Student Success

Get your wheels in motion with the Professional Bicycle Mechanic's course at Winterborne Bicycle Institute (WBI)! This 11 day intensive course provides students with the opportunity to learn all the systems on a bicycle.

WBI is the brain child of co-founders Jay Filer, and Alan Medcalf, and has been an off-campus training partner with Conestoga for five years. Not only is Jay an owner, he is also the Head Mechanic at WBI. "We take our student feedback very seriously and continuously look for opportunities to improve the course based on the needs of the industry."

The course is industry focused and (bicycle) shop owners have come to rely on it for training or hiring prospective employees. The course covers a wide range of topics and goes beyond simple brake set-up and bearing adjustment. Students also cover subject areas such as service management, bicycle frame metallurgy and performance fitting. "We have carved a niche in the Canadian Bicycle Industry, a reliable one, where folks in the industry have come to recognize our graduates as having a thorough foundation and the necessary competent skill set to repair and assemble any kind of bike on the market from entry level models sold at big box stores to an understanding of how to work on extremely high end modern carbon fiber bikes worth thousands of dollars" says Filer.

WBI started out offering weekend mechanics training under the Park Tool School. This is where Alan and Jay met and formed a partnership to offer professional mechanic training. Alan's ultimate goal was to get more people on more bikes more often. Alan and Jay thought one way to accomplish this would be to provide training to mechanics that in turn provide cyclists with safe and well operating bicycles. Who wants to ride a bike if it doesn't work as it was designed to work? Cyclists have enough to worry about on our busy roads without the additional challenge of a poorly operating bicycle, or even one that has never been set up correctly in the first place.

Since starting the Professional Bicycle Mechanics course in 2005, demand for the course has continued to increase. As a result the course is now offered more frequently. Approximately half of our students are coming from outside of the bicycle industry. Many of the non-industry students have various reasons for attending including "just wanting to know everything there is to know about a bike." Many of our students will come to the course because of the love they have for their bikes, and the desire to want to learn how to maintain them. Students from all across Canada, the US and even Brazil have attended the course.

There are only three professional bicycle mechanic training facilities in North America. WBI is the newest. WBI holds a unique position of being able to offer official recognition not only through a very highly recognized educational institution like Conestoga, but also offer our students certification from the industry's leading component manufacturer Shimano. You can count on an excellent educational experience as all of our instructors and guest speakers are currently employed in the bicycle industry. Come take our course you’ll have a great time and learn a ton!

Here's what some of our former students have had to say about their experience here at WBI.

"Credentialing bike mechanics is a must for our industry. WBI has done a superb job leading the way" Andre R, bike shop owner, WBI grad.

"As an employer, I look at a job applicant favourably when they have WBI graduate on their resume" Joel C, bike shop owner, WBI grad.

"Of all the exposure I have had to higher education the WBI course is honestly one of the best organized and most well taught courses I have ever seen" Dr. Krista H, WBI Grad.

"As an employed mechanic I enjoyed this course and gained more knowledge and experience than I had, my skills have reached a whole new level" Jason S, Pro Mechanic, WBI grad.

I was laid off in July, 2009, with little prospect of returning to my job. Conestoga College is a tried and trusted institution and on checking what was available through them I noticed the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Course. Knowing that the public are becoming more aware of the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle then the bicycle is certain to become a greater part of this lifestyle, bringing with it greater employment and business opportunites. There it was, my new career.

The course was excellent, but, be prepared to work hard. I was not a bicycle-literate person and had no idea of the depth of the subject, the instructors were first-rate, as was the program, it was well prepared and thorough, every question I had was valid and was answered to my satisfaction. Although intensive, the atmosphere was light-hearted and thoroughly professional. I made several good friends through the course. I highly recommend it. Richard K.

COM DEV International Ltd. is a global designer and manufacturer of space hardware. They are world leaders in the production of space-qualified passive microwave equipment, specialized electronics and optical subsystems. They have over 1,100 employees at facilities in Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

COM DEV manufactures advanced products and subsystems that are sold to major satellite builders for use in communications, space science, and remote sensing. Our technology is used on more than 650 spacecraft, including 80 percent of all commercial communications satellites ever launched.

Their core capability is space engineering. COM DEV understands the unique challenges inherent in producing equipment for use in space. They regularly apply the expertise acquired through more than three decades in this industry to the development of new and innovative space technologies. Their disciplined manufacturing and quality control processes ensure we can meet the high standards of quality, reliability, timeliness and cost efficiency that our customers demand.

Commitment to staff training

COM DEV have always supported the personal development of their staff. Conestoga College has played an important role in the training and development of staff in many areas of the company’s operation.

Naveen Rakkar, Director, Human Resources

COM DEV "walks the talk" in promoting workplace learning and development for its employees. COM DEV is a company of innovation and invention. Pushing the boundaries of technological innovation and space exploration requires a culture of constant improvement and our approach to personal development and education is no exception. We encourage and support our employees to pursue education because it's part of the very fabric of who we are.

Dawid Robczuk, Technologist

After completing a successful co-operative education work term with COM DEV (a requirement of the Electronics Engineering Technician program of Conestoga), I accepted a full-time position with COM DEV. Even though I had just completed my full time studies, I didn’t wait long before continuing my education. I enrolled in the Industrial Engineering – Basic program which I am working on as a part-time student. I hope to complete this program and move right into the Advanced level of the same program where I look forward to additional career opportunities with COM DEV.

So far, I have learned important aspects of manufacturing processes and techniques. Some of the courses have improved my ability to read engineering drawings, while others have helped me to analyze projects and their associated costs. The faculty have many years of experience in their respective subject area, and know how to deliver material and keep students interested. If you are considering returning to school, don’t hesitate.

Gladia Biswas, Assembler

I was exited to be going back to school at Conestoga to experience learning while meeting new people. I chose the General Business program because I felt the program encompassed a wide and interesting variety of courses. The program provides a thorough introduction to math, communications, economics, computers, and marketing, while also providing a balance of practical experience. The program is scheduled through weekday evenings, allowing me to continue to work full-time during the day.

So far I have completed 11 of the 24 courses and I really feel that I am getting a solid base of business fundamentals. My instructors have done a great job at teaching not only theory, but also real life applications. Not only have I become the “go-to-girl” for MS Office and troubleshooting in my work area, but my manager has give me more responsibilities relating to the courses I have completed.

So far all eleven of my instructors have been fabulous. They do a great job of keeping students engaged after arriving at the College from work. The entire class feels comfortable asking questions and giving our various opinions. Classrooms as well as the library are well equipped and provided us with great resources for learning.

To anyone considering a similar path through continuing education, I would recommend Conestoga. The feasibility afforded through the many options for completing courses allows everyone to complete their studies. Whether you are a single mother, a shift worker, or even someone who needs to achieve their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, you can reach your goals within a reputable environment.

Stacey McDonald, Senior Assembler

In considering the opportunity to further my education at Conestoga, I had some concerns around the limited amount of time I had through the week to work on projects. However the courses were well organized and took into consideration the fact that many of us have other obligations aside from school. I chose the Quality Assurance program as I felt it could open up advancement opportunities for me at COM DEV. I am currently completing the final course in the program. I have learned many things that have helped me in my job. We have many specifications that we build to and the Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing course we learned how to interpret the language of manufacturing drawings. In the Metrology course we were shown how to use various measurements devices which I already use at COMDEV. I now have a better understanding of them.

I appreciated that the instructors were available outside of class time to answer questions. They all spoke from experience which helped me relate information to my job.

I would strongly recommend this experience to anyone considering a similar path. Above all, it’s important for everyone to keep oneself current in one’s line of work.

After being accepted to Conestoga College for the Clinical program many questions began racing through my mind. How was I going to pay for tuition? How am I going to get to class? The administrative staff was very helpful and willing to guide me in the right direction. The classes were just the right size, and the teachers were willing to help every way possible. This was very beneficial because it helped build my confidence as well as develop necessary connections for future job opportunities. When people ask me why Conestoga, it is because its "real people, helping real people."

Melissa McGuire

Julie White is "absolutely, grotesquely passionate about plants". Her passion for plants and the retail industry combined with her love for learning have led her to Conestoga’s Retail Garden Centre program.

The Retail Garden Centre program is a unique part-time program offered at Conestoga that combines theoretical and practical knowledge surrounding the field of horticulture, specifically focused on employment in the retail garden centre industry. "I like the program because it entails a wide variety of courses that cover all of the bases. For example, the program includes a marketing course that is very helpful for working in the retail industry."

Julie has been working in the retail garden industry for close to 10 years. She says that working in the industry is a great way to stay in the workforce but also maintain some down-time because of its seasonality. The reduced work hours in the winter have allowed her to go back to school and enrol in the Retail Garden Centre program at Conestoga.

One of the reasons Julie enrolled in the program was to use it as a stepping stone to writing her Certified Horticulture Technician exam with Landscape Ontario and earn her CHT designation. The CHT designation is a professional designation in the field of horticulture that is recognized Canada-wide. "I really believe that I have to be passionate about what I do to be away from my children."

While looking for a new job in the retail garden industry, Julie said that employers were impressed and interested about the Retail Garden Centre program on her resume. Currently she is working for Waterloo Flowers, a local greenhouse that grows annuals, and "they are very supportive of my part-time studies at Conestoga."

One day, Julie dreams to open a retail garden centre of her own. "The retail garden industry is like none other. Nobody buys plants in a bad mood. At the end of the day, I want to love what I do."

Written By Jessica Voin

Robert Gissing has a passion for learning, and his curiosity has led him on a fascinating educational journey. "I’ve been a Software Quality Analyst for 14 years. Finding myself laid off with a wife and two teenagers to support posed a challenge."

After going from interview to interview, Robert discovered that new trends in Quality Software Development were emerging and he didn’t have the skills employers wanted. He needed to re-train, and that meant going back to school. But how could he afford it?

Conestoga College had served him well in the past. Since the early 80’s Robert has been taking courses at Conestoga. "I’m always looking on the Conestoga College website, and it was while searching the website that I discovered 'The Second Career Strategy'."

Second Career is a new program offered by the Ontario Provincial Government, and administered by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. This program funds recently laid off workers, E.I. and Reachback claimants, foreign trained and other qualified workers, to obtain training that provides the skill set for employment in an occupation listed in Skill Level B of the Statistics Canada National Occupation Classification (NOC) Skills Matrix (2006).

"I knew exactly what I needed. Conestoga College had the perfect program, but the September deadline was approaching fast. I needed help to put it all together. The Conestoga Career Centre advised me and put me in touch with Career Development Services. Everyone worked together and wanted to help me succeed. My application was approved, and I started my program this past September. Conestoga College has become very flexible with multiple start dates, and one and two year programs. My software development CPA program is 45 weeks with a paid co-op placement of 12 weeks. Without the Second Career Strategy funding support for this program, I would not have been able to do it. Now I’m committed to helping other people get into the Second Career Strategy program. If you meet the requirements, it can change your life. My family is behind me. They know that while I’m studying, we all have to cut back, but in the long run, it will all be worth it!"

Sarah Bongers

"I have always been interested in cooking, and I am working full-time in the industry. I want to further my education in culinary to earn a formal certificate, but I have been unable to attend school full-time. This part-time certificate in Culinary Fundamentals will allow me to study at my own pace"

Susanne L. Keppler
Conference Services Manager, University of Waterloo

A Word From Gary Hallam

Conestoga College also offers part-time certificates in Event Management, Professional Bartending and a Food Service Worker certificate for individuals interested in a career in longterm care.

We also offer a wide variety of general interest cooking and wine classes for food lovers on evenings and weekends. Experience a 3-hour Thai or Sushi class; decorate in a Holiday Baking class; delight yourself in a Chocolate Making class; or chop, cook and taste your way through a 5-week Creative Gourmet Cooking course. If you want to learn more about wine, explore a 3-hour class on Red Wines, or master a 5-week course on Wine Appreciation.

Over 70 different food and beverage classes are offered throughout the year. We look forward to cooking with you in our kitchens.

Gary Hallam
Chair, Hospitality and Culinary Programs

"When I joined the staff team for a local volunteer-driven, non-profit agency in 2003 I quickly gained a new perspective about volunteerism in our community. I joined Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kitchener-Waterloo and Area as a Caseworker in our one-to-one mentoring program. One aspect of my role was monitoring and supporting the relationships that were occurring in the community between our wonderful volunteer mentors and their Little Brothers/Little Sisters. Our volunteer mentors encounter many magical moments in their relationships, and challenging moments too.

In 2006 I was looking to enhance my skills and knowledge through further education. The Volunteer Program Management program offered through Conestoga's Continue Education department was a great fit for my lifestyle. The courses are offered on evenings or weekends, which allows me to continue my full-time work schedule while juggling my other commitments. The classroom environment at Conestoga has been wonderful. There is plenty of time for discussion, sharing personal experiences and asking questions. I am currently enrolled in my fourth course of this program. Each of the courses covers current information regarding the continuously changing field of volunteerism in Canada.

I have gained a lot of knowledge from my classmates and the instructors of this program. The students I have met in the program have various backgrounds. Some are working in the volunteer management field, others are looking for a career change and some are hoping to implement a more structured volunteer program in their current job, committee, or organization. As our program coordinator emphasizes; there is more knowledge in a group than in anyone individually.


I am now the Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kitchener-Waterloo and Area. I use the information from my courses on a daily basis to benefit the agency and our many volunteers. I also know that I have built a strong network of resources through my classmates and instructors which I will carry with me through my career. Participating in this program has renewed my creative approach toward volunteer program development and I look forward to continuing my career in this field.

To all the volunteers in our community, thank you for your hard work and dedication."

Alaina Holman
Volunteer and Community Relations Coordinator
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kitchener-Waterloo and Area

I took the Motorcycle Driver Training course in June of 2006 and want to commend Conestoga College on the quality of the instruction and instructors. All of the instructors were great. They were patient, yet let us know when we had to put in that extra effort to meet the requirements of the course without the students feeling intimidated - and they praised us when it was deserved.

I had already purchased a 1984 Suzuki GS400 to practice with prior to attending the course. After completing the course, my confidence level increased dramatically with what I had learned from the instructors, both as part of the course content AND from their own experiences with motorcycling. My husband, with whom I had been a passenger for 20+ years, and who has been riding for 30 years, told me how much more confident I appeared the very next day after completing the course. The knowledge I gained in the course was fresh in my mind and continues to this day,

In late August 2006, I upsized to a Honda 750 Shadow. I attribute the progress I have made in motorcycling to the instructors I had during the course at Conestoga College. I believe all my years of being a passenger helped me with the safety aspects of motorcycling and taught me how to always "look out for the other guy," but the course confirmed all that I already knew AND taught me so much more about handling a motorcycle (clutch control, emergency braking and more). I honestly don't think I would be as comfortable riding on my own if it wasn't for taking the course.

I anticipate that I will be commuting again in 2008 to Conestoga College to attend the M2 Exit course.

I confidently recommend your MTC to anyone that I speak to about getting a motorcycle licence.

Jennifer Jury, Motorcycle Driver Training, 2006

I work at The Economical Insurance Group as a Resource Manager in the Information Technology Services department. As a Resource Manager some of the activities that I engage in with my direct reports are managing all aspects of Performance Management, evaluating individual and group training and development needs, workforce planning, managing employee relations issues, and leading recruitment and selection activities as vacancies occur.

Education is something that I have always made a high priority in any role I have had, whether it be mentoring, on-the-job, reading books, or more formal types of learning. Over the past five years I have enrolled in almost 20 courses at Conestoga and am currently enrolled in the final course of the Human Resources Management Certificate program and have completed approximately half of the courses on-line.

The on-line format has allowed me to continue taking courses at my pace and my convenience, which is great when you work full-time and have a young family.

I began the Human Resources Certificate shortly before moving into my current role. The way in which the certificate is designed is great. It begins with a general course on Human Resources, has a more focused course for each major topic area in Human Resources, and ends with a course focusing on Human Resource strategy as a whole. Personally, I have been able to take something specific from each course and apply it to my role. For example, the way in which we now evaluate employee training requests is based on a model taken from the Training and Development course. This new approach ensures that we look at each request in a way that ensures that both the individual and the organization benefit from the training and also allows us to prioritize training needs more effectively. This is but one example of how the courses in the Human Resources certificate program have helped me be more effective in my role and more valuable to my employer.

In addition to the knowledge gained, the HR Certificate program is preparing me to write my Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) exam in the Spring. Since I began the program, the CHRP program has been modified and Conestoga has responded by re-aligning their certificate to allow students to meet the new requirements to write the CHRP. The College has also recently introduced a few new Human Resources certificate programs, such as a benefits specialist and compensation specialist program. These programs will surely be very beneficial in ensuring that HR professionals in the area can continue to develop their skills and knowledge in specific areas of Human Resources.

Martin Durocher BBA, RPR
Resource Manager, The Economical Insurance Group Information Technology Services.

Over the past 5 years I have taken more than twenty online courses, as well as a handful of in-class courses through continuing education at Conestoga.

The online courses are designed around my crazy life. I am a single mom with teenagers. I work in the Conestoga Recreation Centre (full time) as an Athletic Technician and as one of their Personal Trainers. I also instruct the Paramedic, Police Foundations, LASA and Pre-service Firefighters fitness programs part-time. During the school year, I teach the CPTN course for Conestoga and have recently accepted a volunteer position as the Chair of the Professional Relationships Committee for The Certified Personal Trainers Network. On top of that I find a couple of hours a week to work for both the City of Cambridge and Guelph.

So how do I find time to fit education into my life? My life’s motto is “Love like you’ve never been hurt. Work like you don’t need the money. And dance like no one’s watching”. I believe that education is power and yes I know that it is a lot of work. But I also believe that education can only nourish one’s future. Every course is a piece of your education puzzle. Every piece is independent and important for its specific function. All the pieces eventually fill in all the blanks and create a unified portrait.

Every semester I take a minimum of two courses but usually attempt more. My goal is to keep a mixture of online and in-class courses in order to keep my brain functional. I prefer online courses because I can work at my own pace in my spare time. The best issue is that I do not have to suspend my life around someone else’s schedule. The online courses are about as user-friendly as school can be. They provide simple ways to communicate with others through online chats and discussions. The courses incorporate step by step ways for summiting assignments and connecting with instructors. I find the approach is more adult based and more “need to know” information than some courses I have taken in the past. I feel I have created a sound data base of knowledge due to the courses offered both in-class and online at Conestoga. So if I can do it any one can.

Colleen Holmes, CES, CPTN-CPT - Rec Centre Receptionist-Equipment Technician
Community Services' Fitness Techinican

I work in a small but quickly growing financial services company in Waterloo which deals with big money. And these days, big money translates into big projects. What is a lowly IT guy with little experience with project management to do when he's asked to lead many of these projects? I thought I should go back to school. That's exactly what I'm doing.

To me, it's important to continuously upgrade my skills and knowledge, both for my career and for my personal development. So, I've been looking at several options for continuing education. I have a degree in Computer Science from the University of Waterloo, so the obvious first place for me to consider was UW. I found that it has a good selection of courses, but just not what I was looking for. Other places were, in my opinion, way overpriced. Conestoga College offers courses that are relevant to me at a reasonable price.