Certificate in General Arts and Science - Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option

at Fleming College - Frost Campus (Lindsay) Canada

The Outdoor and Adventure Education diploma program blends the development of people skills with the technical skills of outdoor pursuits, a dynamic combination that allows graduates to thrive in outdoor education and recreational settings. The program utilizes an experiential learning approach to teaching, allowing students to graduate with a solid resume of outdoor field experiences, certifications as well as other important skills such as facilitation, nature interpretation and adventure-based education strategies.

Trained outdoor leaders and facilitators offer safe, fun and educational outdoor programs and activities. These unique opportunities enable individuals or groups to stretch themselves physically, emotionally and socially in a supportive atmosphere. During this program, you will:

Improve your technical outdoor skills by participating in field courses such as, rock climbing, Nordic skiing, mountain biking, backpacking and bush craft.
Obtain certifications such as ORCKA Flat Water Canoeing Tandem and Solo, Certified Hike Leader, Wilderness First Responder, Ice Safety and Royal Lifesaving Bronze Cross.
Take courses covering diverse subjects including trip planning, risk management, trails design and construction, customer service and leadership.
Improve technical skill competencies in wilderness navigation, menu planning and cooking as well as knots, weather predicting and back country camping.
Increase your nature-based identification skills and improve your ecological and environmental awareness.

Ecological Restoration is an emerging discipline that focuses on assisting the recovery of degraded, damaged or destroyed ecosystems.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Become a leader in the Science of Hope. Make your stand in the green revolution by helping to restore our natural environment for present and future generations.

• The collaborative Ecological Restoration program developed by Trent University and Fleming College provides a bold and innovative solution to this challenge. The program:
  • Is interdisciplinary with a foundation of science-based curriculum.
  • Is broad-based so that you will develop an understanding of the big picture - and comprehend ecological principles that can be transferred to any ecosystem and adapted to any project.
  • Was designed to improve traditional college students' access to a university degree.
  • Is integrated to combine applied learning, field skills and experience with theoretical and scientific knowledge and principles from day one.
  • Provides opportunities for field camps, field courses and a capstone course.
  • Encourages and supports students who seek out internships and international opportunities.
  • Offers a unique combination of college and university cultures - the best of both worlds.

ADVANTAGES OF THE ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION JOINT DIPLOMA/DEGREE
Through the collaboration between Trent and Fleming, faculty, teaching, field study courses, applied projects and resources are shared over the four years of the program.

• This integrated introduction to both academic cultures will prepare you for the transition from Fleming to Trent.
• The program is carefully designed so that you will truly understand the connections, relevance and fit between courses in the program of study.
• Both institutions are renowned for their environmental focus and commitment to providing support for students to achieve success.

You will begin this adventure by spending two years at Fleming College’s School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences in Lindsay. This School has a 40-year history of preparing graduates for employment in the environmental sector. Here, you will build on your science, math and communications skills while also practicing ecological restoration through field courses and project work. Please note, the Restoration Ecology overnight field camp takes place two weeks prior to start up of semester 3 and provides students with the opportunity to further develop hands-on skills in ecosystem restoration.

Your next two years will be at Trent University in Peterborough, home to one of the first environmental programs to be established in Canada. At Trent, you can choose to either build towards a specialization, or continue to balance theory and practice in a more broad-based degree program.

Since this is an innovative diploma/degree model that infuses elements of both the college and university experience throughout the four-year years, you will not obtain your college diploma at the completion of your two years at Fleming College. Instead, you will graduate at the end of four years with both your Ecological Restoration Technician college diploma and university degree in Ecological Restoration. (The distance between Fleming College's campus in Lindsay and Trent University in Peterborough is 45 kilometres, or about a 45-minute drive.)

Our School offers the only college program in Canada providing training in Drilling, and we are the only program in the world offering training in so many of the different types of drilling. Numerous sectors rely on drilling skills, so this program opens doors to huge opportunities, many employers, and options to choose which field of drilling you will focus on. Our grads are in high demand. Every year, national and international employers recruit at our on-campus job fairs, and many of our students have employment offers before they graduate.

Currently, these fields offer employment opportunities for drilling careers:

• Construction Drilling and Blasting
• Geotechnical Drilling
• Environmental Drilling
• Water Well Drilling
• Resources Drilling, including minerals and oil and gas exploration
• Horizontal Directional Drilling

In our program, you'll learn the foundational theory, techniques and methods relating to each of these types of drilling, with an emphasis on safe working practices, while you learn to operate a full range of drilling equipment hands-on.

OPTIONAL CO-OP
Students entering the program in September may apply to participate in an optional paid co-op. The deadline to apply is at the end of November, where students must submit an Application Form (including a resume) to the Co-op Office. Students must achieve a 70% (2.5 GPA) average, and pass all courses in Semester 1 in order to be enrolled in the Co-op Option. Students who are accepted will participate in a Career Preparation course, and will do their co-op between semesters 2 and 3. The Co-op Option provides the opportunity to:

• Integrate classroom learning with work-based learning
• Explore the variety of careers available in the field
• Network for future job opportunities

The Co-op Option is not available for students who begin the program in January, as they attend classes over the summer.

WHY ARE DRILLING SKILLS IN DEMAND?
People may assume that resources drilling, such as for minerals and oil and gas exploration, is the sector where most graduates find work. In fact, there are numerous types of drilling required for a variety of industries and projects, with excellent job prospects:

• Geotechnical Drilling is required before any large construction project can begin. This involves subsurface investigations to evaluate property for infrastructure development, drilling for soil samples, determining soil type and depth, and ground conditions.
• Construction Drilling includes drilling foundations and anchoring piles for bridges, roadwork, or for any large building or development.
• Environmental Drilling involves obtaining samples of soil and groundwater, to control or remediate contaminants. Sites such as fuel service stations, landfills, mining operations, or abandoned infrastructures are examined, to either monitor or to reclaim the land for other purposes.
• Drilling skills are essential for water well design, installation and monitoring.
• Horizontal Directional Drilling is used to drill underneath structures such as roadways, foundations, or other properties, or beneath lakes, rivers or streams. The goal is to create a below-ground conduit, providing a transportation solution for waterlines, electrical lines, pipelines, or fibre-optic cables, for example.
• Geothermal Drilling, to install geothermal heating or cooling systems, is another growing field.

THE SKILLS YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
Our well-rounded program provides the courses and hands-on experience you need to begin a career in this exciting and varied sector. A full 80% of the program consists of practical learning sessions - in our state-of-the-art, on-campus Parnham Training Centre, and off-campus in the field. You'll also be challenged to think on your feet and use your problem-solving skills.

• You'll work on a full range of drilling equipment in our five service bays.
• Four specially equipped classrooms/labs feature everything from a drilling simulator to hands-on drilling activities.
• Course work includes an introduction to emerging fields, such as the geothermal industry.
• You'll get industry recognition for your studies. Our grads are exempt from taking the mandatory Ontario Ministry of the Environment 10-day Water Well Constructed Course. (Ontario Regulation 903 requires successful completion of this training for new well technicians.)

WHY CHOOSE FLEMING

• Our unique program offers a rare combination of technical training, theory and hands-on experience. Due to our strong connections with the industry, and our geographical location, the program is well positioned to place graduates throughout North America and globally. Employers know our grads have a good foundation of theory and practice, as well as excellent transferrable skills to draw upon for any challenge in the workplace.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Following your first semester, you'll begin to explore specialized training in drilling. As mentioned, you'll spend most of your time in labs or field classes, putting your education to work and refining your skills. You'll also take part in field assignments in local quarries and job-related activities. Practical experience in semester four is subject to a criminal records check as required by field placement site management.

The two-semester Blasting Techniques Ontario College Certificate is the only program of its kind in Canada. This is a highly practical, hands-on program, in a rapidly growing industry.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Fascinated by the explosives industry? Do you like to work outdoors, and in challenging environments? If so, you may be interested in exploring a career as a blaster. With our well-developed connections with industry and our specialized resources and drilling compound, students get the hands-on training necessary for their career in blasting.

• Blasters fill blast holes with explosives and detonate them to dislodge coal, ore, rock, or aggregate, or to demolish structures.
• Blasters are employed by construction, mining, and drilling and blasting companies, as well as in the special effects industry.
• You will focus on three types of explosive cuts, and incorporate a wide range of skills in science, mathematics, and communications.
• Courses include explosives, blasthole drilling, blasting theory, blast design, geology, safety and accident prevention, and environmental issues.

You will spend much of your time in labs, field classes and field assignments, and refining your skills in our state-of-the-art drilling and blasting training centre.

WHY CHOOSE FLEMING

• Fleming's Blasting Techniques certificate has several advantages upon completion:
• You will have common core training as a Surface Miner as required by the Ministry of Labour to enter most blasting sites.
• Upon graduation, you will have the option of certifying with the International Society of Explosives Engineers (ISEE) in Quarrying, Basic Construction Blasting, and the Fundamentals of Blasting (Level One).
• Another option upon graduation is to expand your career and job opportunities by continuing at Fleming College in the Resources Drilling Technician diploma program, with direct entry into the program's second semester (subject to availability).

The Sustainable Agriculture program is designed for new farmers seeking an intensive, applied learning experience in sustainable, ecological or natural farming methods.

Program Highlight
Throughout the Sustainable Agriculture program you will:

• Learn from experienced farmers and practitioners in class, on farm field days, and during panel discussions.
• Develop your own business case and farm plan.
• Focus on the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture and small farm operations and viability.
• Enjoy a highly interactive learning environment.

Co-op Experience
The 16-week, on-farm, co-op experience over the summer creates opportunities for specialization. Previous co-ops have included national and international farm locations as well as work with urban food advocacy groups and farmers.

Electrical Power Generation technicians install, maintain and test electrical power generation units, and typically work for servicing companies that maintain power supply. It's a specialized field and the job market for qualified technicians is strong.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
The specialized, intensive Electrical Power Generation Technician diploma program will prepare you to install, maintain, test and service electrical power generation units up to 10,000 kilowatts used for emergency power, standby power and prime power generation, in compliance with regulated standards. The job market for qualified specialists in the electrical and alternate power generation field is strong and growing, due to supply shortages, climate disruptions and the increase in energy demands. Power generator systems ensure consistent power generation in response to unreliable electricity grids or when traditional hydroelectricity is unavailable.

Employment opportunities include working with generator companies that sell and service equipment for mining and aggregate production industries, the construction industry, manufacturing plants, hospitals, hotels and large buildings that require a continuous source of portable, standby and emergency power. The operation and maintenance of these generators is a highly specialized field that requires specific training. Upon successful completion of this program, you will have acquired this expertise and will receive an Ontario College Diploma in Electrical Power Generation at the Technician level.

You will take the same program of study as the Heavy Equipment Techniques certificate during the first three semesters. Most of these courses are common to both areas of study. The second (summer) semester is a paid co-op. The fourth semester focuses intensively on the skills required to work in the field of electrical power generation.

Electrical Power Generation Technician students will have the opportunity to write 3 Levels of the Heavy Equipment Technician Exemption Common Core tests. Successful completion of the three examinations (70% minimum) will satisfy all in-school apprenticeship requirements for completion of a 421A Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprenticeship.

WHY CHOOSE FLEMING

• The Centre for Heavy Equipment Technology at Frost Campus in Lindsay is the only one of its kind in Canada.
• The Centre is known for its up-to-date equipment, extraordinary hands-on learning opportunities, high industry employment rates, and skilled, knowledgeable faculty.
• The opportunity to acquire two specialized, in-demand skill sets, through a certificate in Heavy Equipment Techniques, and a diploma in Electrical Power Generation, will provide you with a unique, comprehensive and powerful combination of expertise when it comes to your job search.

2 years at Fleming College + 2 years at the University of New Brunswick = 1 unique opportunity to earn a college diploma and a university degree in just 4 years. Or graduate after two years with your diploma and get a head start on your career.

With the unique Urban Forestry Technician program you can make a difference, focusing on the conservation and sustainability of our urban forests and green spaces.
Urban forestry focuses on the care, protection, and maintenance of trees, forests and green spaces in towns and cities. It's caring for "the green in the gray."

As an urban forestry technician, you will require technical, applied skills, but you will also need the ability to work with people and communities. Your work will involve balancing, integrating, and linking the social, economic, environmental, and conservation-related issues associated with the urban forest and community spaces.

This unique 2 + 2 program blends applied and multidisciplinary skills to prepare for the demands of this emerging field. Professionals are needed who can communicate effectively with the public, understand and interpret legislation and policies, and have a broad perspective on planning and conservation. Upon graduation, you will be able to:

• Identify and appraise a wide range of species in the urban forest
• Maintain safe and healthy trees by applying principles of tree anatomy and physiology
• Recommend appropriate arboriculture practices
• Use a range of GIS tools and spatial technologies to collect, analyze and model the characteristics of urban forests
• Understand soil characteristics, watershed dynamics, and wildlife habitats that contribute to urban forest ecosystems
• Safely operate, maintain and troubleshoot equipment
• Demonstrate and advocate for an integrated approach to urban forestry management
• Interpret legislation, regulation and policies relating to urban forestry
• Plan, budget and implement business practices associated with the urban forestry practitioner
• Apply practices and principles of urban forest management in an ethical and professional manner.

You will complete three university-level courses (Communications, Math and Introductory Chemistry) during your diploma program at Fleming College, providing an opportunity to determine if pursuing a degree in this field at university is the right choice for you.

The General Arts and Science – Environmental and Natural Resource Studies Option is designed specifically to prepare students for entry into one of our School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences diploma programs.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Upon successful completion of this two-semester certificate program, you will receive credit for all Common First Semester courses and entrance directly into semester 2* of one of the following programs in the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences:

• Ecosystem Management Technician
• Environmental Technician
• Fish and Wildlife Technician
• Forestry Technician
• Resources Drilling and Blasting

You will also be eligible for entry to semester 1 of the Urban Forestry Technician Co-op program.
Discover your options while you discover nature. Explore the campus. Learn hands-on ecosystem skills and the wider world of ecology and the environment to prepare you for your environmental or natural resources sciences diploma program. Belong to a field crew in a camp setting while you learn outdoor skills. Prepare yourself with courses in math or chemistry. Study computing and communications, to build skills set for a successful future. The program will enable you to:

• Discover and explore the programs and related career fields within the School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences
• Get to know yourself better and make an informed choice about your career path
• Learn more about the natural world we live in
• Develop field skills and improve your academic and vocational skills
• Gain confidence and a head start on your college diploma program 

TRANSFER AGREEMENTS
You may be able to use credits obtained at Fleming College to continue your postsecondary education in pursuit of a degree. The articulation and credit transfer agreements with our partner institutions

The Geographic Information Systems Application Specialist is the "wizard" who provides technical expertise to produce effective and useful plans and project reports through the applied use of technology.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
GIS Application Specialists help various agencies and government do effective planning to manage all aspects of the environment and community life. For example, you might work on natural resources, agriculture, or community health projects. You'll be collecting information, and then distilling it to be put into a form that specialists and technicians can use.

• In this post-graduate, intensive GIS program you will use current, high-end technology tools to collect, store, manipulate, analyze, interpret, and communicate geographic information within a variety of disciplines.
• Fleming's leadership in this field has been recognized by industry, government and business through their support in establishing the Geomatics Institute at Fleming.
• These outstanding partnerships offer students access to the latest computer hardware, software, data resources and field technology used in the industry today, as well as unprecedented learning and employment opportunities.
• You will have plenty of opportunities to practice your skills in a work-like setting, with a student to computer ratio of one-to-one.

As an Environmental Technician, you will work to prevent environmental problems, resolve environmental issues when necessary, and provide education to the public.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Throughout this program, you will engage in a wide range of hands-on environmental training activities to complement your in-class courses. As a result, you'll be well-prepared to monitor and improve the natural environment.

• Our Environmental Technician program has achieved accreditation by the Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission (CEAC), a standing committee of Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada.
• Students are eligible for a number of environmental certifications through ECO Canada, including Environmental Professional (EP) and Environmental Professional-in-Training (EPt).
• Graduates of the Environmental Technician program who successfully pass the Certification Examination in the Water Treatment and Pollution Control course will have met the requirements of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Control (MOECC) Entry-Level Course for Drinking Water Operators (which must be obtained in order to be employed as a Drinking Water Operator). The course is delivered by Fleming College in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and the Walkerton Clean Water Centre.
• Students also acquire four MOECC Operator-in-Training Certificates ("OIT's") in Water Treatment, Water Distribution, Wastewater Treatment and Wastewater Collection required for employment in the drinking water and wastewater treatment disciplines.
• The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) conditionally recognizes program graduates as meeting academic requirements for certification as C. Tech. (Certified Technician)
• Graduates of the Environmental Technician program who continue on to the Environmental Technology program may also have the opportunity to assist researchers in the college’s Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment (CAWT). The focus of this nationally-accredited facility is the development of wastewater treatment technologies for use in northern climates.

Optional Co-op
Students entering the program in September may apply to participate in an optional paid co-op. The deadline to apply is at the end of November, where students must submit an Application Form (including a resume) to the Co-op Office. Students must achieve a 70% (2.5 GPA) average, and pass all courses in Semester 1 in order to be enrolled in the Co-op Option. Students who are accepted will participate in a Career Preparation course, and will do their co-op between semesters 2 and 3. The Co-op Option provides the opportunity to:

• Integrate classroom learning with work-based learning
• Explore the variety of careers available in the field
• Network for future job opportunities

The Co-op Option is not available for students who begin the program in January, as they attend classes over the summer.