We offer a wide variety of courses in Business and Health to pique your interest or extend your professional learning.
We are redesigning our curriculum and enhancing your learning experience with new partnerships and software. Email PDTCowichan@viu.ca for more information.
Standard First Aid Red Cross (16 hours)
Course ID: QSTF 001
This is a comprehensive sixteen-hour course that includes primary survey, critical intervention, airway management, and life support of infants, children, and adults. Learn how to handle emergencies including internal and external bleeding; shock; head, neck, and back injuries; fractures; and chest and abdominal injuries. Discuss injuries related to exposure to heat and cold and medical emergencies such as heart attacks and strokes. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a three-year certificate that includes CPR Level C. Minimum age: 16 years. $179 + GST
Basic Rescuer: CPR Level C (8 Hours)
Course ID: QCPR 001
The course covers skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies (CPR Level C)
Safety Awareness and First Aid for Childhood Emergencies (8 hours)
Course ID: QFAC 001
Basic one-day course designed to introduce caregivers to injury prevention skills and knowledge. Course covers lifesaving first aid skills and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR and AED) for children, and babies. Course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial early childhood education and day care worker safety requirements.
Emergency First Aid with CPR Level C (8 hours)
Course ID: QEFA 001
This course provides simple First Aid and CPR techniques taught in an interactive environment for individuals who want an overview of First Aid and CPR for home or the workplace. The course covers skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies (CPR Level C) and other topics such as choking, airway and breathing emergencies and prevention of disease transmission. Certificate is valid for 3 years.
Please contact the Program Assistant by email at PDTCowichan@viu.ca for further information.
Check out the agriculture workshops and Farming Fundamentals pages for more ways to learn about agriculture at VIU.
Master Gardener Part-time Non-credit certificate program
Course ID: AMMG 023
Designed for the experienced home gardener, this is an intensive training program providing up-to-date information on all gardening basics. Through this program you will be able to:
- meet other gardeners in an atmosphere of sharing and exploration
- fill gaps in your gardening knowledge
- provide satisfying solutions to future gardening problems
- know where to find the answers to new challenges
- give back to your community and share your joy of gardening.
The program consists of 78 hours of classroom training, followed by 65 hours of volunteer service. The classroom training component is delivered on Tuesdays and Saturdays in a workshop format (12 weeks). The program will take place in a hybrid delivery model with coursework being available online and in person.
For more information about the program please contact 250.746.3575 or PDTCowichan@viu.ca
This course will be offered again in January 2026.
Regenerative Farming program
This fully funded Regenerative Farming program is designed to engage students in agriculture to address a need in our community and respond to trends of aging farmers, the increase in demand for sustainably produced local food, and the growing interest in mixed farming and market gardening.
This program teaches the main theories, concepts, and practices of Regenerative Farming with guidance from industry experts. The theory portion of the program will be delivered online along with a one-week, in-person bootcamp in Courtenay and local farm practicums. (See schedule below.)
Funding includes all tuition fees; transport, accommodation, and meals while at Boot Camp in Courtenay; transport and childcare during farm practicums and personal protection equipment such as gloves and boots.
Participants must be 16 or older, unemployed, or underemployed (less than 30 hrs per week), legally entitled to work in Canada and currently living in BC to qualify for the funding.
Learn more about the Regenerative Farming program
The program is scheduled for winter 2024-25.
Building Service Worker
Course ID: SWBW 051
This intensive full-time 28 hour, non-credit certificate program provides training in practical skills and cleaning procedures required in a variety of settings. The training reflects performance and knowledge standards required in the industry, and emphasizes practical application of skills. Now including an anti-viral cleaning module!
Upcoming course dates:
- Date: April 27-28 and May 4-5, 2024 Full
- Location: Nanaimo Campus
- Time: 4 days in-class (2 weekends), 8am to 4pm
- Cost: $469 + GST. Fees include $16 manual
- Date: September 14-15 and 21-22, 2024 Registration open
- Location: Duncan Campus
- Time: 4 days in-class (2 weekends), 8am to 4pm
- Cost: $469 + GST. Fees include $16 manual
- Click to Register
Please email PDTCowichan@viu.ca for questions or to join the interest list
Craft Brewing & Packaging program
This program will prepare you for an exciting and rewarding career in the craft brewing sector with in-demand, industry-ready skills. Our program offers a unique opportunity to work closely with industry experts, allowing you to develop and master brewing recipes, operate commercial brewing equipment, and understand the economic fundamentals essential for running a successful brewing business. Whether you're passionate about creating unique brews or fascinated by the business side of brewing, our program equips you with the knowledge and practical skills needed for success.
This hands-on experience is designed in collaboration with North Island College Continuing Education, ensuring you receive comprehensive training to thrive in the brewing industry.
To learn more about the program contact PDTCowichan@viu.ca
This training is offered in partnership with Vancouver Community College, Okanagan College and North Island College.
Register for Craft Brewing and Packaging