Tim Hemming

Graduate, Certificate in Technology Support Professional

For many of us, gearing up for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games might involve buying a sweatshirt or signing up as a volunteer. For Tim Hemming, however, the Olympic spirit is alive and well every day when he goes to work. Tim is employed as a deskside support technician with VANOC (Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games) – a job made possible through the Technology Support Professional (TSP) program offered jointly by BCIT and UBC Continuing Studies.

Tim immigrated to Vancouver from the UK in 2005 and was working as a graphic designer for a small web company in Vancouver when he decided to make a career shift. “I have always had an interest in the workings of computers and was looking for a way to obtain a Canadian qualification that would help in my search for work,” explains Tim.

He found out about the TSP program through a newspaper ad and did more research online and by talking with program staff to see whether it met his needs. Tim began the full-time program in September 2007 and graduated in June 2008.

Although the program is quite intensive, Tim felt that learning how a computer network operates – from planning through implementation to maintenance – was invaluable. “The program has opened up a whole new profession to me and provided me with the opportunity of a lifetime. The courses provide a solid foundation for the start of a career in network technology.”

As part of the TSP program, students have the opportunity to participate in a two-month industry practicum. Tim’s placement was with VANOC’s technology department where he provided desk-side computer support to the organization’s 1000+ staff members. “Following the practicum and graduation from the program, I was offered a full-time role with VANOC in the same position. I was lucky that they were looking to expand their team at the time I started my practicum,” says Tim.

While Tim would like to continue in a similar role once the Games are over, at the moment he doesn’t have much time to think about the future. He expresses, “I really enjoy being part of a team that is bringing the Olympic Winter Games to Canada. The passion within VANOC is infectious and each day seems to bring more opportunity to learn and develop my skills.”

 

Find Out More

• Technology Support Professional program