College of the North Atlantic Changing to Meet Skilled Labour Demand

To ensure existing programs are run more effectively and efficiently, the delivery of programming at College of the North Atlantic is evolving so that the college is responsive to a growing demand for skilled labour in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Assertions that the Provincial Government is moving towards privatizing College of the North Atlantic are nothing more than reckless fearmongering,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Justice, on behalf of the Honourable Joan Shea, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills. “These decisions are about ensuring our public education system is responsive to the needs of students and workforce demands, while ensuring that public funds are spent in a responsible manner.”

As part of improving the effectiveness of service delivery and responding to the growing need for skilled labour, College of the North Atlantic will be looking at opportunities to introduce new programs at campuses across the province that meet new and emerging regional and provincial labour force needs.

“As post-secondary programs that no longer meet student and labour market requirements are reduced, new responsive programs will be introduced by the college to address the gaps that exist,” said Minister King. “This government remains committed to securing educational opportunities and advancing literacy throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.”

Through Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future the Provincial Government continues its commitment to public education in the province by allocating over $466 million to enhance skills and training at the post-secondary level including the continuation of a tuition freeze at College of the North Atlantic and Memorial University for the 2013-14 academic year. Memorial University undergraduate tuition fees are approximately 53 per cent lower than the national average, while College of the North Atlantic tuition fees are approximately 49 per cent lower than the national average.

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Media contact:
John Tompkins
Director of Communications
Department of Advanced Education and Skills
709-729-0753, 728-7762
jtompkins@gov.nl.ca 

2013 04 12                             11:10 a.m.