Expand your world. Explore new interests.
Expand your mind, body and soul. Explore new interests and fulfill your personal goals while forging new relationships that will last a lifetime. We've been providing community education and training for the qathet region since 1974.
Our course mix offers something for everyone. You can take part in a variety of ways to fit your schedule and lifestyle. The course line-up changes every semester so check back often to see what's available.
Courses
Community Education and Training courses
Community Education and Training offers courses in-person at tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus unless otherwise noted.
Dates: To Be Confirmed; 8 am to 4:30 pm
Be an important part of a construction team by training as a Traffic Control Person (TCP) to WorkSafe BC standards. Get the basic knowledge and skills required to perform traffic control for construction, maintenance and utility work in BC. To date, this is the only approved TCP training course for all roads in BC.
Bring 6-inch-high CSA-approved steel-toed boots and all-weather clothing. All other safety equipment, manuals and materials will be supplied. To successfully complete this course, you must pass both a written exam and a practical test. Those who are successful will receive a TCP Record of Completion Card issued by BC Construction Safety Alliance (valid for 3 years).
Course code: QFLG 003 I27R70
2 sessions
$455
Location: on-campus
Contact us to add your name to our interest list. We will notify you as soon as the dates are confirmed.
Instructor: Lizabeth West
Liz of TCP Training 4U has been a traffic control professional for 20 years and an instructor since 2010. Residing on Vancouver Island, she provides courses on the island and throughout British Columbia. She is a dedicated and passionate professional with a great sense of humor who delivers courses in a fun, informative, attentive, and supportive manner. Her commitment to the importance of safety for new Traffic Controllers entering the industry is evident in her classes. In the field, Lizabeth provides expertise in areas of public and in-house training, consulting, and traffic management planning. Training traffic control professionals is what we do!
Saturday, March 6; 9 am to 4 pm
This course is a must for kitchen staff and dining room attendants and is worthwhile for anyone who handles food.
You will learn about:
- illnesses
- personal hygiene and health
- serving food
- food protection and preparation
- receiving and storing food safely
- ware washing and storage methods
You must attend all class hours.
Textbook and certificate are included in the cost of tuition. Certificate issued by Vancouver Coastal Health.
Course code: QFOO 001 S27R70
1 session
$90 + $30 lab fee
Pre-registration required by Thursday, February 25, 2027
Location: on-campus
Instructor: Michael Nguyen
Michael is an experienced Environmental Health Officer (EHO) and passionate educator, specializing in food safety and public health. With a deep commitment to ensuring the well-being of communities and the environment, Michael has dedicated his career to promoting safe food handling practices and fostering a culture of health and sustainability. Michael has worked extensively across the qathet region as an EHO.
Friday, April 30; 6 to 10 pm and Saturday, May 1; 8 am to 3 pm
This course is is designed to prepare students for the on-highway air brake endorsement (Code 15). It is also required if you want to drive an RV, small truck, or bus with air brakes. The primary purpose of the course is to build, demonstrate, and test a modern air brake system, giving students an interactive experience and clear understanding of how the system works with the audio and visual aid of a fully-functional air brake board. You will learn the benefits and safety measures air brakes provide for heavy vehicles. This course includes eight (8) hours of theory, four (4) hours of practical training, and a pre-trip vehicle inspection.
Prerequisite: A valid BC driver’s license (minimum "N").
If you want to pre-read, you should pick up the "Driving Commercial Vehicles" Manual from any ICBC or local driver's license office and skim chapters 8 and 9.
Successful participants must pass a written exam, taken at the driver’s licensing office, and qualify on the practical Air Brake Pre-Trip exam, conducted on site on the last day of the course. The ICBC exam must be written within 90 days of course completion, resulting in Air-Brake Endorsement on your current class of license. The ICBC exam fee is not included in the price of the course. Health.
Course code: QAIR 002 I27R70
2 sessions
$490 + GST
Location: on-campus
Register for ICBC Certified Air Brakes
Instructor: Darryl Dickings - 1st Class Driving School
Darryl started 1st Class Driving School in 2005 following 18 years in the forestry industry as a commercial truck driver and heavy equipment operator.
1st Class Driving School combines over 50 years of experience in the commercial transport industry and is fully licensed through ICBC an EHO.
Tuesdays, January 12 to March 2; 5:15 to 6:45 pm
This course is a basic introduction to reading music.
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
- understand what a music staff is
- identify basic note values correctly
- identify basic rest values correctly
- identify a range of pitches in both the treble and bass clefs correctly
- understand basic rhythmic passages of music
- have an introductory understanding of intervals, accidentals and basic music terms
Course code: REMU 001 S27R70
8 sessions
$100 + GST
Location: on-campus
Register for Introduction to Reading Music
Instructor: Susan Lines
Susan has been a facilitator of community music education for over 30 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Leicester University, a Bachelor of Music from Ulster University, and a Master’s degree in Vocal Performance from Queen’s University, Belfast. Susan was a lecturer in Performing Arts in Belfast prior to immigrating to Canada. She worked as a church soloist, voice teacher and recitalist in Ottawa. Now in Powell River, she continues to teach voice privately and offers group vocal training through the Sing Outside the Shower courses (a model she developed in Ottawa). Susan is an active vocalist and sings with Vox Madrigal.
Mondays, November 2026 to June 2027, 5 to 6:30 pm
This by-audition course is for you if you sing in the treble range (soprano, mezzo soprano, alto) and have prior singing experience as well as an understanding of basic vocal techniques. You will need to practice your part between classes.
This course prepares a large Chorus of Treble Voices to participate in the performance of The Symphony No. 3 in D minor by Gustav Mahler by the PRISMA Festival Orchestra conducted by Arthur Arnold at PRISMA Festival in June 2027.
It provides participants with an opportunity to refine their choral technique including a focus on excellent intonation, resonance, vocal blend, breath support, diction and German pronunciation. By the end of the program participants will have learned, rehearsed and performed a large-scale choral-orchestral work with symphonic orchestra under the direction of a professional conductor.
Singers in the treble range who would like to apply to this program are invited to contact VIU tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus at 604.485.2878. The instructor will get in touch with them about the requirements, schedule an audition and enrollment process.
Course code: ENSG 003 F26R70
24 hours total. The exact schedule and dates for each part will be provided by the instructor
Fee: $140 + GST
Location: on-campus
Instructor: Susan Lines
Susan has been a facilitator of community music education for more than 30 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Leicester University, a Bachelor of Music from Ulster University and a Master's degree in Vocal Performance from Queen's University, Belfast. Susan was a lecturer in Performing Arts in Belfast prior to immigrating to Canada. She worked as a church soloist, voice teacher and recitalist in Ottawa. Now in Powell River, Susan continues to teach voice privately and offers group vocal training through the Sing Outside the Shower courses (a model she developed in Ottawa). Susan is an active vocalist and sings with Vox Madrigal.
Tuesdays, February 2 to March 9; 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Have you ever thought about starting a business in qathet? Or maybe you already have one but are wondering how to make it grow. This course will cover the basics of small business creation, from non-profits to investable startups.
Topics include ideation, business development process, market research, presentation, and fundraising. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities with starting and operating a business in qathet.
With a blend of theoretical and practical exercises, this course aims to equip students with the basic concepts of business creation and provide the tools and resources to start a new business in the qathet region.
Course code: ENTR 001 S27R70
6 sessions
Fee: $220 + GST
Location: on-campus
Register for Starting and Growing a Business in qathet
Instructor: Dr. Patrik Jones
Dr. Patrik is co-founder of five deeptech companies. He was Professor at Imperial College London (a global top 10 University) and received the European Research Council fellowship. He has published more than 60 peer-reviewed papers and taught entrepreneurship to undergraduates, postgraduates, and academics.
In qathet, Patrik operates a consulting business helping clients ranging from individual startups to the European Commission solve Research and Development (R&D) challenges and evaluate investment opportunities. He also mentors for several national and international organizations.
Lifelong Learning courses
Reduced course fees for anyone aged 50+
Are you fifty years of age and up? Take advantage of our reduced fees on the following courses. All these courses are also available for those under 50 for an additional fee of $20.00 + GST.
What makes these courses different?
- instructors volunteer their time
- a participatory learning experience
- no quizzes or grade
- lively, fun and full of discussion
Wednesday, February 17; 10:30 am to 1 pm
Discover the warmth and flavours of traditional Chinese home cooking in this fun, hands-on class! Learn how to make two beloved family dishes: Coca-Cola Chicken Wings (tender, juicy wings simmered in a delicious sweet and savoury sauce) and Tomato Egg Stir-Fry, a comforting combination of fluffy scrambled eggs and fresh tomatoes.
Along the way, you will learn simple Chinese cooking techniques, explore everyday ingredients, and discover how easy it is to recreate these meals at home. No previous cooking experience is required. Come and enjoy a taste of authentic Chinese comfort food!
NOTE: Please bring an apron and plastic containers to take your creations home.
Course code: LFLL 007 S27X70
1 session
Fee: $17 + $20 lab fee + GST
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class
Seats are limited
Location: Cranberry Seniors Centre
Register for A Taste of Chinese Home Cooking
Instructor: Bo Yuan
Bo was born in Beijing, China, and moved to Powell River in 2019. She worked as an elementary school teacher in China and has a lifelong passion for cooking traditional Chinese home-style dishes. She loves sharing the vibrant flavours of her culture and introducing others to Chinese culinary traditions. Bo looks forward to meeting everyone, sharing her stories, and enjoying a wonderful cooking experience together.
Wednesday, February 24; 9 to 11 am
This course is for those who are new to the iPad and will give you an understanding of its features, capabilities, and limitations. You will also learn how to properly interact with the iPad's touch interface — including how to type and edit text using the on-screen keyboard. Basic settings will also be discussed.
With class size limited to a small group, this course is ideal for absolute beginners or those experiencing frustration while interacting with their iPad. We recommend you bring your iPad to class upgraded to the latest version of iPadOS.
Course code: ELDE 044 S27R70
1 session
Fee: $22 + GST
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class
Seats are limited
Location: on-campus
Register for Introduction to iPad
Instructor: Corey Matsumoto
Corey is avid Mac user since 2001 and is currently the owner of PR Macs on Marine Ave. selling and servicing Apple computers as well as providing educational services to help users get the most out of their Mac.
Monday and Wednesday, March 1 and 3; 9 to 11 am
Still using your iPad solely for web surfing and games? The iPad has given us the power to navigate around the world, showcase our photo collections with style, and experience video calling to friends and family in far-away places. Taught by an Apple Product Specialist, this course will show you how to get good use out of the apps that came with your iPad.
With class size limited to a small group, this course is ideal for students who have taken Intro to iPad or have basic iPad skills. We recommend you bring your iPad to class upgraded to the latest version of iPadOS.
Course code: ELDE 046 S27R70
2 sessions
Fee: $30 + GST
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class
Seats are limited
Location: on-campus
Register for Getting the Most Out of Your iPad - Part 1
Instructor: Corey Matsumoto
Corey is avid Mac user since 2001 and is currently the owner of PR Macs on Marine Ave. selling and servicing Apple computers as well as providing educational services to help users get the most out of their Mac.
Monday and Wednesday, March 8 and 10; 9 to 11 am
You’ve got a good handle on your iPad, but there are still many things to learn! This course will teach you how to properly sync, back-up, and restore your iPad to prevent unexpected data loss. You’ll also learn how to use some of the best features of the latest version of iPadOS—including SIRI and Apple Intelligence integration—as well as great tips and tricks to get the most out of your battery life and manage your storage space. Finally, you’ll discover how to pick the perfect apps while avoiding the duds in the App Store.
With class size limited to a small group, this course is ideal for students who have taken Intro to iPad and/or Getting the Most Out of Your iPad - Part 1. We recommend you bring your iPad to class upgraded to the latest version of iPadOS.
Course code: ELDE 072 S27R70
2 sessions
Fee: $30 + GST
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class
Seats are limited
Location: on-campus
Register for Getting the Most Out of Your iPad - Part 2
Instructor: Corey Matsumoto
Corey is avid Mac user since 2001 and is currently the owner of PR Macs on Marine Ave. selling and servicing Apple computers as well as providing educational services to help users get the most out of their Mac.
Your tuition for Lifelong Learning courses covers a variety of services:
- registration and administration
- photocopies and supplies
- promotional expenses
- Facility usage
Please note:
- Course tuition varies.
- Lab fees may apply.
- Those under 50 can register for any class for an additional $20.00 + GST.
Do you have a skill to share?
Our Lifelong Learning courses are taught by volunteer instructors. Do you have a passion for sharing your knowledge with your community? Join us and teach a Lifelong Learning class!
Email xochitl.hernandez@viu.ca
Register
Three easy ways to register!
Online
The blue “Register” button in each course listing takes you to VIU Web Registration where you can pay safely and securely with your credit card.
Telephone
Call 604.485.2878. After you register by telephone, you must make your payment by logging into your VIU Online Student Record or via your financial institution.
In-person
Registration payment is limited to cheques. We are unable to accept cash, credit card or debit. However, after in-person registration, you can make an online payment by logging in to your VIU Online Student Record or via your financial institution.
Visit tiwšɛmawtxʷ campus: 7085 Nootka Street, Powell River. Campus is open Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Important
Minimum Enrollment - Courses must meet minimum enrollments to run. If minimum enrollments are not met four (4) days prior to a course starting, we will cancel the course. If the instructor requires an earlier decision, this deadline will be revised. Therefore, we encourage you to register early!
Refunds and withdrawals
For most courses, fees are refundable if you withdraw at least two weeks before the course starts. Extenuating circumstances may be considered for partial refunds. Note that special refund deadlines are stated for some courses, and we are unable to issue refunds after those deadlines.
Non-Refundable Fees: Some courses may have non-refundable Tuition, Application, and/or Material Fees.
A full refund is issued if a course is cancelled.
Connect with us
Can't find a course that fulfills your personal goals? Tell us what interests you and what you'd like to learn and we'll contact you when a course you might like becomes available.