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Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment launches livestreamed public lecture series
The Aston Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) are to host their first livestreamed public lecture in a new series: Molecules to Minds on Aston University’s digital channel - Aston Originals on Wednesday 16 February 2022. The livestream will see Dr Rachel Shaw present her lecture ‘Understanding and improving staff wellbeing in paediatric intensive care: A partnership between Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation NHS Trust & Aston University to prioritise workplace wellbeing’. Dr Shaw will present the findings of a project in which she investigated the wellbeing of staff working in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Birmingham Children’s Hospital. The research was funded by Birmingham Women’s & Children’s NHS Foundation NHS Trust Paediatric Intensive Care Charities. She said: “There is a lot of evidence finding that levels of stress, burnout and symptoms of post-traumatic stress are higher among staff working in paediatric intensive care than in groups of other healthcare professionals. “The Covid-19 pandemic has only further highlighted the need to care for our healthcare staff to improve their own wellbeing, but also, so that they are able to better care for their patients.” Dr Shaw will present her findings of what wellbeing means to PICU staff, the kinds of challenges to their wellbeing they experience at work and at home, the things that hinder their wellbeing in those situations and the things that can help. The one hour livestream will include a Q&A and a roundtable discussion with clinical colleagues from Birmingham Children’s Hospital, looking at key learnings taken both professionally & personally from the project, concluding with next steps and hopes for the future. Dr Shaw added: “We plan to use staff wish lists, together with psychological evidence about what is likely to be successful, to make proposals for what might create working environments that are conducive to workforce wellbeing to create better, sustainable support for PICU staff in the future.” The live stream will take place at 16:00 – 17:00 GMT on Wednesday 16 February, you can register for the event on Eventbrite.
Aston University has teamed up with biotechnology company Biocleave Ltd in a new knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) to develop the company’s capacity to produce membrane-associated proteins on a competitive commercial scale. The partnership will see Aston University’s world-leading expertise provide next-level solutions to a complex problem and provide exciting breakthroughs from both commercial and scientific standpoints. A knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified graduate, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is the leading KTP provider within the Midlands. Biocleave Ltd produces ‘Research Use Only’ (RUO) proteins. These are used widely in industry and academia to study and develop diagnostics and disease treatments. The process of manufacturing these proteins is known as ‘expression’, requiring host cells to produce them. The company is the first to engineer the non-pathogenic microbe Clostridia as a recombinant protein expression host, enabling them to overcome the typical expression challenges of production host toxicity and costly development cycles. Initial trials have demonstrated advantages to making membrane-associated proteins in Clostridia compared with established production systems. However, these proteins are associated with the fatty membrane that surrounds a cell and are not soluble in water. While Biocleave has well-established proprietary technology for manipulating the microbes, they want to extend their expertise for purifying these challenging membrane proteins, essential to commercialising their production. The Aston University team will be led by Dr Alan Goddard, senior lecturer in biochemistry in the School of Biosciences and founding member of Aston Membrane Proteins and Lipids (AMPL). Dr Goddard’s research focuses on the application of membrane biology to industrially relevant problems. He has nearly 20 years' experience working with membranes and their integral proteins. Dr Goddard will be joined by Professor Roslyn Bill, associate dean (research) for the College of Health and Life Sciences and director of AMPL. Professor Bill’s research focuses on the purification and characterisation of membrane proteins and she has published extensively on yeast as a recombinant expression host. Commenting on the project, Dr Goddard said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to leverage the decades of research experience Professor Bill and I have with expressing and purifying membrane proteins. It will allow Biocleave to enter new markets, many of which are important for drug development and healthcare. Hopefully, the products we make will have positive benefits not only for Biocleave’s customers but also wider society.” Dr Liz Jenkinson, chief executive of Biocleave Ltd, said: “We’ve made great progress in establishing the technology to work with Clostridia, a promising host, and although we’re constantly learning, so much is still unknown about the clostridial membrane. Through this KTP partnership with Aston University, we’re excited to develop the skills of our staff and expand our commercial offering to extend our range of RUO protein targets.” Because the Clostridial membrane adds a new level of complexity, successfully developing the required tools internally to resolve these issues, without input from experts, would take considerable time.
Scholarship opportunities for international students in Canada
Pursuing a university or college education in Canada can open many career doors, but unfortunately tuition usually doesn’t come cheap. Tuition fees alone can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year, depending on your school and program of choice. In addition, international students in Canada spend anywhere between $27,000 CAD and $64,000 CAD per year on living expenses. Luckily, there are many fully-funded scholarships available to help international students manage the costs of a post-secondary education in Canada. To get you started, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top scholarships for newcomers that can help you achieve your academic goals in 2022 and beyond. It’s important to note that the application process and deadlines for the various scholarship options vary. For scholarships that are offered by universities or colleges, you’ll usually only be able to apply after you’ve been accepted into a study program. In some cases, you may be automatically considered for scholarships based on your academic or extracurricular achievements, without having to submit a separate application. For graduate-level scholarships awarded by schools, you may also need to be recommended or selected by your department. Be sure to keep track of the scholarships you’re planning to apply for, so you don’t miss out on application deadlines. Undergraduate scholarships for international students Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships This scholarship program at the University of Toronto assists international students who’ve demonstrated significant academic potential, creativity, and leadership. Around 37 international students receive this scholarship each year. Eligibility: You must be an international student (a non-Canadian who requires a study permit), currently in your final year of secondary school or have graduated no earlier than June 2021, and begin your studies at the University of Toronto in September 2022. What it covers: Tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years. Deadline to apply: January 17, 2022 Other criteria: To become a Lester B. Pearson Scholar, you must be nominated by your school and apply to undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto. For more information on the application process, visit the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships webpage. University of British Columbia International Scholars Program These scholarships are distributed based on both merit and need. UBC offers fifty scholarships each academic year, spread across four categories: the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, the International Impact Award, and the Vantage One Excellence Award. Eligibility: You must be an international student on a Canadian study permit entering UBC from a recognized secondary school or transferring from your first year at another college or university. You must have graduated from high school no earlier than June 2021 and be applying for your first undergraduate degree. In addition, you must demonstrate a level of financial need that would otherwise prevent you from pursuing a degree at UBC. What it covers: Awards are based on need, with the university dedicating approximately $10 million CAD a year to the fifty recipients in the program. Recipients also gain access to unique learning opportunities, annual retreats, dedicated advisors, and more. Deadline to apply: December 1, 2021 Other criteria: You only submit one application and don’t choose which award you’d like to receive. Rather, UBC will automatically consider you for all awards you’re eligible for. For more information on the application process, visit the UBC’s International Scholars Program webpage. Carleton Entrance Awards for International Students This program awards international students entering their first year of study at Carleton University with a record of high academic achievement. Eligibility: You must be admitted to Carleton with an average of 80 per cent or higher in high school, as well as meet the university’s language requirements. What it covers: Award amounts vary based on your grade average, but begin at a total of $4,000 CAD ($1,000 x four years) and go up to $16,000 CAD ($4,000 x four years) for the 2022 academic year. Deadline to apply: No separate application required. If you’ve been admitted to Carleton, you’ll automatically be considered for a scholarship. Other criteria: Scholarship value is calculated on your grade average at time of admission and won’t be recalculated based on your final marks. For more information, visit the Carleton’s Entrance Awards for International Students webpage. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship This program awards international students beginning their studies at the University of Calgary who have a track record of stellar accomplishments inside and outside the classroom. Currently, this scholarship is awarded two students each year, based on merit. Eligibility: You must be an international student registered full-time in an undergraduate degree program at the University of Calgary that commences in the Fall 2022 term. You must be a new student and present a minimum GPA of 3.20. You also must meet the university’s English Language Proficiency requirement. What it covers: The scholarship is $15,000 CAD, renewable annually in the second, third and fourth years at the University of Calgary, provided you achieve a GPA of 2.60 or more over a minimum of 24.00 units in the previous fall and winter terms. The total award amount is $60,000 CAD. Deadline to apply: December 1, 2021. You can apply for scholarships directly through the UCalgary portal. For more information, visit the University of Calgary’s International Entrance Scholarship webpage. Humber International Entrance Scholarships This program helps new international students enrolled in Graduate Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma programs at Humber College achieve their academic goals. This scholarship is awarded to ten undergraduate and ten graduate students each year. Eligibility: You must be enrolling at Humber College directly from a recognized secondary school, be a non-transfer student, and have a minimum final admission average of 85 per cent. In addition, you’ll need a 6.5+ score in IELTS (or equivalent) to qualify. What it covers: $2,000 CAD, over the first two semesters of your study Deadline to apply: September intake: the last day of May prior to Fall semester. January intake: the last day of September prior to Winter semester. May intake: the last day of January prior to Spring/Summer semester Other criteria: Even if you receive this scholarship, you’ll still have to pay the full tuition amount up front. The scholarship amount will be credited to your account after the tenth day of classes. In order to be eligible, you’ll need to provide the following: Your Humber Student ID number Confirmed Letter of Acceptance from Humber College for full-time program commencing in the appropriate Semester Personal statement of interest, including your Grade Point Average 2 reference letters Humber College also offers Bachelor’s Degree scholarships to all meritorious international students coming directly from high school with a grade of 75 per cent and above. If you qualify, you’ll automatically be awarded the scholarship without filing a separate application. For more information, visit the Humber International Entrance Scholarships webpage. Graduate scholarships for international students University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship This program awards more than $2 million each year to full-time masters and PhD students at the University of Manitoba who have a history of academic excellence. Eligibility: All students accepted into these programs without provisions are welcome to apply, regardless of citizenship, given they have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the time of admission. What it covers: UMGF master’s awards are valued at $14,000 CAD per year for 12 or 24 months, for up to a total of $28,000 CAD. UMGF doctoral awards are valued at $18,000 CAD per year for 12, 24, 36, or 48 months, for up to a total of $72,000 CAD. Deadline to apply: Students must be recommended by their department or unit to the Faculty of Graduate Studies for a UMGF. Consult your department for information on the application process and deadline. For more information, visit the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships webpage. Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence This scholarship recognizes international students who wish to undertake research-based Masters degree programs at the University of Waterloo. Eligibility: Applicants must be international students with a valid Canadian study permit who are registered full time. The scholarship is awarded to Masters degree students in research-based programs, and only students entering the first term of their program are eligible. Additional academic criteria will be decided upon by the faculty and you must not have any outstanding academic or probation issues. What it covers: The scholarship award is valued at $2,500 CAD per term for a maximum of five terms. Deadline to apply: You’ll be automatically considered for this scholarship with the submission of your regular application. The application deadline for most Masters programs commencing September 2022 fall within January to February 2022. For more information, visit the Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence webpage. Pierre Elliott Trudeau Leadership Scholarships This three-year scholarship program provides funding and other opportunities to twelve full-time doctoral students, and is not tied to one specific learning institution. Eligibility: Non-Canadians can be either permanent residents or foreign nationals enrolled in a doctoral program at a recognized Canadian institution. Field of study should be related to the humanities or human sciences with direct relevance to Canada’s future. You must already be accepted into years one or two of a doctoral program and expected to complete your studies by 2025. What it covers: Up to $40,000 CAD per year for three years to cover tuition and reasonable living expenses to focus on their doctoral studies and the Foundation’s leadership program. Additionally, up to $20,000 CAD per year for three years, for the learning of languages, for travel and accommodations for the Foundation’s leadership program, and for research, networking, and travel related to their doctoral research. There will also be access to opportunities to acquire greater proficiency in Canada’s official languages (French and English) as well as Indigenous languages. Deadline to apply: December 21, 2021 at 5 p.m. EST Other criteria: The selection process is a rigorous one involving multiple rounds of interviews. If successful, you’ll be expected to participate in and organize activities related to the Foundation outside your normal course of study. For more information, visit the Trudeau Leadership Scholarships webpage. Ontario Graduate Scholarship (OGS) This scholarship recognizes students enrolled in graduate studies at 19 publicly-funded Ontario universities, including the University of Toronto, University of Guelph, McMaster University, University of Ottawa, Queen’s University, Ryerson University, University of Waterloo, Western University, and York University. Each award is jointly funded by the Province of Ontario (two thirds) and the school offering the award (one third). Eligibility: International students who are studying or plan to study a full-time graduate program (master’s or doctoral level) at one of the 19 participating universities in Ontario under a valid temporary resident visa (student study permit) are eligible for OGS awards (valid study permits must be effective as of the graduate units’ OGS international application deadline). Currently registered international graduate students who have not yet been able to obtain a study permit due to COVID-19 circumstances are also temporarily eligible to apply. Applications are assessed on merit and must meet the criteria set by the participating schools. What it covers: The value of the OGS is $5,000 CAD per term. Thus, awardees may receive $10,000 CAD for two consecutive terms or $15,000 CAD for three consecutive terms. Deadline to apply: Date will be set by your graduate department or unit, who will then forward selected applications to OGS for final consideration. Other criteria: Applicants must submit an OGS application to their proposed graduate unit using their school’s centralized OGS application portal. If you’re applying to multiple participating schools, you’ll need to submit a different OGS application for each school. For more information, visit the Ontario Graduate Scholarships webpage. Where to find more information about scholarships for international students in Canada This list of scholarships is by no means comprehensive, so make sure to do your own research and see what else is out there! Start by checking if your academic institution offers any international student scholarships that you qualify for. You may also be eligible for program-specific or independent scholarships to fulfill your dream of studying in Canada. Educanada, studentawards.ca and scholarshipscanada.com are great resources to help you get started. Other ways to fund your university or college education in Canada While scholarships are a helpful tool, they’re far from the only way to fund a post-secondary education in Canada. Even if you do receive a scholarship, it may have to be supplemented with other sources. As an international student, you may be able to rely on student loans or lines of credit to fund your education in Canada. You may also qualify for student grants or bursaries that are offered by universities, colleges, and other organizations. Alternatively, many international students choose to work while studying to cover their living expenses in Canada. As an international student, studying in Canada can be expensive. However, the Canadian government and universities offer many scholarships to help international students achieve their academic goals. This resource will provide you with a starting point to research scholarship options to fund your education in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now.
Most in-demand jobs in British Columbia (B.C.) for newcomers
British Columbia is Canada’s third most populous province after Ontario and Quebec, with a large portion of its residents living in the Lower Mainland, which includes the coastal city of Vancouver and surrounding municipalities. The province attracts newcomers from all over the world with its cultural diversity, career opportunities, and enjoyable temperate climate. The government of British Columbia periodically invites newcomers with the skills and experience to meet the province’s growing labour requirements to work and settle in B.C. as Permanent Residents (PR) through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). This article provides information on British Columbia’s job market, including key industries and in-demand occupations for newcomers in B.C., along with NOC codes and median wage estimates, so you can arrive prepared to kick-start your career in Canada. What are the top industries in British Columbia? Services industry: The services sector is the largest contributor to the province’s GDP and the biggest employer in British Columbia. Some key service industries include real estate, construction, banking and financial services, health care, entertainment, retail, education, and professional, scientific, and technical services. Manufacturing industry: Top manufacturing industries include aerospace, clean technology, life sciences, information and communication technology, and paper. Mining and natural gas industry: B.C. has more than 700 mining and mineral companies, and employs over 25,000 people in mining and natural gas extraction and processing. The province is rich in precious metals and non-metallic minerals. Agriculture, aquaculture, and food processing industry: A wide range of agricultural and seafood products support a varied food processing industry in the province. Forestry: B.C. is one of the world’s largest exporters of wood products and the industry employs over 55,000 people. Which cities have the most job opportunities in BC? Lower Mainland, including Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and Richmond: The most populous area in all of B.C., the Lower Mainland region offers ample job opportunities in services, trade, technology, film and television, tourism, natural resources, and construction. Victoria: The capital city of Victoria has large industries centred around advanced technology, tourism, education, health, retail, construction, and agriculture. Abbotsford: Abbotsford is known for its large agribusiness industry. It also offers employment opportunities in technology and aerospace industries. Kelowna: Kelowna has a diverse economy with opportunities in agriculture, health care, manufacturing, tourism, and service industries. What jobs are in demand in British Columbia? Construction and engineering jobs in B.C. Construction managers (NOC 0711): To get a job as a construction manager, you may require a management degree and can expect to earn a median income of $41 CAD per hour. Civil, electrical, electronic, and mechanical engineers (NOC 2131, 2133, 2132): These in-demand jobs in B.C. pay between $36 CAD and $43 CAD per hour. However, you’ll need an engineering degree and a provincial licence to work as an engineer. Technology jobs in B.C. Information systems analysts and consultants (NOC 2171): IT analysts and consultants earn a median income of $36 CAD per hour. Computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2174): As a programmer or developer, you can expect to make around $43 CAD per hour. Computer network technicians (NOC 2281): Technicians make a median income of $28.85 CAD per hour in B.C. Software engineers and designers (NOC 2173): Software engineering jobs in B.C. are highly paid, with a median hourly pay of $52 CAD. You’ll need an engineering degree to qualify. Business and administration jobs in B.C. Administrative officers and assistants (NOC 1221 and 1241): These roles typically pay between $23 CAD and $26 CAD per hour. Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 1111): For finance and accounting roles, you’ll need a graduate degree or diploma in relevant courses. Auditors earn an average salary of $28 CAD per hour in B.C. Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 1311): Bookkeepers are paid a median hourly wage of $24 CAD. Health care jobs in B.C. Specialist physicians, general practitioners and family physicians (NOC 3111, 3112): Most of the in-demand occupations in health care require a provincial licence. To practise as a physician in B.C., newcomers also need to take a qualifying examination. Physicians, depending on their specialization, make a median annual income between $164,237 CAD and $256,202 CAD in British Columbia. Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012): Registered nurses earn a median income of $41 CAD per hour and require a provincial nursing licence. Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233): This in-demand occupation pays a median wage of $29 CAD per hour. Medical sonographers (NOC 3216): Sonographers make between $35 CAD and $39 CAD per hour in B.C. Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates (NOC 3413): Nurse aides and orderlies earn between $18 CAD and $25 CAD per hour, depending on their experience and seniority. Education and social services jobs in B.C. Social and community service workers (NOC 4212): These jobs pay around $21 CAD per hour in B.C. Educators for universities, colleges, vocational institutes, and early childhood education (NOC 4011, 4021, and 4214): University and college professors and lecturers require a provincial teaching credential to work in BC. The median hourly pay for these occupations is $43 CAD. Early childhood educators earn a median income of $19 CAD per hour. Sales and services jobs in B.C. Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 0621): Managers in trade earn a median hourly wage of $30 CAD in BC. Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 0631): The median hourly wage for these positions is $26 CAD. Corporate sales managers (NOC 0601): Managerial jobs in sales make an average of $31.25 CAD per hour. What is the minimum wage in British Columbia? As of June 1, 2021, the minimum wage in British Columbia is $15.20 CAD per hour. What is the unemployment rate in B.C.? In November 2021, the unemployment rate in British Columbia was 5.4 per cent. How do I move to British Columbia? In addition to the federal Express Entry program, the province also invites skilled immigrants to come to B.C. as permanent residents through the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP). To work in B.C. temporarily, you’ll require a work permit. You’ll also have a better chance of finding a job if your skills match the province’s in-demand occupations. British Columbia is also home to some of the best universities in Canada, which welcome thousands of students each year. After graduating from your study program, you may be eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit and can gain valuable work experience that will make it easier for you to settle permanently in Canada. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now. * Based on market capitalization
Most in-demand jobs in Ontario for newcomers
Ontario is one of the most popular provinces among newcomers. Its cultural diversity, economic prosperity, and ever-growing job market are just some of the reasons newcomers from across the world choose to settle in Ontario. The government of Ontario periodically invites newcomers with the skills and experience to meet the province’s growing labour requirements to work and settle in Ontario as Permanent Residents (PR) through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. This article provides information on Ontario’s job market. This includes the top industries that contribute to its economy, the most in-demand occupations for newcomers in the region, NOC codes, and median wage estimates, so you can arrive prepared to kick-start your career in Canada. What are the top industries in Ontario? Services industry: The services sector is the largest contributor to the province’s economy and employs nearly 79 per cent of the people living in Ontario. Some of the key service industries include banking and financial services, professional, scientific and technical services, and arts and culture. Manufacturing industry: Ontario’s manufacturing industry is one of the biggest in North America. Some of the most prominent manufacturing industries are automotive, information and communication technologies, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Agriculture: Ontario’s farming sector contributes nearly 25 per cent of Canada’s farm revenue. Mining industry: In addition to being one of the world’s top 10 producers of nickel and platinum, Ontario is also rich in gold, silver, copper, zinc, cobalt, and non-metallic minerals. Southern Ontario also has a sizeable oil and gas industry. Forestry industry: The forestry industry in the province creates nearly 200,000 direct and indirect jobs. Which cities have the most job opportunities in Ontario? Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA): This is the most populous region in the province, and Toronto is the financial hub of Canada. Other large industries in Toronto and the GTA include technology, real estate, trade, and manufacturing. Ottawa: As the capital of Canada, Ottawa offers significant job opportunities in administration. It is also a major centre for the high technology and finance industries. Brantford: This city is a manufacturing hub and offers job opportunities in food and beverage manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, rubber and plastic production, and warehousing and distribution. In addition, Brantford also has a growing media and entertainment sector. Hamilton: Another manufacturing centre, Hamilton has a large job market in the food processing and agribusiness industry, as well as in advanced manufacturing. Waterloo: The Toronto-Waterloo region is often referred to as the ‘Silicon Valley of the North’ and presents significant opportunities in the technology sector. Which jobs are in demand in Ontario? Health care jobs in Ontario Managers in health care (NOC 0311): Managerial positions in health care typically require a degree in management and pay around $48.21 CAD per hour. • Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses (NOC 3012): You’ll need a nursing degree and a provincial nursing licence to qualify. The median hourly pay for registered nurses in Ontario is $36 CAD. • Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 3211): As a lab technologist in Ontario, you can earn a median income of $38 CAD per hour. • Opticians (NOC 3231): Opticians make between $27 CAD and $34 CAD in Ontario. • Licensed practical nurses (NOC 3233): Licensed nurses make a median hourly wage of $27 CAD. • Nurse aides, orderlies, home support workers, and patient service associates (NOC 3413, 4412): For these occupations, the hourly wage ranges between $17.50 CAD and $20 CAD. Service sector jobs in Ontario To qualify for service sector jobs, you’ll usually require at least an undergraduate or graduate degree from a university. Administrative services managers (NOC 0114): Managerial positions in administration typically pay a median salary of $41 CAD per hour. Banking, credit and other investment managers (NOC 0122): Managers in the finance sector earn a median income of $50 CAD per hour. You’ll usually need a degree in management or finance to qualify. Advertising, marketing, and public relations managers (NOC 0124): These roles require a degree in marketing or management and pay a median income of $40 CAD per hour. Business services managers (NOC 0125): These roles pay an average hourly salary of $43 CAD. Corporate sales managers (NOC 0601): Sales manager roles in Ontario can be fairly high paying, with a median hourly wage of $52 CAD per hour. Restaurant and food services managers (0631): Compared to other managerial positions, restaurant and food services managers have the lowest median wage at $19.23 CAD per hour. Construction managers and managers in transportation (NOC 0711, 0731): Employees in these roles earn a median hourly wage between $38 CAD and $40 CAD. Human resources professionals (NOC 1121): HR professionals make an average income of $35 CAD per hour. Professional occupations in business management consulting (NOC 1122): In Ontario, business consultants make a median hourly salary of $41 CAD. Mathematicians, statisticians, and actuaries (NOC 2161): As a mathematician, you can earn an average of $45 CAD per hour. However, you’ll need an advanced degree in mathematics, statistics, or a related subject. Technology sector jobs in Ontario To work as an engineer in Ontario, newcomers require a licence from the province in addition to an engineering degree. Engineering managers, computer and information systems managers (NOC 0211, 0213): Managerial level in-demand jobs in Ontario pay a median hourly wage between $52 CAD and $53 CAD. To qualify, you may require a degree in engineering, management, or both. Computer engineers (NOC 2147): As a computer engineer, you can earn a median income of $44 CAD per hour. Database analysts, software engineers and designers, computer programmers and interactive media developers (NOC 2172, 2173, 2174): These technology sector roles pay between $40 CAD and $46 CAD per hour in Ontario. While many such positions require an engineering degree, some roles may also be open to applicants with a degree in computer science. Web designers and developers (NOC 2175): Web designers in Ontario can earn a median hourly wage of $31 CAD. Manufacturing jobs in Ontario Manufacturing managers (NOC 0911): Managers in manufacturing make a median income of $43 CAD per hour in Ontario. Machine operators in the mining and processing, chemicals, plastics, woodworking, and food and beverage industries (NOC 9411, 9416, 9417, 9418, 9421, 9422, 9437, 9446, 9461): Machine operators and process control workers typically earn a median hourly wage between $15 CAD and $23 CAD, depending on the industry they are in. Assemblers, fabricators, inspectors, and testers in the electronics and mechanical industries (NOC 9523, 9526, 9536, 9537): The median hourly wage for these jobs is between $16 CAD and $22 CAD. Agriculture jobs in Ontario The median hourly wage for in-demand agriculture jobs is between $14.35 CAD and $20 CAD. General farm workers (NOC 8431) Nursery and greenhouse workers (NOC 8432) Harvesting labourers (NOC 8611) Industrial butchers, meat cutters, poultry workers (NOC 9462) What is the minimum wage in Ontario? The general minimum wage in Ontario as of October 1, 2021, is $14.35 CAD per hour. For student workers, the minimum wage is $13.50 per hour. What is the unemployment rate in Ontario? The unemployment rate in Ontario in September 2021 was 7.3 per cent. However, the province’s economy is still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and, with each quarter, the unemployment rate is inching back towards the pre-pandemic level of under six per cent. How can I move to Ontario? In addition to the federal Express Entry program, the province also invites permanent residents through the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. If you’re planning to work in Ontario temporarily, you may be able to qualify for a work permit if your skills align with the province’s in-demand occupations. Ontario also boasts of some of the best universities in Canada and, each year, thousands of students come to Canada on study permits, with the aim of receiving a world-class education and settling permanently in Canada. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now.
10 tips for choosing the right Canadian study program as an international student
To start your journey as an international student in Canada, you’ll need to find a study program that fits your needs and academic goals. Each year, hundreds of thousands of international students get admission into a variety of study programs in Canadian universities and colleges. If you’re planning to move to Canada for your undergraduate or graduate studies, you’ll have many options to choose from, based on your areas of interest, career objectives, and budget. Choosing the right study program can introduce you to new areas of learning, uncover additional professional pathways, and set you up for a successful career. Here are some tips for choosing the right Canadian study program as an international student. 1. Choosing between university and college As an international student, the difference between university and college may be unclear to you. In many countries, the two terms are used interchangeably, but in Canada, they have different meanings. Both colleges and universities offer post-secondary education programs which students can enrol in after completing high school, but they differ in many ways. Canadian universities Canadian universities offer undergraduate (or bachelor) and graduate (or master’s or doctoral) programs in academic or professional fields. Once you have completed the program, you’ll be awarded a degree. Undergraduate programs typically require three years of study with a fourth “honours” year, if you want admission into a graduate program. Some undergraduate university programs, like Engineering, may require four years to complete. If you’re looking for admission into specialized professional programs such as Medicine, Law, and Dentistry, you may first need to complete two to four years of undergraduate study with relevant courses to qualify. Graduate (Master’s) programs are only offered by universities and you’ll require an undergraduate degree, and in some cases, prior work experience, to be eligible. In addition, many universities also offer doctoral or PhD programs across various fields. Colleges in Canada Canadian colleges offer programs of study that focus on job market readiness, such as technology, trades, or technical training. Typically, college courses lead to a diploma or certification, although some colleges also offer degree programs in applied areas of study. International students also find college programs useful for skill upgrading, continuing education, and language training. Many newcomers who come to Canada with an undergraduate or graduate degree from their home country find it valuable to add a Canadian certification or diploma to their resume to increase their employability in the Canadian job market. A diploma from a Canadian college may also be useful if you’re planning to switch career paths and move to a new industry or job function. Unlike universities, college programs are usually one or two years long. There’s a common misconception that colleges are less serious, but in reality, college programs can be as intensive as university courses, given that they are shorter and more technical in nature. Which is better for you – university or college? Whether you choose a university or college will depend on your career goals and your current educational credentials, the study programs offered, and what you want to achieve from your education. Here are some things to keep in mind while comparing your options: Academic versus technical training: Universities have a more academic approach, with a focus on research, lectures, and assignments. On the other hand, college programs are less theoretical and focus more on applied knowledge and work-related training. Program length and cost: University programs are typically longer and more expensive than colleges. Program flexibility: Many college courses offer the option of part-time study, while university programs are more likely to be rigorous and immersive. However, you may have fewer course options or elective subjects to choose from in a college. 2. Understand your interests and career goals Before choosing a study program, spend some time thinking about your areas of interest and long-term career goals. This will help you narrow down your options to programs that align with your interest. If you already have a target career in mind, you may also want to go through some job postings in that field to see what education requirements employers are looking for. If you’re unsure, don’t worry. You may still have room to change your mind later. If you’re applying to an undergraduate program or Bachelor’s in Canada, you generally don’t need to commit to a specialization at the time of admission. Instead, you have the freedom to pick a general subject and then opt for specific courses or electives that interest you as you progress in your studies. Universities may offer more flexibility compared to colleges, and you’ll have a wider range of subjects to choose from. 3. Identify top institutions in your field of interest Once you’ve identified the potential programs you might be interested in, the next step is to make a list of top institutions that offer those study programs in Canada. Canada has many prestigious universities and colleges and no matter what subjects you’re interested in, you’ll find some leading institutions that offer it. As an international student, it’s important that you don’t discount colleges while looking for options to study in Canada. College programs can help prepare you for the Canadian work environment faster, especially if you’re interested in technical or applied programs. 4. Review the eligibility criteria for study programs you’re interested in Like in many other countries, you’ll need to meet certain qualifying criteria to be eligible for admission to Canadian study programs. Depending on your chosen field of study or institution, you may require a certain score or GPA (grade point average) in your past academic record, proof that you’ve completed specific courses or credits, proof of language proficiency, or prior work experience. You may also need to sit for a qualifying exam and secure a minimum score to be eligible for some courses. For some competitive programs, you may also require a proven track record of extracurricular activities or volunteer work, a letter of intent or statement of purpose, and professional or academic references to support your application. Once you have a list of study programs you’re interested in, be sure to check the eligibility criteria for international students for the programs at the top universities on your list. This will help you shortlist programs where you’re more likely to qualify for admission. 5. Identify the province or city you want to live in While the quality of education may be your primary deciding factor, you may also want to shortlist programs or institutions based on the province or city they are in. While many international students choose to move to popular provinces like Ontario and British Columbia for their education, you may find the cost of living (and even program costs) to be lower in other provinces. Each province in Canada has something unique to offer, in terms of culture, quality of life, ease of immigration, or future job opportunities. Be sure to learn about the various provinces and territories in Canada and make a decision based on where you’d like to spend your academic years. 6. Make sure the institutions you’ve shortlisted are DLIs A Designated Learning Institution (DLI) is an educational institute that’s approved by the provincial or territorial government to accept international students. You will only be eligible for a study permit for Canada if you receive an acceptance letter from an authorized DLI. Before you apply, be sure to check that the post-secondary schools you’ve shortlisted are on the government’s designated learning institutions list. If you’re planning to start your study program in Canada during COVID-19, you’ll also need to make sure that your DLI has a COVID-19 Readiness Plan in place. 7. Evaluate admission and program costs The cost of studying in Canada as an international student can be high, even though the education cost is generally less expensive compared to countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. The tuition costs vary by program and institution, with the average cost of undergraduate programs being higher than that for graduate programs. If you’re assessing how much it’ll cost to study in Canada, be sure to factor in fees for university/college applications, study permit application, biometrics and medical tests, tuition fee, and living costs, including the funds you’ll need to put in a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) as part of your application. A full or partial scholarship can offset not only your tuition fee but also your cost of living in Canada during your study period. Be sure to check if your academic institution offers scholarship options for international students. If not, explore other ways in which you can fund your education, such as through student loans, lines of credit, education grants, bursaries, or by working part-time while studying. If you’re planning to apply for a student loan or line of credit, be sure to check your eligibility and the amount you may qualify for before applying for admission to the study program of your choice. 8. Understand future career opportunities after your study program The study program you choose should set the foundation for your future professional success. This means that not only should the program align with your career goals, it should also provide you with the support you’ll need to enter the Canadian job market in terms of skills, professional networking opportunities, workplace readiness, and career support or coaching. Do your research about whether the study program offers co-op or internship opportunities, and whether that work experience is considered to be Canadian experience by recruiters. To further narrow down the list of study programs that meet your requirements, you can check if the universities or colleges you’re targeting offer career resources for resume building, interview preparation, or placement support. At this stage, it’s also a good idea to research the alumni of each program to look at the job roles they are in and their career paths. This will give you a better idea of the types of career opportunities that’ll be available to you after you graduate and the companies that recruit students from different institutions. 9. Explore extra-curricular programs offered by the institution In addition to academic courses, many universities and colleges in Canada also offer extra-curricular programs that can help in your overall development. If you’re interested in sports and athletics, check if the institution has sports clubs or teams. You may also be able to find student clubs around other areas of interest, such as volunteer work, theatre, or politics, or student societies based on culture or religion. Joining student groups is a great way of making friends in your new country, building your professional network, and learning new skills. Some Canadian universities and colleges also offer English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for international students to help them improve their language skills. 10. Check if the program fits your lifestyle Not all Canadian study programs are structured in the same manner. As an international student, it's important to check if the program you’re applying to fits your overall lifestyle. For instance, if you plan to work while studying in order to support yourself financially, you may want to look for a program that has a flexible class schedule or a program that will qualify you for a student work permit. If your objective is to prepare yourself for the Canadian job market, you may be more interested in technical programs or programs that have internship or co-op terms, so you can get some valuable work experience while studying. Some international students also move to Canada with their families, and balancing their studies and family obligations becomes an important priority. In such cases, a hybrid model of course delivery that offers a mix of in-person and online classes might be more suitable than a completely on-campus program. The length of the study program can also be an important factor for many international students, both from a cost and ease of immigration perspective. Studying in Canada is a great way to prepare yourself for the global workforce. Canadian universities and colleges offer a wide range of study programs for international students to choose from. While choosing a program, you should make sure that it meets your needs based on your lifestyle, financial considerations, and your academic and career goals. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now.
Top 6 reasons to study in Canada: Advantages for International Students
Canada is one of the most attractive destinations for international students wishing to study abroad. The country is known for its world-class education system and a wide variety of study programs for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students. If you’re exploring the option of studying overseas, the fact that Canada is home to some of the top universities in the world is reason enough to add it to your list of study destinations. Nine Canadian universities feature in the top 200 academic institutions worldwide, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities 2022, which compared institutions across 90 countries. Besides the quality of education and institute rankings, there are many other reasons that make Canada a great study destination. This article compares some of the most popular study destinations and outlines six factors that make Canada one of the best countries in the world for international students. Why is Canada an attractive study destination? 1. Affordable study programs compared to other countries As an international student, one of your key criteria for choosing a study destination may be tuition fees. While the cost of education abroad can be quite high, the average tuition fee for study programs in Canada is lower compared to other popular study destinations like the United States (U.S.), the United Kingdom (U.K.), and Australia. 2. Better quality of life and lower cost of living in Canada Tuition fees will not be your only expense when you’re studying abroad. You’ll also need to account for non-tuition fees, such as additional university fees, health insurance, and ancillary fees. And of course, you need to budget for your living expenses, which include accommodation costs, the cost of food, travel, your phone bill, and more during your period of study. In Canada, international students can expect to spend between $19,000 and $28,000 CAD on living expenses in their first year. This includes the cost of accommodation (on- or off-campus), food, transportation, insurance, books, and other personal expenses. In addition, you’ll also need to pay the application fees for your study permit or student visa and for the institutions you’re applying to. According to a recent cost of living comparison, the cost of living plus rent indices for Canada, the U.S., the U.K., and Australia are 54.62, 57.60, 53.24, and 61.51 respectively (these indices are relative to New York City). This means that it’s comparatively more expensive to live in the U.S. and Australia than in Canada. On average, living in the U.K. is slightly more economical than in Canada, but the cost of living may be higher in larger cities where universities are located. Quality of life is usually a factor of several aspects, such as quality of education, health care, employment, job security, environmental quality, and individual freedom. In the recent 2021 Best Countries Ranking, Canada was ranked the best country to live in. Australia ranked #6 on the list, but the U.S. and the U.K. did not make it to the top 10. 3. It can be easier to get admission into Canadian study programs Compared to the U.S., it can be relatively easier to get admission into Canadian universities or colleges. For admission into bachelor’s programs as an international student, Canadian universities typically take your high school academic track record into account. In the U.S., international students applying for undergraduate programs also need to get a good score on the SAT or ACT exam and there’s more emphasis on overall extra-curricular development. If you’ve been focusing on academics over these other criteria, you may have better chances of getting accepted to a Canadian university. Australia and the U.K. have eligibility criteria similar to Canada. Canadian universities also tend to have a better acceptance rate compared to similarly ranked U.S. institutions, so your chances of securing admission into an institute and study program of your choice are higher. 4. Ample post-graduate job opportunities in Canada As an international student, one of your criteria for choosing a study destination might be the possibility of staying and working abroad after your graduation. In most cases, this will mean applying for and getting a work permit, and being able to find a suitable job after you graduate or complete a higher education program. In Canada, the process of getting a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is fairly simple and you can apply for one immediately after finishing your study program or within 180 days of its completion. You may be eligible for a work permit if you’ve studied at an authorized Designated Learning Institution (DLI) with a valid study permit and if you were enrolled in a full-time study program that was at least eight months long. The validity of your work permit in Canada will depend on the length of your study program and can range from eight months to three years. So if you’ve completed a Bachelor’s program in Canada, you’ll likely qualify for a three-year PGWP. The Canadian PGWP is an open work permit, so you can choose to work in any field, regardless of whether it’s related to your study program. There are no restrictions on the time period within which you must find employment. It is also comparatively easier to find for international students to find a job in Canada after completing their studies. With a PGWP, you can choose to work part-time, full-time, or start your own business in Canada. In comparison, the post-graduate work permits or Graduate visas granted by the U.K. are typically two years long for international students who’ve completed their undergraduate or graduate program on a valid student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa in the U.K. A three-year work permit is only issued to international students who’ve completed a doctoral program in the country. This visa allows students to work, or look for work, at any skill level. In the U.S., international students who’ve completed a study program that’s at least one year long on an F-1 visa are eligible to apply for a one-year Optional Practical Training to gain work experience related to their education. Students in STEM majors can get a 24-month extension on their OPT. However, international students on OPT cannot remain unemployed for more than 90 days, which means that you’ll need to find and start a job within three months of completing your degree. While you’re completing your OPT, your employer can sponsor an H-1B work visa lottery application on your behalf once per year. However, since the H-1B visa is lottery-based, not everyone who applies will get it. 5. Multicultural classrooms and workforce Another advantage of studying in Canada is that you’ll usually be a part of a multicultural classroom, and after graduation, a diverse workplace. Canada welcomes international students from all parts of the world and consequently, you’ll have a chance to stay connected to your roots and learn about other cultures. As an international student, understanding cultural differences within the classroom fosters an environment of inclusivity and respect, which will help you be better prepared as you enter the global workforce. Canada’s leading university, the University of Toronto, for instance, has around 21 per cent of international students who come to study in Canada from 168 countries. In comparison, the top U.S. universities have between 11 and 17 per cent of international students enrolled. 6. Canadian immigration pathways for international students One of the main reasons Canada is a popular study destination among international students is because it’s easier to immigrate and get permanent residence (PR) after your study program. The country offers many immigration pathways, and for Express Entry streams like Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you may be able to get extra points for your Canadian education to improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Some of these streams require you to have Canadian work experience for which you’ll first need to apply for a Post Graduate Work Permit after completing your education. Many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also have specialized streams for international students who’ve completed a study program in specific Canadian provinces. Depending on the immigration stream you choose, you may be eligible to apply for Permanent Residence soon after graduation or with 12 to 24 months of Canadian work experience. Once you receive your PR, the duration of your residency in Canada as an international student and temporary foreign worker can also be taken into account while determining when you’ll be eligible to apply for citizenship. Canada plans to welcome over 400,000 new permanent residents per year between 2021 and 2023, and getting a Canadian degree or diploma can increase your chances of being selected for PR. In comparison, in the U.S., fewer green cards are issued and there may be long wait times, depending on your country of birth, even if you do qualify. In the U.K., you’ll need to complete five years in a post-graduation job to be eligible for an “indefinite leave to remain (ILR) Visa”. As an international student, choosing a country to go to for higher education is a big decision. You’ll need to evaluate not just the quality of universities and study programs, but also the opportunities the country offers to work and stay after your graduation. Canada’s world-class education system, coupled with the immigration pathways the country offers, makes it one of the best study destinations for international students. Original article located here, published by Arrive. About Arrive Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now.
Declining viewership for live events, including the Super Bowl, presents concerns for advertisers
This year’s NFL Championship, best known as the Super Bowl, will again be one of the most watched events. But public interest in live events appears to be declining, even for the “Big Game,” say two marketing professors at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. “Live sports events are the last stand for live TV, with the Super Bowl being the biggest spectacle to unite the American audience. Live events like this are languishing. Need proof? Look at record low ratings for award shows,” said Ann Bastianelli, teaching professor of marketing at Kelley, who added that the Super Bowl remains “a rare opportunity to gauge the U.S. cultural consciousness.” “The early reports and teasers suggest that Super Bowl viewers are in for a smorgasbord of memorable and even humorous commercials, providing some much-needed laughs during the ongoing pandemic. Even so, the Super Bowl isn’t enjoying the same viewership it once had which should prompt changes in marketing decisions,” added Demetra Andrews, clinical associate professor of marketing. With a television audience of more than 90 million last year, the Super Bowl continues to provide the biggest platform for advertisers. But, according to Andrews, television viewership of the Super Bowl has declined fairly steadily for years and the increase in livestreaming of the game does not account for the decline. Of note, she said, is a persistent decline in watchers aged 18-49 since 2008, a key component of the Super Bowl audience. According to Morning Consult, 40% of Generation Z-aged American aren’t sports fans, compared to only 24% of Millennials opting out of sports. Gen Z may be more likely to watch and share ads online than during the sporting event. “Despite this, the price for advertising during the Super Bowl has remained high for a 30-second ad. This is likely to prompt marketing organizations to reexamine the value of the Super Bowl as a promotional platform,” Andrews said. The cost of a 30-second commercial in the 2022 game is $6.5 million, up significantly from the $5.5 million price tag of just a year ago. “Clearly, the network is not bashful about asking that, even with the misgivings that advertisers have had in the past few years,” Bastianelli said. Super Bowl parties traditionally have been a big part of the game day experience and something most attractive to advertisers. But with larger gatherings discouraged and even restricted last year, this aspect was greatly diminished for the 55th Super Bowl. More people may gather to watch the game, while others will be hesitant to do so. “Without Super Bowl parties, brands might not get the same return on investment, because people couldn’t discuss ads in real-time with others, so brands shifted to digital/online advertising to avoid the $5.5 million price tag,” Bastianelli said. They also do this “because spending money online builds reach and frequency and gives brands valuable data to maximize customer engagement much more cost-efficiently. “The downside is that, while culture spreads at the speed of social, it’s much harder to stand out with sustained hype,” she added. Reevaluation of the Super Bowl as a promotional platform should include a determination of whether an organizations’ target customer groups are likely to watch or attend a Super Bowl event, Andrews said. Both professors are available for interviews. Contact George Vlahakis at vlahakis@iu.edu for assistance.
The landscape of college athletics has changed greatly in the past year. For the first time ever, student athletes can now profit from the use their name, image and likeness. It’s been a hot topic subject for years, and now it’s come to fruition. Dr. David Hunt is an associate professor at Augusta University’s Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and also the faculty athletics representative at AU. “It’s different for Division I and for Division II. For DI, there’s bigger audiences and they have bigger followings. But it isn’t D1, D2 and D3 specific; it just seems like people are willing to put more money into programs at the D1 level,” said Hunt. While some may think NIL deals go to the most popular athletes, that’s not always the case. “There are a lot of NIL opportunities for people who don’t have a huge number of followers, because it tends to hit a particular niche,” added Hunt. It’s not just the notoriety on the court or playing field that can garner an NIL deal, but also a player's social media activity and number of followers. These can be a big tool for student athletes receiving compensation for outside business ventures. “It can be cash or it can be in-kind payments. So for some influencers, companies just send them stuff in an effort to get them wearing it on their social media channels.” Some schools and athletic programs have already negotiated deals for an entire team where all the players can benefit from it, but Hunt said it could lead to legal questions over potential conflict of interest deals. “If a basketball program gets a NIL deal for the whole program with Adidas, can an individual player wear Under Armour? Can an athletic department even do that? It can be helpful and beneficial and monetarily advantageous for those students, but it’s not the students doing that,” said Hunt. All the NIL deals, especially those where schools negotiated them, can be used as a recruiting tool to entice athletes to come play for their program. This could create a recruiting advantage for some states over other states. “One university received NIL deals for every single female athlete. That is a huge advantage compared to other universities. So now some universities can recruit students based on the NIL opportunities and if the university has a support program for it, they can say we have a structure in place that you can take advantage of.” This is an important and emerging topic happening in schools and athletic programs across America, and if you’re a journalist looking to know more, then let us help with your questions and coverage. Dr. David Hunt is available to speak with media regarding student athletes now being able to profit from their name, image and likeness – simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
Study reveals the inside of your car is dirtier than the average toilet
A study by researchers in the College of Health and Life Sciences at Aston University and commissioned by Scrap Car Comparison has revealed that the inside of our cars have significantly higher levels of germs on them than the average toilet. The researchers took samples from car interiors with varied ownership histories, to establish bacterial contamination levels within the vehicles and to highlight how thoroughly people clean their cars. The results revealed that motorists should be cleaning the inside of their cars more frequently, with harmful bacteria likely to be discovered in most cars out on the road today. In particular, the study found that the car boot plays host to significantly high levels of bacteria, with E.coli likely to be found in every boot and potentially on your driver’s seat. More commonly known as faecal bacteria, the findings pose a clear concern for anyone that puts their fruit and vegetables in the boot after a trip to the shops or enjoys a drive-thru dinner in the driver’s seat. Dr Jonathan Cox, a senior lecturer in microbiology at Aston University, said: “The results of this study are fascinating, as they help to show that despite cleaning our cars, the older they are, the dirtier they generally are. “This becomes key when thinking about areas such as the car boot or driver’s seat. Many of us have placed loose food shopping in our boots, or dropped the odd crisp onto our seat, before picking it up and eating it.” Other areas tested included the gearstick, dashboard and backseat which also saw higher levels of bacterial contamination than is found on the average domestic toilet. Bacteria found included Pseudomonas, a bacterium with strains that can’t easily be treated with antibiotics and Staph Aureus, a germ associated with coughs and sneezes that in some cases is linked to MRSA. The researchers identified the filthiest areas of a car: 1. Boot - 1,425 bacteria identified 2. Driver’s seat - 649 bacteria identified 3. Gearstick - 407 bacteria identified 4. Back seat - 323 bacteria identified 5. Dashboard - 317 bacteria identified 6. Steering wheel - 146 bacteria identified. There was also a correlation discovered between the age of a car, and the levels of bacteria likely to be found within it. The older cars sampled for the study exhibited higher bacteria loads than those that have been on the road for a shorter amount of time. However, the researchers found that out of all areas of our cars, the steering wheel was generally found to be the cleanest. This high-contact area saw very low levels of bacterial contamination and could be due to the uplift in hand sanitiser use following the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Cox added: “These results highlight that we should change how we think about our cars and cleanliness. Often, we will clean our cars based on whether they ‘look’ clean versus whether they actually are clean. But you would never even think about eating off your toilet seat. “Upholstery should ideally be given a deep clean and in future I will always clean any used car I might purchase!” Dan Gick, managing director at Scrap Car Comparison, commented: “Taking care of your car, from making sure it’s running well to keeping it clean, all work towards ensuring it has a long life and is a car you love mile after mile. The last thing you want is for your car to become a risk on the roads, as well as a risk to your health. “We hope the results of this study help to highlight the importance of taking good care of your car inside and out. It’s worth thinking about how often you clean the inside of your house and apply the same thought process to your car, especially if you tend to drive it every day”.
