NSCC Burridge Campus Expansion Announced

Students at the Burridge campus of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) will soon benefit from $705,000 in improvements that will upgrade student learning areas and create seats for 87 additional students.

The investment was announced in Yarmouth today, April 11, as part of the province's $123-million investment in NSCC's expansion.

"Skilled workers are the key to Nova Scotia's prosperity," said MLA Richard Hurlburt, on behalf of Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "The investment in the Burridge campus will create additional opportunities for more students to be educated and trained close 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 NSCC president Ray Ivany. "This investment is the catalyst which will enable the college's continued development, and its expansion across the province."

The investment in the Yarmouth campus will include $155,000 to be directed towards fire and occupational health compliance and accessibility, while $550,000 will fund a Centre for Student Success, and the renovation of office areas for staff and students to meet.

"Everyone at NSCC is excited about what this investment will mean for NSCC programs, students and facilities," said Marcel Cottreau, principal of the Burridge and Shelburne campuses. "We'll never forget the importance of this day for this province -- it marks a new era in post secondary education. Our ability to contribute to vibrant communities has been enhanced through this announcement, and that is good news for every Nova Scotian."

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.

Students see this investment as an added value to their current college experiences.

"This investment will benefit students and also the community at large," said Doug Amirault, president of the Student Association at NSCC, Burridge Campus. "The additional funds will allow for more resources for the students to access. In particular we're hoping the college will be able to allocate funds to create a common area where students can gather together to enhance their college and learning experiences."

Over the next seven years, 2,500 additional students -- an increase of 25 per cent -- will enter NSCC at its campuses across the province.

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.