Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human-Centred Design (Co-op)

at Algonquin College - Ottawa Campus Canada

The Police Foundations Ontario College Diploma program provides you with a foundational knowledge of the field of law enforcement. Curriculum includes both theory and applied lessons in policing - helping you prepare for the employment in industry. This program offers instruction in:

• Police powers and procedures
• Community policing
• Investigation processes
• Diversity
• thics, and
• Communication

While there is a strong theoretical aspect to this program, there are many opportunities for hands-on learning through in-class scenario situations and our fitness program. Outside the classroom, students are given opportunities for community volunteering and work integrated learning.

The program prepares you to apply for and be tested for employment in policing. As fitness is an important part of a career in law enforcement, you use an on-site fitness facility to prepare for physical fitness tests required by police departments. In addition to your work in our fitness facility, you establish and maintain your own exercise schedule .

There are a number of potential job opportunities for graduates of this program in areas such as:

• Municipal, provincial or federal police services
• Military police service
• Bylaw services
• Canada Border Services Agency
• Transit security
• Private or public sector security
• Correctional Services Canada
• Social services agencies
• Government of Canada
• Parliamentary Protective Services, or
• Commissionaires

Culinary Management is a two- year Ontario Diploma program that is curated to train the students to become professional chefs by putting a great emphasis on the advanced culinary skills, hands-on experience and managerial training. The curriculum includes courses on sanitation and safety procedures, food preparation, computer applications, the control of food costs, baking techniques, and nutrition and menu planning and the students are required to complete all the industry- related certifications to graduate. 

The students get multiple chances to participate in various activities, event s and competitions at the different hotels, restaurants and event facilities to develop their skills and knowledge. Students are required to complete a mandatory 40-hour field placement per term in order to graduate from the program.

The graduates of the program can seek employment in food preparation and service establishments like cafeterias, restaurants, senior care facilities, hotels, cruise ships or catering companies.

The Environmental Management and Assessment Ontario College Graduate Certificate program adds depth to your existing expertise in the environmental management and assessment field. Highly skilled and environmentally aware professionals are constantly being sought out by employers in the field. This program enhances your knowledge of environmental sciences.

Gain essential knowledge and skills by studying a range of disciplines throughout this program, including:

• Ecological conservation
• Project management
• Environmental policy and reporting
• Contaminant control
• GIS and environmental map design

Take courses in hydrology, environmental modelling and environmental policies. Courses are offered on evenings and weekends.

Field experiences throughout the program give you integrative skills that employers of this expanding field are looking for.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term. Please note that places in the co-op version of the program are subject to availability.

Graduates of this program may be employed in a number of fields including:

• Ecology research and reporting
• Water and wastewater monitoring
• Site assessments
• Cost proposals
• Pollution prevention and control
• Regulatory compliance
• Policy development

The two-year Office Administration - Executive Ontario College Diploma program prepares you for a rewarding career as an administrative professional in the public or private sector.

Develop essential skills through extensive applied practice in a simulated office in the areas of human resources, social media, office management, domestic and international travel, event planning and finance. Enhance your MS Office suite abilities through document production, transcription, desktop publishing, accounting practices, and database and project management.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Conduct oneself professionally and adhere to relevant legislation, standards and codes of ethics.
• Manage the scheduling, coordination and organization of administrative tasks and workflow within specific deadlines and according to set priorities.
• Coordinate the collection, analysis, distribution and response to communications in the workplace to facilitate the flow of information.
• Operate and provide support related to the use, maintenance and procurement of office equipment and technologies.
• Evaluate, establish and administer a variety of records management systems* to ensure confidential, secure, accessible and organized electronic and paper records.
• Produce financial documents and reports by identifying and compiling relevant information and using accounting software.
• Prepare and produce a variety of business documents using available technologies and applying industry standards.
• Use interpersonal, leadership and client service skills to respond to diversity and to support the vision and mission of the organization.
• Research, analyze and summarize information on resources and services and prepare summary reports with recommendations.
• Select and use information technologies to support communication with internal and external stakeholders and to promote the organization.
• Organize and coordinate meetings, conferences, special events and make travel arrangements, including the preparation of related documentation.
• Support the implementation of projects by applying basic principles of project management.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Students also have the option to gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term (See Additional Information for more details).

The one-year Human Services Foundations Ontario College Certificate allows you to explore career opportunities within human services and prepare for the most appropriate academic and professional pathway for you. Human services supports individuals, families and communities to attain a higher quality of life. As a student, you examine how different human services professionals collaborate to contribute to a better society.

In this program, you develop core skills that are common to all areas of human services, such as relationship building, team work and stress management. You increase your own awareness of issues of diversity and inclusion in Canada and how social issues influence human and community development. You develop a strong understanding of client and community needs, and the impact that systemic barriers have on marginalizing specific populations. This exploration empowers you to select a population group and industry that you would like to focus on. You develop academic skills and career planning skills to support you through the next stages of your academic study.

This foundational training provides students with an introduction to more advanced human services programs including, but not limited to:

• Child and Youth Care
• Social Services Worker
• Community and Justice Services
• Early Childhood Education
• Developmental Services Worker

The two-year Recreation and Leisure Services Ontario College Diploma program prepares you to pursue a career in a variety of supporting roles and leadership positions at culturally relevant recreation facilities, parks and in open spaces. In this program, you learn how to make a difference in the community by promoting and advocating for the benefits of recreation, leisure and healthy living.

Experience the fun, exciting and growing recreation and leisure services field. As a student, you complete more than 300 hours of field placement, which provides you with on-the-job training and active experience in the industry.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Develop, implement and evaluate inclusive recreation, leisure and wellness programs and events for individuals, groups and communities which respond to assessed needs, interests, abilities and that use available resources and incorporate best practices.
• Apply administrative and customer service skills to support the delivery of recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services.
• Analyze, develop and implement marketing strategies to reach diverse individuals, groups and communities for programs, events, services and facilities using current communication technologies.
• Contribute to the development of fiscally sustainable and responsible recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and services using current and relevant principles and practices of business, finance and social entrepreneurship.
• Supervise, lead and support the development of staff and volunteers involved with recreation, leisure and wellness programs, events and
• services.
• Apply safety and accessibility practices to the efficient operation and administration of recreation and leisure facilities and settings.
• Promote the benefits and values of recreation, leisure and healthy active living and recommend inclusive programs, events and services to individuals and groups.
• Apply community development strategies which engage citizens and community partners while advocating for healthy communities.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development as a recreation and leisure services professional.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

The two-year Motive Power Technician - Diesel Equipment and Truck Ontario College Diploma program, delievered in a compressed format over 42 weeks, prepares you to enter a variety of careers in the heavy equipment repair and service industry.

This program gives you a combination of hands-on skills and theoretical knowledge for the diesel equipment and truck repair and service industry.

Through a series of classroom-based courses and extensive practical labs, you learn skills specific to heavy trucks and diesel equipment, including

• shop procedures and safety
• vehicle maintenance and repair
• drivelines
• chassis
• operational principles of systems common to most diesel equipment and trucks
• fuel and electrical systems
• internal combustion engines

The Water and Wastewater Technician Ontario College Diploma program equips you with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage water and wastewater infrastructure. The water and wastewater management field has been subjected to increasingly rigid legislation, due to ongoing public health concerns. This program teaches you how to deal with the demands on water quality professionals. This condensed 42-week program allows you to complete a two-year diploma program in only three terms, making it an intensive, but rewarding experience.

Through a series of courses in advanced chemistry, biology and mechanical systems, you are able to make informed decisions in your day-to-day career. Learn how to:

• Prevent waterborne illnesses
• Manage industrial waste
• Operate off-site wastewater treatment units

Learn using theoretical and applied approaches, in labs and in the field. Using industry-standard equipment, you acquire the most up-to-date skills and knowledge possible.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Work independently and with others to conduct tests related to water and wastewater in the lab and field.
• Analyze and interpret test results for clients or supervisors.
• Provide mechanical and electrical maintenance management at various water and waste water facilities.
• Collaborate with individuals in testing and troubleshooting equipment at water and wastewater plant facilities.
• Make decisions based on an understanding of Ontario environmental legislation affecting wastewater treatment plants, scope and authority of certificates of approval, and owner/operator responsibilities.
• Collaborate on basic design concepts and operational techniques of industrial and municipal water treatment systems.
• Collaborate with others in providing emergency responses to plant issues.
• Contribute to the design of water supply pumping systems, pipe networks and distributed storage reservoirs.
• Develop and implement risk management strategies for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial waste.
• Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

The two-year Electrical Engineering Technician Ontario College Diploma program provides you with the essential knowledge and skills sought by employers in the industry. Develop skills in the design, installation, maintenance and repair of electrical systems from cable loops, phone and fire suppression systems to robotics and machinery.

Through a series of theory courses and extensive practical labs, you learn to use scientific and engineering principles, including:

• The foundation of electrical principles, codes and regulations
• How to design, install and troubleshoot electromagnetic controls, electrical machinery and programmable controllers
• The different instrumentation options available and the applicable use for them
• An understanding of robotics and controls as well as industrial telecommunications
• Critical thinking skills and an understanding of the environmental impact of technology
• AutoCAD and applications
• The different infrastructure requirements of distributed electrical systems or fire alarm system codes and standards, installation and maintenance
• Fundamentals of mathematics, calculus, technical communications for engineers, programming and computer applications
• Project management and leadership skills

This one-year General Arts and Science - Environmental Studies Ontario College Certificate program allows you to research and debate environmental issues on the global, national and local level. Topics include environmental citizenship, environmental ethics, sustainable development and ecology. Expand your knowledge about the environment and the impacts made by humans.

This program prepares you for further study, rather than moving directly into the chosen industry. You receive an Ontario College Certificate in General Arts and Science - One Year, with a concentration in Environmental Studies.

Upon completion, you are eligible to apply to other specific Algonquin College programs if you desire. These programs include:

• Forestry Technician
• Environmental Technician
• Water and Waste Water Technician
• Biotechnology - Advanced
• Outdoor Adventure Naturalist

You may also choose to continue your education in Year II of the General Arts and Science Ontario College Diploma program. After completion of Year II with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, you can apply for advanced standing at Carleton University or the University of Ottawa.

This program helps you expand your knowledge and choose your career path. You can enter the workforce and show that you have well-developed skills and a general understanding in a variety of topics. Completion of this certificate confirms to potential employers that you have the ability to learn at a post-secondary level.

Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, insight into both self and society.
• Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business
• and industry.
• Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem-solving techniques.
• Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
• Employ basic vocational skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).