August 27, 1998
(Education)

Placements finalized for all students of the defunct Career Academy

Education Minister Roger Grimes announced today that arrangements are being finalized for all outstanding programs for former students of the Career Academy.

All 1,400 displaced students have been assigned to receiving institutions across the province. "The transition has gone smoothly with the majority of the 1,400 students placed in the same program in the same community," said Mr. Grimes.

In recent days, Department of Education officials concentrated their efforts on four outstanding program areas.

1. Professional Pilots

College of the North Atlantic will partner with Provincial Airlines to provide professional pilot training in St. John's. More information will be provided to students during their meeting tomorrow. The student representatives will contact students tonight to inform them of the location and time of the meetings.

2. Aircraft Electronics Technician/Aircraft Maintenance Technicians

Arrangements have been made to complete training for all students in Aircraft Electronics and Aircraft Maintenance Technician programs at the Gander campus of College of the North Atlantic. Students due to graduate in September 1998 will resume their training on Monday. The remaining students will start classes on September 15.

3. Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy students have been placed at CompuCollege, which will facilitate registering eligible students to write the certification exams at the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. Arrangements are being finalized to access their equipment. Students will be contacted regarding their class schedules.

4. Dental Assistant

The College of the North Atlantic will be delivering the Dental Assistant program under the auspices of the Newfoundland Dental Board. The majority of students will resume training next week at their respective work term sites. A small group of students still have classroom and clinical training to complete. Arrangements are currently being made to access the clinical facilities in St. John's or Corner Brook.

Mr. Grimes said he would like to thank everyone involved, particularly the College of the North Atlantic, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Career Colleges, and departmental staff for their cooperation and hard work in helping to resolve this issue in an expedient manner and in the best interests of the students.

"I especially want to thank the students for their understanding and conduct during this difficult time," said Mr. Grimes. "The students were dedicated and worked cooperatively with us to help find the best solution possible to these challenging issues."

For further information or to arrange an interview with Minister Grimes, contact: Carl Cooper, (709) 729-5040.

1998 08 27                2:05 p.m.