If you've ever dreamt of driving the Zamboni at Credit Union Place or any other rink in the province, Assiniboine College is helping you get a head start.
They're offering an Ice Facility Operator course, which begins on November 1. This course is being done virtually, which means you do not have to be in person.
"What we're focusing on are some of the key topics, including ice making and maintenance, refrigeration systems, workplace safety, and energy efficiency," said Mike Cameron, Dean of Community Development at Assiniboine College. "We also cover insights into environmental and operational considerations. Our primary goal is to help people prepare for the exam."
The course prepares you for your certification exam. To work in a facility that makes ice, completing this course is a requirement. You will also need to complete your refrigeration plant operator course. That course will follow, beginning in early January.
The course provides students with the essential knowledge to operate and maintain ice in arenas and curling rinks. It's designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the recreation and facility management sectors.
The course is open to anyone with an interest in the field; no prior experience is required. Cameron says taking this course is a great first step into becoming an operator.
"The positive is that it's mandatory that anyone in the field needs to have this; you can continue to work, and complete this course on the evenings and weekends, it's very flexible," ended Cameron. "It's driven by one of our instructors who helped create the material. I believe many benefits are taking it with us and online."
The course is six weeks and costs $750. To register, click Ice Facility Operator.
