stay-at-home mom running a home daycare and cake decorating business and is now a first-year student in the Fitness and Health Promotion program.
“I was able to apply PLAR for a few of my courses using past assignments and projects from a Recreation and Leisure Services program I had taken previously, as well as my work experience as the event coordinator for the Quinte Parents of Multiples,” Ulana explained. “I think these types of support are essential – especially as a woman who has taken time away from her career to raise her children. It was very difficult to find work after being a stay-at-home mom for nearly eight years. The opportunity to retrain is exactly what I needed.”
Questions about Second Career, PLAR and many other resources will be answered at the College Open House on Saturday, April 26th between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you are unable to attend, visit Come For a Visit to schedule a visit at a time that works for you.