Wages:

The average wage professionals can expect to receive when entering this field starts at around $17 per hour and after several years of experience have been obtained, professionals in network administrations careers can earn upwards of $30 per hour.

Outlook & Prospects:

This industry is expected to have around 60,000 job openings from 2011 – 2020. More professionals are expected to continue entering this field and are expected to be graduating more frequently in the coming years, as computer networking technology and enhancements continue to progress. Employment growth is anticipated to take off in this sector as we are seeing a shift to a knowledge based economy.

Main Duties:

Job responsibilities and tasks performed by Network Administration professionals include maintaining and administrating the use and setup of Local Area Networks, Wide Area Networks, Mainframes, and Computer Workstations. In addition to those duties, installing and maintaining web server software and hardware, as well performing data backups are also common responsibilities of a Network Administration professional.

Skills & Training:

Employment requirements include the completion of a diploma or bachelor’s degree program in Informational Technology or a related field. Advanced computer skills are required for positions in field, as duties require a technical knowledge of networks, databases, and computer systems as a whole.

Written by:

Darren Prasad

Web Marketing Coordinator

For comments, questions, or feedback please email Darren@brightoncollege.ca

Wages:

Compensation in payroll & accounting clerk careers range anywhere from $15 to $17 per hour on the lower end to approximately $27 or $28 per hour on the higher end. As in most industries and occupations, salaries are influenced by experience and career training.

Outlook & Prospects:

As mentioned above, the next 5 – 10 years are expected to be stable in terms of opportunity, employment, and income for accounting & payroll clerk jobs. Although employment opportunities are not expected to grow by significant amounts, they are also not expected to decline at all, in fact they are projected to stay on track and be at the level they are at now.

Main Duties:

In accounting and payroll career training programs, graduates are expected to be able to perform some of the following main duties: ensuring employment attendance and compensation records are accurate and up to date, put together earnings and pay statements for employees, perform administration of benefits, leaves, and insurance documentation and procedures, and a variety of other occupational tasks.

Skills & Training:

Common skills that are needed between both accounting careers and payroll clerk jobs are thoroughly covered in most business accounting and payroll career programs. They include a focus on numeracy, communication both verbal and written, as well as a working knowledge of the latest computer software prominently utilized in this field. Payroll association certification is generally a requirement for entry into these occupations.

Written by:

Darren Prasad

Web Marketing Coordinator

For comments, questions, or feedback please email Darren@brightoncollege.ca

To help you keep on top of what 2012 has in store, check out this list:

International & Global Events:

Euro 2012 in Poland & Ukraine | Date: June 8^th to July 1^st

• Europe’s largest football tournament kicks off in the Summer, with European football powerhouses England, the Netherlands, Spain, and more among the field all vying for the European Championship.

2012 Summer Olympics in London, England | Date: July 27^th to August 12^th

• The world gathers in London for the largest sporting event on the globe today. Media coverage will obviously be at an all time high with athletes from over 204 NOC’s expected to participate.

Mars Science Laboratory | Date: August 6^th to August 20^th

• The much anticipated landing of the “Curiosity Rover” is expected to land on Mars. Information that we have not had access to before regarding the Red Planet is expected to be unveiled through testing and research.

United States of America Presidential Election | Date: November 6^th

• The 57^th Presidential Election in US history will take place in 2012, with current President Barack Obama running for an opportunity to have a final term in office.

Local Events:

Vancouver Sun Run | Date: April 15^th

• Once again thousands will hit the streets in the city’s largest marathon. Participants from across the globe enter into the run and you can join in to compete, for exercise, and even walk the 10KM.

Vancouver Fireworks Presents the Celebration of Light | Date: July 28^th to August 4^th

• Downtown Vancouver will once again be lit up with fireworks in the heart of Summer. An annual tradition down at English Bay, this event attracts hundreds of thousands of Vancouverites and tourists into downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver International Film Festival | Date: September

• Hollywood stars and top directors from across the globe descend on Vancouver to meet for one of the fastest growing film festivals in North America.

Written by:

Darren Prasad

Web Marketing Coordinator

For comments, questions, or feedback please email Darren@brightoncollege.ca

Here is an outlook for 2012, you’ll see some of the major technology players back at it, and some new up and coming devices that you might find useful:

Dell XPS13 Ultrabook Laptop:

I know what you’re thinking, in the age of tablets, how can a laptop make this list? Well, this is not any ordinary laptop, it’s the first Ultrabook, an incredibly skinny (yes, more so than the Macbook Air) laptop that still maintains to have more power and is expected to change the shape of laptops for the rest of 2012 and beyond.

LG 55inch OLED TV:

As someone who just purchased a new TV, it’s pretty frustrating at times to see how far and fast TV’s are advancing.  It seems as though as soon as you make the decision to purchase one, a newer, sleeker, and more impressive model is out within months. The LG 55inch OLED TV is no exception, it’s shockingly thin (4mm thick) and is the largest OLED TV out there on the market. The picture quality is top notch, it’s brightness and clarity sets it apart from the competition.

Apple iPhone 5:

This is a big one. After the launch of the iPhone 4s, many Apple fans weren’t overly impressed. The features and software updates (and the addition of Siri) were definite improvements, although I think the design and shape of the phone being the same as the iPhone 4 left a lot to be desired. There are all sorts of rumors out there about the iPhone 5 and what it will look like, including rumors of a wireless charging capability that would revolutionize how devices are maintained. It is rumored that the iPhone 5 will be launched in late 2012.

Apple iPad 3:

With the fierce competition that exists in the tablet world, Apple is planning to fire back against the Samsung Galaxy Tablet with the iPad 3. A more sleek design, lighter batter, longer battery life, and wireless charging capability are all rumored improvements and features that will be a part of the newest iPad.

Samsung Galaxy S3:

Android fans are eagerly awaiting the launch of the Samsung Galaxy S3, its expected to have a faster processor, better performance, a new operating system and consume less power. Rumors are circulating that the S3 will be unveiled at the same time as the iPhone 5.

Written by:

Darren Prasad

Web Marketing Coordinator

For comments, questions, or feedback please email Darren@brightoncollege.ca

Wages:

An average starting wage for an entry level position after graduation in this field is around $17 to $19 per hour. Certification is required for entry into this field and a diploma or a certificate in RCA or HCA will essentially ensure your starting wage rate is met in that range. After a few years of experience, the wage rate can progress upwards of $22 per hour in some positions.

Outlook & Prospects:

From 2011 – 2020 it is expected that there will be a potential shortage of workers and qualified professionals ready and aiming to enter this field and fill Resident Care Attendant and Healthcare Assistant career openings. Another note about this field is that the rate of employment growth seems to have remained steady over the past 10 years, which is a strong sign for individuals looking to enter these occupations.

Main Duties:

Healthcare Assistants and Resident Care Attendants provide support throughout the healthcare industry to professionals in a variety of positions. Job duties can range from preparing patients for procedures, to live-in or frequent residential care visits that include a variety of patient care tasks.

Skills & Training:

Essential skills required in this field are centered around patient care and the ability to communicate and work under pressure effectively. Responding to patients questions requires the healthcare professional to be knowledgeable and have an ability to thoroughly and clearly explain a variety of medical information and instructions. Certificate in the form of a diploma or certificate from a recognized institution that offers HCA or RCA training programs is required for employment in these occupations.

Written by:

Darren Prasad

Web Marketing Coordinator

For comments, questions, or feedback please email Darren@brightoncollege.ca

Searching for Your Career:

When you’re exploring career options which fit your education, personality, and experience, you’ll want to identify positions about which you feel excited about and have the skill level to obtain. After you’ve done this, start a search online at some of the top job websites, like Monster.com, Workopolis, and Working.com.

If you’re looking online and want a one stop shop for your job hunting efforts, try the Brighton College Career Centre. It features career opportunities from top job banks across the internet., as well as valuable resources , information, and tools to help you manage your career direction.

Craigslist poses an interesting option when looking for a job. Although, it does has quite a few job postings – and they are refreshed often throughout the day – the challenge is determining which career opportunities are of quality and which ones are not.. Definitely use Craigslist as a tool to help you, but make sure to do some background research on the company you are applying to, and follow the golden rule: when the job posting looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Targeted Resumes:

To get the best results when on your job search, don’t send out the same resume to each employer. This can be one of the more time consuming tasks when looking for a career, but it also differentiates between effective and non-effective job searchers. Read the job posting carefully and ensure that your work experience section in your resume emphasizes the points mentioned in the job posting. This can help the employer quickly see that your experience and skills fit the job description, which is the first step to being invited for an interview.

Aim High but Within Reach:

There can be a wide range of positions that you find during your search; some of them may require more experience and others more education, though neither reason should prevent you from applying to them. There can be times where employers put their ideal requirements as part of the job posting, but there have been many cases where similar or equivalent requirements have also been acceptable for a position.

Another great rule to follow: it never hurts to apply. Interviewing for these positions can be strong professional development and, in cases where your skills are limited, an opportunity to prove your value may present itself. It’s best to keep things in perspective, as applying to many jobs where the qualifications are exceeding your own, is probably not the most efficient way to land a career.

Use these tips to help you along your search, but be sure to visit the Brighton College Career Centre. It has everything you need to start and finish your search.

Written by:

Darren Prasad

Web Marketing Coordinator

For comments, questions, or feedback please email Darren@brightoncollege.ca

Discuss hot industry topics with expert employers, find out what skills top employers value the most and, last but not least, learn how and where you can quickly acquire the latest industry certification and credentials to help you start working immediately!

The Accounting and International Trade industries are in high demand and are looking for workers from a variety of backgrounds; get the information you need to start your career. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from industry experts!

Please call or email Shaun at shaun@brightoncollege.ca to Sign up Today!

Phone: (604) 430-5608

Location: 330-601 West Cordova Street Vancouver BC

Times: Thursday February 16, 2012 at 5:30-8:00pm for Accounting and Payroll, Thursday March 1, 2012 at 5:30-8:00pm for International Trade

The year of the dragon officially starts today! Brighton College would like to wish everyone celebrating Chinese New Year a happy and prosperous year of the dragon.

In Chinese astrology, the dragon is seen as a source of power and superior rule. The year of the dragon is expected to arrive on February 4^th, 2012 although the actual day of Chinese New Year is today, January 23^rd, 2012.

The dragon is seen as the strongest and most superior zodiac sign and is the only mythical creature that exists in Chinese astrology.

If you were born in the below date ranges, you are said to have been born in the year of the dragon:

• 16 February 1904 – 3 February 1905: Wood Dragon
• 3 February 1916 – 22 January 1917: Fire Dragon
• 23 January 1928 – 9 February 1929: Earth Dragon
• 8 February 1940 – 26 January 1941: Metal Dragon
• 27 January 1952 – 13 February 1953: Water Dragon
• 13 February 1964 – 1 February 1965: Wood Dragon
• 31 January 1976 – 17 February 1977: Fire Dragon
• 17 February 1988 – 5 February 1989: Earth Dragon
• 5 February 2000 – 23 January 2001: Metal Dragon
• 23 January 2012 – 9 February 2013: Water Dragon
• 10 February 2024 – 28 January 2025: Wood Dragon

There are many Chinese New Year events happening around Vancouver and one of them includes the Chinese New Year Parade, which takes place on Sunday, January 29^th, 2012.

For full parade details, visit http://www.cbavancouver.ca/parade.html

For a full list of Chinese New Year events near you, click here

Written by:

Darren Prasad

Web Marketing Coordinator

For comments, questions, or feedback please email Darren@brightoncollege.ca

Looking at the Drafting and Design sector will provide some key information for graduates and current students who are looking to enter the workforce in the coming months. This field offers a variety of opportunities for well paying, secure, and challenging employment. We’ll explore key factors in this review, such as wages, job descriptions, titles, and much more.

Wages:

Entry-level positions could be as low as $16/hr, whereas intermediate positions (depending on the job title) would be in the $20 – 25$/hr range.  Graduates with prior university experience can expect to start at the mid-range level, or higher, if they have more extensive, related international work experience.

On the low end, wages settled in around $15.60 per hour, this was in entry level positions and rare cases. The average salary was closer to $21.45 per hour and this was much more common throughout the field. Hourly wages were recorded as high as $35.78 per hour in this sector in most cases, exceeding that in executive or highly experience positions.

Outlook & Prospects:

For the next 10 years, this sector seems to be projected as an area of employment growth for the province of BC. It’s unemployment rate has risen slightly over the past few years, but that is not anticipated to continue or affect the emergence of career opportunities in this field.

Main Duties:

The main job duties in this sector can include developing engineering drawings and designs, sketches, and concepts, as well as working with AutoCAD development software, as well as interpreting, preparing and analyzing technical reports. This sector can have a multitude of job titles that are associated with it, so job duties and responsibilities can be quite spread out depending on the role.

Skills & Training:

Education, skills, and training that are required to pursue employment in this field are generally the same for entry level positions. Secondary school completion with a diploma program of drafting, design, architectural or engineering program is a requirement. If you possess the above and also can demonstrate a great working knowledge of the technical aspects of these positions as well as the skills required to properly utilize AutoCAD and other drafting software you should be qualified to enter the workforce in this sector.

Overall Outlook:

It looks as though there is significant opportunity in this sector and drafting jobs are available throughout BC for qualified applicants. For the coming years, most job seekers and individuals who successfully gain employment in this field are expected to come directly out of school.

Written by:

Darren Prasad

Web Marketing Coordinator

For comments, questions, or feedback please email Darren@brightoncollege.ca

The first step is to stay tuned to our campus website for updates on campus status during periods of snowfall. If we need to close the campus due to dangerous driving conditions, a notice will be published on the College website as soon as possible. If you’re concerned about the weather, check in frequently.

If you’re taking public transit to our campus (or anywhere) be sure to follow some of these snowfall safety guidelines:

Leave yourself lots of time for your commute:

• Rushing can increase your chances of an accident, so leave yourself extra time to get where you need to go
• Traffic and people in general usually move slower in wintery weather, so leaving extra time will not only make your journey safer, it’ll increase the chances of you arriving to your destination on time, or slightly early

Dress appropriately:

• This might sound like common sense, but I still see people struggling through the snowy streets not wearing the necessary clothing
• It all starts with your shoes, sure snow may be wet and uncomfortable, but the real culprit is ice, you want to be sure that whatever shoes you have on are capable of good grip and easy to walk in and maintain balance
• Gloves can be really essential: you might need your hands for balance, so you don’t want them going numb. Wear gloves to keep your hands warm so they can be helpful if you need them

In heavy snow, avoid long trips if possible:

• When it’s snowing heavily, the best advice is just to stay in. Many vehicles can lose control on the road, so crossing the street becomes very dangerous, so if you can avoid dealing with the elements, that’s your best bet.

If you’re driving in the snow, here are some best practice tips:

Drive slowly:

• This is basic, but absolutely necessary. Speed control is definitely first and foremost the best way to prevent any accidents when driving in the snow.
• Try and brake slowly. Most people get used to braking heavily to slow down, in the snow, that will only cause problems. Plan your braking in advance, to do this, leave space between you and the vehicle in front of you

Snow Tires:

• The proper tires will make a world of difference. Ensure that your vehicle is equipped with snow tires, this can help with traction and stability. Especially when turning.

Warm up your vehicle:

• To prevent your vehicle from breaking or wearing down, be sure to allow it plenty of time to warm up.

Plan your route:

• One of the best things you can do is plan your route without hills. Try and map out the easiest and safest route to your destination.
• This may take a bit of time to plan, and add time to your commute, but it will pay off in the end.
• Ice is more dangerous than snow. When driving, snow will cause you to be stuck, and it may take time to be able to move your vehicle again, whereas ice will cause your tires to lose traction and can cause them to swerve in any direction. When driving on ice, it is extremely important to control your speed.

Hopefully these winter weather tips help you on your commutes throughout the snow and ice. Stay tuned to our campus website for updates on campus status during periods of snowfall.

Written by:

Darren Prasad

Web Marketing Coordinator