The need for continuous learning has become an expectation rather than a luxury.

The world of work is ever-changing, and the North Island economy is rapidly shifting from an economy formerly reliant on traditional resources to one where knowledge and advanced skills are essential.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 economy is driven by technology and information,鈥� explained Karen McComber, North Island College (NIC)鈥檚 regional continuing education and training officer. 鈥淎nd, as a result, we have put together a wide-ranging number of courses designed to meet the needs of individuals looking to gain an advantage in today鈥檚 job market.鈥�

Courses such as Introduction to Website Design, Web Applications for Entrepreneurs and Small Business, Adobe Acrobat 9.0, and Leadership provide a step up in the job market, while others such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Simply Accounting provide an opportunity to learn new computer programs quickly.

Flexibility with respect to accessing courses is also key, and NIC understands the necessity of offering courses in various formats and at various times of the day.  Condensed one-day workshops are available, as are evening courses for those individuals working full-time, and/or trying to balance the responsibilities of a family and home.

McComber adds that continuing education courses are often a pathway toward positive change in both personal and professional aspects of life.

鈥淪tudents have started by taking an evening computer course and decided to pursue careers in office and business management,鈥� she said.

All available courses may be accessed online at www.nic.bc.ca/continuingeducation/.

Registration is available online or in person at both the Comox Valley and Campbell River campuses.

If you have questions or require more information, contact NIC鈥檚 continuing education department at 250-334-5005 in the Comox Valley or 250-923-9750 in Campbell River.

鈥� North Island College