Education

C M Y K PAGE 8 8 WINNIPEG FREE PRESS SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020 EDUCATION GUIDE URBAN CIRCLE TRAINING CENTRE INC. Professional Career Training Opportunity "A Learning Centre that Makes a Difference" Urban Circle is looking for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit, Status/Non-status) applicants who are willing to commit to quality training that includes life skills and will lead to employment and offers the following programs: ADULT EDUCATION & EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM – Allows you to obtain a mature Grade 12 Diploma - High School credits by Seven Oaks School Division, & Employment Preparation or Furthering Education. FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER PROGRAM – Certified by Red River College. This course is a "stepping stone" into social work field. This program is credited towards 1st year Child and Youth Care Program. Excellent Employment Opportunities. HEALTH CARE AIDE/HEALTH UNIT CLERK PROGRAM (NURSING ASSISTANT) – Dual Certified by Red River College This course is a "stepping stone" into the Healthcare field. Excellent Employment Opportunities. EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT PROGRAM – Certified by Red River College. This course is a "stepping stone" to a Bachelor of Education degree. Call 204-589-4433 for more information OR visit Website: urbancircletraining.com 519 Selkirk Avenue, Winnipeg T hat perception isn't entirely ac- curate, says Scott Masterson, di- rector of athletics at Providence, which is located in Otterburne, 50 kilometres southeast of Winnipeg. "In addition to our theological pro- grams, we also offer a huge variety of uni- versity-level programs," he says. "We also have an excellent athletics program." Like the college, the athletics program is anything but ordinary. Every year, approximately 100 varsity athletes arrive at the faith-based educa - tional institution to represent the Provi- dence Pilots in sports such as volleyball, basketball, soccer and futsal. Students can expect to be challenged to not only become better athletes, but to become better people, says Masterson. "We're attractive to athletes because of the level of competition we offer," he says, noting that teams play locally in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Con - ference (MCAC), nationally in the Ca- nadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) and south of the border in the National Christian College Athletic As- sociation (NCCAA). "The whole experi- ence can be a real journey." That journey is part and parcel of be- ing stretched as an athlete and person, adds Masterson. "For many athletes, it's their first time away from home. Consequently, some struggle early trying to balance athletics with their studies. It can take them a bit of time to figure everything out." That said, those struggles are worth it in the long haul. "Our goal is for students to develop a work ethic and sense of discipline in both their sport and in their studies," he says. "Learning teamwork and discipline is rel - evant to so many aspects of day-to-day life. Athletics are a priority, but a greater priority for us is to help students graduate in a program that's relevant to their abili- ties outside of sports." However, that doesn't mean the ath- letic experience won't be fulfilling. Because Providence's teams compete provincially, nationally and interna- tionally, athletes are exposed to high- level competition on a regular basis. That high competition level sets Provi- dence apart from most colleges and uni- versities in Manitoba, says Masterson. "Historically, our soccer and vol- leyball programs have seen the stron- gest results with regional and national championships. Our basketball pro- gram has also been successful, but be- cause the competition level in the U.S. (Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wis- consin) is so high, it has been more dif- ficult for our basketball teams to qualify for competing at a national level," he says. "Our athletes can always expect to be challenged." In that sense, Providence's teams have consistently risen to the challenge, winning championships in men's and women's soccer in the MCAC and plac - ing highly in U.S. nationals. The wom- en's volleyball team has also fared well in NCCAA competition. "Over the last 20 years, we've provid- ed quality competition, competing in both Canada and the U.S.," Masterson says, noting that most of the coaches work full-time at the institution. "Our varsity program has served students well due to the high level of competi - tion. Our new membership in the CCAA is allowing for our program to become more well-known and more relevant to Canadian athletes." Providence, it turns out, is also build - ing a reputation for developing well- rounded, work-ready people. "We're here to serve students. We want to help them in every possible way we can — in their athletics, academics, personal development, and in their faith." Combine all those elements together over four to five years at Providence, and the result is a person that emerges ready to contribute to the world. "Faith is the active component of all our programs here," he says. "We recog - nize that everyone is on a different faith journey, but we want to create a Christ- centred environment that not only talks the talk, but walks the walk." For more information, visit prov.ca. PROVIDENCE PHOTOS Providence teams have competed locally in the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference, nationally in the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association and south of the border in the National Christian College Athletic Association. PROVIDENCE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE & THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Learn, play & grow BY TODD LEWYS For some reason, people tend to think of Providence University College and Theological Seminary as only a Bible school.

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