Vancouver Island University: Programs Overview

1. Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program

🏫 Program Provider: Vancouver Island University

Program Details

Program Name: Adult Basic Education (ABE)
📍 Locations:

  • Nanaimo Campus
  • Parksville/Qualicum Centre
  • Cowichan Campus
  • Powell River Campus

📅 Program Length:

  • 13 weeks (per course)

💵 Cost:

  • $0 (Domestic students)

📜 Credential:

  • Adult Basic Education Certificate

Program Description

The Adult Basic Education (ABE) program at Vancouver Island University offers high school-level courses tailored for individuals aiming to:

  • Fulfill prerequisites for university.
  • Improve grades for university admission.
  • Complete the Adult Graduation Diploma.

The program is flexible, offering in-person, blended, and fully online options (synchronous or asynchronous).

Program Courses

Choose from a wide selection of courses, including:

  • Biology: BIOL 047, BIOL 067
  • Chemistry: CHEM 047, CHEM 067
  • Computer Studies: COST 020 to COST 067
  • English: ENGL 011 to ENGL 068 (including First Peoples Literature)
  • Math: MATH 011 to MATH 067 (including Business/Technical Math)
  • Indigenous Studies: IECE 032, TPOF 068, TPOF 069
  • Other Subjects: Physics, History, and specialized skills courses.

Admission Requirements

  1. Be at least 17 years of age and out of school for one year.
  2. OR have graduated from high school.
  3. OR be enrolled in a VIU academic, trades, or vocational program.

Contact Information

  • 📞 Phone: 250-740-6425
  • 📧 Email: ACP@viu.ca
  • 🔗 Learn More: Program Website

2. Workplace Essential Skills and Training (WEST) Program

🏫 Program Provider: Vancouver Island University

Program Details

Program Name: Workplace Essential Skills and Training Program (WEST)
📍 Locations:

  • Nanaimo Campus
  • Cowichan Campus

📅 Program Length:

  • 2 years

💵 Cost:

  • $1,476.20
  • Financial aid is available. Learn more here.

📜 Credential:

  • Workplace Essential Skills and Training Certificate

Program Description

The WEST Program supports students with developmental and cognitive disabilities, focusing on:

  • Personal and Interpersonal Skills: Building independence and fostering growth.
  • Employment Skills: Developing essential workplace abilities.
  • Life Skills: Strengthening readiness for everyday challenges.

Hands-on classroom learning is complemented by practical job placements.

Program Courses

Core areas include:

  • Personal Development (WPFD 001–006)
  • Workplace Safety and Communication (CUSV 001–007)
  • Retail and Food Services (REFS 001–007)
  • Community Connections (CMCN 001–007)
  • Employment Readiness (SKIP 001–005)

Admission Requirements

  1. Be 17 years old and out of school for one year.
  2. OR have graduated from high school.
  3. Additional criteria:
    • Diagnosis or documented learning difficulty.
    • Ability to attend independently.
    • Demonstrated strength and endurance for program tasks.

Contact Information

  • Jo Lemay (Cowichan Campus)
    • 📞 Phone: 250-746-3543
    • 📧 Email: Jo.Lemay@viu.ca
  • Tanya Assaf (Nanaimo Campus)
    • 📞 Phone: 250-740-6162
    • 📧 Email: Tanya.Assaf@viu.ca
  • 🔗 Learn More: Program Website

3. Cooperative Entrepreneur Training Program (CETP)

🏫 Program Provider: Vancouver Island University

Program Details

Program Name: Cooperative Entrepreneur Training Program (CETP)
Program Code: CETP
Program Credits: 30
📍 Location: Nanaimo Campus

📅 Program Length:

  • 30 weeks

💵 Cost:

📜 Credential:

  • Cooperative Entrepreneur Training Certificate

Program Description

The CETP Program empowers students with cognitive barriers or employment challenges to develop entrepreneurial skills. Participants will:

  • Create a simplified business plan.
  • Obtain necessary licenses for business operations.
  • Apply their skills in a practical business setting during a four-week supported placement.

Program Courses

Core subjects include:

  • Self-Employment Foundations: CETP 100T–102T
  • Business Planning: CETP 103T–106T
  • Community Mentorship and Practice: CETP 107T–108T

Admission Requirements

  1. High school graduation or equivalent.
  2. Be at least 17 years old and out of school for one year.
  3. Completion of an accredited employment preparation program (e.g., WEST) or at least one year of work/volunteer experience.
  4. Participate in an intake interview with CETP Faculty.

Contact Information

  • 📞 Phone: 250-740-6672
  • 📧 Email: Connect@viu.ca
  • 🔗 Learn More: Program Website