“I hate my job”.

“I need a career change”.

“I have no time to go back to school to focus on what I really want to do”.

Does this sound like you?  Are you looking for a change in your career but have no time to squeeze it in?

If you’ve said “yes” to any of the above, Trillium College has some exciting news to share.

Starting in January 2022, evening classes will begin for our Graduate Programs along with Business Management, Supply Chain Management & Logistics and Video Game Design. 

These programs will still be offered in the daytime, but to make them more accessible for working people and families, we have decided to offer them in the evenings too.

Gone are the days of being stuck forever in a job you don’t enjoy or feeling trapped at the bottom of the corporate ladder.  With Trillium College, you can literally keep up with your day job and providing for your family while working towards your new career in the evenings.

Our programs will run Monday to Friday from 6-10pm, all online and no weekends; which means that it is now within your grasp to make the changes you want to make and level up you career while still being able to work full-time or juggle your daily responsibilities.

Imagine being able to enjoy dinner with your family and then changing into your comfy clothes to take the first step to a brand new future, all from the comforts of your home. 

Our days are full; an income is a necessity; being there for your family is a priority but at the end of the day, what about you?

So, if you’ve dreamed about making a career change, or need to upgrade your skills to get that promotion, Trillium College is here to help.

Evening classes are filling up quickly, so contact one of our Career Coaches to find out more.

Why Work in Supply Chain Management and Logistics?

Business… It’s one word that encompasses so much and can branch off in so many directions. Let’s take, for example, supply chain management and logistics.

A role that is so important in the world of business but doesn’t ever get the recognition it deserves. Well, not until a global pandemic hits and the word ‘supply chain’ pops up because people can’t get the products they are accustomed to in the timeframe they are used to getting them in.  

Supply chains really do make the world go around and are a necessity to any thriving business.

Marc Directo is Chief Operations Officer at Nix Sensor, a Hamilton, ON born company that creates colour sensors. The Nix Pro colour sensor allows customers in 50 countries across the globe to use this little device to pinpoint colour becoming today’s leading colour management tool. 

“As for a supply chain, when it works well, people don’t notice,” Directo jokes, but people do notice when there are empty shelves without product or when you order something and the delivery time is months away.

At Nix Sensor, they have a few employees who are solely dedicated to supply chain management and their role is to understand the timing of deliveries so that the products can get into consumers’ hands.  

Directo points out that China has periods in the year where they shut down, so you need to know these things to make sure you are prepared for them. 

“The supply chain has the potential to cripple a business if you don’t plan properly,” he states. 

Melissa Hardeo, an instructor of the Supply Chain Management program, who has worked in the industry for 24 years now, agrees.

Hardeo points out that one of the biggest parts of the job is planning, as you need to have a timeline of how you place orders. She emphasized that Covid has changed things a bit, but in general, a supply chain can pre-plan up to two years in advance. 

She used the example of a tennis ball. A simple product that can be found in all sporting goods stores, but when you break it down there is so much involved. From the fields where they grow the rubber trees to the textiles made for the outer shell, to the adhesive used to hold both parts together; not to mention the logistics of shipping all of these supplies, assembling them and then getting them loaded onto a vessel to come to Canada, then be tested, bagged and finally arriving on store shelves. 

There are a whole lot of steps involved to get something from concept to production through to delivery, and yet a great supply chain ensures the consumer doesn’t even notice.

Hardeo stumbled upon her first supply chain job as a student looking to pay her tuition. She simply saw an ad, applied to it and 24 years later, she has never looked back.

“There is so much room to grow and so many directions to travel in,” she points out. “So many skills are shared across the board so you have the basics to move in the industry.”

For such a pivotal part of business, it is shocking how small the supply chain teams in these companies are, but both Hardeo and Directo appreciate that there is so much room to learn.

Hardeo also pointed out that one of the perks of the job is getting to experience opportunities before anyone else so she can make suggestions and explore new ways of doing things.

It sounds like a very stressful job, with a lot of planning that might keep you up all night, but Hardeo feels the opposite.

“It allows a great work-life balance. It’s very flexible depending on what you are looking for as our teams are spread out across the world,” she states.

In general, Hardeo works six hours a day, from about 5pm – 11pm as she is dealing with Asian markets and a different time zone. It allows her flexibility to have time with her family while also working in a career she loves.

She considers anyone who is willing to learn and who is curious by nature to be a great candidate for the job. “You don’t have to be great in every subject like math or economics, you just need to be curious as to how it all works and you will succeed.”

“If you can grocery shop, you can do supply chain management,” Hardeo laughs. 

Hardeo is still as passionate about the job as when she began and still sees so much potential for growth.

“In the next 15 years, we could be shipping product to Mars to start creating colonies,” she laughed. “It used to be Asian markets that I enjoyed but imagine working on projects for Mars?”

I must admit that I am right there with her. The whole idea of a career in supply chain management is fascinating and the room for growth and career advancement has me sold. 

Supply chains make the world go round and if Hardeo has it right, they might make life on other planets possible sooner than later.

How a Business Management Diploma Can Benefit You

One thing that pandemic life has taught us is that no matter what is happening in the world around us, business rolls on.

From those working the front lines to those behind the scenes conducting payroll and planning shipments, business really encompasses so much and means so many different things.

I used to picture ‘business’ as my Dad dressed in a suit each morning, carrying a briefcase out the door to work and sitting behind a big desk making deals with other men in suits.

Today, however, men and women are running international businesses from their smartphones, while curled up on a couch or from huge office towers in the downtown hub.

Business is everywhere and those lucky enough to know the ins and outs are making quite a livelihood for themselves.

Whether you want to work as part of a family business, start your own endeavour or work for a big commercial company; a business management diploma will put you on the right track.

It will help you gain knowledge and understanding of the core elements of business and management – it’s also a great introduction into the world of business if you have no prior experience. You will be encouraged to apply academic theory to real-life situations that will help you kickstart your career once you graduate. 

Will Zak is a business management graduate and he decided to take the program because he liked the interpersonal aspects and career path. “In high school, I liked languages and working with other people so I knew I wanted to do something that encompassed that and would allow me to travel internationally too.”

Zak had no idea how many options there were until he stepped into the program and so many career paths opened up before him. 

“Business is a good landing spot for people who aren’t sure where they want to go,” Zak says.  “There are so many areas to explore and things to learn that you can sort of follow your strengths and passions and find something that suits you.”

One of the biggest highlights of studying a business management diploma is developing key management skills that will allow you to be a valuable asset to any organization. 

Zak also emphasized that there is a lot of room for growth and to develop connections in business so there are many doors that will open up to you along the way.  With new businesses popping up every day and new opportunities to be had, there is never a dull moment. 

“A big part of the appeal to work in the world of business now is that due to all of the different options out there, it is easy to find a role that aligns with your own values and beliefs,” Zak says. 

The Business Management program is also a perfect place to start for the budding entrepreneur.  With courses in accounting, marketing and advertising to name a few, it’s a program that can set you on the right path to achieving your goals.

In 2019 it was estimated that there were 3.5 million entrepreneurs in Canada. So, if you have a great idea or a start-up dream in the making, understanding the fundamentals of managing a business is sure to make you successful.

In a world that is moving so quickly with goods circulating at a rapid pace, the role of the Supply Chain Manager (SCM) is crucial.  

With the global pandemic we are all living in, supply chains have been severely disrupted, and it has had a huge impact on companies around the world. Sure, we have all heard this on whatever news channel we tune into, and those of us that do the grocery shopping have all experienced stock shortages because of so many delivery restrictions. I mean, who will ever forget the great toilet paper shortage of March 2020?!  

But what is supply chain management really?  

The basic purpose of the supply chain is to fulfil demand, drive customer value, improve responsiveness, facilitate financial success, and build a good network. Supply chain management is the lifeline of an organization and can cause a company to succeed or fail.  

As a kid, I remember playing this old-school computer game called lemonade stand, where we had to make a prediction based on supply and demand. We were provided the day of the week and the weather and then we had to decide how much sugar, how many lemons and how many cups we wanted to buy. Then we had to make our purchase and hope for a profit. It was a fun game and at the time I did not realize that I was learning about a supply chain.  

Supply chain management is necessary for the foundation of all societies. Today’s markets are highly competitive, and consumers are looking for the best value and reliability. Manufacturers and retailers depend on SCMs to design networks that meet customer service goals at the least total cost. To sum it up, efficient supply chains enable a firm to be more competitive in the marketplace and the Supply Chain Manager’s main goal is to decrease the total supply chain cost.

So, what makes a successful SCM?

The ability to adapt to the times, think outside the box and to embrace new technologies and ideas are definitely skills supply chain wannabes should hone.

How much do SCMs earn?

Are you sitting down….? The mean Canadian salary for an SCM with a college diploma was $94,961 in 2019. The Canadian Annual Supply Chain Survey 2019 estimates that there are SIX open Supply Chain positions to fill for each graduate with supply chain skills. It is a candidate’s market and companies are finding it harder than ever to source the best talent. Supply Professional says that the market is more candidate-driven than it has been at any point since the financial crisis in 2008!

What would I do if I were you?

Call a Trillium College Career Coach today to find out how soon you can start the Supply Chain Management & Logistics program!

Articles & Websites:

• https://www.supplychaincanada.com/media/files/2019-annual-survey-of-the-canadian-supply-chain-professional.pdf
• supplypro.ca

Returning to School as A Mature Student

You have been working for a couple of years as a mature adult, but you do not feel satisfied with the work that you are doing or the position that you’re in. You would love to find a career that makes going to work exciting and fulfilling, but you are not sure where to begin. So, what do you do? The thought of returning starting over and going back to class may seem daunting. You may be worried about what others will think of you or if you will succeed. The reality is, returning back to school is not as intimidating as you may think. It is never too late to better yourself and to make a decision that will have a positive and lasting impact on your life.

What are the benefits of going back to school as a mature student?

Returning with Mature Perspective

Mature students returning to obtain education have a positive attitude toward schoolwork. They are looking to get the most out of their formal education. Which means they are more likely to participate in class discussions and to value lessons. Their higher engagement with courses will ensure the retention of class materials and concepts to prepare them for their future better.

Increased Financial Knowledge and Stability

A good portion of their motivation to do well in courses stems from their monetary investment. Most returning mature students are responsible for paying for their education. Do you feel as though your financial situation is a barrier to getting the right training? Trillium College can help you by figuring out funding, scholarships, or financial aid. Call 1.866.661.2070 today to find out how Trillium College can help you afford adult learning courses or a diploma program.

Responsible Decision Making

Trillium College has found that returning mature students are in a better position to succeed in school. Adults are motivated learners who have fewer social distractions than recent high school graduates. They are highly motivated to succeed and to make a change in their lives. Mature students have a better understanding of what the workforce is like and know what they want and do not want.

It Is Never Too Late!

There is no such thing as returning or upgrading your education too late. There are no age limits or restrictions on becoming a student. Our knowledgeable Career Coaches will help you figure out a schedule that will work for you. We know you have a lot to balance, and we are here to help you!

Set up your future for success and don’t settle for a career that has you frequently checking job listings. At Trillium College, our courses prepare you for your career and help you to succeed. We have knowledgeable Career Coaches to offer you help and extra support along the way. Don’t wait, get your career started today with Trillium College!

Career Paths With High Demand: Supply Chain Management & Logistics

Supply Chain Management & Logistics is essential to industries worldwide, in fact, the supply chain industry is responsible for $26 trillion per year globally and is only forecasted to increase in demand. (Elementum, 2018) This industry requires focused, driven and smart individuals who are organized. There are not enough qualified people for the amount of jobs that are available since companies allocate a large percentage of funds towards their product being manufactured, moved and stored. Although Supply Chain Management (SCM) has been around for decades, it has evolved with the demand for new products and booming industries.

Globalization is the reason for the expansion of the supply chain demands since companies are outsourcing their manufacturing to other countries to cut costs. However, this creates a more complex supply chain which means supply chain management needs to be educated properly to keep up with the more complicated system to make the correct decisions. Therefore, SCM is needed now more than ever to supply companies with quality products and services in a timely manner.

Individuals in this field are required to have thorough knowledge of procurement combined with understanding of politics, trade, taxation, and customs. The work of SCM does not stop at understanding how the supply chain works. Nonetheless, these individuals play many different roles during a day to keep the flow continuous and beneficial. Ultimately, a supply chain involves multiple facets and qualities such as operations and procurement that keep a company running smoothly, while logistics focuses on the coordination and movement of goods.

There is a shortage of institutions who are dispensing the correct education to succeed with this career path. Above all, students need to be educated but they also need to be prepared for hectic situations, complicated procedures, and ways to deal with real life situations to correctly prepare them for the demands of this career. Not many people make the decision to enter this field of work at college level for lack of knowledge and lack of glamour.

Does this career sound exciting? Here are a couple signs you have a bright future in this industry:

You are fantastic at organizing and planning

Effective supply chain management requires top-notch organization to ensure none of the steps in the process are missed or overseen. Whether you are determining logistics or scheduling delivery, organization and planning are key as a manager to execute day-to-day business.

You meet deadlines with no issues

“A supply chain is the connected network of individuals, organizations, resources, activities, and technologies involved in the manufacture and sale of a product or service.” (Hayes, 2019) Following the plan or strategy to deliver a product or service is crucial to the process. All steps in the SCM process must be met in order to be successful. The ability to meet deadlines is a crucial skill.

You know how to problem solve and are pro-active

As a supply chain manager, apart from following logistics to deliver products or services, you are also expected to use strategy. This includes minimizing shortages, keeping costs down, and even making recommendations to improve overall productivity for efficiency. If you are always thinking critically or great at solving problems efficiently, SCM might just be right for you.

So, if these listed qualities match with your own, we encourage you to explore a career in the growing industry of Supply Chain Management & Logistics! Are you ready to start a new career in Supply Chain Management & Logistics? Fill out the form below to get started in the Supply Chain Management program today. Our knowledgeable Career Coaches will contact you to answer all your questions and guide you to the career best for you.

Six Ways to Use a Business Management Diploma

Here are six custom-fit careers options that will put your Business Management diploma to great use:

1. Social Media Manager

Do you check Facebook compulsively? Is your Instagram game on-point? Turn your skills into a career by combining your Business Management diploma with your social media knowledge to create effective marketing campaigns for your employer. You will use an ever-changing range of social media tools to generate interest in a product or service, analyze data, and push a company’s message forward.

2. Analyst

Are you all about the details, details, details? If you are, and have an analytical mind, this might be the right career fit for you. A business analyst interprets a company’s needs through document analysis, surveys, site visits, interviews, workflow descriptions and more. A financial analyst assesses the performance of financial investments such as stocks and bonds to make sound suggestions to companies and individuals.

3. Accounting

Do you love numbers and spreadsheets? Consider using your business degree in an accounting setting. Accounting departments produce financial records, process tax payments, prepare payroll, and keep the company’s budget balanced. (Also, check out Trillium College’s Accounting and Payroll Assistant Program here.)

4. Project manager

Can you see the big picture? Are you a stickler for schedules? Become a master of deadlines by using your Business Management diploma as a project manager. You will oversee large scale projects and manage budgets, personnel and equipment to wrap up projects—on time and on budget.

5. Human Resources Manager

Would you describe yourself as a “people person”? Human Resources managers oversee recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and training new staff. They act as liaison between the organization’s management and staff. You will be responsible for troubleshooting problems from addressing interoffice personality clashes to recruiting the perfect candidate for a top position.

6. Entrepreneur

Looking to unleash your entrepreneurial spirit? Your Business Diploma will give you the skills you need to create and manage your own venture, or boost your family business by growing and innovating. Your in-depth understanding of how to build a business from nothing, and your solid leadership, administration and people skills will help put your business career into high gear.

We will teach you everything!

Trillium College offers a practical, skills-based approach to Business Management. We will teach you everything you need to know to achieve your goals and make a meaningful difference in organizations. Plus, this program has multiple start dates throughout the year… So, you could start your schooling as soon as you’d like!

Here’s what is covered in our Business Management diploma program:

• Small Business Management
• Business Law
• Human Resources
• Marketing
• Sales
• Digital Marketing and Social Media
• Word Processing and Spreadsheets
• Bookkeeping and Financial Accounting
• Ethics and Professionalism
• Communication Skills

Learn more about our Business Management diploma program here. If you have questions about start dates, tuition costs, campus locations (or anything else), please fill out the form below.

What students say about Trillium College:

I enjoy the opportunities Trillium College provides its students. They give us links to and presentations from potential employers. They also provide encouragement to each student, which gives us great confidence.

• Lisa Mancinelli

Trillium college is a great school that is willing to work with you, the teachers are very friendly and easy to talk to. If you are interested in joining, give the college a call and talk to Kim Hinds, the career advisor. She is great and will help you find the best diploma course that will suit your interests. She is a very caring person that is super easy to talk to and will support you through your journey at Trillium College.

• Heidi Thompson

Choosing to study Business Management leaves the door open to participate in a variety of different fields and industries.

The Business Management program is taught by business professionals and entrepreneurs, meaning you get insider knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in the business industry. Exploring the different business environments you may work in can help visualize your post-secondary education career opportunities. More-so, have you thought about where your Business Management diploma can take you in the future?

The truth is, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you in the business industry.

After your ten months in the Business Management program (now also offered at the new Sudbury campus), you will be prepared to venture out into the business world and start on your new path. The vast areas of focus covered in the program may have you saying “where do I start?” A fraction of these areas include human resources, marketing, sales, book-keeping, financial accounting and much more.

You will want to set yourself up for success.

As a Business Management graduate leaving Trillium College, start by looking into the areas you excelled in when you were in the program. Use your strengths and connections to help narrow down the opportunities you have in front of you. Were you better at social media than sales or business law? It’s important to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, use this to your advantage and focus on what you were more skilled in. The Business Management Program can prepare you to be employed at a commercial-service based enterprise, a family run business, or you may even become an entrepreneur.

Start by identifying which type of business industry you can see yourself working in.

Once this is established, begin further researching the areas of focus you were taught about in the program. After you’ve chosen your industry and areas of focus, begin researching different types of local jobs. The same should be done if you plan to work outside of your region. Because knowing the jobs available in your area is important in making sure the type of job you are looking for is offered. If it is not offered in your area, maybe this could be your opportunity to start your own business. So, maybe you choose to run your own HR business, or work at a service based enterprise as a financial account, the combinations and opportunities are endless.

The opportunities are out there and it is up to you to take them.

By identifying what type of business industry you want to work in, exploring your strengths and doing proper research, you will be able to conquer any opportunities that may lie ahead. Therefore, continue to connect with industry professionals, create points of contacts, and set goals for yourself. The social media platform LinkedIn is a great tool to use to easily connect with industry professionals far and wide. The business industry is constantly growing, changing and evolving, which means that it is always creating opportunities for people. So, do you have what it takes? Get out there and do what you have always wanted to do!

Start your career in the opportunistic world of Business Management at Trillium College. Click here to learn more about the Business Management program and realize all the opportunities waiting for you!

When studying Esthetics & Spa Operations, students are taught the proper skills and techniques to practice and apply in the industry of beauty, cosmetics, and esthetics.

So you have a passion for esthetics, along with the talent. Will that alone secure your spot in the esthetics industry? An important factor you will want to remember is standing out from the competition. There are many career paths to choose from in the esthetics industry. From working for a beauty company, in a salon, at a spa, or running your own business. Whichever path you take, branding yourself as an Esthetician is the key to a successful career.

As with any profession, there are stereotypes associated with being an Esthetician.

Many people assume that an Esthetician only works in the makeup industry. However, this is only a fraction of what an Esthetician is qualified to do. Those who study ESO are taught to perform a variety of services such as facials, anti-aging skin treatments, makeup application, body waxing, manicures, pedicures and more. Undoubtedly, the program is very hands on, but students are also taught in-depth theory behind many new industry services. These services range from microdermabrasion, laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, and as well learning salon and spa administration. An Esthetician may have a tough time narrowing down their choice of practice. It’s best to choose a path and practice that you can excel in, and one you thoroughly enjoy.

How do you stand out from the competition? It starts with clientele.

Whether you choose to work in a salon, spa, or run your own business, the clientele is what will determine your success or failure as a service provider. Working in a salon/spa setting could make the process of gaining clientele a little easier due to their established client base. If you decide to start your own business, it may take a few more steps to obtain clients rather than having them handed to you by a salon/spa. Either way, having loyal clients will essentially create your ‘team’. Your ‘ team’, also known as your customers, are the people you should be the most thankful for! It’s important to ensure you are communicating with clients in the most efficient way possible. This can begin with proper branding.

You may be asking, what does branding have to do with esthetics?

Simple! Branding aids businesses in marketing their services appropriately to current and potential clients. Ever heard of brand awareness? As a solo business, you will want people to know who you are and in order to do this you need brand awareness or a presence in the market. Your presence can be physically around your community, or more commonly in your digital community. There are many free social media platforms at your disposal to advertise or brand your esthetics business such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, and many more. Estheticians can use these social media platforms to showcase their work and promote their services.

Whether your business is starting up, online/offline, small or large, social media can provide a client communication advantage for any business.

Currently, we live in a world in which traditional advertising and branding strategies just aren’t cutting it anymore. As an Esthetician, it’s important to keep your digital profile up to date. This means maintaining a constant presence and always looking for new ways to increase your business’ exposure. Keeping customers and potential customers engaged with business events and latest offerings will create a strong connection with clients. Ensure that the people you are reaching are in fact your desired audience though. Using social media and personal branding properly will not only help you gain new clients, but also help start up your business and make a name for yourself within the industry and among the appropriate audience!

Start your career in the exciting world of health, beauty and esthetics at Trillium
College. Click here to learn more about the Esthetics & Spa Operations program and begin branding your esthetics career away!

Whether you’re experienced in it or not, accounting and payroll is beneficial and a great skillset to have.

You enjoy financing, you’re good with numbers, you want to do bookkeeping, you’re experienced in administrative work, or maybe you’re simply interested in accounting and payroll. There are many reasons you may want to consider a career in accounting and payroll. Whatever reason that may be, accounting and payroll provides great opportunities, amazing benefits and skills, especially at times that you probably wouldn’t expect.

Can you think back to a time when you wish you would have known something? You think to yourself, ‘having or knowing this skill would be so useful right now’, or ‘I wish would have learned this earlier’. This is definitely something that can occur in accounting and payroll because these skills become so useful and significant in times that we would not be so quick to think of. Here is a list of situations when accounting and payroll skills come in very handy:

Start-up companies.

This one is a money-saver. As an entrepreneur, money is definitely always on your mind. It’s really useful to be in charge of all finances and transactions rather than having someone else do this. Ultimately, this can be a personal choice also. It saves the worry and risk of errors. Knowing how to file your own taxes and doing payroll are perfect ways to use these skills as an entrepreneur/small business owner. It’s also important to remember the responsibility behind these jobs. It’s an important job to do and you definitely don’t want to make any mistakes in payroll and tax filing.

Budgeting.

Creating, making and maintaining budgets can be done through many industries. Though it can be electronically done as well, money management is always an important and in-demand job. Companies and corporations rely on you to help them with finances. A popular strategy is saving money and there’s actually many ways to do this. Some quick tips to give an idea of how to avoid errors in budgeting is by keeping receipts all year, keeping track of money, using a spending sheet, deducting expenses accurately.

Looking for a work-from-home job.

An up-rising job in the field of accounting and payroll is jobs from homes. There are many companies who hire remotely because of the flexibility of the job. Often, companies will have someone do payroll once a week or for a few days for a few hours. If the job isn’t manually done, it is also done through software that companies use for payroll. This is definitely something to consider if you are someone who wants to look for flexibility in your career.

Life is filled with so many paths and doors that we never know where we may end up. The future is never certain, and each day is new. It’s exciting, yet scary, but mostly exciting because you’re always in charge of your own story.  Whether you change your career or a lifestyle, you always get to be in control. Life brings us to places that we sometimes wouldn’t expect, but we ultimately have to stay prepared. Ultimately, Trillium College can help you no matter where you want to go or where you end up. Let’s talk about your goals and a career today.