Northern Lights College is B.C.’s Energy College™, serving northern British Columbia in an area covering more than 324,000 square kilometres. NLC opened in 1975 and has campus locations in Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, and Tumbler Ridge, along with access centres in Atlin, Dease Lake and Hudson’s Hope. NLC is a member of British Columbia Colleges (BC Colleges), a provincial group comprised of 11 colleges from throughout the Province of British Columbia. BC Colleges has a unique regional advantage and a long history of collaboration with industry, employers, communities and policy makers. This collaborative approach allows BC Colleges to graduate highly skilled workers who are equipped to support their families, build healthier communities and power the economy in all regions of British Columbia.

Programs at NLC are designed to provide students with the opportunity to obtain the necessary classroom education, and supplement that with appropriate practicum or hands-on opportunities to make the successful transition from student to employee. Students have a number of options, depending on their chosen career path. They can earn a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Certificate programs are usually one year in duration. Diploma programs take two years. Associate degrees take two years of study (60 credits), and can be used to transfer to the third year of degree programs at provincial universities and university-colleges. Ensure the transferability of courses when making your educational plans. 

The Dawson Creek Campus is home to the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program, which is part of the Trades and Apprenticeship Division. A number of trades and apprenticeship programs are available at the Dawson Creek Campus, with some programs also offered at the College’s South Peace Campus. Trades and Apprenticeship programs offered in Dawson Creek include: Automotive Service Technician, Carpentry, Heavy Duty Technician, Esthetics and Nail Care Technology, Hairstyling, Millwright, Plumbing, and Welding. University Arts and Sciences courses are available leading to a University Arts and Sciences Certificate, an Associate of Arts Degree, or further post-secondary studies. Delivery models include in-class sessions, as well as videoconference. Vocational programs include: Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician, Visual Arts, Practical Nursing, Health Care Assistant, and Applied Business Technology. The NLC training tower located on the Dawson Creek Campus is used for high angle rescue training and for hands on class training for the Wind Turbine Maintenance Technician program. The Career and College Preparation department helps students upgrade toward gaining admission into another academic or vocational program at NLC or complete grade 12 diploma requirements. A wide array of Workforce Training/ Continuing Education courses are offered for short term study, upgrading and certification. The Dawson Creek Campus includes Aboriginal Education services, Student Recruitment, on-site student residence, library, gymnasium, daycare facility, bookstore, financial aid, and access to city transit. As well, NLC’s Regional Administration is located at the Dawson Creek Campus. 

Why Northern Lights College - Dawson Creek 

Campus: Excellent education: Canadian public higher education is world class. As a public college, NLC grants diplomas and associate degrees that are recognized by employers across Canada. Vibrant local economy: Northeast BC has great work opportunities for during and after your studies. Most of our students find part-time work upon arrival, and often work full-time during the summer. Affordable: Of all BC Colleges, NLC offers the lowest annual tuition for two-year programs. Beautiful BC landscape: Located in the Peace River region, at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, you can study in one of the most picturesque areas of Canada. Staff staff and instructors: With small class sizes and staff who know students by name, one will feel like they belong at NLC. Great places to live: NLC has convenient student housing on campus, so you can walk straight to class, as well as homestays with local Canadian families, and private rentals available near campus. Welcoming communities: Fort St. John and Dawson Creek will welcome students with small town kindness, but provide all the necessary services of a big city, including hospitals, supermarkets, and restaurants. Our local businesses are proud to hire NLC students. Cultural activities: International students at NLC participate in so many cultural and recreational activities, including outdoor camping, horseback riding, cricket, snow-shoeing, and local Indigenous cultural events. Post-graduation options. Graduates go on to find work in Northeastern BC, as well as across Canada. The BC Transfer system allows graduates of certain NLC programs to transfer into the third year of an undergraduate university degree. The Northern Lights. NLC is named after the spectacular Aurora Borealis, known as the “Northern Lights.” 

Location: The City of Dawson Creek, or the Mile Zero City, is the starting point on the world famous Alaska Highway, and is the largest centre in the Peace River South region. Dawson Creek has a population of about 12,000, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2008. The City is home to the new South Peace Community Multiplex, which features the Encana Events Centre, and has become well known provincially and nationally for its environmental awareness, receiving several awards for innovation and best practices in the areas of sustainability and innovation.