Community College Enrolment Jumps

More students than ever are flocking to the Nova Scotia Community College. Its enrolment is up by nearly 11 per cent this year.

Each of the college's 13 campuses experienced an increase in enrolment. The growth suggests that more Nova Scotians are preparing themselves for the skill- and knowledge-based jobs of today's economy.

"This growth has happened because people are recognizing that they need a good education to compete in today's job market, and because we made it a priority to make this education available," said Education Minister Jane Purves. "We've committed to a plan for building Nova Scotia's skilled workforce and the community college plays a pivotal role in it."

The college is specifically identified in the province's economic development strategy, Opportunities for Prosperity, as a key institution for developing Nova Scotia's labour force. It is also featured prominently in the Skills Nova Scotia framework and action plan, which will be announced later this month.

"The college has changed more than 45 per cent of its program mix in the last seven years to meet the evolving needs of the province and its employers," said Ray Ivany, president of the college. "Our goal is to ensure that Nova Scotians have the chance to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to avail themselves of the opportunities in the province's knowledge economy."

Nearly 96 per cent of the college's students are Nova Scotians. A survey conducted in 2001 shows that 92 per cent of graduates are employed in the province.

"The college is educating more skilled, knowledgeable workers, creating more opportunities for Nova Scotians and building a stronger, more prosperous Nova Scotia," said Ms. Purves.

To help the college grow, the Department of Education has increased its operating grants by about 20 per cent in the past three years. In the spring 2001 budget, $2 million was earmarked to increase seats by 200. The college also received an additional $1 million in the spring 2002 budget to work on plans for further growth.

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning has also contributed to the increase in enrolment. Launched in September 2001, the school provides institutions with funding so that students can complete their high school education free of charge.

With $3.4 million over two years, the college has doubled the number of seats in its adult learning program. About 1,000 adults are enrolled in the program, up from 893 last year. More than 150 students have already graduated from the School for Adult Learning.