Nova Scotia Community College Pictou Expansion Announced

EDUCATION--Nova Scotia Community College Pictou Expansion Announced

Pictou County students will soon be taking enhanced programs in upgraded facilities -- which include a new west wing -- at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). An $11-million investment in major renovations and upgrades to the NSCC Pictou Campus over the next three years will make room for an additional 365 students.

The campus improvements, announced today, March 31, by Premier John Hamm, are part of the province's $123-million investment in NSCC's expansion plan.

"This expansion will go a long way to creating more prosperity here in Pictou County, giving hundreds more Pictou County residents the skills they need to secure the jobs of tomorrow," said the premier. "Investments like the one we are making in the Nova Scotia Community College ensures our economy will continue to set new records. It ensures that more Nova Scotians will be able to earn a living for themselves and for their loved ones right here at home."

"NSCC is committed to providing Nova Scotians with the applied skills and technical education they need to avail themselves of the full spectrum of employment opportunities Nova Scotia's economy now offers," said Ray Ivany, president, NSCC. "This investment is the catalyst which will enable the college's continued development, and its expansion across the province."

Through links with industry, NSCC has modified over 50 per cent of its more than 100 programs in the last five years, to help address the skills shortage in the province. Through expansion, NSCC will continue to build on its successful relationship with industry to improve the effectiveness of programming, and match programs to meet the needs of regional businesses.

"Thanks to NSCC and all it has to offer, my children's future -- and mine -- looks brighter," said Cheryl Lynn MacKenzie, a student at Pictou campus. "As a single parent, having an opportunity to get an education will enhance our life circumstances. The advantage of going to college in my home town means I have support from my immediate and extended family when life gets hectic and I'm able to stay on the path to achieving my education goals."

Over the next seven years, 2,500 additional students -- an increase of 25 per cent -- will enter NSCC at its campuses throughout the province. Additional information about upgrading and renovations at other campuses is expected in the next few weeks.

"The NSCC has just been given the opportunity to respond to industry and community demands within a more progressive learning environment. Beyond the academics we currently provide, the NSCC Pictou campus can now provide a life-long-learning climate and culture, responding to the personal and social needs of its learners, all within a more modern site," says Mike Hill, principal of the Pictou Campus. "For Pictou County, post- secondary education will become more attractive, interactive and spacious, all within a community centre where our proud heritage and memories of the vocational school history will remain -- but as fond memories only, as we transform the campus and fulfill our mandate as a portfolio college."

This investment is part of the province's Skills Nova Scotia initiative. The initiative involves training and skills upgrading, from basic literacy to the use of the most sophisticated technologies.