PORT HARDY – For the first time, students in Port Hardy can kickstart their career in West Coast tourism and hospitality without leaving home.
Starting January 29, North Island College (NIC) will offer a two year, part time Tourism and Hospitality Management certificate at its new Thunderbird Mall Campus. The program is similar to NIC’s full time certificate in the Comox Valley but NIC now offers it part time to improve access for students.
Students will learn about B.C.’s Tourism Industry with special emphasis on Aboriginal and Regional Tourism and go behind the scenes to learn from experienced operators. The program arrives at an exciting time for Port Hardy, which recently celebrated the May grand opening of the Kwa’lilas Hotel, owned and operated by the Gwa’sala’Nakwaxda’xw Nations.
NIC Tourism and Hospitality Department Chair Deborah Forsyth said the new certificate option goes hand in hand with more choices for students. The program ties in with increased activity in Port Hardy’s tourism sector. Forsyth added that students who complete the certificate program can also go on to a diploma or business degree at NIC’s Comox Valley campus or transfer to Royal Roads University, VIU, and other educational programs.
Aboriginal students may be eligible to have tuition and student fees waived for the Winter 2018 term.
Students who register before December 14 at NIC’s campus on Trustee Road are eligible to win a $100 NIC gift certificate. Students may also complete the online application form and submit it in person at the old campus or NIC’s new Thunderbird Mall location starting January 2. Submit soon as both campuses will be closed from Dec. 15, 2017 to Jan. 1, 2018.
Interested students should contact Christy Whitmore at christy.whitmore@nic.bc.ca or call 250 949-7912 ext. 2863.
