Certificate in Administrative Professional

at Vancouver Community College - Downtown Campus Canada

Get top professional training in hairstyling and esthetics while practicing business management and serving real clients in VCC’s state-of-the-art salon and spa.

What you will learn
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Perform all duties of a hairstylist in accordance with industry health and safety standards related to hygiene, sanitation and disinfection practices.
• Use and maintain tools and equipment according to industry standards.
• Demonstrate professional behavior and communication skills with clients and co-workers.
• Identify the structure and functions of the skin and the hair and recognize possible disease and disorders
• Perform shampooing, conditioning and scalp massaging services using the correct manipulations and professional haircare products.
• Demonstrate elevated and non-elevated haircuts using a variety of tools and techniques.
• Perform wet and dry hair styling using a variety of styling techniques, products and tools.
• Apply the fundamentals of preparing and applying professional colour and lightening products using specific applications and techniques.
• Demonstrate permanent wave procedures using a variety of tools and techniques.
• Describe the types and purposes of hair extensions, wigs and hairpieces.
• Apply fundamental business management knowledge and skills needed to operate a hair salon.

Upon successful completion of the Esthetics Certificate students will be able to:

• Practice skin and body therapies in accordance with safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards and regulations.
• Describe human anatomy, physiology and chemical composition specific to concerns relating to nail, skin, body, and hair removal treatments.
• Perform spa treatments based on client consultation, skin analysis and nutritional needs.
• Apply the principles of colour and design to lash, brow and specialized makeup techniques.
• Perform in an ethical and professional manner conducive to spa environments.
• Apply retail business administration practices and marketing techniques for operating a spa.

What to expect

• The Hairstylist Certificate program is designed to meet the training needs of the Industry and the required training objectives established by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). The Hairstylist program provides a wide range of student learning opportunities in the classroom, salon and workplace settings. Students will gain hands-on practical experience working with clients in the VCC Salon and Spa. Industry work experience provides students with additional opportunities to apply their knowledge and technical skills in a workplace setting. Classroom instruction is designed for students to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills which will be applied for success in the VCC Salon and Spa.
• Active student learning and participation is emphasized throughout the program to promote the development of knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviour required for success in the industry. Lectures, demonstrations, group work, peer assessment, reflective journaling, and project based learning strategies are used throughout the program to promote student leaning.
• Practical training is conducted in a fully equipped spa where treatments are offered as to the public, providing authentic industry experience preceded by the necessary theory.
• Related theoretical content is delivered through lectures, demonstrations and various teaching aids in the classroom and is continuously integrated into the practical work.
• Strategies include:
• Guest speakers such as product experts and spa owners
• Field trips such as trade shows, supply houses and skills competitions
• Case studies such as industry trends and skin analysis
• Participation is integral to the development of practical skills in this program; therefore, students assume the role of client, therapist and spa coordinator.
• Work practicum offers students spa industry work experience, opportunities to practice knowledge and skills learned at the college and potential for employment.

Get full theoretical knowledge and practical training in hair design including cutting, colouring, styling, and overall salon management while serving real clients at VCC's state-of-the-art salon and spa.

What you will learn
Graduates of this program will be able to:

• Perform all duties of a hairstylist in accordance with industry health and safety standards related to hygiene, sanitation and disinfection practices.
• Use and maintain tools and equipment according to industry standards.
• Demonstrate professional behavior and communication skills with clients and co-workers.
• Identify the structure and functions of the skin and the hair and recognize possible disease and disorders
• Perform shampooing, conditioning and scalp massaging services using the correct manipulations and professional haircare products.
• Demonstrate elevated and non-elevated haircuts using a variety of tools and techniques.
• Perform wet and dry hair styling using a variety of styling techniques, products and tools.
• Apply the fundamentals of preparing and applying professional colour and lightening products using specific applications and techniques.
• Demonstrate permanent wave procedures using a variety of tools and techniques.
• Describe the types and purposes of hair extensions, wigs and hairpieces.
• Apply fundamental business management knowledge and skills needed to operate a hair salon.

What to expect

• The Hairstylist Certificate program is designed to meet the training needs of the Industry and the required training objectives established by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). The Hairstylist program provides a wide range of student learning opportunities in the classroom, salon and workplace settings. Students will gain hands-on practical experience working with clients in the VCC Salon and Spa. Industry work experience provides students with additional opportunities to apply their knowledge and technical skills in a workplace setting. Classroom instruction is designed for students to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills which will be applied for success in the VCC Salon and Spa.
• Active student learning and participation is emphasized throughout the program to promote the development of knowledge, technical skills and professional behaviour required for success in the industry. Lectures, demonstrations, group work, peer assessment, reflective journaling, and project based learning strategies are used throughout the program to promote student leaning.

This program provides students with a solid foundation in business management in the first year of the program and an opportunity for more advanced, specialized study in marketing technology in the second year. Students will learn to use the latest marketing software to analyse data and configure applications used in digital marketing and customer relationship management. Students will have hands-on training on customer relationship management (CRM) software platforms, and develop a set of job-ready skills in the CRM courses and be prepared to write CRM administrator certification exams upon graduation.

Learn advanced design tools, theory, and processes used in graphic design for print and web while working directly with public clients in a mentored studio setting.

What you will learn

• Traditional design principles and processes
• Adobe Creative Cloud software, including Photoshop and Illustrator
• Colour theory and typographic principles
• Branding and visual identity design
• Packaging design
• Editorial design and print layout principles
• Web and UI/UX design
• Web development (HTML/CSS)
• Content management systems (CMS)
• Digital photography
• Writing, editing, and proofreading
• Client relationships and expectations
• Business and marketing principles

What to expect

• Mac-based computer labs with the latest software
• Access to drawing tablets, iPads, digital cameras, scanners, and colour printers
• Creative group exercises and discussions
• Field trips and guest lectures
• Critiques and discussions to develop an eye for design
• Enthusiastic and experienced faculty members
• 120-hour practicum with an industry partner
• Experience working on real client projects in our design studio, Studio Nuvo

Advance your Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM) skills for work in engineering firms, architecture firms, development companies, government, or private industry.

What you will learn
To obtain the CAD and BIM Technician diploma, students must complete Terms 2 and 3 (8 months) of a drafting specialty other than their original certificate. For program information, see:

• Architectural Technician Certificate
• Civil/Structural Technician Certificate
• Mechanical Engineering
• Steel Detailing Technician Certificate

CAD and BIM Technician diploma students also learn:

• Advanced methods in technical drafting software: AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit Structure, Autodesk Civil 3D, Autodesk Navisworks, and Tekla Structures
• Integrated Design Process (IDP)
• Waste reduction and efficiency
• Design team workflow and operations
• Design team collaboration and communication
• Integration of CAD models
• Communication and collaboration
• Personal reflection and critical thinking
• Portfolio development

Get a comprehensive understanding of business practices in the hospitality industry. Learn to manage guest services for hotels, cruise ships, convention centres, and fine dining establishments.

What you will learn

• Top hospitality business and management practices
• Planning, design, and implementation of hospitality initiatives
• Business and community impact evaluation
• Financial and operations management
• Research and statistical analysis
• E-business and social media marketing
• Current events and change management
• Effective communication in the local, national, and global hospitality market
• Formal and informal meeting procedures
• Labour relations, ethics, and hospitality-related law
• Cultural diversity in British Columbia and Canada
• Community leadership and issue resolution
• Entrepreneurship

What to expect

• Lectures, seminars, and group discussions
• Oral presentations
• Reflective writing
• Research papers and case studies
• Individual and group projects
• Computer simulations
• Quizzes
• Homework
• Final exams

This program provides a well - rounded curriculum geared to provide initial employment skills and the potential for future management growth. Studies focus on general business management courses applied to hotel and restaurant settings in the first year. The second year consists of hospitality management courses such as food and beverage cost controls, hospitality law, and a Hotel Simulation course. The diploma provides transfer opportunities to VCC's third year degree in Hospitality Management.

Get expert industry training in facial treatments, manicure, pedicure, gel application, hair removal, makeup, and body massage while serving real clients at VCC's state-of-the-art salon and spa.

What you will learn
Upon successful completion of the Esthetics & Spa Therapy Certificate Program students will be able to:

• Practice skin and body therapies in accordance with safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards and regulations.
• Describe human anatomy, physiology and chemical composition specific to concerns relating to nail, skin, body, and hair removal treatments.
• Perform spa treatments based on client consultation, skin analysis and nutritional needs.
• Apply the principles of colour and design to lash, brow and specialized makeup techniques.
• Perform in an ethical and professional manner conducive to spa environments.
• Apply retail business administration practices and marketing techniques for operating a spa.

What to expect

• The Esthetics & Spa Therapy Certificate Program provides a wide range of student learning opportunities in the classroom, spa and workplace settings. Students will gain hands-on practical experience working with clients in the VCC Salon and Spa. Industry work experience provides students with additional opportunities to apply their knowledge and technical skills in a workplace setting. Classroom instruction is designed for students to develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills which will be applied for success in the VCC Salon and Spa.
• Participation is integral to the development of practical skills in this program; therefore, students assume the role of client, therapist and spa coordinator.
• Work practicum offers students spa industry work experience, opportunities to practice knowledge and skills learned at the college and potential for employment.

Start your career as a professional dancer by learning a full repertoire including ballet, modern, jazz, and flamenco in addition to arts entrepreneurship and administration.

What you will learn

• Professional, entry-level dance technique in ballet, modern, jazz, and flamenco
• Artistic dance movement language and repertoire
• Elite-level rehearsal skills and performance readiness
• Coordination and skeletal alignment
• Anatomical efficiency and movement quality
• Physical virtuosity, balance, and control
• Classical line
• Pointe work (women)
• Muscular and cardiovascular strength
• Spinal articulation
• Coordination and isolations
• Pas de deux and ensemble work
• Floor work and jump sequences
• Time-keeping and rhythmical sense
• Theatricality and musicality
• Structured and contact improvisation
• Use of props, set pieces, voice, and text
• Western European, African, Latin American, and Indian rhythm traditions
• Anatomy, injury prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation
• Emotional health and self-awareness
• Nutrition and body conditioning
• Thematic exploration
• Journaling and composition
• Information literacy and research skills
• Critical thinking and creative input
• Peer evaluation
• Dance industry knowledge
• Mentorship and professional dance goal-setting
• Arts administration and entrepreneurship
• Ballet and modern dance teaching
• History of twentieth century Western visual and performing arts

What to expect

• Studio classes
• Lectures and presentations
• Group work
• Performances
• Guest choreographers
• Arts management sessions
• Performance technology workshops
• Instructional media
• Skills demonstrations
• Practical and theoretical assignments
• Written examinations

Learn traditional and digital technologies used in the design and fabrication of dental restorative prostheses, orthodontic appliances, and implant-supported restorations.

What you will learn
The graduate of the VCC Dental Technology Sciences program will have the skills and abilities to:

• Design, fabricate, modify and repair removable oral/dental prostheses;
• Design, fabricate, modify and repair fixed oral/dental prostheses;
• Design, fabricate, modify and repair oral/dental appliances used in orthodontics,  and other dental treatments;
• Integrate general knowledge of dental laboratory procedures, physics and chemistry principles, associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations;
• Assess the characteristics and properties of dental materials associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations and make decisions about their appropriate application in practice;
• Assess the characteristics and operation of equipment and special instrumentation associated with the fabrication of oral appliances and dental restorations and make decisions about their appropriate application in practice;
• Assess the fundamental elements of dental anatomy, dental physiology, dental morphology and basic elements of oral pathological conditions and apply relevant knowledge to dental technology practice;
• Practice current workplace health and safety standards including dental laboratory asepsis, and infection control;
• Apply essential elements and skills of behavioral sciences, communications, professional ethics, legal obligations and business management to dental technology practice;
• Make decisions that reflect critical thinking and problem solving; integrate pertinent theoretical knowledge and empirical data and information literacy skills to justify and/or revise services.

What to expect

• The Dental Technology Sciences program is competency based and utilizes a variety of teaching and learning activities to enable students to achieve core professional competencies. Theory and authentic laboratory practical experiences are provided throughout. More than 55% of the program is designed for competency based practical experiences. Skills and abilities are based on the National Dental Laboratory Technology competencies (May 2012) (currently under revision) and Provincial Standards of Practice.
• Learning is fostered through classroom theory (lecture), demonstrations, simulations, seminars, group work, case studies, project work, laboratory practice and practicum.
• Throughout the program communication and other interpersonal skills, teamwork strategies, self and peer evaluation, critical thinking, decision-making and problem solving are reinforced. Quality practice skills are learned such as time and self-management.