Community Education and Training

Tuesday and Wednesday, May 5 and 6; 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 I26R70
2 sessions
Fee: $455
Location: on-campus
Registration opens January 2, 2026. Before January 2, call us at 604.485.2878.

Instructor: Lizabeth West

Lizabeth 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!

Thursdays, January 29 to March 5; 5 to 8 pm

This class is a good introduction or refresher for those at any level interested in drawing: the foundation of all the visual arts. We will discuss tools and techniques and explore line, tone and the elements of design and composition in this multi-evening, hands-on class. Come prepared to draw. NOTE: Materials list will be available at registration.

Additional Expenses: participants will be asked to pay a small fee towards renting a model.

Course code: DRAW 001 S26R70
6 sessions
$195 + GST
Seats are limited
Location: on-campus

Register for Drawing for All

Instructor: Roy Schneider

Roy graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design as a fine art print maker and went on to work as an award-winning illustrator, creating illustration for some of the world’s largest publishers and design firms. Roy brings his sensibility as a print maker, and his intimate knowledge of the landscape to creating painting with a strong graphic quality and a fresh perspective to Canadian landscape painting. Roy’s paintings are of deep and untouched wilderness, highlighted by the amazing beauty and light of the northern boreal and mountains of western Canada. To see Roy's work, visit Studio Schneider.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays, February 3 to 18; 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Ever thought about starting a business in qathet? Maybe you already have, 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 business types, ideation, market research, raising funds and revenue, investment, and pitching. Practical elements include teamwork, peer-to-peer feedback, and a final Dragon's Den event where you get to pitch your idea.

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 S26R70
6 sessions
Fee: $220 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Entrepreneurship

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 (from individual startups to the European Commission) solve Research and Development (R&D) challenges and evaluate investment opportunities. He also mentors for the University of British Columbia (UBC) venture-founder program.

Saturday, April 18; 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:

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 I26R70
1 session
$85 + $30 lab fee 
Pre-registration required by Thursday, April 2, 2026
Registration opens January 2, 2026. Before January 2, call us at 604.485.2878.
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.

Wednesdays, February 11 to March 18; 6 to 8 pm

Take your Excel skills up a notch. Become the cool kid who can select a range with a single movement, create a custom chart in five clicks and use formulas to analyze data and retrieve specific results that would take hours to find manually. Wow your professor or manager with polished charts that embed flawlessly in Word or PowerPoint and can be updated with a single click.

Please bring a notebook, binder, report holder, clipboard or other method of keeping handouts together and a thumb drive (minimum 4 GB) for handing in and receiving back assignments.

Course code: CMIE 001 S26R70
6 sessions
$230 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Get the Most Out of Excel: Beyond the Basics - Part 1

Instructor: Kirstie McLeod

Kirstie has been working with Microsoft Office since it was launched back in the 1990s. She has earned two university degrees (English Literature followed by a more practical CMMB/Microbiology degree) and has decades of experience in administration, data analysis and training facilitation. As a result, she has spent extensive time with all applications of MS Office. But Excel is her favourite.

This course is for taking your Excel and data analysis skills to the Guru level. Excel is capable of doing some pretty incredible things, but most people are content to use it to do basic arithmetic, kind of like a race car that mostly gets used for commutes.

Learn all about pivot tables, arrays, forms, security, and embedding and manipulating objects for interactive presentations. If that's the kind of Excel skills you want and you are interested in really pushing the envelope of what Excel can do, this course if for you.

Please bring a notebook, binder, report holder, clipboard or other method of keeping handouts together and a thumb drive (minimum 4 GB) for handing in and receiving back assignments.

Course code: CMIE 002 I26R70
6 sessions
$230 + GST
Location: on-campus
Registration opens January 2, 2026. Before January 2, call us at 604.485.2878.

Instructor: Kirstie McLeod

Kirstie has been working with Microsoft Office since it was launched back in the 1990s. She has earned two university degrees (English Literature followed by a more practical CMMB/Microbiology degree) and has decades of experience in administration, data analysis and training facilitation. As a result, she has spent extensive time with all applications of MS Office. But Excel is her favourite.

Friday, May 1; 6 to 10 pm and Saturday, May 2; 8 am to 3 pm

This course 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
• 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.

Course code: QAIR 002 I26R70
2 sessions
$490 + GST
Location: on-campus
Registration opens January 2, 2026. Before January 2, call us at 604.485.2878.

Instructor: Darryl Dickins, 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.

Thursday, March 5; 6 to 8 pm and Saturday, March 14; 4 to 6 pm

Are you interested in developing the tools to analyze power and representation in cinema? This introduction to feminist film theory will cover the films at the 2026 qathet International Film Festival (qiff). Our pre-fest session will cover key concepts in feminist film theory— including gaze theory, tropes, and representation—with opportunities for group discussion. In the second session, we will use these concepts to analyze and discuss the films at the film festival.

Film festival tickets are sold separately. Watch as many qiff films as you can or want to; in this course, we will focus on the dramas over the documentaries. This is a beginner-level film theory workshop, intended to be fun and accessible. Just bring a pen and notebook if you’d like.

Course code: FEFL 002 S26X70
2 sessions
Fee: $65 + GST
Location: Patricia Theatre Screening Room

Register for Introduction to Feminist Film Criticism at the qiff

Instructor: Emma Morgan-Thorp

Emma is a PhD candidate in York University’s Theatre and Performance Studies Program, currently completing a doctoral dissertation about settler anticolonialism and site-specific, community-engaged art. During her graduate studies at York, Emma enjoyed teaching introductory undergraduate film studies classes; she is excited to be back in the classroom discussing feminist media criticism with qathet community members.

Introduction to the Neuroscience of Manifestation is a three-part workshop that explores how neuroscience supports manifestation by rewiring thought patterns, emotions, and habits to achieve goals. Led by Dr. Jaspreet Soor, this course combines practical exercises, guided reflections, and evidence-based techniques to harness the power of the mind and manifest success.

Participants in this workshop will:

• understand the scientific principles behind manifestation, including key brain systems such as the Reticular Activating System (RAS), Prefrontal Cortex, Mirror Neurons, Amygdala, and neuroplasticity
• learn how positive thought patterns and emotional alignment contribute to effective manifestation
• practice powerful neuroscience-based tools such as visualization, affirmations, mindfulness, and habit creation
• begin to identify and overcome limiting beliefs and mental barriers to amplify manifesting power

Course code: NEMA 001 I26R70
3 sessions
$200 + GST
Location: on-campus
Registration opens January 2, 2026. Before January 2, call us at 604.485.2878.

Instructor: Dr. Jaspreet Soor

Dr. Jaspreet (MBChB) is an experienced Transitions Consultant certified as a life coach, end-of-life doula and energy healing, with a background in neuroscience and holistic wellness practices that help individuals embrace their true power. Dr. Soor brings a unique blend of medical expertise, coaching skills, and a deep understanding of habit transformation to empower individuals in achieving their fullest potential. She has been supporting individuals for about two decades, steeping her work in a philosophy of holistic wellness with a Live Authentically, Die Meaningfully approach giving clients a safe space to explore their physical, emotional and spiritual wellness needs.

Tuesdays, January 20 to March 10; 4:30 to 6 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 musical terms

Course code: REMU 001 S26R70
8 sessions
Fee: $100 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for” button to: 

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, 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.

See the Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology page.

Tuesdays, February 3 to March 10; 5:30 to 7 pm

Liberate your inner writer in this welcoming, all-levels poetry workshop designed to inspire and nurture your creative voice. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just beginning to explore the world of poetry, this workshop offers a supportive space to experiment with language, imagery and form. Through engaging prompts, group discussions and the exploration of inventive styles, you'll find ways to free your expression, get words down on the page and tune into your own personal style choices.

No prior experience is necessary—just bring an open mind and a desire to explore the power of words. By the end of the workshop, you'll have crafted original poems and gained the confidence to continue writing and sharing your work. Join us for a journey of self-expression, connection, and creativity!

Course code: PTWR 001 S26R70
6 sessions
Fee: $115 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for The Open Poem: Exploring Style & Form

Instructor: Shauna Andrews

Shauna (she/her) is a freelance writer and workshop facilitator with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. She has been longlisted for the CBC Poetry Prize and published in literary periodicals including The Malahat Review, Maisonneuve, The Humber Literary Review, Petal Projections, Portal and Incline. For more about Shauna, visit Cowgirl Grammar.

Thursdays, February 5 to March 12; 5:30 to 7 pm

In this six-week, all-levels workshop, participants will explore the art and craft of short fiction. Each session focuses on a key element of storytelling, from building complex characters and crafting vivid settings to shaping authentic dialogue and creating narrative tension. Through weekly readings, writing exercises, and group discussion, writers will experiment with voice, structure, and scene development while receiving constructive feedback in a supportive environment. By the end of the course, each participant may end up with a draft, a deeper understanding of what makes short fiction powerful, or simply a memorable experience.

Course code: FIWR 001 S26R70
6 sessions
Fee: $115 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Short Fiction Foundations

Instructor: Shauna Andrews

Shauna (she/her) is a freelance writer and workshop facilitator with an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. She has been longlisted for the CBC Poetry Prize and published in literary periodicals including The Malahat Review, Maisonneuve, The Humber Literary Review, Petal Projections, Portal and Incline. For more about Shauna, visit Cowgirl Grammar.

Mondays, January 12 to March 9; 5 to 6:30 pm
No class Monday, February 16

This course is for you if you sing in the treble range and have prior singing experience as well as an understanding of basic vocal techniques. You will need to practice your part between classes.

You should have completed a Sing Outside the Shower course or equivalent and be able to sing your own part with some confidence. Some ability to read music is very helpful. If you are not sure if you should register for this course, you may contact the instructor for guidance.

By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following in two selected works:

• understand and implement a range of vocal techniques to enhance your tone clarity
• sing with an awareness of how vocal tension is caused
• sing with increased resonance
• sing two works in harmony
• sing without looking at the words or music all the time
• sing with vowel uniformity
• blend your voice with others by listening to those singing around you
• use staggered breathing as needed
• sing with appropriate dynamics and tempi
• watch the conductor and respond to their musical direction while you are singing

Course code: ENSG 003 S26R70
8 sessions
Fee: $100 + GST
Location: on-campus

Register for Treble Ensemble Singing

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, 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.

Monday and Wednesday, February 23 and 25; 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 S26R70
2 sessions
Fee: $28 + 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 2 and 4; 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 S26R70
2 sessions
Fee: $28 + 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.

Wednesday, February 11; 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 S26R70
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.

Thursdays, March 5 to April 23; 2 to 4 pm

This course is an introduction to the basics of the Spanish language. It will provide you with the essential elements at a beginner level. Through a series of fun and dramatized stories and exercises, you will learn vocabulary, the present, past and future tenses, and commonly used idioms.

Course code: ELDP 003 S26R70
8 sessions
Fee: $53 + GST
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class
Seats are limited
Location: on-campus

Additional expenses

Textbook: List price ranges from $24 to $42 + shipping (price varies by retailer). Once you receive an email confirming that this course is a go, you must buy Schaum's Outline of Spanish Grammar by Conrad J. Schmitt, Publisher McGraw-Hill Education, 7th edition. It can be purchased from an online book store such as Indigo/Chapters, McGraw Hill Canada, Amazon, etc.

Register for Introduction to Spanish

Instructor: Miriam Palacios

Tuesdays, February 17 to April 7; 9:30 to 11 am
No class Tuesdays, Mar 17 and 24

Memoirs tell personal life stories focused on a specific theme or period in life rather than a whole life story like in an autobiography. Spiritual life writing is a way to record personal stories of great meaning. Often considered taboo subjects for public conversation, stories of faith, religion, wonder, doubt and spirit have the power to strengthen our core identities and connect us with others. For those of us who are older and who wish to share our legacy with others, memoirs are ideal.

If you have been putting off writing because you don't know where to start or feel lost when it comes to writing, join author Lana Cullis for six senior-friendly sessions about how to take your story ideas and develop them into a complete work or even a book.

No writing experience is necessary and everyone is welcome. All you need to bring is personal writing materials like notebooks or journals and pens, or writing devices like laptops or tablets.

A textbook titled The Spiritual Life Writing Workbook: From Concept to Bookshelf by Susan Scott, Lana Cullis and Sharon Hines is optional. The instructor will have it available for purchase.

Course code: LFLL 003 S26R70     
6 sessions
Fee: $48 + GST
Location: on-campus
Those under 50 can register for an additional fee of $20 + GST to attend this class

Register for Spiritual Life Writing: Memoirs for Seniors

Instructor: Lana Cullis

Lana’s writing draws on waking dreams, voices, and visions that reveal the tender places where human truth, individuality, and courage intersect. She co-authored The Spiritual Life Writing Workbook: From Concept to Bookshelf released in 2025. In 2024, her essay “Scar Tissue” was published in Dorothy Parker’s Ashes (a New York Literary magazine). In 2023 and 2024, her narratives appeared in The Globe and Mail and CBC First Person columns. Lana is a regular contributor to The Powell River Peak and qathet Living magazine. She is committed to creating kinship between writers of all levels and offers Writing into the Sacred spiritual life writing sessions to diverse community groups. Lana lives, writes, and plays in the city of Powell River, q̓at ̓ᶿət (qathet Regional District) on lands traditionally stewarded by the Tla’amin Nation on the West Coast of British Columbia, Canada. You can visit Lana Cullis' website or find her on Instagram @writerlanacullis.

Thai Cuisine - A Journey of Flavours

Saturday, February 21; 10 am to 1 pm

Thai cuisine has been influenced by many cultures and is known for its amazing balance of sweet, sour, bitter, and salty flavours often finished with aromatic herbs. In this hands-on experience, Mam invites you to come to savour the scents, flavours, magic and identity of typical Thai cuisine!

Begin your spicy journey by learning how to prepare the king of Thai curry dishes, massaman curry, which is a fusion dish combining ingredients from three different sources: Iran, India and Malaysia. The substance of this dish is usually based on chicken or other meat, potatoes, onions and roasted peanuts. Its richness comes from the coconut milk used as a base, just as for many other Thai curries.

Then, make tod mun pha (Thai chicken cake), a tasty Thai appetizer made using chicken, Thai basil, kaffir lime leaves and green beans. The chicken cakes are formed into round patties before being deep fried and served with a Thai sweet chili dipping sauce.

For dessert, make one of Thailand’s best traditional desserts, khao niao mamuang. This mango sticky rice is served in both the most upscale restaurants and street food stalls. This crowd-pleaser is a simple dish and a delicious way to round off any Thai meal.

Course code: ELDP 022 S26X70
1 session
Fee: $17 + $25 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 Thai Cuisine - A Journey of Flavours

Instructor: Donlaporn (Mam) Nygren

Donlaporn (Mam) was born in Nakhonsawan, Thailand and immigrated to Canada in 2009. Mam moved to Powell River from Gibsons, BC in 2013. She enjoys cooking and is happy to teach us about the diverse ingredients, complex spices and exotic herbs that are required to assemble a single dish. Mam wants us to know that there are many real Thai dishes beside Pad Thai, and she encourages us to try them here or in Thailand.

Sat, Mar 28; 10 am-1 pm

Stir-fried rice noodles have been around for a very long time in East Asia. Pad Thai is a fairly recent adaptation of that genre. It is a very popular street food in Thailand both with locals and tourists. We will be making what I consider to be the classic Pad Thai. The ingredients we will use are rice noodles, eggs, tofu, dried shrimps, garlic, shallot, salted turnip, roasted ground peanuts, chives, prawns, and Pad Thai sauce. The sauce is made from tamarind juice, palm sugar and fish sauce. Pad Thai is served with banana flower, bean sprout and a lime wedge. Please bring an apron and plastic containers.

Course code: ELDP 017 S26X70
1 session
Fee: $17 + $20 lab fee + GST
Those under 50 can register to attend this class for an additional fee of $20 + GST
Seats are limited
Location: Cranberry Seniors Centre

Register for Thai Food: Pad Thai

Instructor: Rachaya Varayothin

Rachaya was born in Bangkok, Thailand and moved to Powell River in 2021. Rachaya has always loved to cook, and her friends and family have been the lucky recipients. Her specialty is to cook Thai dishes as close to the original style as possible.