West Island Career Centre opens new satellite campus at RHS

By Kevin Woodhouse, September 19th, 2012

The West Island Career Centre has been so successful in its vocational training and adult courses that it needed to expand its capacity.  Recently, a new satellite campus has been opened at Riverdale High School offering classes in several fields including interior decorating and visual design, general building maintenance and commercial drafting.
Lester B. Pearson School Board's Adult Education and Vocational training assistant director Veronique Marin explained how the courses, especially the interior decorating and visual design program, allows  that a "a graduate can put their talents to work in a multitude of industries, from interior decorating, to staging, to real estate and retail merchandising."
“The reason we're at Riverdale High is because we have an increased need for vocational and adult courses in that part of our territory," said Marin. "And the West Island Career Centre has exceeded its capacity. This was the perfect solution.”
For RHS alumni Amanda Reda, having the chance to take the interior decorating and visual design classes will allow her to fulfil her dreams of becoming an interior decorator.
"I am learning what I need to know for a good career,” said Reda.  “The teachers have been very caring, setting me up for success; even helping with my portfolio and setting up an internship.”
Other classes being offered at the new satellite campus are computer training, residential and commercial drafting course as well as English and French lessons. This coming Sept. 24, the General Building will teach students all facets of maintenance like cleaning and outdoor care.
The board offers free tuition for the vocational programs but courses come with material and service fees.  Anyone interested in auditing a course at the new campus can register to take part as a 'Student for the Day' for no charge.
To find out more about the courses being offered at the new satellite campus, call 514-798-8798or go on-line at www.pearsonskills.com.