NIC launches Tourism and Hospitality training in Port Hardy

November 28, 2017

For the first time, students in Port Hardy can kick‐start a career in West Coast tourism and hospitality without leaving home.

NIC will offer a two‐year, part‐time Tourism and Hospitality Management certificate at its new Thunderbird Mall campus, starting January 29. 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 BC’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.

“We’re excited for students to start their tourism and hospitality training right here in Port Hardy, which is seeing so much activity in the tourism sector right now,” Forsyth said.

“Students can also go further when they finish the certificate,” Forsyth said. “Students can continue on to a diploma or business degree at NIC’s Comox Valley campus or transfer to Royal Roads University, VIU and more. There are so many possibilities.”

Aboriginal students may be eligible to have tuition and student fees waived for the Winter 2018 term. Students who register before Dec. 14 at NIC’s campus on Trustee Road are eligible to win a $100 NIC gift certificate. You 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. 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.

Media Contact
Christiana Wiens
Media Liaison, North Island College
O. 250‐334‐5280 | M. 250‐218‐4097
christiana.wiens@nic.bc.ca

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