Nova Scotia Community College Strait Area Expansion Announced

EDUCATION--Nova Scotia Community College Strait Area Expansion Announced

Strait area students will soon be taking enhanced programs in upgraded and consolidated facilities at the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) in Port Hawkesbury.

More than $2.5 million in renovations to the Strait Area Campus will include development of a new trades centre at the main Nautical Campus and make way for an additional 80 students. The investment, over the next two years, is part of the province's $123-million commitment to NSCC.

The Strait campus expansion, announced today, March 31, by Education Minister Angus MacIsaac, also includes new forestry programs.

"The development of NSCC will enable more students to pursue programs in their chosen fields and better serve our labour market with a skilled labour force," said Mr. MacIsaac. "The improvements here in Port Hawkesbury, and at other campuses, will help adults to upgrade their education and training closer to 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.

"Bringing all students together in one campus will be great," said Cheyenne MacDonald, second year student in the electrical program at the Strait Area campus, and recent winner of a Skills Canada competition."It will mean better student morale, and offer improved learning conditions for trades students in space that is designed for the training needs unique to our programs."

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

"The offshore oil and gas activity in the Strait area, the significance of the port, and Stora Enso's increased needs within the forestry sector are some of the factors fuelling demand for further development in traditional trades in the Strait Area," said Bert Lewis, principal of Strait Area Campus. "This investment will allow us to move forward with expansion plans to meet these needs in facilities that prepare students for the opportunities in our community."

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.