Helping Canadians get back to work.

Aurora College

PO Box 600, 50 Conibear Crescent, Fort Smith NT

Possible funding to those who qualify*

  • Northwest Student Aid Program
  • Loans
  • Grants
  • Bursaries
  • Scholarships

Programs

Programs offered at each campus may vary, so be sure to check other campus offerings for the course you are most interested in.

Business, Accounting, Marketing Programs

  • The Business Administration program is intended to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for students who want to start in entry level careers in business, government and non-profit organizations. Business courses stress applicability to small businesses in the NWT.  The Business Administration program provides students with an opportunity to acquire either a certificate (one-year) or a diploma (two-year). Business Administration Certificate The Business Administration certificate program consists of 10 courses, representing 30 credit hours. This program provides the skills necessary to function in an entry-level position in business, government or industry. Roles in these areas may include payroll, finance, marketing and operations. Business Administration Diploma The two-year diploma program is available in three streams: ·          General Stream ·          Co-op Stream ·          Community Economic Development (CED) Stream
  • The Office Administration Program is intended to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for administrative careers in business, government and non-profit organizations. Emphasis is placed on preparing students for employment in the unique work environment in the NWT. The Office Administration Program provides students with an opportunity to acquire a Certificate (a one-year program) and a Diploma (a two-year program). Office Administration Certificate Program
    All students accepted into the Office Administration Program must initially be enrolled
    in the Certificate Program. This program takes one year to complete. It consists of 10 courses, each with 45 class hours and worth 3 credits, and a Practicum. The Certificate Program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an entry level administrative assistant position in business, government or non-profit organizations. This program concentrates on the practical application of computer technology in the contemporary office workplace. Office Administration Diploma Program Upon completing the Certificate Program (including the Practicum), students may enroll in the Diploma Program. This program takes one year to complete. It consists of 10 courses, each with 45 class hours and worth 3 credits. The Diploma Program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in an executive administrative assistant position in business, government or non-profit organizations. As the program emphasizes specialized organizational and technical skills, students will also be able to succeed in administrative positions in the areas of human resources, payroll, and finance.
  • The Community Office Procedures Program is delivered, upon request, in various communities off-campus. The program is 140 days long, and offers general office courses and upgrading courses in English and Math.
  • Computers in the Workplace consists of five courses. Students will take Keyboarding 1, Word Processing, and Basic Introduction to Computers. For the additional two courses, students will take the Ready to Work North or the Project course, and Spreadsheets or Office procedures. Students taking the Project course must also take the Spreadsheet course

Culinary Arts Programs

  • This 12-18 week competency-based, entry-level camp cook program is intended to prepare the student for employment as a camp cook in camp kitchens. The emphasis of the program is on food preparation, supplemented with relevant theoretical components. Upon successful completion of the Camp Cook program and with additional relevant experience/academic upgrading the student may pursue Pre-Employment Cooking.

Education, Teaching Programs

  • The Early Childhood Development Program is designed to train students to work with children from infancy to the age of six, with an emphasis placed on the preschool years. It offers a balance between classroom discussion, lectures, practical training and many opportunities to develop teaching materials and guidance skills. The Early Childhood Development Program will develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to promote the well-being of children, families and communities. The primary focus is on promoting the growth and development of healthy children. This program also trains people to design, deliver and/or evaluate programs and services in the community. Principles of the program include:
    • Addressing the needs of children pre-natal to six years of age;
    • Enhancing child, family and community development;
    • Supporting the role of parents/guardians by being family-centred;
    • Stressing wellness and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle;
    • Following a holistic approach to foster a healthy environment for children and families;
    • Community-based and community-sponsored early childhood development;
    • Offering an introduction to the services available in the community, region and territory;
    • Adhering to culturally appropriate traditions guided by Aboriginal perspectives;
    • Stressing practical application of classroom theory; and
    • Developing and relying on community support systems for the student.
    Students who successfully complete the Early Childhood Development Certificate may find work as assistants in daycare centres, nursery schools, playgroups, or as operators of their own daycare homes, or seek employment with Bands, Hamlets, Municipalities, Regional Health and Social Services, health-related fields, Aboriginal organizations, community agencies or the Government of the Northwest Territories. The demand for trained early childhood teachers is great and is connected to many leadership roles.
  • Applications for University and College Access Program (UCAP) are being accepted at all campuses. Full program details will be available in the near future.

Engineering Programs

  • The Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program is a two-year Diploma program which links opportunities to learn from experience in the field with academic coursework in the classroom and skill training in the laboratory. Graduates of the program will possess the ability needed to succeed as technicians and officers in natural resource and environmental management careers including wildlife, forestry, marine and freshwater fisheries, planning, water resources, environmental protection, parks, land claim resource management, oil and gas, and mining. The program places emphasis on learning through experience.

Healthcare, Wellness, Pharma Programs

  • The overall purpose of this program is to educate nurses to work with individuals, families, groups and communities in a variety of settings guided by a health promotion perspective with an ethic of caring. The program will assist students to develop sensitivity to people’s experiences of health, healing and health promotion by being cognizant of nurse’s professional roles. Students will learn to work as partners with clients and other health care providers. Through their understanding of, and participation in, the changing health care system, graduates will be active participants in creating health for all.

Skilled Trades, Auto, Fire Programs

  • The Apprenticeship Carpenter program is designed to train apprentices to construct, erect and repair buildings and other structures made of wood, wood substitutes, steel, and other materials. Due to the nature of the work of the carpenter, it is imperative that safety be taught on a continuous basis throughout this program. This program outline is based on the NWT/Alberta Carpenter Apprenticeship Course Outline (2007) issued by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). The goal of apprenticeship training is to develop competent journeypersons through a combination of on-the-job and technical training. The Apprenticeship Carpenter Program at Aurora College provides all four levels of technical training.
  • The Apprenticeship Electrician program is designed to train apprentices to install, alter, repair, and maintain electrical systems designed to provide heat, light, power, control, signal or fire alarms for all types of buildings, structures and premises. Due to the nature of the work of the electrician, it is imperative that safety be taught on a continuous basis throughout this program. This program outline is based on the NWTIAlberta Electrician Apprenticeship Course Outline (2007) issued by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). The goal of apprenticeship training is to develop competent journeypersons through a combination of on-the-job and technical training. The Apprenticeship Electrician program at Aurora College provides three of the four levels of technical training.
  • The Apprenticeship Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (HDET) Program is designed to train apprentices to diagnose, test, service and perform preventative maintenance on: hydraulic, air, and electric braking systems; trailer systems and components; electrical circuits, lighting and electronic control systems and hydraulic systems. Due to the nature of work of the HDET, it is imperative that safety be taught on a continuous basis throughout this program. This program outline is based on the NWT/Alberta Heavy Duty Equipment Technician Apprenticeship Course Outline (2007) issued by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). The goal of apprenticeship training is to develop competent journeypersons through a combination of on-the-job and technical training. The HDET Program at Aurora College provides the first of four levels of technical training.
  • The Apprenticeship Housing Maintainer Program is comprised of three levels (or three periods) of training. The goal of apprenticeship training is to develop a competent journeyperson through a combination of technical and on-the-job training. The Apprenticeship Housing Maintainer program at Aurora College provides the technical training components for all three levels. Each technical training component is eight weeks long. In order to obtain a Housing Maintainer Journey Certificate, Apprentices must successfully complete all three levels of the program (a total of 5400 hours of technical and on-the-job training - approximately 1800 hours per year) and the requisite examinations. The on-the-job training may be supervised by journeypersons from a variety of eligible trades. The eligible trades vary for each level, depending on the topics covered and are referenced on page two. This program outline provides an overview of all three levels of the Housing Maintainer Program. The Program is designed to provide apprentices with the fundamental knowledge and skills to perform preventative and on-demand maintenance, minor repairs, and modernization improvements on existing physical structures and components of buildings. Due to the nature of the work of Housing Maintainers, safety is taught on a continuous basis throughout this program. This program outline is based on the Housing Maintainer Apprenticeship Occupational Standards and DACUM (2008) from the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification section.
  • The Oil Burner Mechanic TQ Special is designed to provide theory and practice in the installation, service, adjustment and repair of high pressure, low pressure, and vaporizing oil burners and in the installation, service and repair of associated oil storage tank installations and piping systems. Students will also be taught to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, airflow, and chimney or combustion malfunctions using testing equipment. The Oil Burner Mechanic (TQ) Special Program is designed for individuals with previous experience in a related trade and provides the technical training required for these individuals to challenge the TQ Exam. It also makes provision for persons not challenging the TQ Exam to obtain knowledge about oil burner systems. This program outline is based on Heating Technician Curriculum from New Brunswick, and the 2006 Occupational Analysis for Oil Burner Mechanic.
  • The Apprenticeship Plumber/Gasfitter Program is designed to train participants to plan, install, and service plumbing systems, fixtures, piping equipment, and controls. These piping systems may be used to transport water, waste, gases, or hot liquids. Due to the nature of the work of a Plumber/Gasfitter, it is imperative that safety be taught on a continuous basis throughout this program. This program outline is based on the NWT/Alberta Plumber/Gasfitter Apprenticeship Course Outline (2005-06) issued by the Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT). The goal of apprenticeship training is to develop competent Journeypersons through a combination of on-the-job and technical training. The Plumber/Gasfitter Program at Aurora College provides the first of four levels of technical training.
  • The Building Trades Helper Program is a 12-week program that will prepare students for entry-level employment opportunities in the construction industry. Students will learn basic construction, renovation and maintenance tasks. These skills will enable students to assist trades people such as: carpenters, electricians, plumbers, drywallers, painters, and mechanical contractors.
  • The Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program is a two-year Diploma program which links opportunities to learn from experience in the field with academic coursework in the classroom and skill training in the laboratory. Graduates of the program will possess the ability needed to succeed as technicians and officers in natural resource and environmental management careers including wildlife, forestry, marine and freshwater fisheries, planning, water resources, environmental protection, parks, land claim resource management, oil and gas, and mining. The program places emphasis on learning through experience.

  • Heavy Equipment Operator
    Heavy Equipment Operator Program In this full 15-week program, students receive compulsory/core training in first aid, introduction to heavy equipment operation, introduction to the knowledge and use of heavy equipment, introduction to equipment systems, preventative maintenance procedures, interpretation of construction surveys, and air brake systems. This program also includes 185 hours of training on each of two pieces of heavy equipment (crawler, motor grader, front-end loader, track excavator swing rig, Class 3 tandem axle dump truck, or Class 1 tractor tri-axle side dump). Abridged Heavy Equipment Operator Program This 8-week program offers the same compulsory/core training as the full-length program, but students will receive 185 hours of training on one (as opposed to two) piece of heavy equipment. Introduction to Heavy Equipment Operator Program This 9-week program offers the same compulsory/core training as the full-length program. Students will receive 100 hours of training on each of two pieces of equipment.
  • The six-week (180 hour) Introduction to the Mining Industry Program will introduce participants to the mining industry in Canada and the NWT. This will include providing an understanding of careers in underground and surfacing mining and mineral processing based on the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MIHR) National Occupational Standards. In this program, students will be introduced to the industrial workplace; mining operations in Canada and the NWT; mining career opportunities; life at NWT mines; mine safety; and mine equipment used in the northern mining environment.
  • The purpose of this program is to provide training relevant to the skills required to perform the duties of an Observer/Communicator. Training in the core program concentrates on radio simulations, radio communications and operating procedures, and weather observing and recording. Attendance is required at all scheduled classes. Students should be aware that homework will be assigned on a regular basis.

    There are three required courses and three non-required courses in this program.

  • This program is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and basic skills to consider a career as an underground miner and also provide an overview of the other careers in the Mineral Resource (Mining) Industry in any one of many occupations. The program consists of the Ready To Work North course (if not previously completed) followed by four expanded courses representing various topics specific to the underground mining process: The Mine Life Cycle, Mine Geology, Underground Mining Methods, and Underground Mine Safety. The total of 420 hours will be covered in fourteen (14) weeks. Course delivery will have a theoretical as well as practical component. Students will be able to understand and experience many of the daily routines in an underground mining operation including extensive training utilizing the underground equipment simulator. From this, students will be able to select those industry professions and occupations that suit their personal profile and skills. Certificate training courses will also be presented for Standard First Aid & CPR ‘A’, WHMIS, Go Safe-Work Smart, and  Mine Survival.

Technology, Networking Programs

  • The Fundamentals of Carpentry 1 program is 20 weeks in length and is designed to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to pursue entry-level employment and/or an apprenticeship in Carpentry. Students participating in the program will gain desirable employment skills that employers seek. The technical aspect of the program is delivered through a combination of classroom theory and hands-on shop work covering all the course material in the 1st year Carpenter Apprentice program. In addition, students will also acquire the necessary safety certifications to work in the field.

Veterinary, Animal Services Programs

  • The Environment and Natural Resources Technology Program is a two-year Diploma program which links opportunities to learn from experience in the field with academic coursework in the classroom and skill training in the laboratory. Graduates of the program will possess the ability needed to succeed as technicians and officers in natural resource and environmental management careers including wildlife, forestry, marine and freshwater fisheries, planning, water resources, environmental protection, parks, land claim resource management, oil and gas, and mining. The program places emphasis on learning through experience.

Thebacha – Fort Smith Campus

Aurora College serves a population of 41,000 dispersed across 1.3 million square kilometres in 33 communities in the Northwest Territories. A majority of Aurora College students are Aboriginal.  Many of our students are from small, remote communities. Aurora College delivers programs and courses as close to the communities as possible.  This is achieved through a network of three regional campuses as well as Community Learning Centres in most of our communities. We offer a broad range of programming, from Developmental Studies to certificate, diploma and degree programs. Our programs and services give our students the vocational and professional skills, communication skills and life skills needed for success in their chosen careers.
 

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*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.