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Office Career Training

ABT 10-Month Program – September 2012 Intake

Starting September 2012, there will be three ABT programs offered, each with a dedicated specialty.  Applications for the September Intake are accepted for each specialty until all seats are filled.

The following 10-month programs will be offered in September 2012 in Nanaimo :

If you are interested in taking any one of these programs, please submit your application to the Admissions Department. Applications will be accepted until all seats are full.

Please note that all programs are subject to enrolment. A low enrolment may be cause for cancelling a particular specialty.

How to Apply

To apply, complete an application indicating which specialty you wish, and pay an application fee of $35 and provide proof (by official transcript) that you have at least English 12 and Math 10 with a "C" or better. If you do not have these requirements, you will need to write assessment tests. To arrange for assessment testing, call 250-740-6416. There is no charge for assessment testing.

If you have questions on how to apply, call or visit the Admissions Department, Bldg 200 - 900 Fifth Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5 Phone: 250-753-3245  Local: 2281 or review the information on the "Becoming a Student" web page.

If you are unsure that this program is right for you, contact the Nanaimo Advising Centre : Monday -Friday by phone at 250-740-6410 (between 8:30 and 4:00); Fax 250-740-6464, or e-mail (advising@viu.ca).
(Toll Free at 1.888.920.2221 ext 6410)

Course Content

Currently under review. Information will be posted here once changes have been reviewed and accepted by the VIU Education Council and the Senate.

Prior Learning Assessment

The Program Chair will provide Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for potential students who have gained skills through the workplace or private learning. If appropriate, the student could enter at Level II. For details about PLA, contact the Program Chair at 250-740-6576 for an interview to determine eligibility. You have to apply and be accepted into the program before meeting with the Program Chair.

Important Dates

Effective February 2011, classes will run from 8:30 am to 3:45 pm Monday to Thursday. All statutory holidays are observed and there is a week or more break at Christmas.

Work Experience for Level II Students: Last two weeks of the program
Graduation Ceremony: Third Friday in June annually (subject to change)

All date are subject to change.

Overview of the Applied Business Technology Program

VIU's Applied Business Technology (formerly Office Administration) program can be the start of a promising career. The program provides thorough, in-depth training in the skills required by today's business office workers in order to be competitive in the job market. Current computer software applications are stressed, as well as the traditional skills and knowledge of business English and communications, business calculations, office procedures, client relations, and strong keyboarding skills.

Costs

Payment for the program is due no later than the first day of class or as directed by the Admissions Department. . Click here to view course costs.

Notes:

  1. Textbook costs will vary depending on the specialty chosen.
  2. This cost list does not include basic supplies (i.e. pens, paper, etc.)and the cost of a locker, if needed.
  3. Lockers are rented from the bookstore in 5-month increments (the ABT semester). $12.50 for 5 months and $10.00 deposit (Total: $22.50 / 5 months).
  4. A computer is not required as all students have access to the ABT labs after hours and weekends. 

Career Options

The ABT faculty and staff work hard to get as many graduates employed as possible.

All graduated students will be invited to join an email distribution list so that they can be informed of job opportunities that are suitable for full-time students (weekends, after hours and flex days).

VIU has strong links to employers in the community and many employment opportunities become available to students while in the program. We aim to prepare students for all types of office work and our graduates are as well prepared for the diverse duties of a small office as those of a large one. A high percentage of our graduates have found employment in government offices and have moved up to middle management and accounting positions. In addition, graduates who have achieved success in their careers often call us to fill positions within their offices. Our strong network within the community gives our students the advantage they will need.

Graduates of the Administrative Assistant Specialty acquire a broad range of marketable skills, which makes them ideally suited for many office positions. Graduates find employment in a wide variety of private and public sector firms, including federal, provincial, and municipal government offices; major corporations; desktop publishing firms; and many other mid-sized and small companies.

Graduates of the Bookkeeper/Computing Assistant Specialty find employment in government offices, municipal offices, accounting firms, accounting departments of both large and small businesses, insurance and real estate firms, and office support positions in a wide variety of businesses.

Graduates of the Legal Administrative Assistant Specialty have gained employment in private law firms; Crown prosecutor's offices; federal, provincial, and municipal government offices; real estate companies; offices of notaries public; insurance offices; and major corporations.

On average, 85% of our graduates get employment prior to or shortly after graduation. Employment is dependent upon the success and level of skill of the graduate.